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The 32 Best Custom Photo Gifts of 2024

Make the most of your travel memories with these innovative present ideas.

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

If travel is all about making memories, then one of the best ways to do that is to take photos of the places you discover and people you meet along the way. Printing photos onto everyday items is a great way to showcase your favorite shots (rather than relegating them to a social media album that never gets looked at again). These custom photo projects also make the perfect gift for your travel-obsessed friend or family member. 

Alternatively, you can use personalized photo items to create precious mementos of home for loved ones that travel a lot for work or live overseas. To this end, we scoured the internet for the best options to turn those beautiful photos into memorable gifts. From the humorous (mini-me pillows and socks with your face on them) to the sentimental (photo-engraved jewelry) to the travel-appropriate (personalized passport holders, suitcases, and luggage tags), here are our top picks. 

Image 3D Create Your Own Reel Viewer

Tap into your loved one’s nostalgic side with the Image3D Custom RetroViewer, a blast from the past inspired by their favorite childhood toy — except better, because this time the images are personalized. They can use the redemption code included with the viewfinder to add their favorite travel snapshots to the made-to-order reel. Viewfinders are available in a choice of four colors from red to black, and each reel holds seven images. Additional reels and a retro wooden storage holder can be purchased separately.

ScreenCraft Gifts Custom Travel Photo Coasters

Uncommon Goods

Rhode Island-based family business Jon and Julie Rousseau offers an innovative way to keep travel memories fresh with these cork-backed, marble coasters. Available in sets of four, the coasters are printed with images of your choice in a retro, instant-camera style. They’re a great conversation starter when you have guests over, or the perfect prompt for reminiscing about your favorite adventures while enjoying that end-of-the-week beverage together. Upload pre-cropped, square images for the best results.

CraftsByAleja Memory Film Keychain

CraftsByAleja takes the idea of a standard photo keychain to the next level by allowing you to add up to 10 images to a vintage film roll. We love the idea of ordering one to commemorate a special vacation; or perhaps filling one with family images to give to a loved one before their next work trip or solo overseas adventure. Whoever you buy the keychain for, you can add a customized message to the pull-out tab and choose from five different colors for the film roll itself.

SweetGiftMart Personalized Photo Wood Ornament

The ideal stocking filler or addition to your family tree, this personalized ornament from SweetGiftMart pairs a handmade wood slice with a natural twine hanger for a gorgeous, rustic look. You can choose to have yours printed with a different photo on either side, or you can add personalized text to the reverse instead. Measuring roughly 4 x 4 inches, we think this is a beautiful way to immortalize your loved one’s favorite travel shot(s) while also ramping up the festive cheer.

Wucidici Custom Music Plaque

We love the idea of this Custom Music Plaque as a gift from one spouse to another to celebrate a destination wedding. The high-quality, transparent acrylic plaque can be printed with the name and artist of your favorite song, with your photo where the cover art should be. There are four styles to choose from — one with space for a collage of four images, the others with space for one photo and a scannable Spotify code. All styles have a wooden base with integrated LED lights that illuminate the plaque with seven different colors.

West & Willow Custom Pet Portrait Phone Case

West & Willow

Looking for a thoughtful gift for the passionate pet lover in your life? These impact-resistant, clear TPU phone cases from West & Willow come personalized with a digital animal portrait inspired by your photo. Each image is created by hand without the use of apps or filters, resulting in unique artwork that’s the ultimate tribute to your furry friend (making it a little bit easier to say goodbye when traveling overseas). Cases are compatible with wireless chargers and available for a wide range of iPhone and Samsung phones.

InterestPrint Custom Crew Socks

If your jet-set friend or family member has ever joked that they wish they could pack you in their suitcase, well, now they can. These custom crew socks come in more than 40 different patterns, all of which put your face (or that of a loved one) front and center. Styles range from cute ones perfect for Mother’s Day to humorous ones entirely covered with close-up mugshots. The socks are machine washable and blend polyester, cotton, chinlon, and spandex for just the right combination of flexibility and comfort.

Heirloom Video Book

If a photo is worth a thousand words, how valuable is a video? Heirloom video books allow you to collate all of those vacation reels and move them off your phone and into a keepsake book where you’re more likely to actually watch them (and less likely to accidentally delete them). Decide whether you want yours to run for 10 or 20 minutes, then choose from a range of pre-designed, themed covers or design your own custom-printed photo cover for a small extra fee.

Meshka Design Photo Lining Clutch

These gorgeous French lace purses come with a photo of your choice printed onto the inner lining, making for a very subtle and hugely meaningful gift for the traveling lady in your life. If you’re planning a destination wedding, we also love the idea of ordering these as gifts for members of your bridal party (or even for yourself as your very special “something new.”) Customization options include a choice of differently embroidered patterns in delicate shades of ivory or white.

PicturesOnGold Photo Engraved Dog Tag

PicturesOnGold

Sometimes, having to travel frequently can be hard, both on the person traveling and the loved ones they leave behind. We love the idea of this photo engraved dog tag, which allows those on either side of the separation to wear the people they care most about close to their heart. PicturesOnGold offers options for every taste and budget, with four sizes and five materials to choose from (from sterling silver to 14-karat white or yellow gold). Photos are laser engraved in color and are both scratch and water resistant.

VistaPrint Custom Blanket

What better way to stay warm this winter than with a cozy blanket printed with images of your favorite sun-soaked vacation destination? Made from soft polar fleece with hemmed edges and fade-resistant, full-color printing, these high-quality comforters come in two sizes (50 x 60 inches or 60 x 80 inches). Use the online template to create your bespoke design. Whether you orientate your blanket vertically or horizontally, use a single statement image, or create a collage masterpiece is up to you.

Shutterfly Gallery of Ten Travel Mug

The commuter in your life will thank you for this personalized travel mug, which employs double stainless steel walls and a vacuum seal to keep their favorite beverage at the optimum temperature. Choose from a range of templates to upload as many as 12 images in whichever way they look best — whether that’s portrait, landscape, cropped to a square, or a combination of all three. You can adjust the cropping until you’re completely satisfied, choose different backgrounds, or add text to get that extra special message across.

Squared Photo Magnets

These photo magnets from Squared are so simple, effective, and utterly affordable that you might be tempted to add extras to your cart for yourself. They're an affordable option for anyone looking for gifts for under $10 . The hardest part is deciding which of your favorite vacay shots to use. Then, choose one of six shapes and sizes from square to heart-shaped (our favorite is the polaroid-style option known as Retro). All shapes can come with or without a border in a glossy or matte finish, and all are printed on premium quality photo paper backed with flexible magnetic foil.

Artifact Uprising Baby Board Book

Artifact Uprising

We all know that photo books are a great way to display your travel photos and there are certainly plenty of online photo book makers to choose from. We also know that they don’t mix well with inquisitive youngsters — until now. Artifact Uprising makes indestructible photo books especially for little ones with thick card pages, baby-safe rounded edges, and minimalist layouts that aid visual recognition. Need a lasting memento of baby’s first vacation? Want to remind them of faces they don’t get to see as often as you’d like? Here you go. There are four themes and three page counts to choose from.

Frameo Wood Grain Digital Picture Frame

We’d be remiss not to include at least one digital picture frame on this list, and this one from Frameo stands out for its traditional aesthetic and affordable price tag. With 32GB of storage it has space for over 80,000 images — enough for even the most trigger-happy travel photographer. Images auto-rotate for vertical or horizontal display, while a 10.1-inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution ensures optimal picture clarity. Tech-savvy recipients will appreciate that the frame is Wi-fi enabled and compatible with the free Frameo app.

Hipparoo Photo Golf Balls

Whether they’re playing a round at their local club or teeing off at one of the world’s most famous courses, these personalized photo golf balls are sure to add a touch of class to their game. Select three photos to be printed in high-quality full color over a 1-inch print area on each ball. Customization options include a choice of generic, Titleist ProV1, or TaylorMade TP5 balls. There’s also the option to add a wood or acrylic display stand on the off chance that your recipient loves their gift too much to actually play with it.

PersonalizeWithStyle Personalized Sequin Makeup Bag

Glamour queens of all ages can appreciate a stylish makeup case for travel and this personalized sequin bag adds some feminine fun and sparkle to any carry-on suitcase. Use the brand’s dedicated customization app to upload your photo(s), create a collage if you’re using multiple images, and even add names or other text. At 7.75 x 6.5 inches, the bag is perfectly sized for makeup essentials — but we can think of a dozen other uses too, from serving as a pencil case for little girls to storing needles and thread for those that like to travel with a sewing kit.

Nations Photo Lab Luggage Tag

Nations Photo Lab

If your friend or family member has had a brush with lost luggage in the past, this could be just the solution to restore their confidence. After all, it’s unlikely that a fellow traveler will claim their suitcase by accident if it has their face on it. The tags are made from durable hard plastic, with your photo on one side and more than 20 stylized prints to choose from for the reverse. These range from bridal themes for newlywed couples to themes for graduates and world travelers.

Suphelpu Custom Projection Photo Bracelet

If you love the idea of gifting custom photo jewelry but know that your recipient’s tastes are a little more subtle, this projection photo bracelet could be the perfect solution. By engraving your image onto a miniature projection stone, it’s kept completely invisible until you look closely through the pendant’s magnifying viewfinder. As a bonus, the waxed rope bracelet looks great on men and women and is suitably lowkey for travelers who frequent destinations where flashy jewelry is inadvisable (and better kept in a travel jewelry case ). There are multiple color combinations to choose from.

Shutterfly Photo Gallery Keepsake Box

Looking for an innovative way to celebrate a special trip taken together? Adorn this adorable keepsake box with your favorite photo, then fill it with treasures from your time away. It’s crafted from imported oak with a mahogany lacquer finish and a soft, felt-lined interior. In terms of customization, there’s a slew of styles to choose from, whether you want to include a single photo on the lid, a collage, or perhaps an image emblazoned with a meaningful word, phrase, or monogram.

VistaPrint Custom Tote Bag

There are a hundred uses for a trusty tote bag, and just as many reasons to love this custom one from VistaPrint. Made from durable, high-quality canvas, it’s generously sized for everyday use at 18.5 x 15 inches. Choose yours in all white or white with black accents, and decide whether to print on one or both sides. The brand offers a range of customizable layouts for adding images and graphics to your photos, too, so your best shots look more professional than ever.

ArtPix 3D Crystal Photo Block

While you can certainly find cheaper laser-etched photo blocks, this one from ArtPix stands out for its near-perfect reviews and exceptionally detailed 3D rendering of your favorite image. Made from ultra-clear K9 crystal, you can choose to add a color-changing LED light base, transforming it into a mesmerizing nightlight for anyone who misses their loved one while they’re away. There are four sizes to choose from, from small (2.9 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches) to extra large (6.9 x 6.9 x 3.1 inches).

Snugzy Mini Me Face Pillow

For the long-distance couples, the kids of deployed parents, and the best friends going off to college, we have the perfect gift — a mini-me version of their favorite person, in huggable pillow form. Snugzy’s premise is simple: They print faces onto people-shaped pillows. There are hundreds of variations to choose from, though, whether you’re going for humorous (the mankini face pillow), meaningful (the soldier face pillow), or kid-friendly (the bat hero face pillow). And, at roughly 18 x 12 inches, they’re even suitcase sized.

Migned Custom Photo Playing Cards

How many times have you been left with nothing to do, waiting for a delayed train or an interminable bus journey to end with no juice in your phone? Save your loved ones from a similar fate by gifting them the traveler’s best friend — a deck of playing cards. These ones come with a difference that elevates your gift above a basic stocking filler: You can add your favorite photo to the reverse of each card. The pack is regular poker size and crafted from premium, easy-to-shuffle laminated card stock.

Shutterfly Photo Gallery Christmas Stocking

If you’ve been counting down to the festive family vacation of a lifetime, why not make the big day even more special with these personalized Christmas stockings? We love that you can add a single photo, or make a collage of up to five images. Add text (a name, perhaps, to prevent squabbling among the kids come Christmas morning), and choose natural, cranberry, or winter green for the color of the velvet cuff and cord trim. These are high-quality, beautifully finished stockings with a length of 16 inches.

KandVPrints Color Change Custom Photo Mug

Admittedly coffee mugs are one of the most obvious custom photo gifts out there, but clichés are clichés for a reason — everyone loves a good mug and you can never have enough of them, This one from KandVPrints adds a little extra pizazz with its color-changing abilities (your photo is only revealed when hot water is added). Made of ceramic with beautiful rounded edges and a sturdy, C-shaped handle, the mug is microwave and dishwasher safe and comes in two sizes: 11 or 15 ounces. You can use them to sip tea at home or pack them with your favorite camping coffee maker to take on an outdoor adventure.

Live x Maintain Ltd Personalized Photo Suitcase

Luggage is, of course, the ultimate gift for any traveler — and this brand offers personalized photo suitcases in four sizes, including kids’, carry-on, medium, or large checked. Your images look their best on the high-gloss polycarbonate shell, which also flexes to withstand rough handling while remaining impressively light. All suitcases have four 360-degree roller wheels and a retractable push handle, an integrated TSA-approved lock, and a fully lined interior with zippered pockets and tie-down straps.

Photomaps 50 States Photo Map

For your friend that’s always planning the next road trip, we present this ingenious map of the 50 states. Choose a style (frame or hanger), a background color, and whether to add text. Then, upload images taken in each state to be converted into state-shaped stickers that your friend can add at home. Still ticking destinations off their bucket list? Sticker tokens let them add to their map over time. Photomaps also offers a whole range of other options, from world maps to maps of Canada, Europe, and individual states.

CatchyGiftShop Leather Photo Keychain

A somewhat subtler alternative to the film roll keychain listed above, this one’s for the minimalist with a sentimental streak. The keychain cover is made of soft leather in one of eight colors from tan to burgundy or light blue. Inside, add up to three metal inserts that can be printed front and back with up to six photos. You can also mix photos with text if you have a special message to convey. Photos are printed in full color and the keychain measures 3 x 2.5 inches.

ByJackAndJess Custom Photo Puzzle Cube

We can see this one playing out one of two ways: either you upload photos of friends and family to serve as a memento of home for the recipient on their travels; or you add their favorite vacation snaps so the cube can be a brilliant (if sometimes frustrating) souvenir upon their return. Either way, we love the idea of revamping the classic colored Rubik’s cube faces with personalized photos. This one from JackAndJess on Etsy comes in regular or large sizes, with the option of adding a smart display stand.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer

Remember the instant gratification of a polaroid camera? You can have that again with the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 printer, which uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone and print photos directly. You can use the app to add frames, filters, sketches, and more to your images before printing, and even print stills from your latest Insta reel. For the ardent travel photographer, it’s the perfect marriage of retro cool and cutting edge technology — also a great gift option for digital nomads . There are four colors to choose from including clay white and soft pink.

Chaco Customizable Z/1 Sandal

Anna Popp / Travel + Leisure

Know an outdoorsy dog lover? You can't go wrong when gifting a pair of Chaco's iconic sandals featuring their fur baby's face. The brand offers customization in a number of sandal styles , including flip-flops, slides, and its Z/2 sandal with a toe loop for added stability. You can pick the strap, footbed, buckle, sole, and heel riser colors and upload a pet photo for a small additional fee.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Ever since she was given her first camera on a trip to Alaska, aged 7, Jessica Macdonald has obsessively photographed all of her travels and now does so professionally. She’s photographed more than 50 destinations across six continents, and is always looking for new ways to display her photos back home. The digital photo frame that sits in her kitchen is one of her greatest treasures. 

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

Gifts for Travel Photographers: The Ultimate Photographer Gift Guide

December 6, 2018 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Buying gifts for travel photographers isn’t easy. I mean, chances are they already have the basics covered – a camera, a lens, or a smartphone.

How much more stuff could they possibly need?!

Well, as a photography addict, the answer is more than you can imagine. A travel photographers wish list is never empty. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro – there is always something we must have.

It’s an addiction that slowly creeps up on you and hijacks all the money in your bank account.

The good news is that there are loads of affordable gifts out there! You don’t need to be Rihanna ballin’ in the strip club to warm their picture snapping heart this holiday season.

But as the unofficial spokesperson of photographers, if you’re feeling generous and you want to dish out some dough for that lens they won’t shut up about – please, don’t hold back.

Here are some of the best gifts for travel photographers for all budgets!

Psst: Looking for more gift guides? Check out my other posts:

• 20 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Travellers
• The Best Gifts for Travellers From South African Brands
• The Ultimate Solo Travel Photography Guide: 20+ Secrets for Taking Photos Alone
• 10 of the Best Camera Bags for Women Who Love to Travel
• How to Photograph the Milky Way (Step by Step!)
• 20+ Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town

Table of Contents

Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop Subscription

Weatherproof sd card holder, udemy photography class, travel sized tripod, remote control shuttle release, smartphone clip-on lens, photopills app, lens cleaning kit, camera straps, spare batteries, tripod adapter clamp for smartphone, durable external hard drive, lens filter kit, lightroom presets, canon d750 value bundle, photography gifts under $25.

Adobe Lightroom is a life-changing piece of software. There is a reason that all the pros edit on there and not Snapseed.

Help take their photo editing skills to the next level with a Creative Cloud Subscription . You’ll get Lightroom and Photoshop for as little as $9.99 (R 140.00) a month.

By purchasing the first month, you can help them dip their toes into the software with zero commitment. If you’re really nice, or their Mom, you can turn it into the Christmas gift that keeps on giving for the next year.

If you’re not feeling up to paying their monthly bills, you can purchase a downloadable version of the software for a one-time payment of $150 (R 2,080.00).

