50 Fabulous Photography Gifts – Something for Every Budget!

If you are looking for some new gift ideas for photographers then we have you covered. Here at FocusEd Camera, we’ve compiled 50 fabulous gifts so there is something for every budget and you can be sure to purchase something your friend or family member will love. Or if you are a photographer, you can put some of these items on your wish list and be the envy of other photographers! These gifts are great for the holidays or any gift giving occasion.

Let’s start with FREE goodies! These are great for tucking into a card or stocking, or for sending digitally.

FTC Disclaimer: **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links

1. Scavenger Hunt Game
This digital download provides a checklist and a bingo card game that can be used multiple times for photography practice and inspiration.

There are multiple versions that can be used by children, teens, or adults as a solo, group, or competitive activity. There is a simple checklist version, a picture Bingo version for kids, and a regular Bingo version.

2. Cheat Sheets
Our website has lots of free cheat sheets for beginner photographers. You can download or save these as images and then print, store on your phone, or email to yourself or others. Cheat Sheets are good gifts because they help provide reminders and tools for beginners to keep right at their fingertips or handy in their camera bag.

3. Basic Lessons
Our website offers several free lessons that can be gifted to a new learner. This makes a great companion to a new camera. These lessons cover the basics of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

4. Templates, Overlays, and Photoshop Actions
This website offers a package of monthly freebies for photographers. Depending on the month you might find watermarks, overlays, Photoshop actions, Lightroom presets, pricing sheets, templates for contracts or social media posts, and more.

Next, we will cover some gift ideas that are all approximately $15 or less. These are great, inexpensive birthday or holiday gifts. Many of these are available as digital downloads so they are also perfect for last minute giving or stocking stuffers!

5. Photoshop & Lightroom Programs
Most photographers have lots of images to edit. Photoshop and Lightroom are the industry standards when it comes to photo editing. The $10 per month photography subscription also includes storage space in the cloud. I use these programs for every photo shoot I do. They are essential in my workflow.

6. Ultimate Photography Cheat Sheet
The Ultimate Photography Cheat Sheet is like 12 cheat sheets all in one! Want to learn about photography and don't know where to start? Don't understand some of the terms or how depth of field works?

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet has you covered. This cheat sheet doesn't just touch on 1 or 2 basics, it explores a whole range of topics that should be everything you need to get started in photography! There are over a dozen topics included in this quick and easy download.

7. Creativity Cards – Color Theory or Fun Subjects
These are no ordinary cheat sheets! Instead of cards with just basic settings, these cards provide so much more! Choose from Fun Subjects or Color Theory (or get both).

Each set of 10 cards can be used in any order and over and over again. Use a card a day, or a card each week for inspiration and guidance on making photographic compositions. In addition, each card features an embedded QR code. These codes take you to even more resources on editing, presets, camera settings, and professional tips and insight all with the goal of making your photography better! Both card sets are fast downloads and can be emailed, stored on a device, or printed.

8. Text Message Class
*UPDATE* TEXT MESSAGE CLASS IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS, the class is now available via digital download for the month of lessons for the same price here: https://etsy.me/3M9udIY
Register for a month of learning with a Text Message Class. A daily lesson is sent via text message to the recipient, every day for a month (30 days) for only $8! The lesson provides background and hands-on practice for learning the basics of photographic composition. Each participant can interact with an instructor and get feedback through a Q&A feature and by using WhatsApp.

9. Preset Packs
Presets can be fantastic time savers when you want to apply the same “look” to a series of photos. Presets are available for all sorts of photography styles from light and dreamy to high contrast. Presets can be used for weddings, portraits, food, lifestyle, street, automotive photography and more.

10. Buttons
How about some cool photographer buttons to adorn your camera strap? Let the photographer in your family show some personality with buttons that fit their outlook on life. Whether serious or lighthearted, introverted or extroverted, they are sure to love the added touch a button or two provides.

11. Phone Cases
We aren’t going to forget smartphone photographers. They like gifts too! A smartphone photographer might like a new phone case that shows off their photographic personality, whether serious or silly, there a many styles and types to choose from. Smartphone cameras have gotten better and better and many are excellent with low light photography. A case offers protection to the phone and some include covers for the lenses too.

