Shopping for a photographer can be tricky especially when it feels like they already have every gadget under the sun. As a professional photographer who’s tested hundreds of tools, I’ve rounded up my favorite gift ideas for a photographer … everything from practical gear to stylish camera bags to office must haves that editing sessions even better.
Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, holiday stocking stuffer, or a thank you gift or just a thoughtful “you’re amazing” gift, these finds are photographer-approved and loved.
P.S. You can peek inside what’s in my camera bag for even more ideas too!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use and love.
Gift Ideas for a Photographer Under $25
Balling on a budget? Same. These under-$25 finds are tiny but mighty — the kind of little upgrades photographers actually use on the daily (and never remember to buy for themselves). Stocking stuffers, happy-mail moments, or “just because” gifts… this list is full of easy wins.
Memory Card Case
A durable SD card case keeps those little cards organized and protected. Bonus points if you add a few fresh memory cards inside. There are tons of great options from cuter more expensive cases like this one to more affordable ones like this one. I have a few different ones, and I like to use this SD wallet to store my used cards, these plastic SD cases to keep unused cards, and this cute case in my camera bag.
Lens Cleaning Kit
Because every shoot starts with a spotless lens. A simple cleaning kit is something we all need — and never remember to buy for ourselves. This cleaning kit is great for a camera bag and I also recommend this sensor cleaning kit.
Memory Card Labels
Photographers who are photographing a lot have a ton of memory cards. These removable SD memory card labels are the best way to keep cards organized and know what it on each card. This is a gift that they can never have too many of and makes a great stocking stuffer or add on.
Label Maker
The unsung hero of every organized photographer. Perfect for labeling memory cards, cables, and gear cases — especially before busy season. This one is super small and works with your phone.
Film Rolls
Portra 400, Kodak Gold, or Fujifilm Superia — no photographer can ever have too many rolls on hand for creative days, and I promise you it is something that will not go to waste. Grab them a couple rolls of film to inspire them to get out there and create. If a photographer uses 35 mm film, grab that otherwise opt for some Instax film.
Cute Camera Strap or Wrist Strap
Swap out the generic manufacturer strap for a simple leather or woven neutral camera strap that matches the style of the photographer. There are SO many options like this one that is giving me Gucci vibes, especially on Amazon, but I am linking a few of my personal favorites below. You can also find a more luxe one at a higher price point like this one.
Disposable Camera or Instax Film Pack
Instant cameras are a favorite for behind-the-scenes shots, wedding welcome tables, or family trips. If they already have a polaroid or an Instax camera, grab them a pack of film. While I love the color film, its fun to grab some black and white too. Or grab a disposable camera for them to use. Bonus points if you add a gift card for film processing to a lab like The Find Lab.
Editing-Day Candle
I have a special candle that I reserve just for long editing days to set the mood with my Spotify editing playlist. I love this scent, the Salt & Stone candles (a bit more than the $25 price point but worth it) and the Voluspa brands. Editing marathons deserve good vibes and cozy scents.
Cute Pouches for Batteries + Cables + Travel Tech Organizers
Stylish and practical. With all the cords, batteries, chargers and misc things photographers keep with them, cute little pouches, bags and organizers for cords are essential (and I feel like I can never have enough of them. Here are a few that I am obsessed with. Perfect for traveling photographers or those who shoot destination weddings. CALPAK makes some of my favorites for organizing cords /tech including this one that I own and use all the time.
A few that I love :
Travel Phone Tripod / Selfie Stick
This might be the one gift I’d recommend to just about any that is hard to buy for – photographers or not. If you hate asking people to take your photo or you are just looking for some behind the scenes content during sessions, this pop up tripod is a game changer. I bring it with me when we travel for family vacations and use it behind the scenes at sessions. Its lightweight, includes a bluetooth remote to trigger your phone. You can also attach a small lightweight camera like my Sony ZV-1F camera.
Phone Tripod
This adjustable phone mount is a must-have for photographers and content creators alike. It securely holds your smartphone while shooting behind-the-scenes clips, time-lapses, or Reels. I love to add this to my Sony mirrorless camera to get behind the scenes for social media or when I am photographing a proposal.