Price: $9.99 (R140.00) – $250 (R 3,499.00) Where to Buy: Adobe Creative Cloud | Takealot | Amazon

Add this bad boy as a stocking filler. Your loved one will owe you all the pie if a day comes and they ever need it.

Price: R 250.00 / $12.00 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

Choose from niche topics like night photography or get the beginner snapper a photography masterclass course !

Price: R 110.00 ($8.00) Where to Buy: UDEMY

BIG MISTAKE.

When you travel solo, a tripod is your best friend. You can’t always rely on a rock or other people to get the perfect shot.

I didn’t last long before I Googled photography shops in Hanoi and bought myself a tripod that easily fits into my day bag.

Price: R 254.00 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

You can use the grips to attach it onto trees, poles or adjust it to get a unique perspective.

The Gorillapod is also made out of durable materials, making it a must-have for adventurous travellers or accident prone people like me.

Price: R 300.00 | $ 22.00 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

It’s a must-have for any solo traveller.

Plus, if you know your loved one is into astrophotography, light trails and all of that good stuff  – a remote shutter is essential.

Price: R 369.00 | $20 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

It’s a great gift for the amateur photographer who wants to get creative with their travel photography.

But even if your loved one is a seasoned pro, sometimes all you have is your phone to get the shot.

A kit like this will help them be prepared for any situation!

Price: R 159.99 / $17.00 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

The app is inspired by photographers and has a variety of beautiful templates that will showcase your best work.

The only catch? They aren’t free.

If you know the person in your life is really into the ‘gram and wants to improve their travel photography aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a few Unfold templates.

Price: R12.99 – 28.99 / $0.94 – $2.10 Where to Buy: Unfold

It gives you all the details on when it’s golden hour, blue hour, sunrise and sunset.

But what I’ve used it for the most is planning out my astrophotography.

You can input your camera and lens information to get the correct settings for star trails and it has a moon phase calendar. It’s most powerful feature is it’s Night Augmented Reality.

All you need to do is hold it up to the sky and you’ll be able to find the direction of the milky way.

Price: R 138.00 / $9.99 Where to Buy: Photopills

Photography Gifts Under $50

Help the travel photographer in your life keep their kit looking fresh with a lens cleaning kit.

The ZEISS Lens Kit is small enough to fit into any bag, making it the perfect gift for photographers on-the-go.

Price: R 500.00 ($36.00) Where to Buy: Orms | Amazon

When I travelled to Germany in June, I made the rookie mistake of leaving my SD card in the hotel. I also only realised this after we got off an hour long train ride.

Since then, I always travel with at least two SD cards in my wallet.

The SanDisk Ultra Class and Extreme Pro are good quality cards, and I’d recommend getting nothing less than 32GB.

Price: ($9.00 – $41.00) Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

For the fashionista’s, Escape Society has a range of durable camera straps in beautiful colours.

Or if you’re looking for something more practical, Orms has hand, chest and sling camera straps.

Price: R 400.00+ / $28.00+ Where to Buy: Escape Society | Orms | Amazon

Photography Gifts for Under $100

The freezing temperatures mean your batteries will lose their charge faster, and if you are hiking in the wilderness, you won’t have access to electricity.

Help make sure your loved one always has a backup to get that shot.

*hint* If you’re one of my friends and family and you’re not sure what to get me.

Price: R1,289 / $93.00 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

If your friend or family member does a lot of vlogging, Instagram Stories or solo travelling – they are going to love this!

Price: R 1, 165.00 ($84.00) Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

I don’t want to advertise that I’m lugging around thousands of Rands of gear and I want it to go with my outfit.

But if I had to pick one to recommend for a gift it would be the Austin Vegan Camera Bag.

It’s one of the few Kelly Moore bag’s you can get for under $100 and it holds more than you think.

It comes with three compartments for a DSLR camera body, one lens, and space for a small tablet or notebook and other accessories.  Plus the straps are removable so you can wear it crossbody or over your shoulders.

Price: R 1,369.00 / $99.00 Where to Buy : BH Photo

Read More:  10 of the Best Camera Bags for Women Who Love to Travel

Photography Gifts Over $100

It’s durable, reliable and fast, plus it also comes with extra cushioning on the side to protect it from any falls.

Any photographer on the go will love one of these as a gift.

Price: R 2,799.00 / $155.00 Where to Buy: My iStore ZA | Amazon

Filter kits help to darken a scene when you’re trying to get a shot in less than favourable conditions.

It is a bit of splurge – especially if you want to invest in high-quality stuff. But if you know you’re loved one is looking to improve their photography – a filter lens kit will do just that.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to know the correct circumference for the specific lens.

Price: R 1,199.00 / $127.00 Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

But then you get to post and sitting in front of Lightroom for the first time is daunting.

What helped me understand the ins and outs of the software was watching a lot of YouTube tutorials and buying other peoples presets. It’s one of the best and quickest ways to improve your edits.

So which preset pack is the best?

While it is a bit of an investment, The Blonde Abroad’s  presets are the best I’ve come across. You only need to make minor adjustments once you’ve found a filter you like and your photos look snatched all the time.

But if you want to dip your toes into the world of presets before investing, I have free desktop Lightroom presets that you download over here.

Price: $257.00 (R 3,567.00) for the entire collection or $57.00 (R 790.00) per pack. Where to Buy: The Blonde Abroad

After scrolling through the deals on Takealot, I grabbed the Canon D750 pack.

It comes with two lenses, an 18-35mm (the one you’ll use the most), and a 70-100mm (your best friend for safari shots).

I’m still using the same body two years later and only upgraded my lenses earlier this year.

The Rebel Series by Canon is the perfect beginner DSLR camera that will produce beautiful images.

I highly recommend getting the bundle as it works out a lot cheaper than buying everything separately.

Price: R 11,500.00 ($830.00) Where to Buy: Takealot | Amazon

It’s a super intuitive editing console that will help you fine tune your Lightroom edits.

It’s compatible with Apple and Windows.

You’ll be able to edit faster and more accurately without getting distracted by a mouse or keyboard.

Price: R 4,289.00 / $250 Where to Buy: Cameraland |  Amazon

Which item are you most excited to buy for yourself or a friend? Let me know in the comments below!

?If you like it then you should put a pin on it ?

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

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26 Best Gifts for Photographers for 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Photography

Updated On: January 5, 2024

Finding the right gifts for photographers can be a challenge. Having been a professional travel photographer for 15 years, I’ve tested my fair share of photography equipment from cameras to accessories. To help you choose a gift for the photographer in your life, I’ve rounded up the best photography gifts to suit every budget.

Table of Contents

Best Gifts for Photography Lovers

Let’s face it, photographers can be a picky bunch. We know the brands we like and tend to use the same gear over and over. That can make it really difficult for someone who is not into photography to come up with the perfect holiday gift that they will like. But I’ve made it easier for you.

I have broken down these photography gifts into different categories from photo gifts under $25 dollars to gifts over $100 dollars . I’ve created a list of accessories that photographers will love and fun gifts for the office and home . So are you ready to get shopping? Let’s go!

Best Gifts for Photographers under $25

After years of being a professional photographer, I know I am always looking for photography gear that will help me take better photos, be lightweight, and make my job of capturing beautiful images easier.

These are some of my best photography gift ideas that will help you get the right gift for those photographer friends in your life. If you are looking for photo gifts that are practical and can be used right away, the items below are where you want to start.

1. Memory Card Holder

In today’s world, we need to carry multiple memory cards with us. A good way to keep them safe from the elements and organized is with a dedicated memory card holder. This is one of those great gift ideas that you will thank me for. They are economical, useful and every photographer needs them.

I like to go with the hard case myself as I am usually photographing in all different types of weather situations and it is important to me to keep what I have shot safe after I take it out of the camera. This is one we recommend .

2. Lens cleaning kit

One thing that every photographer knows is how important it is to keep your camera lens clean. So getting this inexpensive lens kit is the perfect gift that every photographer will love.

I use this one from LensPen forever as it includes a blower, a microfiber cleaning cloth as well as the LensPen itself. If you are looking for a great gift that will be appreciated and not break the bank this is a great choice.

You can also get a complete camera cleaning kit that includes Cleaning Solution, Cleaning Swabs, a Cleaning Cloth and the Lens Pen and Air Blower for DSLR Cameras.

3. Lens Sensor Cleaning Kit

Having dust in your sensor can ruin a shot. Great care is needed when cleaning your sensor, that is why a specialized brush and kit are important. Photographers can never have enough cleaning swabs and will appreciate this lens sensor cleaning kit.

The package includes 14 sensor cleaning swabs for full-frame sensors. They are made in a dust-free environment and each package is individually vacuum-sealed. The design was made to cause no damage to the sensor and won’t leave any streaks. This is a great gift under $25

4. Memory Cards

It doesn’t matter if they are into landscape photography, macro photography, travel photography or you are a wildlife photographer, you always need memory cards. These are one of the best gifts for photographers because you always need more!

This is what makes them one of those perfect gifts. Most cameras nowadays use SD cards, unless it is a drone then they actually use micro SD cards. I use the Sandisk Extreme cards as they are fast and come in high capacities. If this is your first time buying an SD card then I would suggest you look at something like this 64GB Class 10 . It will work in almost any camera and is fast as well.

5. Microfiber Cloths

You can never have enough Microfiber Cloths in your bag. I use them to keep my camera lens clean as well as my viewfinder. You don’t want smudges and fingerprints ruining your images.

These make the perfect gift for a photographer because they work for any type of digital camera, phone camera, DSLR camera.

6. Lens Cap Holder

I’ve lost a lot of lens caps over the years. I’ve talked to some photographers who have given up and don’t even bother with a lens cap. That in my opinion is nuts. We spend a lot of money on lenses and keeping them safe is my number 1 priority. A lens cap holder is an excellent accessory that works for Sony and Canon lenses.

Lens Cap Keeper is a leash that prevents your lens cap from getting lost and is one of the more unique gifts for photographers as I hadn’t really thought of this before myself. So, if you are looking for a stocking stuffer, consider a lens keeper.

Gift Ideas for Photographers under $100

7. camera accessory pouch.

Most photographers I know like to keep organized. Knowing where everything is in your camera bag and how to get to it can make the difference between getting the shot or not. I use these pouches to keep all my charging cords, battery chargers, spare batteries, and other camera accessories nice and organized.

This organizer is a wonderful gift for a photographer because it is something they probably wouldn’t purchase themselves. I love the clear windows in these ones as I can quickly see what is inside.

8. Portable Tripod

Any photographer would be happy to get a tripod as a gift. They come in all different sizes and materials, it just depends on how serious your photographer friend is. I don’t recommend buying full-size tripods as gifts for photographers because they usually know exactly what they want when it comes to tripod heads and stands, but a small portable tripod is always a good idea.

When considering portable tripods, my favorite is the Jobi flexible tripod. It’s perfect in a pinch if you want to take group shots without setting up a tripod and you can mount it to nearly everything.

For someone who travels light and uses mainly a point and shoot or phone, something like this mini tripod would be perfect. If they are more on the professional photographer end of things then you will want to lean more toward a higher-end model like this one. It comes with a ball head, has a numbered scale on the base that lets you accurately repeat 360 Degree pans and holds DSLR cameras with lenses up to 5k (11 pounds).

9. A Functional Camera Strap

Camera straps have come a long way from the basic neck strap. In recent years and there actually 2 brands that I recommend. There is the Cross Body Camera Strap by Black Rapid , which I have used for years and love, or there is the quick-release camera neck strap from Peak Design, which is innovative and convenient.

The benefit of the Peak Design strap is if you use that system of mounts, packs, and accessories then it works seamlessly with it. I do find that if you are walking all day and are not using that system then the Black Rapid Camera Strap is much more comfortable.

10. Waterproof Camera Cover

Most cameras nowadays are at least water-resistant, but not many are truly water-proof. If you have a photographer friend that likes to spend a lot of time photographing outdoors (wildlife photographers), then this is the perfect gift for them.

Sizing them can be a little of a challenge, but my suggestion is if they are using a DSLR camera then go for the larger size and if they are using a Mirrorless digital camera then you can usually get away with a smaller size.

11. Peak Design Capture clip

I have a lot of photographer friends that love their Peak Design Bags and accessories . Peak Design has done such a great job at thinking about little details that make capturing great images a little easier.

The Peak Design Capture clip is one of those accessories. It attaches to any backpack strap, belt, or bag, and has an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. It can be attached to any camera that has a tripod mount.

It keeps your camera secure while hiking, walking, or any other activity. You won’t have to worry about missing shots while trying to get your camera out of your bag in time. I think I might get myself one this year.

12. Remote Shutter Release

Does that photographer in your life enjoy taking photos of themselves in a destinations? If they do then a wireless remote would be a great gift for them. It works through Bluetooth technology to release the shutter button remotely. No more handing off your camera to someone else to take a photo.

Just throw your camera on a tripod, frame it up, and shoot away. It also helps eliminate camera shake when shooting in low-light situations. These are camera-specific, so you will have to know what brand of camera you are buying it for. Here is one for Canon Cameras , Nikon Cameras , and Sony Cameras .

13. Spare Batteries

Spare batteries are an essential piece of photography equipment. The last thing you want to do is miss shots because your battery ran out. We never head out in the field without them. A photographer needs extra batteries all the time. Batteries can be very expensive, so they will appreciate this practical gift.

Batteries are something that is also camera-specific, so when looking for a gift for photographers, make sure to know the brand and camera your photographer friend has will be needed. You can check out this list of batteries to get started .

Photography Gifts Over $100

If you are looking to spend a bit more when looking for gifts for photographers, I have some ideas for splurge items and much-needed equipment. Enjoy these luxury items for your photography friend or loved one.

14. DJI Mini Pro Drone

If you are looking for luxury Christmas gifts for photographers, the gift recipient will love the DJI mini 4 Pro. Its small size and lightweight design make it incredibly portable, allowing photographers to easily carry it to different locations.

The drone’s camera quality is top-notch, with the potential to capture 4K video and high-resolution still images, thereby providing photographers with the tools they need to take their aerial photography to professional heights. The DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus has a flight time of 47 minutes.

15. Sandisk Portable SSD External Hard Drive

Having enough storage to put all of your digital photos is always a challenge. A photographer needs external storage and they can always use more . That is why this portable SSD hard drive is perfect for any photographer who travels. It is rugged and small and it is reliable. It’s not much bigger than a business card, so it’s perfect for travel photographers to plug into all their devices.

I never leave home without at least one of these to back up my photos on the road. They come in different capacities from 500GB up to 4 TB, it just depends on how much you want to spend.

16. Camera Bag

Photographers who want to up their game and look more professional and organized will eventually want to splurge on an expensive camera bag. But bags can be a personal choice and come in many different sizes depending on how much camera gear you want to carry. So choose wisely.

If you are looking for a camera bag that can carry a lot of camera equipment, check out this bag from Shimoda . It can carry 2 DSL Cameras, extra camera lenses, and photography accessories and it is weatherproof as well. I have used it for years and love it. Plus the new version now has a water bottle holder. This is something I find invaluable if I photograph outdoors, go on an adventure or even want to have water handy while taking street art photography.

17. Photography Magazine subscription

If you are looking for a unique gift that won’t break the bank but will be appreciated by all photography lovers out there then a photography magazine subscription to Outdoor Photographer, Popular Photography or even National Geographic will inspire everyone.

It is where I got a lot of my motivation and inspiration as well. Learning from the masters will always help you elevate your photography.

18. Storage Subscription

After you take your photos you have to store them somewhere right? Nowadays a cloud system like Smugmug or Backblaze is a great way to back-up your photos and not worry if something happens to your cards or hard drives.

You can simply pay a monthly or yearly fee and have the upload automatically to the cloud. It is a worry-free backup option that all photographers should take advantage of.

19. Flashdrive

If you don’t want to purchase a subscription, a great alternative is a portable hard drive. Depending on your budget you can purchase a small portable flash drive or an iPhone to put in a stocking stuffer, or you can splurge on a portable drive with a lot of space.

This Sandisk Extreme Pro flash drive offers 1TB of storage letting the photographer in your life safely transfer photos to have as a backup system.

20. Photography Course

For photographers who want to keep learning, this photography course is an excellent addition. I always take new courses to keep on top of the latest technology and this course by Elia Locardi really upped my photography skills. It is a very extensive course packed full of information and education you can  buy it right now here. 

This is a unique photography gift that will keep on giving. Read all about it here .

21. Digital picture frame

Everyone loves to display their digital photography and the best way to do this is with a digital picture frame. You can load as many photos as you like on this one and it is a great way to show off your images regardless of whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional.

If you are looking for a gift for a photographer that will let them show off their work, this is it. You can control what photos are displayed using their smartphone app via Wi Fi. I bought one last year, loaded some of my images on it, and gave it as a gift.

It’s much more practical than a photo book as they can load their own photos into the frame down the line. This is also the perfect gift for travelers as well to store their memories. Check it out here

Fun Photo Gifts

Sometimes the best gift for a photographer doesn’t have anything to do with business and simply can be a lot of fun. These are some fun and quirky photo gifts to help you start thinking outside the box.

22. Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film Camera

Retro is all the rage these days and some photographers are getting back to their roots. While you may not want to splurge on a vintage SLR film camera, a Fujumax or Polaroid instant camera is a lot of fun.

I love displaying my old cameras around the house and these cameras offer that vintage look, that can be used for parties or during your travels. This is a fun gift for photographers who like to share the photography experience with their friends.