12. Photo Storage with Photobucket
Photo storage solutions are a must for every photographer! Keeping your photos organized and having off-site backups are good practices. Photobucket makes it easy with low monthly fees. If you use my link you can get 50% off the Beginner package price! Built for people on the go, with the Photobucket app for Android or iOS, you can automatically backup every photo you take on your phone then access them on your desktop, tablet and other devices. It's that simple.

13. Coffee Mug
Most photographers run on caffeine, especially during long editing sessions. A coffee mug with a joke or two would be a great gift. Everyone thinks they are a photographer until the try manual mode, right? Or for photographers on the go an excellent gift choice could be an insulated travel mug which keeps drinks hot or cold, and for those non-coffee drinkers, it is just as good for water or tea.

14. Moving Making “Clapper”
Perfect for the budding film maker, this Neewer movie “clapper” is used to record important scene information with each video take. Or prop it up on an office shelf for an interesting décor piece. If you use my coupon code (focusedcamera) at checkout you can earn up to 15% on both regular and sale priced items!

15. Extension Tubes
Macro photography is a specialty of up close photographs of all the little things. With the right tools you can get images of this tiny, amazing world all around us. You don't need an expensive dedicated macro lens to do this. Fotodiox extension tubes sets are an inexpensive way to test out the macro genre.

Be sure to order the correct mount/model for your camera (Nikon, Canon, etc). If you use my link you’ll get 10% off a $50 order!

16. Shutter Remote
Depending on your camera brand and model, you can find a shutter remote or trigger that is under $10. Neewer offers an infrared remote that allows you to take a photo from up to 26 feet away! Shutter remotes aren’t just for DSLR or mirrorless, they are also sold for smartphones. Smartphone remotes can be used to start and stop video recording as well as take photos which is great for family group shots or vlogging and should be available for both Android and iPhone.

17. Memory Card Cases
Organization includes more than photo storage. You have to store your gear too. Every photographer I know has a huge collection of little things that need a way to be organized – spare batteries, CF cards, SD cards, USB drives, and more. And every photographer I know would love to have a way to keep all of that organized!

There are lots of storage solutions available. For foldable, more flexible storage, consider purchasing a Mind Shift Card-Again Wallet from Think Tank. Get a free item and free shipping with my link and code 6182157.

Moving up just a little in price, there are still lots of bargain gifts for the $30 and under price point. The gifts in this price range can supplement the gear of an established photographer or make nice add-on gifts for someone getting a camera or starting a photo business.

18. Backdrops
A fabric backdrop from Kate Backdrop is an excellent gift choice for someone who wants to take their own family portraits or wants to start a portrait photography business. Holiday backdrops begin at prices as low as $24.00! Use my coupon code KATESAS10 and you can always get 10% off sitewide.

19. T-shirt
A photography themed t-shirt is always a fun gift. Photographers will enjoy showing off their shirt when they go out on a photoshoot. With many options to choose from there is sure to be one to fit your, or their, personality and photography style.

20. Artwork or Sign
No photographer’s home or office is complete without a sign or art print to indicate this is where they hang up their gear. It’s a fun decoration for the office or studio and can reflect the photographer’s personality, as well as a conversation starter.

21. Camera Straps
Want to carry your camera where it is always ready to go? A camera strap from Peak Design is the answer. Don’t be fooled by its tiny size. It is ultra-light, but also ultra strong to keep that camera secure. The strap is adjustable so it is comfortable to wear and it automatically cinches to your wrist if you drop your camera. One size fits all and when not in use it can be worn as a bracelet.

22. Lens Cases
Photographers will always want to protect those expensive lenses. The Think Tank Lens Case Duo 30 provides that protection along with a durable water-repellant coating. The case includes dual opening for access to your gear in a bag or on your belt and a shoulder strap for carrying. Use my code 6182157 and get a free item and free shipping on your order.

23. Camera Covers
If you take photos outside, you might want to consider a camera cover like the Think Tank Ultralight. You never know when you might get caught in the rain. This lightly padded cover provides simple protection and access to your camera while walking or hiking and features an integrated belt to keep your camera ready for anything. When not in use the cover easily folds and is compact for storage.

24. Lens Caps
At some point, we lose lens caps and worry about the protection of our lenses. The KUVRD Universal Lens Cap is one way to cover and protect your camera lenses.

It's designed to fit every camera lens. Now, you can travel stress-free knowing you won't lose your lens cap, it won't fall off, and you can go anywhere knowing you have the lens protection you need against the elements.

