The holidays are just around the corner which means the season of gift hunting has started. Just like photography, the art of giving needs inspiration. If you’re having a hard time deciding which photo gift would make that special photographer in your life happy, search no more.
To help you solve this annual gift giving challenge, we’ve put together 50 creative gifts for photographers. All the inspiration you’ll need to pick the perfect gift. In this showcase you’re going to find all sorts of goodies and gadgets.
Some of my favorite picks include the lens mug, lomography camera, flexible tripod, and the iPhone accessories. But we went all out to make sure there’s something for everyone, regardless of what your photographer’s skill level and interests are. And best of all, there are gifts ideas that fit any budget.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to get shopping!
1. Retro Camera Mug
Price: $10
Why it’s a great gift: This adorable ceramic coffee mug is made to look exactly like a retro camera. And we thought enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee couldn’t get any better!
2. Holga Lens Kit For DSLRs
Price: $89.9
Why it’s a great gift: Move over Instagram filters. With this fun little lens kit, that special photographer of yours can add a vintage feel to their photos directly in camera. Be sure to verify what brand lenses your photographer use so you get the correct size! For Canon lenses click here. For Nikon lenses, grab this set.
3. The Pocket Spotlight
Price: $30
Why it’s a great gift: This pocket spotlight gives you a magic ability to control the light. It has three different modes: full strength, half strength and strobe for any occasion.
4. Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan
Price: $120
Why it’s a great gift: Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are the choice editing software by amateurs and professionals alike. Combined with our post processing tutorials, these essential tools will take photos of all types to the next level.
5. Photojojo Three Iris Lens Set
Price: $69.99
Why it’s a great gift: This kit includes Wide, Fisheye and Macro lenses to beat those boring smartphone photo blues. Again, you’ll need to make sure you’re buying the correct lens set for the phone they will be used with. These awesome sets are available for iPhones, or buy the entire kit including Android lenses for $90. Both sets come with a handy carrying case.
6. Matador Lens Base Layer
Price: $39.99
Why it’s a great gift: This stylish lens base layer will keep those expensive lenses from dings, bumps, scratches, and drops while traveling and adventure seeking. They lightweight, compact, and can extend the life of photography gear.
7. Brown Camera Strap
Price: $29.87
Why it’s a great gift: Save your photographer’s shoulders and give their camera a makeover with this super stylish accessory. We love this awesome brown leather strap. It’s designed to carry up to 12 pounds, making it perfect for the fashion forward DSLR toting photographer in your life.
8. White Magnetic Photo Rope
Price: $12
Why it’s a great gift: What’s not to love about this fantastic magnetic rope?It’s is a great alternative for an ordinary boring photo frame. It has surprisingly strong magnets to hold your photos of any size steady.
9. Vintage Leather DSLR Camera Bag
Price: $37.99
Why it’s a great gift: This amazing antique brown camera bag is made of PU leather and is waterproof. It’s perfect for a DSLR with 2 lenses. It can be your helper on any photo shoot.
10. The iPhone 6 Telephoto Lens
Price: $35
Why it’s a great gift: Sure, this funky lens can make your phone look a little funny, but who cares?! When you use it, your iPhone’s camera will boast 12 times more zoom to shoot perfect images. Note, each lens comes with a case, mini tripod, and cleaning cloth.
11. Splat Flexible Tripod
Price: $19.99 – $22.99
Why it’s a great gift: This flexible tripod for your camera can be used for taking sharp photos, long-exposure shots, and steady videos. The splat flexes and folds in countless ways securing your camera in either tripod or mount setup. Comes in three different mount options depending on which camera it will be used with it.
(Editor’s note: This tripod is perfect for smaller cameras such as a GoPro or Nikon 1 since it only supports up to 3 lbs. It may not be suitable for most DSLRs. In which case, we highly recommend the GorillaPod. If you need help choosing the right flexible tripod, feel free to ask in the comments and we’ll do our best to come to your rescue!)
12. Camera Strap for DSLR Cameras
Price: $7.69
Why it’s a great gift: This vivid, colorful camera strap is made with durable cotton with padding to soften the load on your shoulders. It’s compatible with all cameras.
13. Camera Lens Travel Mug
Price: $9.99
Why it’s a good gift: This is a perennial best selling gift for photographers and it’s easy to see why! Now you can show off your appreciation for photography even when you’re on the go. The mug is available in two colors: black and white. It can be used for both cold and hot beverages.