We love to give people a copy of our instant prints when taking photos in villages and at a party, fill a camera with film and let friends snap some memories that are safe from being plastered up on social media

This polaroid is as vintage as it gets or you can purchase this retro-feeling FujiFilm Instamax Camera on Amazon that has a vintage camera design with a mondern twist

23. Camera Lens Coffee Mug

This coffee mug is perfect for photo geeks that need everything photography in their lives. It is a stainless steel vacuum thermos mug is perfect for photo shoots and events. It comes complete with a lens cap and coffee spoon. Whether the one you love is out shooting street photography, wildlife or simply editing photos at home, this is the perfect companion for photo buffs.

Ths lens mug is a gift for photographers who want to look cool at a photo shoot. Check it out here.

24. Fun Neon Camera Sign

For the home office, this Neon lights camera sign is a great addition to create a photography space in the office. The sign is 30 cm / 30 cm (12×12) so it’s not too big but will add enough zing to the room making it playful and fun.

Photographers will love this gift. It’s the ultimate gift for photographers with style.

25. Photo Printer

When it comes to printing, photographers will want to go through a professional lab, however, a fun gift is a pocket photo printer to be able to create art with the flick of a switch.

Sometimes you just want a hard copy to be able to give someone or to frame and put on your nightstand. All photographers will appreciate this gift to add a little fun to their photography. It’s also perfect for holiday parties.

26. LED Panel Lights

If you know a food photographer this is an excellent addition to their camera gear. The LED Panel light transports a mini studio light to the palm of your hand. The adjustable LED lights are dimmable and come with light filters . It works with Sony, Canon, Nikon, and other cameras. This also helps to take travel photos and people portraits in dim light without needing to use your flash or a tripod.

27. Photography Gloves

Even if you live in a warm climate, you may be traveling to cold places. I’ve used gloves from the Arctic to Antarctica. Taking gloves on and off when photographing can be a pain, but these photography gloves let you be ready to shoot in seconds. Keep your hands warm while exposing only your shooting fingers and thumbs. They are made with merino wool and Thinsulate insulation keeping your hands warm while you shoot.

I’ve tried smart gloves and after a couple of uses, they really don’t work. I need dexterity in my fingers and these gloves are a good option. When traveling anywhere from Yellowstone National Park to the mountains of Switzerland, the Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 gloves do the trick.

28. Smart Phone Lens Kit

More and more people are reaching for their smartphones to take photos these days. Even Dave will go out every once in a while with just his iPhone. So, why not invest in a high-quality lens kit for iPhones? This camera kit comes with a Fisheye Len, 25X Macro Lens, and a 0.62X Wide wide-angle lens. Clip-on Cell Phone Lens Camera Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Smartphones

29. Kodak Sport 8004707 Disposable Camera Waterproof

If you are looking for something fun to give the photographer who has everything, what about a disposable waterproof camera? Waterproof housings can be expensive and are camera-specific and chances are the gift recipient already has a GoPro, so this is a great option. They can take it with them on vacation without worrying about their camera falling in or getting wet when going out on a boat or snorkeling. It’s waterproof up to 50 feet and it is durable with a shock-proof rubber shell

30. B&H Photo Gift Card

Whenever we go to New York, we always pop into B&H Photo. It is the leader in photography. But you don’t need to go to NYC to shop there, B&H delivers worldwide. The git cards never expire and you use them online, over the phone or if you do happen to go to New York, in the store!

So there you have it, my recommendations for cool gifts for a photographer that they will truly love to use. These make for excellent holiday gifts for photography lovers. If you would like some more ideas you can check out my Photography Gear list , which includes a lot of these items as well as a more detailed breakdown of the camera gear that I use as a professional photographer.

Check out our Amazon store for more gifts for travel and gear. The Planet D’s Amazon Store

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If you enjoyed our photography gift guide, save it to Pinterest for future shopping.

Check out our other Gift Guides

• 44 Best Gifts for Travelers
• 32 of the Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers and Adventurers
• 30 Best Work From Home Gifts – Great Ideas for Remote Working
• Travel Charities – Gift Giving Ideas for the Holidays

Disclosure:  The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We receive affiliate commissions, but it’s no extra cost to you!

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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1 thought on “26 Best Gifts for Photographers for 2024”

Thank you for sharing your gift list, it’s so useful! When you work in cold places photography gloves are really necessary and very handy. I feel that these gloves must be very warm because they are made of merino wool.

Advertisement

• Gifts for grown-ups

The 19 Best Gifts for Photographers

By Arriana Vasquez and Phil Ryan

Looking for a gift for your favorite photographer but getting lost in the world of lighting, lenses, and general photography stuff? We’re not at all surprised. Photography gear can get complicated, and it’s tough to know what is actually useful. The photographers at Wirecutter got together and came up with a list of our favorite accessories to help make shopping a little easier.

Quality disposable

Ilford XP2 Super Single Use Camera

Ilford’s XP2 is simple to use, makes great black-and-white photos, and can be developed anywhere color film is processed.

Buying Options

If the photographer in your life is inspired by Ray Johnson —the Pop artist who shot thousands of photographs with disposable cameras—or just has fun playing with different kinds of cameras, they might love the Ilford XP2 Super Single Use Camera . Ilford, which started manufacturing roll films in 1912, has a reputation for producing some of the best film in the world, and its single-use camera is one of our favorite disposable cameras for producing black-and-white photos that have the textured look of classic film images. Its retro red-and-white-striped design also makes it far cooler looking than other disposable cameras.

Peak Design Capture

This rustproof aluminum camera clip securely attaches onto bag straps or belts and releases at the press of a button.

For photographers who need easy access to their camera—such as hikers and others who don’t have time to fuss with a bag—this clip makes grabbing it a breeze. Sturdy enough to hold more than 200 pounds, the Peak Design Capture clip, which is made of rustproof aluminum alloy, securely attaches to bags or belts and includes a tripod-compatible plate that screws onto the camera bottom. To detach their camera from the clip, your gift recipient can just press a quick-release button and start shooting away. Senior updates writer Arriana Vasquez loves hers so much that she wishes she had one on every bag.

A sleek camera bag

Peak Design Everyday Sling

This minimalist camera bag, made of recycled nylon and featuring a padded shoulder strap, is just the right size for carrying around a couple of lenses and some extras.

Made of tough recycled nylon and featuring customizable dividers, the structured, minimalist Peak Design Everyday Sling camera bag is just right for tooling around town and snapping photos. Senior staff writer Phil Ryan has used an older version of this bag for almost five years. It can fit a short zoom lens or two (or three non-zoom lenses), as well as extra batteries, memory cards, and lens wipes. Though it isn’t big enough to carry longer lenses—that would require lugging around a bulkier bag—it does have bottom straps for attaching a travel tripod or monopod.

A handy hard drive

Samsung T7 Shield (1 TB)

Photographers shooting digital need a copious amount of storage. This portable SSD hits the sweet spot, offering a good mix of price, speed, and size, plus a little extra physical protection.

As cameras continue to evolve, offering more megapixels and better video, their files take up more and more space. For most photographers, memory cards and computers just won’t cut it—an external solid-state hard drive is where it’s at. SSDs are faster and more durable than portable and external hard drives and less prone to damage or corruption than a memory card. The Samsung T7 Shield (1 TB) , our pick for the best portable SSD , supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps for fast photo and video transfers, and its cushioned exterior protects it inside bags.

Kodak Film Case

This sturdy, steel case keeps up to five 35mm film rolls protected and organized.

If someone you love shoots with a film camera and is always hunting around in their bag for the next roll, the Kodak Film Case can help them get organized and protect their celluloid. Sporting a click-on lid, the compact, steel case is quite durable though not as lightweight as plastic versions we’ve recommended in the past. The lid stays put, though, which is the whole point of the case in the first place. You can choose from six color options.

Stroppa Flat Camera Neck Strap

This lightweight, braided strap is flexible, sturdy, and available in a variety of hues.

Camera straps tend to be either utilitarian or long strips of leather, leaving few options if your gift recipient is the colorful type. The Polish company Stroppa makes its soft rope Camera Neck Strap in a rainbow of hues that you can mix with a selection of thread colors as accents along with high-quality leather loops and split rings at the ends to connect the strap securely to the body of a camera. You can choose lengths from 28 to 59 inches (the strap that comes with your camera is typically 42 inches) and select from Flex (all-purpose), Duo (sailing), and Active (climbing) ropes and a flat or round style. We’re partial to the flat, green-and-white Duo 39-inch (100 cm) length.

Selectable sharpness

Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Sweet 35 (Canon EF)

With this unique lens—available for all sorts of mounts—photographers can pinpoint one small circle for sharpness while blurring the rest of the image.

If the photographer in your life needs some inspiration, and you know which camera system they use, the Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Sweet 35 optic could be the perfect thing to help them look at the world in a different way. Imagine a lens that has only a small circular area of sharpness, and all around that is blur. Now imagine that area of sharpness moving around in the photo frame. That’s what a photographer can do with the Sweet 35 (the name refers to the sharp area being circular and the focal length being 35 mm). The link above leads to the Canon EF–mount version of the Composer Pro II, but Lensbaby also has versions for Canon RF , Fujifilm X , Micro Four Thirds , Nikon F , Nikon Z , and Sony E mounts.

A blast of fresh air

Giottos Rocket Air Blaster

With a thin, powerful stream of air, this long-nozzled, easy-to-squeeze blaster deftly removes dust and debris from even the most delicate lenses.

If there’s one thing that nearly 200 years of photography has proven, it’s that dust and loose dirt will eventually find their way onto the front of a lens. Your first instinct might be to wipe it away with a shirt, but the best thing to do is to blow that dust away, not with your mouth (which would expel particles) but with a lens blower. The Giottos Rocket Air Blaster pushes a stream of air out the tip when you squeeze the rubber bulb and takes new air in as the bulb expands again. (See more in our article on how to clean cameras and lenses .) Plus, it looks like a rocket, thanks to the legs that let it stand upright on a surface.

Legs for a smartphone

Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit

This portable tripod is light enough to take anywhere but strong enough to support the heaviest smartphone and even some cameras.

Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount

This rotating mount holds any size phone comfortably and can serve as a stand on its own.

For the photographer who enjoys using a smartphone, consider getting them the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit —a tripod with bendable legs—paired with the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount . Like most smartphone tripods , this combo will let your gift recipient stand their phone on a table, but they can also wrap the legs around tree limbs, sign posts, handrails, or even an arm for taking more unusual shots. The possibilities are endless.

Go-everywhere lens care

LensPen Black Series

Essential for camera cleaning, this dual-sided pen features a brush on one end and a carbon-charged felt tip on the other for erasing debris and smudges.

If a lens is dirty enough that an air puffer can’t clean it, or if fingerprints mar the glass, it’s time to try a LensPen. The size of a large marker, the LensPen Black Series has a retractable brush on one end and a lens-cleaning tip on the other. Start with the brush to get rid of dust before using the tip, which uses highly absorbent carbon to wipe away dirt or oils on the glass. A carbon-laced pad inside the cap recharges the tip for roughly 500 cleanings.

A wider view

Moment Anamorphic Lens

This lens offers mind-bending images that smoosh together a wider view into a smaller one.

Moment Photo Case

Mount the Moment Anamorphic Lens with this case.

Smartphones can already shoot video that fills an HD or 4K TV’s wide screen, but if your videographer friend’s heart yearns for an even wider, cinematic look (think black bars on the top and bottom), they’ll have to use something like Moment’s Anamorphic Lens . Through a bit of optical magic, the lens squeezes the wider view into a distorted image that the smartphone captures. Then, the free Moment camera app unsqueezes the image to produce an undistorted super-wide picture or video. One caveat: To mount the lens on a phone, you must pair it with Moment’s phone case. That said, we like the case, and it’s available for a variety of iPhones , as well as Google Pixel and Samsung phones.

A better strap

BlackRapid Sport Breathe

Because this comfortable nylon sling strap connects to the camera’s tripod socket, the camera moves freely along the strap, making quick shots easy.

For the photographer who could use a good strap to keep their camera accessible (or to save it from dropping), we like the BlackRapid Sport Breathe camera strap. It’s the most comfortable strap we’ve tested, and the sling style makes taking fast photos especially convenient. Unlike a basic neck strap, which uses lugs or clips to connect to the camera, a sling strap connects to the camera’s tripod socket. The piece that attaches to the camera can slide freely along the strap so the camera dangles by the photographer’s side when not in use, and they can just grab the camera and lift it up to their eye faster than they could with a traditional neck strap.

A medium-format starter kit

Ilford Obscura Pinhole Camera Kit

For photographers who enjoy developing their own film, this all-in-one pinhole camera kit includes black-and-white film, a light-tight box, and an exposure calculator.

If the serious photographer you know likes to shoot film, the Ilford Obscura Pinhole Camera Kit offers a relatively inexpensive way for them to experiment with medium-format film. It includes everything to get started: the camera, 10 sheets of 4-by-5-inch Ilford Delta black-and-white film, a three-tray light-tight box for exposed film, an exposure calculator, and 20 sheets of 4-by-5-inch Ilford Multigrade IV RC paper. Your friend will be on their own in terms of developing the negatives and printing on the paper, but black-and-white development is much easier to do at home compared with color.

Magical image making

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Fun and simple to use, this instant camera takes good-looking wallet-sized photos for 75¢ per print.

Any photographer who has ever printed an image in a darkroom is likely to wax rhapsodic about the feeling of sorcery they got while watching a picture slowly emerge as the chemicals did their work. An instant camera prompts a similar reaction. Our favorite model is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 . Its 3.4-by-2.1-inch prints are about a half inch smaller in each dimension than the Polaroids that Gen Xers probably remember from childhood, but the images look just as good. In fact, the Instax film produces better-looking photos than you can get from any other instant-camera film currently sold—including Polaroid’s revived instant film cartridges . Plus, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini film twin-pack keeps the price per print to about 75¢, less than for new Polaroids.

Lens-cap saver

Foto&Tech Camera Lens Cap Keeper

For just a few dollars, this handy elastic string, which stays attached to the camera, keeps a lens cap safely tethered.

Does your photographer friend have a habit of putting their lens caps down, or in their pocket, and then misplacing them? A lens cap holder, like the Foto&Tech Camera Lens Cap Keeper , can solve that problem. It works with any lens and any lens cap. Lens-cap savers are all very simple and essentially the same—designed with an elastic loop that connects the lens cap to the body of the camera—and Foto&Tech’s version gets good reviews and comes at a decent price. The piece attaches to the lens cap with strong adhesive, and it could save someone a headache or two.

Safer memories

Pelican 0915 Memory Card Case

With dedicated slots for microSD and miniSD cards, this water-resistant case keeps precious, tiny memory cards well protected.

May be out of stock

Keep someone’s memories safe—get them the Pelican 0915 Memory Card Case . It has dedicated slots for microSD and miniSD cards, a water-resistant seal, and a virtually indestructible casing, all of which adds up to way more protection than any makeshift storage your giftee may have been using.

Geometrical Pocket Tripod Pro

When folded, this origami-like cell phone mount fits into a wallet’s credit card slot.

The Geometrical Pocket Tripod Pro is an origami-like cell phone mount that, when folded for storage, fits into one of the credit card slots of your wallet. When you’re ready to take a photo that needs a little extra stability, simply twist it horizontally, flip up the sides, and it’s ready to go. All you need is a vertical surface to sit it on. In our testing, we found it to be surprisingly stable for a piece of its size. It’s perfect for group shots, nighttime photos, or long-exposure images.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

This guide was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter. Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara contributed reporting.

Meet your guides

Arriana Vasquez

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter. Her hobbies include reading and photography. Her photos have won several awards in various online competitions, and she is the producer and co-host of Old Books Podcast .

Phil Ryan is Wirecutter’s senior staff writer for camera coverage. Previously, over 13 years he covered cameras and other photo-related items for CNET and Popular Photography. As the latter's tech editor and then senior tech editor, he was responsible for maintaining and refining the lab testing for cameras, and as the main camera tester,  he used and wrote reviews of many of the cameras released in that timeframe.

Mentioned above

• Fujifilm’s QuickSnap Flash 400 and Kodak’s FunSaver one-time-use cameras will give you reliably great color results at your next party or gathering. The Best Disposable Cameras  
• If you need a fast, reliable way to move files between computers, the Samsung T7 Shield (1 TB) is the portable solid-state drive for you. The Best Portable SSD  
• Joby’s GorillaPod 1K Kit and the Ulanzi ST-27 tripod mount are the best choices to steady your smartphone when shooting photos and video. The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones  
• The best instant camera for taking high-quality, retro-cool photos is the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40. The Best Instant Camera  

Further reading

What My Vintage Digital Camera Obsession Has Taught Me

by Ben Keough

Before you go digging for hidden gems in the graveyard of digital camera history, heed these warnings.

Gen Z Is Bringing Back “Vintage” Point-and-Shoot Cameras. Our Experts Weigh In.

by Annemarie Conte

Vintage compact point-and-shoot cameras are all the rage. Here’s how to get one of your own or something you might like even better.

The Cameras Used by New York Times Opinion Columnist (and Photography Hobbyist) Jamelle Bouie

by Jamelle Bouie

These cameras aren’t new or easy to find, but the results are stellar.

The Best SD Cards

by Eleanor Ford and Justin Krajeski

After extensive research and testing, we think the 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best SD card for use in digital cameras or other devices.

The best gifts for the travel-obsessed photographer

These gifts make traveling with your camera equipment a breeze.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Shopping for travel gifts for a photographer this holiday season? There are plenty of presents in this guide that we are sure will delight them. Whether you are looking for a big-budget jaw-dropper (like a camera or a drone) or something with a more reasonable price point—we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about the gifts that we think the traveling photographer in your life will love.