25. Notebook
A great gift idea is a place for a photographer to keep some notes. A dedicated Photographer’s Notebook is an excellent idea for a gift. Photographers need a place to write down ideas, to record ISO – aperture – and shutter speed settings, and to keep notes for clients if they have a photography business. There are even waterproof notebooks for those who shoot in the rain (contact us directly at myfocusedcamera@gmail.com to order a Rite in the Rain journal and pen).

26. Pocket-sized LED Lights
A pocket-sized LED light, like the Neewer 12 SMD LED Bulb Mini, is a compact and lightweight way to bring in fill light and creative accents lights for small and narrow shooting environments.

These palm sized lights are great for on-the-go vlogging, video interviews, product or food photography, or as unique lighting décor on a wall or bookshelf. With a CRI of 95+ the Neewer light will provide excellent color accuracy. Use my coupon code focusedcamera for 15% off.

27. Lens Mount Adapter
If you or a photographer you know is getting a new camera, make sure the old lenses can still get some use by purchasing a lens mount adapter. Adapt old vintage lenses to a new camera, adapt a standard lens to a new mirrorless, or even adapt one brand to another!

Fotodiox lens adapters offer hundreds of options for mounting lenses while still supporting infinity focus and manual aperture controls. Get 10% off a $50 order with my link. If you can’t find the right adapter with Fotodiox, K&F Concept also has a large selection of lens adapters.

28. Tripod 360 Degree Ball Head
There are lots of different types of tripod heads from ball heads to pistol grips to choose from, but a ball head is a common choice that is excellent for panorama photography. With a ball head you can set the camera to almost infinite angles (360 degree rotation). The KF-25 Ball Head from K&F Concept is high-quality aluminum and holds up to 17 pounds! Be sure to use with a set of tripod legs also suited for your camera weight.

29. Handheld or Flexible Mini Tripods
A tripod is another an excellent way to solve camera shake, but sometimes a full size tripod is just too big. Smaller tripods are excellent choices for smartphone photography! A flexible tripod like a JOBY GorillaPod 3K (currently on sale on Moment) is a favorite of because they’re so versatile. The legs of the tripod are flexible it can be wrapped around in many configurations, it can be hooked to larger tripods, or light stands, or even to the handlebars of a bicycle. It’s also great for stabilizing compact DSLRs when shooting lower to the ground and a standard tripod won’t go that low. This kit includes the ball head attachment which is super important for flexibility in angle and setup. Handheld mini tripods, like this one from Manfrotto (currently on sale on Moment), go from handle mode for vlogging and filming yourself, immediately to tripod mode by popping the legs open, allowing you to film any time lapse or tripod shot. You can screw the smartphone clamp off and use the tripod for any small mirrorless camera or even a small light.

Now from here, we are moving on to larger ticket items. This selection of items starts near $30 for accessories like reflectors and goes on up to thousands of dollars for camera bodies and lenses.

30. Reflectors
A good set of reflectors can benefit photography whether outdoors or in studio by reflecting or bouncing light onto or away from the subject. There are many sets offering 5 in 1 combinations like this reflector set from Neewer. Sets like these include white, black, silver, gold, and a diffusion panel, and they fold up conveniently.

31. Softboxes
Similar to reflectors, softboxes, are also used to modify light and make a great gift. Softboxes help photographers direct and balance lighting. There are many options when it comes to sizes and types of soft boxes, but most will fold down to a convenient size. They can be used in studio or on location and different styles fit different lights and mounts.

32. White/Grey Balance Cards
If the photographer you know doesn’t have white balance cards, they need a set like these from EzyBalance. White balance is important for accurate color rendition especially when working in different lighting conditions. White balance cards usually include white and grey. Smaller sets will easily fit into a camera bag or back pocket.
 
White balance cards are included as part of this photography lighting kit from ePhotomaker. It is designed to help online sellers improve their product photos by creating a photo “booth” and includes a table top tripod too.

33. Vlogging Kit
The GorillaPod Vlogging Kit by JOBY is designed for mobile phone content creators and influencers. The camera rig is portable, lightweight, flexible, and customizable allowing you to add or remove components depending on the shot. The kit includes a Wavo Mobile Mic and Beamo Mini LED lights.

