Okay, if you are reading this that means you probably didn’t finish your Christmas shopping yet! It’s okay. Guess what? I didn’t either. I’ll never judge you. 😂 Check my list below and get your Amazon cart ready to spoil your photographer with gifts they actually want. If you are curious about what else I use as a photographer, head to my gear blog post. If not, ignore that and check my list of practical and affordable gifts for photographers below! Please note this post contains amazon affiliate links because I am an amazon affiliate (see disclosure at end of blog post). I love writing content like this for you and appreciate any and all clicks and purchases! 💖
1. Pelican Products
This is technically two different ideas but we are going for it! I am not talking a big pelican suitcase here (though if you have more to spend, they will love a bigger one I am SURE). I am specifically recommending a Pelican memory card case, and a Pelican that can store external hard drives!
2. Memory Cards and External Hard Drives
If you are getting them a memory card case, you may as well stick some memory cards in there! I recommend this 64GB Compact Flash (if their camera uses CF) or 64GB SD card. If you want to give them the most practical gift out there, get that photog an external hard drive. You actually can never have enough and if you already bought the pelican case, why not? Linked are two of my favorites but see what your friend is already using and consider buying an extra of the same for them!
- Seagate Slim 2TB Hard Drive (I always use these)
- Samsung T5 Portable SSD
3. Monitor Calibrator
If you’re looking for surprising but practical gifts for photographers, every photographer needs a monitor calibrator! But, it’s one of those kind of un-sexy purchases no one likes to make for themselves. 😂 That’s where you come in! Here are two reliable brands:
4. Powerbank or Car Charger
Honestly this is a great gift for anyone these days! My husband and I love our mophie powerbank. If you don’t like that idea, another is to gift them a car charging cable for their camera batteries! This will require figuring out what camera they have, however.
5. Camera Bag Insert
So, spoiler, I kind of think the camera bag scene is a racket. I have never found an affordable, aesthetically pleasing bag. What I have found is camera bag inserts that can go in any cute totes or backpacks! Gift your photographer one of these so they can protect their gear inside whatever bag they want!
6. Electronic Cleaning Kits
I mean if we are looking for gifts for photographers, it doesn’t get much more practical, than a supped-up lens cleaning kit or an electronics kit so they can keep their computer clean for editing!
7. Wireless Remote/Shutter Release
If your gift recipient has a slightly older camera or basic model, it probably doesn’t have any built in wifi to connect to your phone. Shutter releases are great for taking self-portraits and a fun, simple gift. Make sure whatever you buy works with the model of camera your person has! Two examples below.
8. Tripod
If you have a little more to spend, what better combo to the shutter release than a tripod for them to put their camera on! Now, similar to the strap issue, tripods can get tricky. I am not a tripod junkie, so I will just recommend a few I think are good! Some people might be very particular but I can almost guarantee if you get them a manfrotto they will love you forever. 😂
9. Instant Film Camera
Alright I had to throw one fun, not practical gift idea in there! Check out the different colors you can buy in the Fujifilm Instax Camera. Don’t forget to give them some extra film, too!
10. Education!
If your photographer is just starting out, or you know they struggle with something particular in their process, consider gifting them some education! *Spoiler* If your photographer is a mom, I know a GREAT course you could enroll them in, called Manual Mode for Moms. The course is taught by this really cool educator named Megan… 😎🤣 But really, if you know they have a camera and aren’t using it, maybe because they just don’t feel confident enough, they will be SO EXCITED to know you enrolled them in my course! Click this link to see the enrollment information. Other ideas for education include an in-depth editing course, or maybe a specialty they are hoping to break into! If you need help choosing a program or knowing what to look for, read this post!