Best travel drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro

Best travel backpack: lowepro photosport bp 24l aw iii.

• Best hard camera case: Pelican Air 1535 Case

Best lightweight camera backpack: WANDRD PRVKE Lite

Best camera strap: peak design slide camera strap.

• Best compact travel tripod: JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit

Best full-size travel tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best editing console for travelers: loupedeck creative tool, best sd cards for travel: sony tough cards, best case for organizing memory cards: pelican 0915 micro memory card case.

• Best action camera : GoPro HERO11 Black Accessory Bundle

Best international plug adapter: Sublimeware Multi Port Electric Plug

Best noise-canceling headphones for quiet journeys: bose noise cancelling headphones 700.

• Best way to encourage printing photos: Mpix Gift Card

Best backup power when on the go: Anker Portable Charger

Best tool for smartphone videographers: dji osmo mobile 6 smartphone gimbal, best starter kit for smartphone cameras: moment iphone 14 starter kit – three lenses, best way to keep gear clean: urth glass cleaning kit.

• Best packing cubes to stay organized: Cotopaxi Cubos Travel Cubes  

Best way to keep files safe: LaCie Rugged SSD 1TB

Best large duffel for big trips: patagonia black hole wheeled duffel bag 70l, best notebook for travelers: moleskine voyageur notebook.

Sure, a camera is great for documenting travels. But if the photographer in your life wants truly unique, wow-worthy photos and videos, a drone is the way to go. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best option for globetrotting due to its tiny size (about the size of a soda can when folded), stability in the air, user-friendly flight modes, and quality camera. It also only weighs 249 grams (8.78 ounces), which is below the FAA’s requirement for registering drones in the United States. Though regulations will vary in each country, many have similar weight restrictions, meaning there will be fewer issues getting this little thing in the air while traveling.

The LowePro PhotoSport backpack is a fantastic travel gift for a photographer who loves to explore the great outdoors. This is the third iteration of the backpack design, so you can trust lots of kinks have been worked out by now. The top-loading backpack is designed with plenty of space for hiking gear and personal items. It also features a dedicated insert for camera equipment that offers side access. The bag is lightweight (3.31 pounds), is made of 75 percent recycled materials, and features an ActiveZone harness system to help ensure that the weight of the pack is distributed evenly on your back.

Best hard case: Pelican Air 1535 Case with Foam

If you know someone who travels with a lot of camera gear and wants the ultimate level of protection, the Pelican Air case is the premier choice. The case is crushproof, dustproof, and watertight. Despite all that, it’s 40 percent lighter than traditional hard cases. The case comes with the customizable TrekPak divider system to keep gear safe while in transit. Or you can choose Pick N Pluck foam or padded dividers as well. It has integrated wheels for easy transport through airports. And two stainless steel padlock protectors keep everything secure.

Sometimes, you just don’t need a giant camera bag. Whether going on a quick day trip or wanting to travel quickly and lightly, many times, a small bag is best. The WANDRD PRVKE Lite is our favorite lightweight option. It has a built-in camera cube, a laptop sleeve, tons of pockets for personal items, and a roll-top design that easily increases its carrying capacity. 

The backpack has three points of access: a side pocket for quick camera access, a lay-flat clamshell opening (great for getting through security at airports), and the previously mentioned roll-top. And the PRVKE bag is made of durable, water-resistant tarpaulin and nylon. Photographers won’t have to worry about their camera gear getting ruined if they get caught in some bad weather during their travels.

Peak Design

The Peak Design Slide is an industry-favorite camera strap. It’s made of padded nylon webbing, has a minimalist design, and can be used as a sling, a neck strap, or a shoulder strap. Peak Design’s unique anchors and quick-pull handles make it incredibly fast to get this strap attached to your camera so you can start shooting. Our favorite part? Those handy anchors can be attached to any camera body, so you can purchase an extra pack and move the strap between multiple camera bodies without much fuss.

Best compact travel tripod: JOBY Gorilla Pod

Joby’s GorillaPod is one of the best tripods for travel and adventure. The tripod has a unique design with flexible legs that can be wrapped around nearly anything for stable shooting and interesting angles. It features a ball head with a 360-degree panning bed, 90 degrees of tilt, and a bubble level to keep your horizon lines straight while shooting. The GorillaPod only weighs 0.86 pounds, making it easy to pack alongside their camera equipment on their next trip.

While the GorillaPod is great as a compact tripod, sometimes photographers need something full-sized. The Peak Design Travel Tripod offers the benefits of a full-size tripod yet is only the width of a water bottle when folded down. It supports a wide range of shooting angles and even features an integrated phone mount. This particular version is made of carbon fiber and weighs just 3.4 pounds. If you’d rather have a lower price point for a travel gift, the aluminum version is also fantastic.

Having an excellent camera to capture your adventures while traveling is really only the first step. A lot of the magic of photography happens in the editing room. The Loupedeck Creative Tool is a customizable console aimed at improving your efficiency while editing. It can be used to edit photos, videos, and even audio and works with a number of Adobe programs and Capture One. Functions can be customized based on your specific workflow, and it’s a lot more ergonomically friendly than using a mouse or a trackpad for long periods of time. The console has a relatively small footprint as well, making it easy to pack along on your adventures.

The Sony Tough Card is the world’s first one-piece molded SD card. This design makes the card more durable than traditional SD cards, which feature tiny ribs that have been known to break off inside of cameras and wreak havoc on the precious files that are stored inside. They also happen to have an IPX8 waterproof rating , are dustproof, and have fast enough read and write speeds that they can handle 4K video shooting and burst mode. When photographers are making photographs far away from home, having cards they can rely on becomes extremely important. So far, Sony’s Tough cards haven’t let us down.

Having more than one memory card is essential, especially on longer trips. But, without a dedicated method of keeping them organized, they are liable to get lost. We love this tiny Pelican case because, like the company’s larger cases, it is made of rugged polycarbonate resin. Even if it ends up on the bottom of a pack, cards won’t get crushed. And it has a water-resistant seal with an IPX4 rating. It can hold 12 SD cards, six mini SD cards, and six micro SD cards, which is more than enough for even lengthy journeys.

Best action camera: GoPro HERO11 Black Accessory Bundle

While GoPros aren’t a full replacement for a standard camera, they really are fantastic travel buddies, which is why we couldn’t leave them out of our travel gift suggestions. The Hero 11 is rugged and durable without needing any additional accessories. It’s even waterproof without a case down to 33 feet. That saves space (and money) while packing. It features a larger sensor that allows for 5.3K video and 27-megapixel photos and supports social media-ready vertical video. Plus, the video stabilization is truly outstanding, so even if they are mountain biking or trail running on rugged terrain, the footage will be smooth.

Sublimeware

Those who travel internationally will encounter all sorts of plug varieties. It can be challenging–and annoying–to make sure you have multiple types on hand if going to a few different countries on one trip. That’s why a multi-port adapter is a fantastic gift for world travelers. This particular plug works in 150 countries using US, UK, EU, or Chinese outlets. It also has four USB ports, so it can charge four devices at once if needed. 

It can be hard to get quiet time when you’re on the road. Whether traveling by plane, train, or bus, having a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can be life-changing. These Bose headphones provide 11 levels of noise cancellation, so if the traveler doesn’t want to entirely tune out the world, they’ll have options. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they can get some sleep in noisy situations but worry less about them being totally unaware. These headphones provide excellent sound quality and also contain a mic for hands-free calls. And they offer 20 hours of battery life, plenty for even the longest flights. 

Best way to encourage printing photos: Mpix gift card

Photographers are typically notorious for not printing their own work. That’s an extra shame for travel photographers. A gift card to a reputable printing company is a fantastic and unexpected way to get them to print their own photos. Mpix offers a wide variety of products: They can select from standard flat prints, canvases for walls, photo books, cards, or even mugs or luggage tags. And sure, gift cards aren’t the most exciting. But chances are, you don’t have the files to print their work, and allowing them to choose the format will likely be appreciated. 

I’m sure anyone who has traveled even a little has run out of phone battery at just the wrong time. A battery pack is a must for situations like these. It can literally be a lifesaver. Anker’s portable charger is nicely slim, so it will easily slide in a backpack or even a jacket pocket. When fully charged, it will provide 2.25 charges for iPhone 12, 1.6 charges for Galaxy S20, and 1.2 charges for iPad mini 5. And it doesn’t make any annoying high-pitched noises when charging devices like others we’ve used.

Sometimes, photographers like to travel without their cameras but still want a way to document their journey. If they like to create videos of their travels, this DJI phone gimbal will help provide smooth results even while the photographer is running around. It features easy-to-use controls and a compact design. And it offers a built-in extension rod for unique angles and extra reach when it’s needed.

Another way to help creatives document their trips without bringing a full camera kit is a set of phone lenses. Moment’s mobile lenses are some of the best you can buy. Despite being made for mobile phones, they are made of the same high-quality glass that you’ll find on high-end 4K film lenses. This starter kit comes with a case–which is required for attaching lenses–and three lenses of your choosing. They make kits for many different phones, so just be sure to get the right one. 

Traveling will inevitably put you in dirty conditions at some point. And try as best we might, it’s impossible to keep lenses pristine. This lens cleaning kit comes with everything needed to keep lenses spotless. And, unlike lots of kits, it all fits in a weatherproof, recycled nylon case with a zipper. All cleaning supplies will stay put in one spot instead of falling out and potentially getting lost. Plus, Urth plants five trees in areas impacted by deforestation with each purchase, making this an even more beneficial purchase.

Best packing cubes to stay organized: Cotopaxi Cubos Travel Cubes

If the photographer in your life likes to travel with one big stuff sack for camera gear and clothes, packing cubes will be extra helpful. They help keep clothes (or gear) organized, somewhat less wrinkled, and can separate dirty from clean clothes. They won’t have to dig around endlessly in the bottom of a bag before finding the shirt they need. Plus, these Cotopaxi cubes are made of repurposed materials for less waste. They are lightweight and breathable. And they feature handles on top for easier grabbing out of bags.

It’s easy to take thousands of photos on trips, even relatively short ones. And while it is tempting to leave them on a memory card until you’re home, it’s much safer to back up the files as frequently as possible. Having a small, portable hard drive is the best way to ensure files are safe. We love this LaCie Rugged solid-state drive because, well, it’s rugged. It provides IP67 weather resistance, can withstand a nearly 10-foot drop, and offers two-ton car crush resistance. You can literally drive over the thing, and your photos will be fine. 

If you know someone who likes to go on long trips, a large pack will be a welcome gift. We love this Patagonia duffel in part because it is made of 100 percent recycled materials. That includes a recycled polyester ripstop with a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate. It won’t stay dry if dunked in water but can handle some rain or snow. It features a large opening to the main compartment for easier access. A zippered external side pocket, as well as mesh pockets inside the lid, provide space for smaller items. And there are wheels for easier airport maneuvering. 

We at PopPhoto are big proponents of notebooks for photographers. We think they are an invaluable tool, especially because of how simple they are. And for those who travel, having a notebook to job down trip details, plans, and memories is even more important. Beyond assisting with travel plans, it will help tell the stories of the photos better down the line. And it can just be a nice thing to reflect on later on. 

Moleskin specifically designed its Voyageur notebook for travelers. It features detachable packing and to-do lists, a planning section for scheduling purposes, and budgeting pages. And, of course, it also has plenty of journaling space. It even has an expandable inner back pocket for storing flat keepsakes like ticket stubs.

Abby Ferguson is the Associate Editor for Gear and Reviews at PopPhoto, joining the team in 2022. She has been involved with the photography industry in various capacities since her undergraduate training at the University of Kentucky, with work ranging from client photography to program development and management of the photo department at Evolve, a vacation rental company.

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The best gifts for travel-loving photographers

Nov 22, 2019 • 4 min read

For countless people all over the world, travel and photography go hand in hand. There’s nothing quite like focusing your attention on a new place, whether you’re capturing sun-kissed stretches of sandy beaches during golden hour or taking portraits of the smiling faces you meet while on an adventure far from home. With that in mind, here’s seven items any wandering enthusiast would appreciate.

1. Everyday Backpack by Peak Design

Countless hours of trial and error have gone into making these backpacks sturdy and reliable when it comes to keeping your camera gear safe. The patented MagLatch fastener provides security while on the go, while the bag has been thoughtfully laid out to give you quick side and top access, essential features when you are travelling. It’s also waterproof, has an integrated luggage carry slip, houses a dedicated laptop sleeve and comes in a variety of sleek colours and finishes. The Everyday Backpack is available in 20 litre and 30 litre sizes.

Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack, $289.95, peakdesign.com

2. Olloclip smartphone lenses 

As the old adage goes, the best camera in the world is the one you have with you, and today’s travellers almost certainly always have their phones to hand. With that in mind, Olloclip has designed a range of clip-on lenses for devices of all brands that turn your run of the mill fixed-aspect camera into something special. The 4-in-1 photo lens for the iPhone SE provides a fisheye, wide-angle and two macro lenses all in one clip, while their telephoto lenses offer a 2x optical zoom with a circular polarizing lens that removes glare and brings out richer colours in photos. The pack of essential lenses are available for different brands, and offer dynamic looks for photographers hoping to travel light.

Olloclip Fisheye + Super-Wide + Macro Essential Lenses, $99.99, olloclip.com

3. GoPro Hero Black 8 

For years, GoPro have proven that their almost-indestructible, waterproof cameras are up to any challenge, whether you’re catching waves in Portugal or trekking the Swiss Alps. The company’s latest model includes HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilisation and built-in mounting, with four digital lenses for different looks. As well as sporting improved HDR, the Hero Black 8 has three microphones with reduced wind noise for video makers.

GoPro Hero Black 8 + SanDisk Extreme® 32GB microSDHC,$400, GoPro.com

4. Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Photography

What better way to inspire a photography enthusiast than to gift them with the necessary tools and knowledge for the job? This updated edition of Lonely Planet’s bestselling Best Ever Photography Tips features 45 practical tips and ten golden rules put together by award-winning travel photographer Richard I’Anson. It covers how to hone creative and technical skills, and serves as an indispensable guide to learning the basics, even if we do say so ourselves!

Lonely Planet’s Best Ever Photography Tips, $9, LonelyPlanet.com

5. Lens cleaning kits

There’s nothing worse than being on location somewhere exotic only to discover that you have a speck of dust on your sensor. Photographers that do a lot of travelling should always have a camera maintenance kit to hand, because you won’t come away with great photos if your gear isn’t in good condition. Many companies have created handy little packs that contain microfiber cloths, air blowers, cleaning brushes, lens pens and alcohol wipes that are indispensable. Stocking up on extra ZEISS wipes is also recommended, as they can be used for glasses, phones and laptop screens.

TYCKA Lens Cleaning Kit, $16.99, Amazon.com

6. Editing software

Good, reliable editing software is another essential for someone who takes photography seriously. And while many programmes such as Photoshop and Lightroom are expensive to purchase outright, the Creative Cloud plan gives access to the programmes on a pay-by-the-month basis. The photography plan is especially good, and includes Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop and Photoshop Express. Be sure to try the free trial first.

Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan, $9.99 per month, Adobe.com

7. Polaroid Lab

Instant film has made a Lazarus-like comeback in the last few years, with one of the biggest names in the game, Polaroid being reborn as Polaroid Originals with help from the Impossible Project. Now, customers can choose between refurbished vintage cameras and the brand new One Step 2 and One Step +, the latter of which uses Bluetooth to pair with a dedicated mobile app for a 21 st Century take on one of the first forms of mass photography. Just on the market however is something entirely different and exciting; Polaroid Lab, a printing system that allows you to lay your smartphone on a dock and actually create a polaroid image from the picture displayed on the phone. While it takes some of the spontaneity away from instant film, it allows users to select images that they know are going to be eye-catching and good!

Polaroid Lab, $129.99, PolaroidOriginals.com

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Gifts for Photographers: The Best Photography Gifts for All Photographers!

Last updated: June 2, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments

If you have a photographer or lover of photography in your life who you’d like to buy a gift for, you’ve come to the right place! As a professional photographer, I appreciate that not everyone knows what kind of gifts to get a photographer. So, to help out, we wanted to share with you this list of great gifts for photographers.

We’ve divided this list by budget tiers so that you can find something for any budget whether you have $10 or $2,000 to spend on your favourite shutterbug.

Gifts range from budget-friendly useful camera accessories to waterproof clothing to once-in-a-lifetime photography trips.

Every recommended gift is rated by the skill level of the photographer we think it would be best suited for.

Each gift is rated as being good for a beginner (someone passionate but relatively new to photography), intermediate (someone who has been doing photography for at least a couple of years), or advanced level photographer (someone who had been doing photography for a long time, maybe a long-time hobbyist or professional).

We also realize that you may or may not know much about the skill level of the photographer, their photography, or their photography equipment. So we also rate each gift suggestion by how well you need to know the photographer and their equipment.

For example, buying something like a filter set would require the photographer to know how to use the filters, and would also require you to know some specifics about their camera equipment so you don’t get the wrong size filters. So this would be for a more intermediate to advanced photographer, and you would need to have a fairly good knowledge of the person’s camera equipment.

The good news is, whichever of these photography gifts you decide to go for, the photographer receiving the gift is going to love it! If you have any questions about any of these items or what might be best for a certain type of photographer, just leave us a comment in the Comments section at the end of this article and we’ll try to help.

Let’s take a look at some of the best gifts for photographers available today, whatever your budget. We’ve ordered the sections by price, from least expensive to most expensive.