34. Full-size Tripods
Full-size tripods can get very expensive; however, a good tripod can be a one-time life-long purchase. I especially love Manfrotto tripods and I highly recommend the 055 model. This is the one I use most of the time when I am in studio, doing portraits, or working locally. Since it is heavy, I do not use it for hiking – I use my Manfrotto monopod for that instead.

Manfrotto is a great brand for several reasons: they have been around and their equipment lasts, they back up their products with an excellent support team, and they offer parts. So if anything ever breaks you can fix your tripod and it is never a throw-away product.
 
The 055 Aluminum 3-section tripod kit with XPRO Ball Head offers smooth and effortless setup. It is strong and sturdy with a 90 degree column for a full range of movement vertically or horizontally so you can frame and shoot in seconds. It folds to a portable size too.

35. Photo Printer
The award-winning Epson EcoTank printers offer an economical and eco-friendly home photo printing solution. The printers use high capacity ink tanks instead of ink cartridges that save money on replacement inks and reduces landfill waste.

I use the EcoTank ET-8550 (PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice) in my home office to print up to 13” x 19” borderless photos with excellent color quality. I also love that I can print directly from my phone (iOS/Apple or Android)!

36. Smartphone Lenses
Need ideas for smartphone photographers? While many of the accessories and gifts listed so far could be used for any type of photographer, this idea is specifically for smartphone photographers. They might want to branch out and try some new photography styles with a fun kit of lenses that attach to their phone.

Lenses and kits from Moment Lenses come in many variations -- from fish eye and wide angles to macro to tiny telephoto lenses, and even filters for special effects. Be sure to order the kit/case for the type of phone you have or make sure it is a universal style, and check which lenses are included.

37. Used Camera Gear
Sometimes the cost of new camera gear is cost prohibitive! There are lots of award-winning used cameras and lenses available to buy which can save you hundreds of dollars. KEH Camera in Atlanta is a long-time, reputable seller that offers a warranty for 180 days on most purchases. KEH currently has the EISA award winning Canon EOS R5 and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens (this link is for Sony, be sure to get the version for your camera mount).

KEH is also an excellent resource for trading your gear or selling your older/used gear too! It can be a great way to add some money back into your photography gear budget.

38. Olympus Gear
While Olympus may be changing their name to OM System, what hasn’t changed is their quality gear. It gets it's own spot on my list because right now the Olympus OM-D E-M1X is on sale for $1300 off MSRP!

The OM-D E-M1X is a dual-grip Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera for on-the-go, action photographers. It is rugged and durable and is a Camera Grand Prix Award winner. This is an older model (released in 2019), but can still be purchased new at a fantastic discount. To see the rest of the Olympus line-up visit their main site: https://bit.ly/3wBf0Jq

39. Canon Gear
Canon also gets its own spot on my list, partly because they have the most market share in the industry and are consumer camera market leader, but also because I almost exclusively use Canon Rebel series cameras for my photography lessons with students.

Canon offers a wide selection of new cameras and lenses for many price ranges. The Canon EOS R is currently on sale for $200 off and the mirrorless M50 Creator Kit is currently $100 off. See all their camera body and lens models here: https://bit.ly/3qtj2CM
 
I highly recommend the Canon Rebel series of cameras, which is what I use for all my lessons. The more current model of the Rebel series is the Rebel T8i which can be bought as a kit which includes an 18-55mm lens: https://bit.ly/3nj0aV9

40. Crystal Ball
Perhaps you have seen crystal ball photography? A crystal ball is an inexpensive gift that will allow the photographer you know to branch out and try new, fun, creative photography using reflections and the refraction of light. They can be used for all types of photos from landscapes with beaches and mountains to cityscapes and skyscrapers. When not in use, a crystal ball also serves as a cool decorative piece.

 41. Stylish Camera Bags
Think Tank offers many award winning bag designs including wheeled airport bags. The messenger style Retrospective 7 (version 2) camera bag doesn’t scream “camera gear inside” which is excellent for keeping your camera gear on the down-low while traveling and thwarting would-be thieves. Its design is soft, form-fitting and light, while also stylish! Use my code 6182157 and get a bonus item!

