25 fun and useful gifts for photographers of all skill levels

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25 fun and useful gifts for photographers of all skill levels

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

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gifts for photographers

Amazon

This harness makes it easy to strap a GoPro to a dog to see the world from its perspective.

  • Photography can be an expensive hobby or profession, but there are plenty of necessities and toys that don't cost an arm and a leg.
  • Whether you're shopping for a full-time pro or a brand-new enthusiast, this gift guide has the perfect option.

Photography is a fantastic hobby or profession, and despite many changes to the scene as smartphone cameras have proliferated, there is still plenty of useful gear out there.

If you're shopping for a photographer on your list, whether a professional, an enthusiast, or someone who's looking to get started, this list has the perfect gift. From entry-level cameras to novelty gifts, and from advanced photo drones to inspirational ideas, you're sure to find something perfect.

Still shopping for more gifts? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.


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A top-of-the-line entry-level advanced camera

A top-of-the-line entry-level advanced camera
Nikon D3500, available at B&H, $496.95 (also available at Amazon)

The Nikon D3500 is the perfect camera for someone getting started with photography and looking to advance past iPhone photos. It shoots great photos on automatic mode, and offers full manual control and advanced features. The less-expensive model comes with an 18-55mm kit lens, but it's also worth considering the two-lens bundle, which includes a 70-300mm lens for just $100 more.

A stylish pair of cufflinks

A stylish pair of cufflinks
Camera Mode Dial Cufflinks, available at Amazon, $54.95

These iconic cufflinks look just like an actual camera dial.

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An entry-level drone that can fly and take photos and shoot video outdoors

An entry-level drone that can fly and take photos and shoot video outdoors
DJI Spark Drone and Remote Combo, available at Amazon, $399

The DJI Spark is one of the best all-purpose devices for someone getting into drone photography. It has a stabilized camera capable of taking 12 MP photos and 1080p video.

A GoPro harness for pets

A GoPro harness for pets
GoPro Fetch Dog Harness, available at Amazon, $34.55

This harness makes it easy to strap a GoPro to a dog to see the world from its perspective.

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A portable, flexible, powerful tripod

A portable, flexible, powerful tripod
Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit, available at Amazon, $54.95

Joby's GorillaPods are ultra-portable and flexible, making it easy to set up anywhere. The 3K version can hold 6.6 pounds, which is enough for most standard DSLR and lens combos. The 5K version can hold up to 11 pounds, making it a better fit for professional kits.

An advanced instant camera

An advanced instant camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90, available at Amazon, $121.18

The Instax Mini 90 has a sleek retro style and offers advanced controls like flash metering, double exposure mode, and much more. For a more affordable, but less advanced version, check out the popular Instax Mini 9.

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The best camera bag you can buy

The best camera bag you can buy
Peak Design Everyday Backpack, available at Peak Design, $259.95 and up (also available at Amazon)

Peak Design's line of Everyday bags are easy to reconfigure on the go, making them perfect as camera bags and regular everyday carry bags. You can read our full review here.

A beautiful framed print of a favorite original photo

A beautiful framed print of a favorite original photo
Keepsake Photo Printing, available at Keepsake, $25 and up

Keepsake is a new startup that offers photo printing and framing for a fraction of the price you'd find elsewhere. Read our full review here.

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Cookie cutters shaped like cameras

Cookie cutters shaped like cameras
DIY Photography Camera Cookie Cutters, available at Amazon, $19.95

These are perfect for any photographer who also loves to bake.

A multitool to fix almost anything

A multitool to fix almost anything
Leatherman Wave, available at Amazon $99.95

A multitool can be helpful for setting up during shoots and fixing almost anything that goes wrong.

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A lens-shaped coffee mug

A lens-shaped coffee mug
Wrcibor Lens Cup, available at Amazon, $15.99

This novelty mug is as fun as it is functional.