Mini Film Camera
The perfect creative throwback. A small reusable 35mm camera (like the Kodak M35 or Ilford Sprite) lets photographers capture everyday life on film. Pair it with a few rolls of 35mm film for an easy, fun gift. I also love the idea of the KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera which is a point and shoot film camera, but allows you to get 2x as many photos from each roll of film.
- Under $30 Camera: Kodak M35
- Under $40 Camera: Ilford Sprite
- Under $60 Camera: KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera
Photo Coffee Table Book
Beautiful and inspiring — these make perfect gifts for any photographer’s home or studio. I love displaying them in my office for both design and creative inspiration. A few timeless favorites:
- Coastal by Gray Malin – a collection of his most stunning coastal arial photography.
- Peter Lindbergh. On Fashion Photography – a look at inspiring faashion photography over the years.
- The Photography Book = creative images throughout history in a tiny book.
- Annie Leibovitz: Portraits – iconic and endlessly inspiring.
- Slim Aarons: Style – for lovers of timeless imagery and color.
- The Eye by Nathan Williams – a stunning collection of photographers and their creative spaces.
Business + Photography Education Books
If you’re shopping for a photographer who’s also a business owner (or a creative ready to level up), these are my go-to reads. You can check out more of my favorite business books here.
- The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber — how to work on your business, not just in it.
- Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell — perfect for creatives looking to scale without burnout.
- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller — a must-read for improving your website + marketing message.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear — great for creating consistency in business and creativity.
- Picture Perfect Book Series by Roberto Valenzuela – a collection of 4 different books that go through everything a photographer could want to know.
Pair one of these with a cute notebook or candle for an easy, thoughtful gift set that feels personal and intentional.
Gift Ideas for a Photographer Under $50
If you want something a little more “wow” without blowing the budget, this section is your sweet spot. Think practical, pretty, and way more exciting than another coffee mug. These are the small-but-upgraded gifts that make you feel like you have your life together.
Custom Photo Box + Prints
There is no better way to spoil a photographer than to gift them a box of beautiful prints. The photos can be of photos of you, them, their family or places you have traveled together. Pair it with a gorgeous photo frame or a glass photo box like this one for a sentimental, display-worthy gift. Or print something through a company like Artifact Uprising which has so many great options like photo block and print set.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Editing, flying, or working from a café — good sound is everything. They’ll use these every single day. I personally own these and love them for flights, editing days, or when I’m working out of the office and need to focus. They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours — even during long editing marathons — and they double as a travel essential for anyone who’s constantly on the go. A thoughtful, high-end gift that every creative will appreciate.
Small Travel Tripod
Perfect for hybrid shooters, travel sessions, or behind-the-scenes videos. Look for a lightweight, collapsible design that fits in a carry-on or backpack.
Packing Cubes for Photographer who Travel
For someone who travels a lot for jobs, a set of packing cubes is a great gift idea. Pair it with this adorable travel laundry bag, and you will keep their suitcases organized for jobs away from home.
Rechargeable Batteries + Charger
Not the flashiest gift, but absolutely one of the most-used for any photographer. It feels like you can literally never have enough batteries especially if you photograph a ton of jobs. A set of rechargeable AA batteries with a smart charger saves money (and frustration) during long wedding weekends. I love the Eneloop brand!
Gift Ideas for a Photographer Under $100
These are the “OMG, you shouldn’t have… but thank you so much” gifts. The dream-gear, the workflow game-changers, the pieces photographers will rave about for years. If you’re gifting your favorite creative human (or, you know… yourself), this is the place to be.
Portable Hard Drive or SSD
You can never have too much storage. A slim, fast SSD is a lifesaver for photographers editing on the go or backing up images during travel. I love this one.
SpiderPro Camera Hand Strap
This is my hands down favorite hand strap for my mirrorless Sony camera bodies. It has held up amazing after 7+ years and makes shooting way more comfortable. If you have a photographer in your life who photographs portraits or weddings and they don’t know own of these, I would highly recommend it. It saves my wrist on long days of photographing and it helps distrubue the weight when I have heavy lenses on my camera body.
Polaroid or Instax Camera
A fun creative outlet outside of client work. Pair it with film for an instant hit of nostalgia or a great addition to their travel bag. This Mini Film Camera is a great intro for someone who is looking to add film into their creative outlet because it allows you to get 2x as many photos per roll of film. I also love the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera because you can use it as a polaroid camera but you can also print photos from your smart phone into polaroids.