42. Padded/Hiking Camera Bags
Padded and backpack-style bags are some of the most popular options for a camera bag. When you need a sturdy bag, or a bag for hiking, check out the many award winning bags from Peak Design: https://peak-design.pxf.io/AW0eJ1

43. Studio Lighting Kits
A complete package of lights and reflectors is an excellent gift for someone who want to do studio photography. The Neewer 2x Vision4 Studio Flash Strobe Kit comes with 2 studio flashes (including batteries and chargers), 2 reflectors, 2 covers, 2 sync cords, 2 softboxes, 2 umbrellas, and wireless triggers – everything needed to get started with a studio set up (except a backdrop which you can get at Kate Backdrop!).

44. Filters (Neutral Density, Polarizing)
Mostly used by landscape photographers, but also handy for other photography types, neutral density or polarizing filters make a great gift. K&F Concept Neutral density filters come in a variety of sizes.

Be sure to get the right size for your lens and for the stops of light reduction to allow you to use  your desired slower shutter speeds. K&F filters use cutting edge technology to get rid of the “X” cross caused by wide angle lenses and variable ND filters.
 
K&F Concept Circular Polarizers are ultra slim to avoid vignetting and allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water or glass to enable colors to become more saturated and clearer. Also can be used to increase contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds.

45. Lens Hoods & Lens Cap Bundles
Lens Hoods are customized to each lens. When buying a lens hood be sure to purchase the lens hood that matches the specific lens it is to be paired with… or buy a flexible KUVRD Universal Lens Hood. The KUVRD lens hoods stretches to fit different lenses and its flexible form allows it to be extended or retracted. While it claims to be universal, there can be some vignetting when using this hood depending on the lens and it can be a little finicky when your zoom or focus ring is close to the end of your lens. I own two of these lens hoods and they are convenient and cost saving. They are easy to stuff in the camera bag and are excellent at preventing lens flares, but they work better on some lenses than others. Take that into consideration when purchasing. KUVRD also offers lens cap bundles made from the same flexible silicone material. These caps can be used on the front or back end of a lens. They are universal because they stretch to fit different lenses.

46. Point-n-Shoot Cameras & Bridge Cameras
Cameras do not have to be expensive! If you want a camera for a beginner, a child or a teen, consider a point-n-shoot or bridge camera, or even an “instant” camera.
 
The Canon PowerShot SX540 20MP compact camera is an excellent “bridge camera” with a 50x optical and 4x digital zoom and image stabilization. Lens is not interchangeable which makes this a cost effective introduction to photography.

A Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is another excellent option for a budget friendly camera, especially for young children or teens. It is a pocket sized point-n-shoot so it is also a great camera for travel since it is lightweight and can go anywhere!

47. Instant Cameras
Instant cameras are fabulous gifts, family friendly, and prices are affordable. The Fuji Instax is a fun camera gift for a young person where the photos are instantly printed when taken. It is similar to the old Kodak Polaroid cameras. Packs of “paper” are sold separately for about $10.

48. Drone Cameras
A drone camera really takes your photography to a new level! DJI drones are an industry leader and popular choice. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro Quadcopter V2 is a fantastic choice for someone who wants to take landscape photo and video or use it for real estate images.

49. Backdrop Papers
PACON backdrop papers are available in 4 packs with Ella Bella Photography designs. The Ella Bella Assorted Wood pack, as well as other designs, provides a smooth, even background for professional photos, videos, and displays for people, food, or products. The papers are sturdy, seamless, fade resistant, and minimize light reflections.

50. Photography Class or Coaching Service
Finishing out our list of gifts is a photography class or coaching service. At FocusEd Camera we offer a wide variety of classes for all ages and skill levels.

Select from a one-on-one class or coaching session, or a group class. We can arrange classes in-person or via conference calls. Classes and courses can even be customized to what you need to learn! A class is an excellent gift to give with a camera. We can help a new camera owner learn about all the buttons and dials or give them the knowledge they need to get off Auto Mode.

Before I wrap up, one more “free” item for photographers is a photography app. There are so many free apps for photography – everything from light meters to full editing suites! Check out our YouTube videos for free app ideas to pass along with your gifts here: https://youtu.be/81dxHmEoBa8 and here: https://youtu.be/jnsXfjAbCrE 

We also have additional gift ideas in these videos here: https://youtu.be/--ZlqSezbuI  and here: https://youtu.be/2BedImRQEGs

Any of these gifts are sure to make the photographer in your family smile! Or if you are a photographer go ahead and splurge to get some cool stuff for yourself or put it on your wish list for Christmas, or any time of year!

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