A photography book for inspiration

A photography book for inspiration
Humans of New York, available at Amazon, $15.80

Inspiration is crucial to any photographer, which means looking at other works can be incredibly valuable. You can look through other photography books here, including by subcategory such as photojournalism, architecture, and travel.

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A small, super-bright light for photos and videos.

A small, super-bright light for photos and videos.
Lume Cube Kit, available at Amazon, $99.95

Lume Cube offers 10 levels of on- or off-camera light and can fit just about anywhere. There's also a smartphone-compatible mount kit available exclusively at the Apple Store.

A down-filled camera cover

A down-filled camera cover
Matador Camera Base Layer, available at B&H, $59.99

The base layer protects from minor bumps and scratches and can be carried on its own, or used to protect a camera in a regular bag.

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A reinvented camera strap

A reinvented camera strap
Peak Design Slide Lite, available at Peak Design, $44.99 (also available at Amazon)

The Peak Slide Lite is easy to attach and remove, to adjust, and to reposition. For the heaviest DSLRs, consider the regular Slide, and for ultra-light DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you may want to look at the Leash. However, the Slide Lite is an ideal "Goldilocks" strap — it's just right for just about any scenario.

A specialized grip and controls for smartphone cameras

A specialized grip and controls for smartphone cameras
Pictar One Grip, available at Amazon, $99.99 and up

By using the grip with the compatible app, you can unlock the advanced power of your smartphone's camera.

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Online courses to help build photography skills

Online courses to help build photography skills
Udemy Online Courses, available at Udemy, $9.99 and up

Udemy courses are an easy, cost-effective way to learn new skills and improve old techniques. Find a course you want to give, and click "Gift This Course" toward the upper-right corner.

A small, convenient cleaning cloth

A small, convenient cleaning cloth
Nikon Microfiber Cloth, available at Amazon, $8.95

This cloth is designed for camera lenses and features a clip-on case, so it's never far from your camera bag.

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A limited-edition collectible pin set for the ultimate gear junkie

A limited-edition collectible pin set for the ultimate gear junkie
Nikon 100th Anniversary Pin Collection, available at B&H, $269.95

Nikon's centennial was in 2017, but it isn't too late to get some awesome collectibles, like this pin set featuring both classic and current cameras in a shadowbox display case.

A tabletop photo studio

A tabletop photo studio
Amazon Basics Tabletop Photo Studio, available at Amazon, $135.99

A tabletop pop-up photo studio makes it easy to take professional photos of products and smaller objects. The AmazonBasics version is a little pricier than some alternatives, but it's universally the best reviewed.

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Interchangeable lenses for a smartphone camera

Interchangeable lenses for a smartphone camera
Olloclip Lenses, available at Olloclip, $44.99 and up

Olloclip makes wide-angle, macro, fish-eye, and telephoto lenses compatible with a wide range of smartphones. Be sure to select the right phone model.

A more advanced drone that shoots 4K video

A more advanced drone that shoots 4K video
Parrot ANAFI Drone, available at Amazon, $599.99 (normally $699.99 — you save $100)

The ANAFI is a more advanced "prosumer" drone, which shoots 4K video and takes 21 megapixel photos.

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Something to help take better portraits of kids

Something to help take better portraits of kids
Shutter Huggers, available at Amazon, $19.99

These cute stuffed animals fit around the outside of a camera lens, making it easier to hold a kids' attention for photos.

Indestructible memory cards

Indestructible memory cards
Sony Tough SD Cards, available at B&H, $74.99 and up (also available at Amazon)

These memory cards are a must-have for any adventure photographer — they can withstand water, dust, magnetic energy, static electricity, and more.

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A smartphone tripod mount

A smartphone tripod mount
Vastar Smartphone Tripod Mount, available at Amazon, $7.99

This universal smartphone tripod mount can rotate to hold a phone in landscape or portrait mode, and holds a phone more securely than many similar mounts that just rely on a spring.