14. 8 GB Nikon Camera Shaped USB
Price: $4.68
Why it’s a great gift: It can get boring sitting at your desk, why not surround yourself with some fun desk companions? This cute, small camera isn’t a camera at all! It’s a useful and handy USB flash drive–prefect for all your storage needs.
16. Vintage Camera Bookends
Price: $53.24
Why it’s a great gift: These old-fashioned vintage camera bookends are designed for those who love books and photography. While you’re at it, why not grab a few photography books to keep between them? We really enjoyed The Decisive Moment, National Geographic Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary, and Vivian Maier: Street Photographer.
17. 360° Time Lapse Camera Device For Your GoPro
Price: $74.08
Why it’s a great camera: If you’re shooting time-lapse videos and panoramas with a GoPro, this device is perfect for you. It is a rotating tripod to keep your camera steady while shooting. Just setup duration and angle, turn on your camera, and let the devices do the work for you.
18. Camera Travel Bag
Price: $56.99
Why it’s a great gift: If you need versatility, this camera backpack is a must-have.
19. Everyday Messenger Bag
Price: $249.95
Why it’s a great gift: If a messenger style bag is more your speed, this one has gathered over $6,000,000 on Kickstarter for a reason. It’s sleek, sexy, and will keep your gear safe while you’re on the move.
20. Lomography Camera
Price: $109
Why it’s a great gift: Three shooting modes, the ability to shoot multiple and long exposures, flash, auto and manual mode, plus a nice design with retro feel…This camera will make any Lomography fan do a little happy dance when they receive it as a gift, believe me!
21. Adobe Post Processing Shortcuts Keyboard Skin
Price: $18.99
Why it’s a great gift: It’s impossible to learn how to type on the keyboard without letters on it, so why should you try to learn keyboard shortcuts for Photoshop with no shortcuts on your keys? This colorful, custom-fitted keyboard skin will automate your workflow and turn you into an editing wizard in no time flat. Available for Ligthroom and Photoshop.
22. Projecteo from Mint Digital
Price: $35.48
Why it’s a great gift: Do you like watching your images and videos at night on your smartphone, but keep dropping the phone on your face all the time? We’re not judging you, we’ve done it too. Meet Projecteo – a tiny Instagram projector with custom 35mm Kodak film slides of your Instagram shots. Kinda makes you nostalgic for those old-style projectors doesn’t it?
23. Lowepro DSLR Camera Backpack
Price: $129.99
Why it’s a great gift: When it comes to quality camera bags, Lowepro is tried and true. This backpack is comfortable and lightweight. The side-entry component makes it easy to access your camera anytime. The security flap offers additional protection for your gear.
24. Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Camera
Price: $54.99
Why it’s a great gift: This camera is stylish and vintage for fashionistas, not professional photographers, but it’s still tons of fun. It features light body, automatic exposure measurements and a quirky hipster look. This camera shoots images and develop them just like an old-school Polaroid camera. Don’t forget to include a pack or two of film so your photographer can start using it right away.
25. F-Stop Photographer Analog Water Resistant Watch
Price: $39.95
Why it’s a great gift: For the photographer who already has all the latest gadgets and pieces of gear, this stylish watch makes the perfect gift for any occasion.
26. The Handy Dandy Hand Strap
Price: $40
Why it’s a great gift: Steady your shots without having to tangle an entire camera strap around your hand. The hand strap creates stable shooting environments without the bulk.
27. Macro LED Ring Flash & Light Includes 4 Diffusers
Price: $54.99
Why it’s a great gift: Nice ring flashes are no longer for fashion photo shoots only. They fit any camera and any budget. It easily sticks in front of your lens and has three modes of lighting.
28. Aquapac Waterproof SLR Camera Case 458
Price: $71.59
Why it’s a great gift: If you’re going on vacation to the ocean, you need to shoot underwater! It’s a memorable experience. And this waterproof case will help you to do that. Also, you can use it for shooting in bad weather conditions.
29. Vintage Camera Watch and Necklace
Price: $6.89
Why it’s a great gift: Here’s a perfect gift for a girl who loves photography.
30. Camera Cookie Cutters
Price: $19.95
Why it’s a great gift: Who knew cameras could be a source of inspiration not only for photography, but for cooking too! Meet the camera cookie cutters to make funny, tasty, and cute cookies for a whole family.
31. The Complete Portrait Manual: 200+ Tips and Techniques for Shooting Perfect Photos of People
Price: $17.65
Why it’s a great gift: If you’re a newbie photographer looking to improve your portrait photography skills, this book is exactly what you need. It includes over 200 techniques to shoot the portrait you want.