Budget Gifts for Photographers

All these gifts are inexpensive, but despite their small price point, we think the photographer in your life will love them! These are a mix of practical, technical, and fun gifts.

Photography Themed T-shirt

What better way to share a love of photography with the world than with a fun photography themed t-shirt?

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : No photography knowledge, just the shirt size of the recipient.

Camera Lens Hood

A piece of equipment that is always in our lenses is a lens hood. A lens hood is an extension that fits to the end of a lens, and they perform two main functions in our experience. First, they help reduce glare when shooting on sunny days (they’re also often called sun hoods), and second they provide valuable extra protection to our lenses.

Lens hoods come in all sorts of sizes, and you need to match the lens hood to the lens you are buying it for, so you will need to know a bit about the camera you are purchasing for. They’re also only suitable for mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

Best for : Intermediate- Advanced Knowledge you need : You will need to know the size and type of lens so you can get the right hood. Once you know this, searching for “lens type” + “lens hood” should get you the right product.

Remote Shutter Release

A really neat photography accessory, a remote shutter release lets a photographer take a picture remotely, without having to press the shutter button on the camera. It essentially acts as a wireless shutter remote.

This is great for all sorts of uses, from taking self-portraits or selfies when a camera is mounted on a tripod (it’s far more effective than the self-timer option!), as well as removing the risk of small camera movements when shooting longer exposures.

If you decide to buy a remote shutter release, you will need to know the make and model of the camera you are buying for. For example, this model works for Canon cameras, and this one is for smartphones. Here’s a list to get you started.

Best for : Intermediate – Advanced Knowledge you need : Detailed, as the remote release usually needs to match the model of camera

Microfibre Cloths

As a photographer, I can literally never have enough microfibre clothes to keep my lenses clean. Somehow, they’re always accumulating smudges and other dirt, which can really impact image quality.

You can help the photographer in you life by getting them this pack of microfibre cleaning cloths, so they’ll always have one or two handy, wherever they are. These will work for every camera, from a smartphone or point and shoot, through to a mirrorless or DSLR.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : None, will work with every camera system!

Hand-warmers

Know some who likes winter photography or lives somewhere cold? Well, they’ll definitely thank you for these hand warmers, which are air activated, and provide heat for up to ten hours.

They also work to help keep lenses from misting over, which can happen if shooting at night in humid environments, when the cool night air can cause a camera lens to fog over – ruining long exposure night shots. Attaching these to the lens body with a rubber band can help solve this problem.

There are a number of versions of this product. These are single-use and well reviewed , but you can also get them in a  re-usable format .

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : None

Location based photography guide

If you know that the person you are buying a photography gift for is heading to a specific location, then you might consider buying them a photography guide to that location.

This will help them plan in advance where they might want to go to get specific shots, and should result in a more fruitful trip. Guides tend to be written for the most popular photography locations – for example, this guide to photographing Yosemite is one we always recommend.

Bonus tip – we actually have a series of free photography location guides to destinations around the world which you can recommend as well! See them here .

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : Where their next trip might take them – or where they really want to visit!

Lens Cleaning Kit 

Anyone who has a camera will know that keeping them clean is an important task. So you can help out the photographer in your life by gifting them this inexpensive lens cleaning kit .

It has everything they’ll need to keep their camera clean, including an air blower, microfibre lens cleaning cloths, cleaning fluid, and a special lens cleaning pen.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Limited, best for photographers using mirrorless and DSLR cameras

Memory Cards

Memory cards are another accessory a photographer can never have enough of. Imagine being out shooting, and filling up your memory card – then missing a great shot because you had no room to save it!

Well, you can save this from happening by buying a memory card as a gift. The vast majority of cameras these days use SD memory cards, which come in a variety of sizes and flavours.

Our suggestion is to buy at least a 64GB Class 10 memory card like this . They are very well priced, and will work in nearly every type of camera from a compact camera to a DSLR.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Minimal, nearly every camera will accept these

Waterproof camera cover

In an ideal world, cameras would be resilient waterproof workhorses, capable of handling whatever the elements might throw at them.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world, and whilst some cameras might have an element of weather resistance, only expensive specialist cameras are truly weatherproof. With that in mind, for the photographer who like to get out into the world whatever the weather, they will love this waterproof cover.

Note that there are various sizes depending on the size of the camera, but my advice if you are unsure is just to buy the larger one.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Minimal, although an idea at least of the type of camera you are buying for will help inform as to the size of cover you need.

Camera themed jewelry

For the slightly more stylish photographer in your life, why not consider some camera themed jewelry and apparel? For example, this charm bracelet can be personalized with different charms.

There are lots of ideas like this , from this photography camera pendant through to these nifty camera cufflinks , and most of them are fairly inexpensive too.

For handmade and custom pieces we recommend Etsy, and you can see an awesome selection of photography themed accessories here . We also have a guide to travel jewelry which might also give you some ideas.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : None

Camera Case

Keeping our gear safe whilst we’re out and about is important, and the best way to do that is with a camera bag .

These come in all sorts of sizes and price points, depending on the size of the camera and any other lenses the photographer might want to carry.

For example, this case is for more compact camera setups like a compact or small mirrorless camera, this one will fit medium sized cameras, and this one is for larger camera setups . You can also get backpack style cases like this .

We  also have a more premium option further down in the post, but it’s also possible to pick up a reasonable value case at a budget price point.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : The camera bag will need to match the photographer’s equipment and what they like to carry around with them, so you’ll need to know what that is likely to be.

Interest based guide book

If you have a photographer in mind for a gift, and you know that they have a passion for a certain type of photography, you might want to pick them up a book about that subject.

For example, a passionate bird photographer might enjoy a bird guide , whilst a cityscape photographer might enjoy a guide to architecture .

Best for : Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge you need : What photography subjects they are interested, you should be able to tell from their most shared photos

Manfrotto Pixi Tripod

One thing that every serious photographer needs is some kind of tripod. And whilst tripods can cost a lot, you can also pick up mini tripods like this Manfrotto Pixi model .

It can also be made compatible with smartphones with this smartphone adaptor .

Having a tripod will open up a whole new world of photography options, from better self-portraits through to long exposure, night time and HDR photography.

We have other tripod options further down in the post at different price points, but you can also check out our tripod buying guide for more ideas. We also have a guide to the best gifts for travelers , which you might find helpful for findings a gift for the traveler in your life.

Best for : Beginner – Intermediate Knowledge you need : Limited, will work with nearly every camera. May be too small for larger heavy DSLR cameras and lenses though so if they have a large camera, consider a larger travel tripod.

Amazon Basics Tripod

If you think the photographer in your life is likely to commit to carrying around a larger tripod, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then Amazon actually have an excellent line in basic tripods, part of the AmazonBasics range.

For example, you can pick up this 60-inch AmazonBasics lightweight tripod . Despite its low price, it still has features like bubble levels to help ensure it is level, and a quick release plate to make mounting and releasing the tripod more easy. See the full range of AmazonBasics tripods here .

Best for : Beginner – Intermediate Knowledge you need : Limited, will work with nearly every camera. May not be suitable for the largest professional level equipment.

Camera Lens Coffee Mug

Pretty much everyone likes coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate!), so why not get the photographer in your life a fun mug that happens to look like a well known lens!

There are quite a few of these on the market, but we like this more premium option as it has an insulated stainless steel interior, a screw-on no-spill lid, non toxic ABS plastic exterior – and even a free spoon! Works for hot and cold beverages.

It’s the highest rated and best reviewed camera lens cup we could find, and this is the one we’d suggest you go for.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : None, this is perfect for everyone!

Great Value Gifts for Photographers

Moving up a price bracket now, and into gifts that will cost you a bit more but not break the bank. Again, a mix of practical and fun gifts in this selection.

Photography Magazine Subscription

One way to improve as a photographer is to always try to learn, and a photography magazine subscription can be a great way to learn new tricks and techniques, plus see inspirational photos.

These are available as digital downloads and as physical print editions, and you can see a wide range of options available here . They vary in what they cover, from focusing on specific types of photography through to more inspirational content like National Geographic .

Pricing is very reasonable, and there should be a suitable option for everyone

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing specific, although if you invest in a Kindle option you need to ensure they have a Kindle compatible device.

Spare batteries

Running out of memory is one thing – at least you can go back through your photos and delete a couple of duds in order to free up space.

Batteries on the other hand don’t work that way – once it’s flat, it’s done for the day until you get back to your charger. So we always carry a spare battery or two when we’re out shooting, to avoid this happening.

Batteries are specific to the camera model, so make sure that you invest in the right battery for the camera the photographer has. Here’s a list to get you started.

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : You will need to know the specific model of camera you are buying for as batteries are specific to different cameras.

Hat / scarf

If you know a photographer who likes to head out and do winter photography , then you can help make their time spent outside in cold weather a lot more comfortable by buying them some clothing to keep them warm.

Of course, you could buy items individually, or pick up a set of warm weather items to include the essentials like a warm hat or trapper hat ,  and neck warmer and or a scarf .

Tastes of course vary, but our advice would be to try and ensure items are at least windproof if not also waterproof or water resistant. We also like hats that cover our ears when we’re out in the coldest conditions. To complete the set we’d also suggest picking up some photography specific gloves, which you can read about in our next entry.

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : Whilst some items are one size fits all, you will get the best fit for the hat if you have an idea of the required size.

Photography Gloves

Finding a great glove for photography is a real challenge. It’s really hard to operate a camera with gloves on, so the two main options are fingerless gloves, or gloves where the fingers detach in some way. Otherwise you have to keep taking your gloves off and on, which gets old quickly when out in the field.

We’d suggest avoiding fingerless gloves for anything but the mildest temperatures, as they are less likely to keep your fingers really warm. Instead, find a pair of gloves that has detachable fingers so buttons and dials can be adjusted quickly.

There are a number of options on the market. These are a good pair specifically designed for photography, with a warm merino wool lining and magnetic finger caps, and are the pair that I own.

The company that makes them specializes in winter photography gloves, and they have a wide range of options, depending on the weather conditions. The pair I own are good for fairly cold weather, but if the person you are buying for is travelling somewhere really cold with temperatures far below freezing, they have a range of other options including these and these .

Another option are these , available for both men and women .

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : For the best fit, you will want gloves that match the size of the person you are buying for, so you’ll need to know their hand size.

Framed photos

The rise of digital photography means that whilst we are taking more photos than ever before, we aren’t necessarily printing them out and displaying them.

There are lots of framing options to choose from , and getting digital files printed is fairly simple – most larger grocery stores and drug stores have photo printing facilities. Another option is to have canvas prints of their work created.

Of course, if your friend doesn’t have a collection of photos, there are lots of other ways to buy photos. For example, all our photos are available for you to buy here ! So if you are buying a gift for a lover of travel, a nice travel themed image might make a great gift.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Limited, just need access to relatively high resolution versions of some of their better images

Lens Filters

Lens filters are pieces of high quality glass that generally screw onto the front of a cameras lens. They come in a variety of types, with some, like UV filters, just providing lens protection, and others, such as polarizing filters, which change the look of an image. You can read more about lens filters here .

We’d suggest that a great gift for a photographer looking to try something new and protect their gear would be a filter kit, which includes a variety of filters, such as a clear UV filter for protection, a polarizing filter to change the look of a scene, and a Neutral Density filter, for long exposure photography.

Lens filters come in all sorts of sizes, so you will need to know the filter thread size of the camera lens you are buying for. If you have access to the camera, this will be written on the lens somewhere,  usually using the following symbol: ø. So a 77mm lens thread would be something like  ø 77. Most lenses are between around 40 and 80mm.

In terms of filters, there’s a wide range of filter brands available, from budget through to super expensive. Our tip would be to avoid the ultra-budget options and super expensive options, and go for the middle ground. This filter kit for example, is from well known brand and we’re always happy with the filters they provide.

If you wanted to spend a bit less, you could just buy an individual filter like this one .

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Fairly specific knowledge – you will need to know the size of filter that the lens uses. This will vary for every lens, so you will want to purchase the kit for the lens the photographer uses most regularly. You also need to be sure they don’t have existing filters.

Filehub Travel Router

If you have a photography friend or relation who likes to travel, they will likely want some sort of solution for keeping their photos backed up on the road.

Whilst one option is to carry a laptop to copy photo files to, another option is to invest in something like this FileHub travel router . This will let them copy their photos from an SD card to a connected external hard drive, and will save them having to take their laptop with them just to backup photos .

It also performs a number of other functions, including extending wireless networks for better connectivity, streaming media, and acting as a USB battery pack to charge phones, making it an ideal all rounder gift.

If you’re interested in other devices like this, see our guide to travel routers for more information.

Best for : Intermediate – Advanced Knowledge you need : None

Camera Lens Ball

If you have a photographer in your life who enjoys making photos that are a bit different to the normal, or who you think might be inspired to do so, then you might consider investing in this lensball .

It’s an 80mm spherical crystal ball which allows users to create really neat effects, capturing the scene “inside” the glass ball as it were. It’s a good way to spark the creativity of any photographer, and will be a fun tool in their photography bag.

Note that this gift might not be appropriate for children and it can be dangerous as it magnifies the light from the sun. As a result it can become very hot and cause things to burn, so do read the instructions!

Best for : Beginner to Intermediate Knowledge you need : None, will work with every camera from a smartphone to DSLR

Backup Storage Subscription

If the person you are buying a photography gift for is anything like us, they’ll likely have thousands and thousands of image files on their computer.

This gift will give them peace of mind for all their photos, by allowing them to securely back them up offline in a dedicated cloud storage account. The service we use and recommend is Backblaze , which offer unlimited backup of every file on your computer at a very reasonable price.

It’s what we use to back up all our files, and we highly recommend everyone use it or something like it. You can get  buy it as a gift here . You can also read our guide to the best backup options for photographers for more ideas.

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : None, they just need a computer!

Mid-Value Gifts for Photographers

As well as all the above gifts, the below gifts will give you some ideas for what to buy for a photographer if you have a bit more to spend.

Again, these vary depending on the level of the photographer and how well you know their gear and interests, but you should find something to make a perfect photography gift in this section!

If you know someone who might be interested in portrait or event style photography, or who is just looking to try something new, then you might consider buying them a decent flash unit for their camera.

If you want to do flash photography properly, you’ll need to invest in a more serious flash unit. These are available at various price points, and there are both first party models made by brands like Canon and Nikon for their own cameras, and third party units like Yongnuo which offer lower cost alternatives.

Best for : Intermediated – Advanced Knowledge you need : The flash needs to be compatible with the camera model, so you’ll need to know the camera model you are buying for. Primarily suited to mirrorless or DSLR cameras, although some more advanced compact cameras will have a flash mounting point.

Lighting Kit

As all photographers know, great light is essential to great photos. For photographers who are looking to shoot portraits or photos of indoor products, a good indoor lighting set is going to be an essential piece of equipment.

There are a variety of lighting kits on the market, at a variety of prices. We’d advise picking up a kit that comes with all the necessary pieces of equipment, like the lights, umbrella and stands.

Note also that there is a difference between a light kit and a flash kit. A light kit will usually produce constant light to illuminate a scene, whilst a flash kit like this is designed to work with flashes, producing a short burst of illumination. Both are good options, but a flash kit will usually require additional purchases of the flashes to go with the umbrellas.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Type of photography the photographer is interested in.

Instant Camera

The rise of digital has in some ways eroded the value of the individual photos we take. As there’s no real cost associated with pressing the shutter button, we can take multiple photos and so never value each one as highly as we used to with film.

The solution? An instant camera like the Fujifilm Instax Mini ! This camera will take a picture and then instantly print it, letting the photographer create instant physical memories that they can share with friends and family.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : None, suitable for all types of photographer

A Decent Camera Strap

One of the most appreciated upgrades you can give a photographer is a decent strap for their camera. We use and love our Peak Design camera straps , which make wearing our cameras all day a viable and comfortable option.

These come in a variety of designs, from sling straps through to clutch straps. The main thing we like about the Peak Design system is its modular nature. how easy the straps are to get on and off the camera, and that they are compatible with our tripods.

They are a little bit pricey, but we don’t think cutting corners on the item that holds our camera away from the floor is a good idea. You can see our full Peak Design camera strap review here .

Another option of course if you prefer is a more stylized hand made camera strap , which will give the camera a bit more personality and style! You can see a selection of those here .

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : None, will fit with every camera that has a tripod mount, which is the majority of cameras. Probably best suited for mirrorless and DSLR cameras though.

Photo editing software

One aspect of photography that is absolutely key to great photos is the editing process. This used to take place in the dark room, but these days as we shoot digital files, all our editing can take place on a computer.

Editing is a critical part of photography, especially if your photographer friend shoots in RAW , as they need to get those files into a format they can share with the world.

There are a variety of photo editing products on the market. Whilst our go-to is usually Adobe Lightroom , this requires an annual subscription which is relatively pricey. Instead, we suggest you consider the well-reviewed and popular standalone Luminar product .

This is available for a one-off purchase price, which means you only need to buy it once – there’s no subscription model. It has all the editing features a photographer would need to get themselves started in the world of photography editing, and would make a great gift for any photographer.

If you want some other options, see our guide to the best photo editing software for ideas. We also have a guide to noise reduction software , which many photographers will likely appreciate.

Best for : Beginner – Intermediate (advanced photographers likely already have an editing tool) Knowledge you need : You would just need to know if they already have an editing tool they prefer.

External SSD Hard Drive

As any travel photographer (like me!) will tell you, you can never have enough storage when you’re on the road to backup your photos.

The problem is that external hard drives have long been of the mechanical variety, meaning there’s a spinning disk inside the drive. That makes it very susceptible to failure, which becomes even more of a problem if you’re often travelling and it’s getting knocked about.