- Shop the Mini Film Camera on Amazon
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera
- Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera
Cute Camera Bag
There are so many great camera bags out there now, and Amazon has a ton of cute options under $100 depending on how much gear they carry with them. A few of my favorites are:
- Vegan Leather Camera Backpack on Amazon
- Leather Camera Bag on Amazon
- The Sidekick Camera Bag on Amazon
Travel Light Stands
These carbon fiber lights stands are 102 in and fit inside a regular suitcase. No need to check a bag of lightsands again. A perfect gift idea for a photographer who is always on the go. I recently purchased these and I am obessed with them!
Splurge-Worthy Gift Ideas for a Photographer
For the photographer who’s ready to upgrade their gear, boost efficiency, or add a little luxury to their workflow — these are the big-ticket gifts that make a lasting impact. Perfect for spouses, parents, or anyone who wants to give a truly generous present.
Aura Digital Photo Frame
I love this frame and think every photographer should have one. It looks clean and elevated, and it’s the easiest way to enjoy your own work or family photos without having to print anything. You can send images straight from your phone or computer, and it updates instantly. It’s such a simple upgrade, but it makes your office or studio feel so much more personal and inspiring.
Styling Mats for Flat Lays
Every photographer (especially wedding or brand photographers) needs a clean, neutral surface for flat lays. A linen or faux suede styling mat instantly elevates detail photos and product shots — plus they roll up easily for travel. These are my favorites.
Walking Pad Treadmill
So much of a photographers job is spent on the computer editing. A walking pad is a great gift idea for a photographer who likes to move and work. Perfect for those people like busy mom photographers who are trying to get more out of their day. Pair it with a standing desk or a raised deck attachment.
Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera or similar small digital camera
I added the Sony ZV-1 to my camera bag this year for content creation, personal use on trips and behind the scenes at my sessions, and I am obessed with it. It is lightweight, easy to toss in a bag and still gives me the control of my mirrorless camera. If you are shopping for someone who doesn’t love using their phone for personal memories or behind the scenes or wants to create content, get them either the Sony ZV-1F camera (under $600) or the Sony ZV-1 (under $900).
DJI Mini 3 Drone
If you’ve been thinking about getting into drone photography, this is the one to start with. The DJI Mini 3 is small, easy to fly, and delivers seriously beautiful 4K footage — even if you’re brand new to aerial shooting. I love using mine for beach sessions, proposals, and destination weddings to capture those wide, cinematic shots that instantly elevate a gallery. It folds up to fit in your camera bag, connects right to your phone, and is light enough that you don’t even need to register it for personal use. A perfect splurge gift for photographers ready to add a whole new perspective to their work.
Ray Ban Meta Glasses
Marketing is a must on social media for photographers, and these Ray Ban Meta glasses are a great luxe gift idea for someone who is trying to showcase more behind-the-scenes content. They allow you to film what you are doing to show the photographer’s perspective.
Sony 24-70 mm f/2.8 G Master Lens
A dream lens for any photographer who shoots weddings, portraits, or travel. Sharp, versatile, and built for pros — this one’s an investment they’ll use for years and the type of lens that allows them to only bring one with them.
Travel Carryon Camera Bag
This hard case carryon bag is worth every penny, and it is my go to camera bag. Worth the splurge.
Education or Workshop Gift Card
The gift of growth. An online course, preset pack, or mentoring session helps photographers level up creatively and professionally. I personally have loved Brooke Schultz’ Love Soaked Family Course.
Whether you’re shopping for a professional photographer, a creative friend, or just treating yourself, these 25+ gift ideas for a photographer are photographer-approved and loved. From camera gear and cozy workspace upgrades to inspiring books and thoughtful tech, each piece was hand-picked to make life behind (and in front of) the lens a little better. Most of these items I own (or some variation of them) and couldn’t live without.
Ready to shop?
You can browse all my favorite photographer gifts — from budget finds to splurge-worthy upgrades — directly on my Amazon page or through my LTK shop.
Thank you for supporting my small business by using these links — it means the world and helps me keep creating resources and inspiration for photographers and creatives like you.
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