32. Thermal Fingerless Gloves
Price: $14.99
Why it’s a great gift: These super-warm gloves will keep your hands warm even if it’s freezing. They’re fingerless, so you can push your camera buttons or text message with ease.
33. Polaroid Mobile Printer
Price: $116.72
Why it’s a great gift: This compact, white photo printer allows you to print your photos directly from any smartphone. It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices.
34. Leather Camera Case
Price: $27.99
Why it’s a great gift: This awesome camera case is made out of excellent leather and sports a retro feel. It is durable, soft, and will fit Nikon cameras.
35. Triggertrap
Price: $37
Why it’s a great gift: It might not look like much to a non-photographer, but this little gadget totally rules. It gives photographers all sorts of remote trigger options by allowing you to control your camera through your smartphone. Made for either Nikon or Canon.
36. Cotton Strap – Backpack Add-on
Price: $79
Why it’s a great gift: This useful strap is a great addition to your camera bag. It’s more comfortable and secure than slinging your camera around your neck. It’s perfect for sports, wedding, nature shooting.
37. 3 Legged Thing Travel Tripod
Price: $149.95
Why it’s a great gift: Ask any pro and they will tell you to ever skimp on lenses or tripods. This great travel tripod from 3 Legged Thing certainly fits the bill.
38. Glass Coasters Set
Price: $10.52
Why it’s a great gift: The set includes four tempered glass coasters that will protect your tables. The best part, is that you can insert your own photos there and make them look like Polaroid prints!
39. olloclip STUDIO for iPhone
Price: $89.99
Why it’s a great gift: The amazing kit includes the following accessories for your iPhone: a Finger Grip, 1/4-inch mounts to attach a tripod, Cold-Shoe Adapters, and a Kickstand for reading or watching videos on the smartphone.
40. Black Camera Lapel Pin
Price: $8.50
Why it’s a great gift: A nice and cheap gift for photographer you know, a colleague, or a friend.
41. Lens Cleaning System
Price: $7.99
Why it’s a great gift: Cleaning your lens is highly important to keep your photos high-quality and clean. Here is a perfect tool for this.
42. Smoovie Video Stabilizer
Price: $29
Why it’s a great gift: This pocket-sized video stabilizer for your smartphone will help you avoid camera shake when you are taking a video and movies. If you’ve been meaning to level up your YouTube videos, this little tool will take you there.
43. Smartphone Shutter Remote
Price: $22
Why it’s a great gift: Great to carry around in your bag for those impromptu smartphone selfie moments.
44. Foldio 2 – 15″ Folding Portable Lightbox Studio
Price: $74.95
Why it’s a great gift: Foldio is a small pop-up studio lighting tent to shoot small objects. Just right for perfect product photography.
45. Panoramic 360°/ 120-Minute Time Lapse Tripod Head for Cameras
Price: $19.95
Why it’s a great gift: Here is a panoramic 360° tripod for your DSLR camera suitable for taking time-lapse videos. It can be used for any smartphone, GoPro cam, or camera up to 4.4 lbs.
46. Lume Cube – Pocket Light
Price: $79.99
Why it’s a great gift: Here is one more pocket light to boost your photos. You can control the brightness and the duration of light with buttons on Lume Cube or smartphone app.
47. Camera Lens Pillowcase
Price: $8.98
Why it’s a great gift: This awesome lens pillow will be sure to please the true photography fans in your life.
49. Camalapse
Price: $29.99
Why it’s a great gift: Camalapse will help you to take smooth panning time-lapse videos. It’s a simple rotating stand for your camera or smartphone.
49. The Polaroid Cube
Price: $149.99
Why it’s a great gift: The cube is the smallest camera by Polaroid allowing you to take videos or pictures anywhere you go. At only 2 inches small, the Cube will perfectly fit your pocket. It syncs with your mobile phone too!
50. The Pocket Reflector – Super Portable
Price: $15
Why it’s a great gift: This pocket reflector is capable of doubling your available light. It allows you to light up your subject and shoot even in the midday sun. When your photo shoot is over, just fold up a reflector into a tiny pouch.
Your Turn
Okay, photographers, what are you hoping to get for a gift this holiday season? Hopefully, this showcase will help you to choose a perfect gift for a photographer in your life or even a sweet (well deserved) gift for yourself. If you enjoyed this post, please make sure to like and share it on social media.