Thankfully, in the last few years a new technology has arrived to solve this problem – the Solid State Drive, or SSD. These work like flash drives or memory cards, in that there’s no moving parts, so they are far less likely to fail. They are also much faster at transferring files.

For a long time these were hugely expensive, but prices have now come down to the point where an external SSD is affordable enough, and of a large enough capacity, to make it a viable replacement for a more traditional mechanical external hard drive.

Our advice would be to pick up a 500GB or higher version, which should be enough to store photo and video files from a number of trips.

Best for : Beginner to advanced Knowledge you need : No particular knowledge, these drives should work with most laptops and PCs out there.

Photography Course

Photography is a skill that, like any skill, takes time and effort to master. To help this process along, a great photography gift is the gift of photography knowledge!

There are a number of courses out there, but naturally we recommend the course that we have created. This course covers everything we know about photography, from how a camera works through to editing photos, and advanced techniques like long exposure and astrophotography.

The courses offers lifetime access, so one purchase gets you access to all future updates.

Again, we think that for everything you get, the course is amazing value, and we’ve helped over 2,000 students improve their photography to date. Find out more, and buy the course here .

Best for : Beginner – Intermediate Knowledge you need : None, suitable for all types of photographer

Photography vest

As photographers, we can tell you that there are never enough pockets in our clothes. Whilst we do have a camera bag of course, often you just want to pop out with your camera and a few accessories.

Of course, a few accessories means different things to different people, and once you’ve got your lens cleaning cloth, spare batteries, filters, and other bits and pieces, you start to realise you need more space.

Enter the photography vest. These are specially designed vests with a multitude of pockets to carry pretty much everything you could ever need.

Whilst there are lots of versions of these vests on the market, we like the SCOTTeVEST line of products . These don’t look like a photography vest, whilst being cleverly engineered to have multiple pockets and a load balancing system to make the whole thing more comfortable.

Best for : Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge you need : Clothing size of photographer

Higher Value Gifts for Photographers

Now we have a series of gifts if you have more to spend, perhaps for a special occasion or if you just want to spend a bit more on someone special in your life.

Polaroid Digital to Analog Printer

If you know someone who loves the look of Polaroid images, but who perhaps doesn’t want a Polaroid camera, then they might enjoy this Polaroid Digital to Analog Photo Printer.

This clever device takes digital photos from a phone, and then prints them out in a Polaroid style. So you get all the cool retro looks of a classic Polaroid image.

This has a number of advantages over a Polaroid camera. Primarily, it saves you wasting previous Polaroid film (which is quite expensive) on images that aren’t any good. Instead, you can pick and choose the best images that you’ve already taken, proof them in the dedicated app, and only print your absolute favourites in the Polaroid style.

Of course, this system only works for folks who really want that retro Polaroid look. If you are buying for someone who just likes to print their photos, consider a mobile printer like this instead.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Whether or not you think they’ll love the Polaroid style of images

Colorful Waterproof Jacket

One element of photography that can be easily overlooked is color. Adding a splash of bright color to a shot can really make the image pop.

Of course, not every scene will naturally have a bright splash of color to use, but thankfully there is a way to solve this problem – by dressing ourselves in bright colors and putting ourselves in the photo!

We travel with bright colored clothing like waterproof hiking jackets, as these help make our photos that little bit more exciting. We’d advise bright colors like red, blue, yellow or orange would work well in most situations.

This is also a wonderfully practical photography gift, as it’s will work to keep the photographer dry and warm when they are out and about in inclement weather – even without their camera!

Prices definitely vary greatly, depending on size and brand, but we’d advise spending at least $75 for a jacket to ensure quality and longevity. Key features to look for are water and windproof jackets, with a down lining for warmth.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Clothing size of photographer

Digital photo frame

We take so many photos these days, but don’t spend as much time looking at them as we could. Well, one way to change this is with a digital photo frame.

These are essentially high quality screens that are designed to display digital images, essentially like a picture frame but with a wide selection of images to choose from. This is a great gift for a photographer, as they’ll finally be able to appreciate and display some of their favourite photos.

There’s a wide range of digital photo frames available, as you can see here . Pricing varies with many models available in the $60 – $100 range, although the better rated models with built in storage and features like video support, touchscreen access, and WiFi accessibility seem to be priced between $120 and $180, with higher end models also available.

Best for : Beginner to Advanced Knowledge you need : None, suitable for any photographer

A Carbon Fibre Tripod

Whilst there are cheaper tripods in this list, we think that if you have a bit more budget, a carbon fibre tripod makes for an awesome photography gift.

Carbon fibre tripods are, as the name suggests, made out of carbon fibre rather than a material like aluminium. This makes them lighter, and therefore ideal for travel and landscape photographers who might find themselves hiking a fair distance in order to get a shot.

There are many carbon fibre tripods on the market (see our guide to travel tripods here ), but our favourites are the Vanguard VEO travel tripods , and the Vanguard Alta Pro tripods . The latter are not specifically designed for travel, and are a little heavier and more expensive, but are more suited to professional weight gear.

Another option, although at a higher price, is the travel tripod from Peak Design .

Discounted Price for Vanguard Products for our Readers !

As Vanguard Ambassadors we are able to offer you a unique discount code which will get you 20% off everything in the Vanguard USA , Vanguard UK , Vanguard Spain , and Vanguard Germany online store websites. Just use code  FindingTheUniverse   (case sensitive) on checkout.

Best for : Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing specific, but is best suited to travel and landscape photographers who have a mirrorless or DSLR camera

Photography walk / workshop

One of my favourite ways to improve my own photography knowledge is to go out shooting with other photographers. I always learn a few things, and just seeing how other people frame a scene and see the world always helps me get better shots.

I’d suggest therefore that a good photography gift would be the gift of a local photography walk or hands-on workshop. Of course, availability will vary depending on location. If nothing is available locally, perhaps see if the recipient is heading to a destination where you can buy them a photowalk.

We find that for most larger cities around the world there will be the opportunity to take some kind of photowalk. Prices vary, depending on if these are one on one or group photowalks. You can see a selection of photowalks around the world on Viator here to give you an idea of pricing.

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing specific

ND Filter Kit

Long exposure photography is a technique whereby a photography can use time to create images that look quite special, but capturing the motion of subjects in the image. This can create scenes where the motion of water or clouds is captured, for example.

To do long exposure photography in the day time, you need a set of neutral density filters to reduce the amount of light being captured by the camera, so longer exposures can be used. Depending on the available light, a different strength of filter will be needed.

Because of this, we’d advise picking up a neutral density filter kit, which will have a number of filters of different strengths. There are a range of kits on the market to choose from. Aim to spend around $70 – $120 per filter, as otherwise you can end up with low quality glass that will reduce image quality and might cause strange color issues.

Best for : Intermediate to advanced Knowledge you need : Filters are specific to the size of the lens, so you will need to know the diameter of the lens (measured in mm) to purchase the correct size filter kit.

Darkroom Photography Kit + Guide

Before we went all digital, photography was a complicated chemical process involving rolls of film and hours spent in a darkroom.

If you know a photographer who might be interested in learning about this process, you can pick up this darkroom photography kit , and this accompanying  guide to darkroom photography .

This would be the perfect gift for any photography fan who might be interested in learning a bit more about how film photography and dark rooms work, and is perhaps looking to dabble a bit! You could also just pick up the book as a standalone product, which would make for a great photography gift under $50.

Best for : Intermediate – Advanced Knowledge you need : None, just that they would be interested in learning a little about darkroom photography.

A Great Camera Bag

Whilst you can buy camera bags at all sorts of price points, we’d say that if you want a truly excellent camera bag that will last for years, you’ll likely be looking at spending between $150 and $250.

Our go-to bag for our travel photography kit at the moment is the Vanguard Alta Sky 49. This is large enough to fit two cameras with lenses, as well as a laptop, spare batteries, and a travel drone like the DJI Mavic. It has an awesome tripod carrying system as well, plus two side compartments for water bottles or another tripod.

Obviously, you’ll need to pick the bag based on the photographer that you are buying for and their equipment, but we think that Vanguard make some really excellent products that stand the test of time. See more of their products here .

Best for : Intermediate – Advanced Knowledge you need : What camera equipment they will likely want to carry around with them

Pair of High Quality Binoculars

If you know a photographer who like to shoot wildlife, then you might consider getting them a nice pair of binoculars to accompany their photography gear.

This will fulfill a couple of function. First, a pair of binoculars is going to be easier to use to scan an environment to find a subject than a big heavy camera. Second, wildlife photographers are fans of wildlife in general – and so they will likely get a lot of use from the binoculars anyway, even when they are not actively taking pictures!

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Best for photographers who are into bird and wildlife photography

High Value Gifts For Photographers

The last section of our gift guide for photographers covers the most premium gift ideas for photographers.

These would make really special gifts for the photographer in your life, and will either last a long time, or create memories and photos that will!

Sightseeing Flight

If you know a photographer who is perhaps headed somewhere like the Grand Canyon or another major sightseeing destination like New York, a fantastic present can be the gift of a sightseeing flight.

This will let them get a unique perspective for their photos, and let them get photos they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to get. There’s a wide range of flights available around the world, including cities like LA and  New York , and major sights like the Grand Canyon or Victoria Falls .

For loads more inspiration, see this selection as an example  of what’s available around the world!

Best for : Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing too specific

If you know someone who already has a mirrorless or DSLR camera, then an excellent gift would be a new lens. If the camera they have came with a lens as part of a kit, the chances are that you could buy them a replacement lens for under $500 which would substantially improve the quality of their photos.

Alternatively, you could look to buy them a lens that gives them more creative options, and opens up new types of photography. For example, you might buy a telephoto lens to help them get into wildlife photography, a macro lens for macro photography, or a wide angle lens for landscape photography.

Lenses vary wildly in price, but we’d say that you should look to budget at least $250 for a new lens to get a good quality option. The best lenses often cost more than the camera body they are attached to! For more on lenses, with recommendations for all sorts of different camera types, see our guide to the best camera lenses .

Best for : Intermediate Knowledge you need : Substantial – you need to know what camera they already have so you can buy a compatible lens, as well as what lenses they already have so you don’t duplicate an existing lens.

A Flytographer Tour

As many photographers will know, getting photos of yourself  can be a real challenge. Even if you travel with a tripod, it’s hard to capture candid shots of yourself in the moment.

For this gift, the idea is to help your photographer friend or partner get some great photos of themselves, either while travelling or perhaps when they are out and about shooting.

We recommend the  Flytographer service for just this purpose. They let you hire a photographer in locations around the world to get photos of you enjoying yourself. So let your photography friend take a break from being behind the camera for a bit, and let them capture some moments with them in for a change!

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : You just need to know a suitable location, perhaps based on an upcoming trip.

Compact Camera

If you know someone who wants to get into photography, but they don’t currently have a camera or the inclination to carry a larger camera around with them, then we can suggest you pick them up a high quality compact camera.

Specifically, If you’re going to invest in a compact camera as a gift for a photographer, we’d advise picking up a model with a 1-inch sensor and manual controls, as this will give the photographer more control over their shots, and the larger sensor will ensure they get better shots. We’d suggest a starting price of around $350 would yield a good option.

In addition, if you know a photographer who has a large camera, the chances are good that they will appreciate the gift of a more portable option.

This will mean they don’t have to carry their heavier equipment whenever they want to get a photo, but will mean they’ll still have a camera on them that they can slip into a pocket.

For more ideas and what is available, see our full guide to picking a compact camera here , as well as our guide to the best cameras for hiking and backpacking here .

Best for : Beginner – Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing specific, just be sure they don’t have one already

If you know someone who is just getting into photography, or who is already a keen photographer but perhaps doesn’t have equipment to match their passion, then a fantastic gift would be the gift of a new camera.

As you would imagine, there is a fairly bewildering array of cameras on the market, at a massive variety of price points. Our suggestion would be to pick up either a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera. To help you pick, we’ve put together guides to the best mirrorless cameras and best DSLR cameras on the market, as well as an overall guide to the best travel camera .

If they are adventure junkies, then you might consider an action camera. See our guide to the best action cameras for inspiration in that area.

We think between those posts you should be able to find something to suit, depending on your budget. As a guide, we’d suggest a starting point budget of around $400 – $700.

Best for : Beginner – Intermediate Knowledge you need : Limited, but an idea of what camera they already have will guide you as to whether this is an appropriate gift

If you want to gift a photographer a unique perspective that they can’t get with their existing equipment, the answer is a drone! Whilst drones are often sold as being great for video, we’ve found that having a drone has let us take photos that we’d never be able to get otherwise.

If the person you know already has a drone, then you might consider buying them some drone accessories to make their drone flying life better!

Best for : Intermediate to advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing specific, just be sure they don’t already have one.

Laptop for Photo Editing

As mentioned earlier in this post, editing is an essential part of photography. The problem is that editing photos requires a pretty powerful computer, with many laptops not up to the task.

With this in mind, if you are feeling like giving a great photography gift, a laptop that is up to the task would make your photographer’s editing life a lot easier! There are a number of models on the market – our tips are to look for a model with at least 16GB of RAM, and SSD drive, and IPS display and a fast processor.

Our choice of Windows laptops would be this Dell XPS laptop , which is the one we have. For Mac users it would be the latest MacBook Pro . We also have a full guide to the best laptops for photo editing to help you decide.

Best for : Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing too specific, but an idea as to whether or not they prefer Apple or Windows based computers will help you pick the right model

Photo tours

If budget is less of a consideration, and you want to get a truly special gift, we’d suggest that a specialist photography tour would be a once in a lifetime gift that they would never forget.

Photo tours tend to be specialist guided tours to some of the most photogenic destinations in the world. They are usually quite expensive, but include guidance from expert photographers, and an itinerary that is focused around getting incredible photos.

There are various photography tour providers to destinations around the world. For inspiration, take a look at Discovery Photo Tours , National Geographic’s Photography Expeditions , and this list of photography tours on TourRadar .

Best for : Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge you need : Nothing too specific, but an idea of bucket list destinations for the photographer would be good

Further Reading

That sums up our guide to the best gifts for photographers that we’ve been able to find. Hopefully you’ve been able to find something for the photographer in your life, whatever your budget, and whatever their experience level.

To help you out, we’ve also added many of these gifts to a list on Amazon here , for quick reference and up to date pricing.

As well as this guide, we’ve also written a number of other photography related posts which we think you will find useful. Here are some of them:

• If you’re in a gifting mood, we have a guide to the best gifts for travelers , as well as some great tech gifts for travelers .
• We have a guide to picking the  best travel camera . We also have guides to the  best point and shoot cameras , the  best mirrorless cameras,  the best  DSLR cameras for travel photography , and the best cameras for hiking and backpacking
• We also have a guide to the best camera lenses for travel photography
• If you’re looking for something to edit your photos on, see our guide to the best laptops for photo editing
• We have a  guide to taking better pictures of yourself , how and why to use  back button focus , how to  take pictures of stars , an  overview of Neutral Density filters  and a  guide to shooting in RAW  – just some of our  photography tips posts !
• We also have an always expanding series of  Photography Location Guides , to help you get the best shot in locations around the world.
• A  Beginners’ Guide to Improving your Travel Photos  for those starting out in travel photography
• Our guide to  picking a travel tripod  as well as reasons to why you need a tripod
• My photography course , to help you level up your photography whatever your skill level
• Ever wondered how to easily replace the sky in an image? Check out our guide to sky replacement in photography for an easy process anyone can do.

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions or feedback on this post, just let us know in the comments below.

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Candace Munson says

23rd September 2019 at 4:55 pm

This is very helpful, and I am not exactly sure where to start in choosing a gift as I am looking for a gift for someone who may want to be a photographer. It is going to be my son’s 13th birthday next month and he has shown some interest in photography. He shoots general stuff (friends, family, our pets) and also seems to like nature stuff (leaves, trees, flowers, insects, shells). He doesn’t really have much experience other than taking a lot of photos on his phone, he’s never had a standalone camera. No classes, editing experience, etc. So I am wondering what might be a good starter camera and maybe some nice accessories for a younger teen? I don’t want to invest a ton in case his interest wanes after a few months but want it to be good enough so he can take some decent photos. Appreciate any advice for some appropriate gift ideas.

My budget is in the $250 to $300 range. Could maybe stretch a bit for accesories.

Laurence Norah says

23rd September 2019 at 5:48 pm

Hi Candace!

Great question! My own photography journey started when I was 13, when my parents gifted me a film Canon SLR camera. I will never forget that gift as it was what got me to where I am today. Of course, I’m not saying the same will happen to your son, but if so, I know he will always remember it!

To answer your question more specifically, my advice would be to invest in a low end DSLR. I fear a compact camera might not feel “serious” enough, whilst mirrorless cameras are more expensive at the starter end of the spectrum. A DSLR is a great way to learn the many concepts of photography, and will have all the manual controls he needs as he develops his skills.

Of course, within your budget it would be tight to get many cameras, but you should be able to get a slightly older model that will do everything your son needs. For example, I found this Canon EOS Rebel T6 , which is an excellent starter camera, renewed on Amazon for just a shade over your budget. Other models to consider include the Nikon D3300.

I hope this helps 🙂 Let me know if I can offer any more advice, and I hope your son loves the gift (I’m sure he will!)

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• Gifts for Travellers: Best Travel Gift Ideas
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Extensive Product Range

Gifts for travellers.

Whether it's a portable camera for capturing special moments, or a professional camera and lens kit for your next shoot, our range of travel photography gifts includes something for every adventurous photographer. Our experts have put their heads together and picked our top gifts for travel photographers, including cameras, lenses, vlogging equipment and accessories.

• CAMERAS FOR BEGINNERS
• CAMERAS FOR ENTHUSIASTS
• TRAVEL LENSES
• TRAVEL VLOGGING
• TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Beginner Cameras For Travel

Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera + RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens + Backpack + SD Card

Carrying a heavy bag full of equipment during travel is inconvenient. Our EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera is our favourite travel camera for beginners, because its small and lightweight design is easy to transport in the included backpack. The pack also comes with a versatile, all-round lens, while the APS-C camera sensor offers an impressive 24.1 MP images for high-quality photos during travel. Hybrid Auto Mode and Creative Assist mean that the camera is always ready. Why professionals love the R100? • Small and lightweight, and comes with a travel bag for safe storage • Hybrid Auto Mode and Creative Assist means it's already ready • Enjoy 24.1 MP, 1080p video and intelligent autofocus with subject tracking • Despite the smaller size, this affordable camera has powerful features

Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera + RF-S 55-210mm Lens + RF-S 18-45mm Lens + SD Card + Spare Battery

This small, portable kit combines a 24.2 mp, 23 fps travel camera with two versatile, all-round lenses that cover most standard focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. Together, they offer enough versatility for a range of shots, which is great for beating any challenge when away from home. A top choice for landscapes and nature, the camera has a maximum electronic shutter speed of 23 fps, meaning you can capture movement with breathtaking speed, while autofocus can automatically track people, animals and vehicles. Why professionals love the EOS R10? • Compact kit includes a portable camera and versatile all-round lens • 24.2 mp for stunning detail and 23 fps for high-speed shooting • Offers great versatility for stills and video, great for any traveller • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity for uploading and sharing while away

Enthusiast Cameras For Travel

Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera + RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

A more advanced gift for travel photographers is the EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera. It is popular among confident travel enthusiasts, offering a strong step-up in features with 24.2 MP, 4K video and an incredible 40 fps maximum continuous shooting speed for capturing unmissable moments. The camera is built to tackle any challenge, with a full frame sensor perfect for delivering flattering portraits with a blurred background and sweeping landscapes. The camera can detect, focus and track your subject, even during movement, meaning you never miss crucial moments. Why professionals love the EOS R8? • Full frame sensor for smooth background blur and great low light performance • 24.2 MP stills and 4K video brings out the best • 40 fps shutter speed means you don't miss those unmissable moments • Connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for sharing online

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera Body

The uncompromising speed of the EOS R6 Mark II is well suited for the unpredictability of nature, landscapes and travel. It can handle anything. 40 fps shutter speeds and up to 8-stops of IS mean that you can capture things that move quicker than the blink of an eye, while the image will be clear and blur free as well. Enjoy superb detail thanks to a 24.2 MP sensor that can autofocus in conditions as low as –6.5EV - that's less than the light from a half-moon. Why professionals love the EOS R6 Mark II? • 24.2 MP and up to 8-stop IS for breathtaking image quality • Weather sealing is great for long treks and walks • Large sensor, dynamic range and high ISO for low light and vibrant colour • Will last 50% longer with standard batteries when off the beaten track

Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera + RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens + Backpack ...

SALE + ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO £ 300 LENS CASHBACK

• Easy-to-use Mirrorless EOS R camera for families
• Large 24.1 MP APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus
• Advanced connectivity with Bluetooth® & Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera + RF-S 55-210mm Lens + RF-S 18-45mm Lens + SD Ca...

• For enthusiasts and content creators wanting to be more creative
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, deep learning, 15/23 fps (mech/elec shutter)
• 24.2 MP, APS-C Sensor, up to 4K 60p video, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Out of stock online

• For powerful portraits, wide-open landscapes and amazing video
• 24.2 MP, full-frame sensor, up to 40 fps¹, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, max ISO 102,400²
• 4K/60p movies, Full HD/180p, Canon Log 3, advanced video functions

• Full-frame mirrorless camera that lets hybrid shooters master their craft
• 40 fps, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 24.2 megapixel, 8-stop in-body Image Stabilizer¹
• 4K 60p video², Bluetooth & Wi-Fi connectivity, Max ISO 102,400

Camera Lenses For Travel

RF 50mm F1.8 STM A compact lens is a great travel photography gift. Experiment and explore your creativity during travel with the affordable and compact RF 50mm F1.8 STM lens. The lens has a super-fast f/1.8 aperture that makes it well suited to low-light photography. It also allows you to play with depth of field, as you can achieve sharp focus and a blurred background. A 50mm focal length is a versatile length that can tackle landscapes and portraits, and it is compact enough to travel with ease. RF 28mm F2.8 STM The RF 28mm STM is a super-compact wide-angle prime lens that excels at travel, street and everyday photography. It's a small lens, but offers a wide world of creativity, with a versatile focal length that can tackle wide-angle landscape, street and architecture photography. The lens has a fast f/2.8 aperture, meaning it can tackle lower light with ease as well. The pancake design can fit inside any travel bag with ease.

RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM The RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is your ideal starter lens; a small, all-purpose and lightweight zoom for everyday use. Start your mirrorless journey with advanced image stabilisation, silent operation and great image quality. The focal length is a must-have for travel, as it can take incredible vistas, isolate a single subject for a portrait or get the whole family into one image. This is your everyday travel lens! RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM This compact, lightweight telephoto lens for your APS-C EOS R camera gets you closer to the action, letting you experiment with telephoto images of travel, landscape, sports and family photography. Get closer to the action with the same sharpness thanks to an up to 4.5 stop Image Stabilizer that keeps your images smooth and sharp. The lens also comes with a quiet STM motor and a seven-blade aperture for smooth and soft out-of-focus bokeh.

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens

SAVE £ 35 AT CHECKOUT + £ 20 CASHBACK ON THIS LENS

• Low light photography, portrait photography, travel photography
• Enthusiast level
• STM motor, RF mount, Super Spectra Coating

Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens

£ 20 CASHBACK ON THIS LENS

• Travel, landscapes, street
• Wide-angle lens, great low-light performance, pancake lens, STM focussing

Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

• General-purpose, everyday, travel
• Entry level
• 4.5-stop IS, 24-50mm, compact design, STM focusing

Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens

• Travel, sport, family and pets
• 55-210mm¹, 4.5-stop² IS, compact design, STM focusing

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM Lens

SAVE £ 500 AT CHECKOUT + £ 300 CASHBACK ON THIS LENS

• Landscapes, architecture, travel
• Professional L-series
• 5-stop Image Stabilizer, Lens Control Ring

Travel And Vlog

Canon PowerShot V10 Advanced Vlogging Kit

For many, travel and vlogging go hand in hand. At Canon, we have a wide range of travel vlogging equipment that can make creating content while out and about simple. The first is our specifically designed vlogging camera, the Canon PowerShot V10 Advanced Vlogging Kit. A go-to camera for vloggers, the PowerShot V10 is a pocket-sized camera that is small enough to fit in your pocket. For stabilised 4K video, the camera includes a built-in microphone, windshield, stand and lens, while still being small enough to fit in your pocket.

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera, Black + RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens + Backpack + SD Card + Spare Battery

Another option for travel vloggers is the EOS R50. A great hybrid camera, the kit comes with an all-round lens, a tripod and a microphone. Creators can enjoy UHD 4K video, high-quality 24.2 MP images and deep learning autofocus that can track fast-moving subjects automatically. Additionally, the camera includes an ergonomic grip, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and a handy vari-angle touchscreen, offering more versatility in difficult filming locations.

Canon PowerShot V10 Advanced Vlogging Kit, Silver

• Ideal compact vlogging camera
• 4K (29.97p/25.00p/23.98p) Full HD (59.94p/50.00p)
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Livestream to Facebook and YouTube³

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera, Black + RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens + Bac...

• Perfect for content creators who shoot stills and videos
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 24.2 MP, APS-C sensor, 12/15 fps¹, UHD 4K 30p video
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®, Vari-Angle Touchscreen, Multi-Function Smart Shoe

Travel Accessories

Travel accessories are a must-have for any travel photographer. They also make great gifts for travel photographers. At Canon, we have a range of affordable travel options that can make travel photography easier and improve your final product. Our range of accessories includes travel bags such as the Monfrotto Advanced Holster L III, tripods like the JOBY GorillaPod 1K Tripod and flashes including the Speedlite EL-100 Flash. All are high-quality and help make travelling with a camera easier. Finally, a range of memory cards and battery packs mean that you never run out of storage or power while you're travelling.

Manfrotto Advanced Holster L III

• Easily carry photography equipment including your camera and tripod
• Detachable padded strap and belt loop for easy handling
• Fold out protector keeps the harsh weather off your equipment

JOBY GorillaPod 1K Tripod plus BallHead Kit

• Create video and photo content with ease
• Flexible legs and BallHead 1K with ergonomic and sturdy design
• Compact and lightweight for devices weighing up to 2.2 lbs

Canon LP-E6NH Battery Pack

• More photos and video on a single charge
• Compatible with LC-E6 / LC-E6E battery charger
• Can be charged in-camera with compatible EOS models

SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I C10 Memory Card, 128GB

• Designed for professional photographers and videographers
• Transfer 4K video and high-res images for fast post-production workflow
• Designed to withstand extreme environments

Canon Speedlite EL-100 Flash

• Automatic lighting with AI Bounce
• Guide number of 26m
• Wireless flash control sender/receiver

Canon LP-E17 Battery Pack

• Extend your shooting time
• Fits with the LC-E17E battery charger
• Lithium-ion technology

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59 Best Gifts for Photographers in 2024 (For All Occasions)

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

If you’re looking for gifts for a photographer, you’ve come to the right place. Buying gifts isn’t always an easy task. You have birthdays, anniversaries, and the holiday season.

And finding great gifts for everyone can be difficult. But we’ve got many excellent gift ideas for photographer friends, family members, and colleagues.

They can be a beginner or a professional photographer . And your budget can be big or small. No matter what you need, we’ve got a list of amazing gifts for photographers!

59 Awesome Gifts for Photographers

If you have a friend or a family member who loves photography, it gives you a wide selection of gift opportunities . But that big selection can also be a confusing maze of gadgets and gizmos.

That’s why we’ve divided our list into manageable categories to help you find the perfect gift for your photographer friends and family. Use the links below to jump to each section.

• Digital Cameras
• Camera Lenses
• Light and Light Accessories
• Camera Bags and Cases
• Accessory Bags and Cases
• Camera Straps
• Camera Tripods
• Gifts for Film Photographers
• Great Gifts for Smartphone Photographers
• Camera Accessories for Any Photographer
• Fun Photography Gifts

1. Digital Cameras

If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything). Prices last updated on .

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

2. Camera Lenses

3. Light and Light Accessories

4. Camera Bags and Cases

5. Accessory Bags and Cases

6. Camera Straps

7. Camera Tripods

8. Gifts for Film Photographers

Buying film for a film photographer might seem a bit obvious and unimaginative. But believe me, they will appreciate it.

A film photographer can never have enough film. You’ll save them a few pennies on a necessary item.

9. Great Gifts for Smartphone Photographers

10. Camera Accessories for Any Photographer

11. Fun Photography Gifts

Conclusion: Best Gifts for Photographers

Finding gifts for photographers isn’t always easy. There’s so much photo equipment and accessories to look through.

But this article should give you some great gift ideas to make your favorite photographer happy on any occasion.

If you’re buying someone their first camera for a special occasion, give them our Photography for Beginners course to go with it!

Popular Content

Travel & Photography Gift Guide

We’ve put together this Travel and Photography Gift Guide  with our favorite travel photography gear for taking pictures while enjoying outdoor adventure.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who enjoys travel and/or photography, check out this list of Travel gift ideas !

Through the years we have tried and tested various travel and photography items, and have determined the gear that works best for us.

We have gifts for travel, road trips, hiking, national parks, and photography!

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Travel and photography gift guide.

Here’s our list of travel and photography gear we use and recommend!

Packing Cubes

We were hesitant to join in the packing cubes trend, but once we used them, we were immediately hooked. Packing cubes are amazing and make great gifts for anyone who likes to travel.

They keep everything organized and really do save space when packing your backpack, travel bag or suitcase.

→ We have 2 sets of the Travelwise packing cubes  – a different color for each of us!

Buff Headwear

We never venture outside without our  Buff headwear  to protect us from the weather and insects.

The headbands can be worn 12 different ways and they dry quickly and wick away moisture.

I use it as a headband to keep hair out of my face or cover my ears or neck. Dave likes to make his into a cap for his head and another one to wear around his neck.

We also love the  fleece lined Buff headwear  for cold weather adventures!

Reusable Water Bottle

A  reusable water bottle  is the best practical gift for anyone who travels.

Staying hydrated is so important while traveling.

We use our refillable water bottles to avoid buying single-use plastic water bottles.  Collapsible water bottles  are nice to save space and avoid carrying something bulky. The  Contigo metal bottles  are a good choice if space is not an issue and you want to keep the water cold all day.

Compact Travel Cameras

Do you know someone (or YOU) who enjoys travel photography? A  travel camera  is the perfect gift for the person who likes to take pictures as they travel to capture memories as treasured souvenirs to share with family and friends. 

A good travel camera should produce quality photos and be easy to carry.

We wrote a buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect compact travel camera for the traveler on your list.

Lightweight Travel Tripods

A sturdy tripod is the one thing that can dramatically improve your photos. Really!

A  lightweight, compact tripod is a wonderful gift for anyone who likes taking photos while hiking and exploring the outdoors.

→ We always recommend the MeFoto Globetrotter Carbon Fiber tripod .

Use our buyer’s guide to find the best lightweight travel tripod suit the travel and photography needs of those on your gift list!

Camera Bags and Backpacks

A good camera bag or backpack  is perfect for anyone who enjoys travel photography.

The camera bag should be comfortable and equipped with pockets and organizing sections.

We need our backpacks to carry a camera and some other stuff like a water bottle, jacket, etc.

→ Our three favorite backpacks are made by Peak Design  –  Dakine  –  LowePro . They are built to take the wear and tear of outdoor and hiking adventures.

Camera Accessories

One of the best practical gifts you can give a photographer is a  camera cleaning kit .

Anyone who travels and takes photos outside (with a camera or phone) will need to remove dust or water from the lens at times.

It’s no fun to come home from a vacation to see dark spots on your photos because the lens was dirty! We travel with a cleaning kit and also carry extra  microfiber lens cloths  in our pocket as we hike.

There are many other  camera accessories you can give to the photographer on your gift list.

Plug In Cooler

A  plug in car cooler  is the perfect gift for anyone your list that enjoys road trips.

The car cooler eliminates the need for costly stops for drinks and snacks.

We use plug in coolers for a few reasons.

1. It uses technology even more sophisticated than a home refrigerator to keep things at a consistent cool temperature. It can assume a vertical or horizontal position to accommodate your car.

2. Many coolers allow you to use an AC Adapter  to plug in your hotel room as a second fridge (you do have to purchase the adapter separately).

A plug in car cooler should be at the top of your gift list for anyone that likes road trips.

→ Add some healthy road trip snacks  as a fun addition to the cooler gift!

Portable Charger

A road trip usually means listening to music, books, podcasts, etc.

A portable charger is a terrific travel gift to bring electronics devices back to life while on the road.

Simply charge it at night, then use it during the day when you need a quick boost.

→ We always use Anker portable chargers  because they are fast and provide the best long-lasting, portable power we’ve found!

Traveler Road Kits

There should be a  car emergency kit  and a  car first aid kit  packed for any road trip.

Emergency and first aid kits are practical gifts for any traveler on your list.

Hopefully they’ll never need to use them, but if they do, they will be prepared for an automobile breakdown or personal injury that may occur on their road trip.

Picnic Blanket

A fun gift item for anyone who likes road trip adventures is a  waterproof picnic blanket .

It’s useful for pit stops since it has a waterproof bottom to lay on the grass.

The soft top can be used as a blanket when it gets chilly in the car. Be sure to find one that’s washable.

Hiking Shoes & Boots

After rolling my ankle while hiking, I learned the hard way the importance of a good pair of hiking shoes .

The result of me only wearing sneakers on that ‘easy trail’ was a small fracture and torn ligaments…. with weeks of recovery and physical therapy. I will always wear hiking boots with ankle support from now on!

We use and recommend:

• Merrell Moab Waterproof Shoes/Boots
• Oboz Hiking Shoes/Boots
• Baffin Boots  are the best for winter outings – we love them!

Darn Tough Socks

Seriously,  Darn Tough socks  are the BEST for hiking. This is our FAVORITE item on this list.

Darn Tough socks are comfortable, durable (with an unconditional lifetime guarantee) and let your feet breathe.

We’ve had kids use them multi-day walking treks, and they never get a blister. They are worth every penny!

If you have anyone on your list that likes to hike, these socks are the perfect gift. Their feet will thank you!

Hydration Pack

Water is the number one priority for any outdoor adventure. When you’ll be hiking, use a  hydration pack  (instead of reusable water bottles) because it’s so convenient to drink from the tube that’s just ‘right there’.

Hydration packs are wonderful gift ideas for people who enjoy the outdoors. 

There are many types of hydration packs depending on the outdoor activity. 

→ Add Nuun tablets  as a little something extra. They help replenish electrolytes from sweating.

 Clothing Layers for Outdoor Adventure

Wearing layers is common practice for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Read our  cold weather gear guide  where we explain the various types of layers to stay warm for outdoor adventures in the winter.

Jackets, fleece, gloves and winter hats are fun gift ideas for anyone on your list who enjoys the outside, no matter the weather.

→We HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Columbia fleece jackets  and  Columbia insulated jackets with Omni-Heat thermal reflective .

If you have anyone on your list who enjoys outdoor adventure, especially at National Parks, we’ve found 100+ practical and fun national park gift ideas .

The US National Parks Pass would be an AMAZING gift! When you buy the pass at REI , they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.

Similar Posts

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Winter Clothing Guide for Outdoor Travel and Photography

20+ Gift Ideas for Travel Photographers

12 Best Vlogging Cameras: Mirrorless, DSLR, and Action Cameras

Find the Best Camera For Hiking

Our Favorite Photography Gear for Hiking

Now in 2020 you can add some masks for traveling ; )

True… we need to add that! Thanks for the suggestion.

Nice list, Jamie! I had never considered the versatile head gear. There are so many more things in your list that could make travel photography so much better. I think I know what I’m getting for my photography enthusiast husband’s birthday 🙂

I’m glad I could help give you some ideas. We LOVE the Buff headwear!

Great list! I need to try those packing cubes. I am so hesitant. What makes them so amazing?

I’m OCD and like everything organized 🙂 I use them by packing all my clothing in one cube, all my husband’s clothing in another cube, all our misc gear like hats, Buff headbands, gloves are in another one, etc. It’s just so nice to have stuff organized in the cubes and not just ‘in’ the suitcase/backpack.

So many great gift ideas! I 10/10 recommend the packing cubes – a decently priced gift, and they totally change the way that you pack!

I don’t know why I was so hesitant to get these cubes – they. are. the. best!

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• Work With Us

44 of the Best Gifts for Travelers (Updated for 2024)

Written by Dan

Updated on May 28th, 2024

Our 2024 unique travel gift ideas for the holidays are all useful travel gifts that are lightweight for taking abroad on trips! Some even double as gifts for people who travel for work.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Gifts for Travelers

• lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 2L

Apple AirTags

Airfly Headphone Jack Wireless Adapter

Harber London Passport Wallet

Cabeau travel neck pillow

Peak Design Packing Cubes

JBL Flip Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker

Sandmarc Leather AirPod Case

Nathan Terra Fire 400 RX Hand Torch

Jogo Travel Coffee Filter Brew Straw

Universal travel adapter

Powered USB hub

• Travel backup battery pack

NOCS Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars

Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun

• Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack

Quince Carry-On suitcase

Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Aviator First Class Merino Wool Zip-Up Hoodie

Bluffworks Gramercy Suit

DUER Fireside Jeans

Compression Socks

WAMA hemp underwear

Merino Central II Long Sleeve Sweatshirt

Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest

Public Rec Joggers

• Mott & Bow Cashmere Sweater

Swiftwick Vision Winter Collection

Arcade belts

Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell

Allbirds Pipers

Birkenstock Sandals

Teva Sandals

Peak Design Tech Pouch

Photography courses from Moment

Insta360 X3

Fujifilm X-T30 II

• Camera cleaning kit

Promptly Journals Travel Journal

• Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples: A Couples Journal for Planning Your Best Experiences Together
• Lonely Planet Guides

Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist)

Looking for the perfect gift for a traveler on your gift list? Here are our top recommended travel products of the year that are going to make great gifts for someone you love, or maybe for yourself.

This list is organized by a few categories: Accessories, Backpacks and Luggage, Clothes for Travel, Outerwear for Travel, Travel Shoes, Travel Photography Gifts and Travel Books.

Let’s get started with the best gifts for travel this year!

Browse our 6 favorite picks

• Quince Carry-On Suitcase Check Availability
• AirFly Wireless Headphone Adapter Check Availability
• Apple AirTags Check Availability
• Cabeau Travel Neck Pillow Check Availability
• Peak Design Tech Pouch Check Availability
• lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 2L Check Availability

Accessories for Travel

Travel accessories often get overlooked, but for us, they really make or break the trip! Check out the list of travel accessory gift ideas below, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 2L

If you’ve seen our list of the best fanny packs for travel , you know that Becca is a huge fan of the convenience of a belt bag! This best-selling “everywhere” belt bag from lululemon is highly popular, and every time we leave the house, we see someone with it.

It can be worn as a crossbody bag or as a waist pack. Becca likes both styles. Any time we take some form of public transit, whether it’s a flight or just a trip around NYC , a zippered belt bag helps keep valuables close, within reach and close by your side.

See more at my lululemon belt bag review .

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Give the gift of the season's most popular belt bag for travel.

Apple AirTags

One of the best gifts this season (that we gifted ourselves early) is AirTags from Apple . AirTags let travelers track their valuable belongings from an app and see their live location. We put AirTags on our suitcases when we flew to Canada!

If you’d like to surprise a traveler on your gift list this year, AirTags are the way to go, and they’re an affordable tech-savvy gift that help prevent theft and give peace of mind to anyone who has them.

Give the gift of Apple AirTags, for tracking valuable possessions during travel.

Airfly Headphone Jack Wireless Adapter

For frequent fliers, this is going to be the gift of the year: the Airfly by Twelve South is a little gadget that you plug into the headphone jack on a flight and it lets you pair your wireless bluetooth headphones.

You can even connect two pairs of bluetooth headphones on the Airfly Duo and Airly Pro models , so a travel buddy can enjoy the connection! It also works on TVs at hotel gyms, as well as connecting a Bluetooth speaker in an old rental car on vacation.

It’s become one of the best must-have items for road trips in that regard!

Pair wireless bluetooth headphones to any airplane headphone jack and travel in style with this cool travel gift.

Harber London Passport Wallet

This gorgeous premium leather passport case is exactly what I’d want as a gift. In fact, I’ve given passport cases as gifts (even wedding gifts!). Harber London’s passport wallet has a nice magnetic closure, which adds a nice touch. It holds bills, your passport and some cards.

In addition to being crafted from full-grain leather and made in Spain, the passport wallet has RFID Blocking Material, which is a smart touch for the modern traveler. A gift like this lets its recipient travel in style, while keeping bulk to a minimum.

Give the gift of a premium leather passport wallet from upscale travel brand Harber London.

Cabeau travel neck pillow

While I’m the one who can’t sleep on flights, Becca certainly gives it a shot. We were recommended the Cabeau neck pillow by Becca’s cousin, years ago, and since then it has been Becca’s favorite “firm” travel pillow. By that, I mean that this travel pillow doesn’t break your neck when you doze off during a flight, like those other blow-up travel neck pillows or the ones filled with beads.

This one’s a great gift for a frequent flyer on your list! It also comes with a neat carrying sack that can attach to luggage. It’s absolutely a necessary accessory for long flights .

Travel comfortably with the Cabeau travel neck pillow, designed to provide optimal neck support and rest during long journeys.

Peak Design Packing Cubes

Every traveler should have packing cubes , and if you’re going to buy some, why not get the best ones around? I’ve been using Peak Design’s packing cubes for quite a few years now, and I like a few things about them: the zippers that don’t snag, the washability and the smooth and lightweight material.

If you know that a loved one on your list could travel a big more suavely, consider packing cubes as a gift this year.

And FYI, we wrote an extensive Peak Design buyers guide , if you’re interested in checking it out!

Maximize packing efficiency and organization with the Peak Design Packing Cubes, crafted for wrinkle-free travel.

JBL Flip Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker

The JBL Flip Bluetooth Speaker is something we use at home, and it also converts into a handy wireless travel accessory we take on the road if we want to be able to play our tunes and podcasts on something other than an iPhone. This speaker packs quite a punch, and we’re using it right now, as we are writing this list for you.

We’d recommend a bluetooth speaker for travel, like this one, if you know someone who could have their travel experience elevated by some good audio, whether in a hotel or camping out in the wild.

Enjoy impressive audio on the go with the JBL Flip Bluetooth Portable Travel Speaker, designed for high-quality sound in a compact form.

Sandmarc Leather AirPod Case

Becca recommends this AirPods “leather edition” case with a strap for anyone who’s always dropping their AirPods case.

A case like this one is also great for travel, like when you’re fumbling for your AirPods on a flight. She really likes the tiny strap handle, and the perfect fit of this leather case. Know a techie traveler? This might be the best gift for them.

Protect your AirPods with the Sandmarc Leather AirPod Case, designed for style and durability.

Nathan Terra Fire 400 RX Hand Torch

I’m a fan of this handheld flashlight that’s great for quite a few things, from night running to camping to just having a backup light source if you experience a blackout (these can sometimes be common in developing nations).

If you know a traveler who’s into hight hiking, night safaris or climbing/caving, this is also a thoughtful gift because of the hands-free grip design.

Enhance your night runs with the Nathan Terra Fire 400 RX Hand Torch, a powerful, portable lighting solution.

Jogo Travel Coffee Filter Brew Straw

New to the world of coffee products for travel is the Jogo, based on the idea of the Argentine “bombilla,” which filters tea through a straw.

The Jogo coffee filter straw serves as a way to make your favorite coffee on the go when you’re at an Airbnb, camping or even staying at a friend’s house and they don’t have a coffee maker. We think this product is a super cool gift for the person in your life who’s into coffee gadgets and new ways to brew their caffeine.

Experience the joy of a perfectly brewed cup anywhere with the Jogo Travel Coffee Filter Brew Straw, designed for the mobile caffeine enthusiast.

Universal travel adapter

For people who travel internationally where the wall plugs are different, a universal travel adapter is key. We’ve traveled to so many countries and have always had this adapter with us.

They are usually affordable and the one we’ve had has lasted well over five years. One of these makes a great gift because it’s one of those things that people didn’t think they needed until they have it. If you know a newer traveler who’s setting off on an adventure this season, a universal travel adapter is great for this trip and all the ones in the future.

Never worry about compatibility issues again with this universal travel adapter, a must-have for the global traveler.

Powered USB hub

We’ve recommended a power USB hub probably 1,000 times on this website. The reason is because it’s so practical and also makes a great gift for someone who travels a lot.

The purpose of this product is to be able to charge everything at once. You only need one outlet, and then you can charge your phone, tablet, kindle, battery backup, watch or whatever else needs charging.

This is perfect to stack with an international universal travel adapter because you don’t need to cycle through charging something one at a time.

Power your devices efficiently on the go with the Powered USB hub, an essential tool for tech-savvy travelers.

Travel backup battery pack

A battery pack has gotten me out of more jams than I can count. Long flight and nowhere to charge your phone? Battery backup. No outlet close by? Battery backup. Don’t trust some weird plug in a restaurant or Airbnb? Battery backup.

Even now, we use the battery backup to charge our iPad on the coffee table because there isn’t a plug close by while we’re using it.

Battery pack

Stay charged and connected with this battery pack, ensuring your devices never run out of juice while you're on the go.

Do you know someone who wants to feel like a true hiker, or go on a safari at the nature reserve right near home? We tried out the NOCS Waterproof Binoculars and they are the real deal!

We took these cool and handy binoculars on a hike and got to zoom in on a turtle hanging out on a log. What’s also cool is that the boxing material that the NOCS come in gives you tips on how to line up your smartphone with the binocular lens, to get an instantly-shareable binocular photo!

Check out why these binoculars make a hike more fun.

Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun

For traveling on long flights , a massage gun can really help get knots out of tight muscles. When I travel, I usually run in new destinations. Having a massage gun can be really useful in quickly warming up before and after my runs.

I enjoy my Q2 Mini from Bob and Brad because it’s really small, fits in my luggage and is actually useful! It’s one of the best gadgets for working out during a trip and makes a good gift.

Relieve muscle tension wherever you go with the compact muscle recovery massage gun from Bob & Brad.

Backpacks and Luggage

A backpack or good luggage can be everything, and we’ve learned this by having good luggage, and bad luggage. Below, find some of the awesome bags that make great gifts. These bags are all something special, whether for business travel or travel for fun.

Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack

The Troubadour Bivy Tote is Becca’s new favorite business travel backpack. You can see a ton of the details in her product review , where there are also lots of photos of this backpack. This backpack is a gift for travelers who need a stylish and decent-looking laptop bag. You might even want to gift it to yourself!

Get free shipping on orders $100+, Troubadour's 5-year guarantee and 100-day returns now!

Shop the deal

Troubadour Bivy Tote

Transition from work to leisure effortlessly with the versatile Troubadour Bivy Tote.

Quince Carry-On suitcase

If you’re looking for a genuinely affordable rolling suitcase, the luggage from Quince is an amazing option. All the suitcases have TSA approved combination locks, 360 degree wheels, compression panels inside and are ultra lightweight.

Becca has been using this suitcase as her default carry-on and it’s been a great flexible option for all types of trips. Read our Quince Carry-On suitcase review here!

Get free shipping, plus 365-day returns now!

The Quince Carry-On will make a great gift for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable rolling suitcase.

Check out the new Quince Carry-On suitcase, offering practicality and style in one.

Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack

Do you have a loved one taking a big trip this year? Check with them first to see if they’ve been looking at backpacks and have an idea of what they want, and then tell them to hold off: you’ve got this gift in the works.

The Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack is an excellent expandable backpacker’s backpack, great for a romp around Southeast Asia, South America or Europe, whether for two weeks or 10. It’s got a sturdy frame, loads of pockets, superb-quality zippers and compression straps for every backpacking scenario on the road. I name it as one of the best products for backpackers .

You can see more about this backpack in our list of the best backpacks for women .

Carry your gear in comfort with the Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack, designed for extended trips.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

This backpack has become our go-to “weekend away bag,” and we’ve used it for overnight trips. It has a pleasing and elevated style for a travel bag of this size, and a laptop compartment that really keeps your computer safe.

Overall, it handles weight very well and will satisfy the minimalist traveler who’s picky about travel bags. One point to hammer home is that it comes in several different sizes, from 20 to 38 liters. We also recommend it in our list of the best travel backpacks , and there’s tons more detail at my Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus review .

Travel in comfort and style with the spacious Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus, designed to keep your essentials neatly organized.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

I’ve had my Peak Design Travel Backpack since the beginning of the product line (it was originally a Kickstarter). It’s done exceptionally well as a travel bag and photography bag. The quality is unlike most other bags that I’ve tried: it’s excellent.

Get free shipping on US orders $99+, with 30-day returns!

You can fit a surprising amount of stuff inside and there are plenty of compartments for everything! For these reasons, the PD travel backpack is a stellar travel gift this year. I have a review of the Peak Design Travel Backpack if you want to learn more about its features!

Unleash your wanderlust with the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack, designed for maximum packing flexibility and uncompromised comfort.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

The Black Hole Duffel is one of the best duffel bags for travel that money can buy. It’s great because it folds into itself. This is practical for times when you want to bring home more than you came with. The folding capabilities are also useful for storage.

If you know someone who tends to go shopping on trips, this is an ideal foldable duffel to have within luggage. It can be carried-on, or checked, for a flight.

There aren’t too many pockets in this duffel bag, but there are compression straps that help keep everything nice and tight. The material is durable and even with many year of wear and tear, my Patagonia duffel bag still looks brand new! I go more in detail with a ton of new photos at my Black Hole Duffel review .

Get a versatile duffel-backpack: the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, a durable and high-quality travel bag.

Clothes for Travel

Travel clothes is a category of apparel that has always stumped us. We look for features in travel clothes like versatility, breathability, ability to pair with other clothes we’ve brought along and ease of washing. Get ready and get set to see the travel clothes we recommend this year for gifts.

Aviator First Class Merino Wool Zip-Up Hoodie

This merino wool hooded sweatshirt from Aviator caught us by surprise, and now we consider it one of the best travel gifts for frequent jet-setters in our lives.

Get an immediate 20% off your purchase, using code HALFHALF20 at checkout.

Shop the site

What’s nifty about it is its thoughtful travel-specific features, like the fold-down mitten cuffs for cold flights, an oversized hood that turns into an eye mask, zippered pockets to keep anything from falling out mid-flight and soft odor-wicking merino wool material. See all the photos we took of this product in our detailed review .

The Aviator First Class Hoodie is available in Men’s and Women’s styles.

Check out this winning merino zip-up for all your upcoming trips.

Bluffworks Gramercy Suit

I don’t get the opportunity to dress up a lot. When I do, I’m glad I have my Bluffworks Gramercy Suit . It fits pretty much right off the shelf. Suits are a personal thing, so you might want to get it tailored.

The jackets do fit true to size. I wore the 38 regular for a year, and then switched to a 38 short and I am much happier with this size. I talk more about that in my Gramercy travel suit review .

The Gramercy travel suit has all of the characteristics of Bluffworks products, which are durable, practical and well thought-out. I haven’t run a marathon in my suit (maybe I should?), but I have noticed it is more forgiving than some of the other suits that I own. I think this would make an awesome gift for someone who’s not expecting it; just keep in mind that suits usually require tailoring (but not always!).

Get an immediate 15% off, with our exclusive Bluffworks discount code (one-time use per customer)! Use code halfhalftravel15 at checkout.

Get the deal

There are also tons of hidden pockets everywhere. The hidden pockets are super helpful on suits, because you can carry a small amount of cards and zip safely through different parts of the suit. You can see just how well it packs up into a backpack or suitcase in our guide to how to pack a suit for travel.

See why travelers swear by this wrinkle-free travel suit.

DUER Fireside Jeans

When it starts getting cold out, I usually put on my DUER Fireside jeans, reviewed here . They have a thin layer of fleecey insulation that makes them nice and cozy for the colder days and nights in winter.

From the outside, no one would ever know that your jeans are far more superior than the rest. Jeans do have a tendency to get cold because denim isn’t known for its ability to hold in heat. And that’s why these Fireside Jeans from DUER are the best, especially for cold trips where you may be out sightseeing for hours, or standing in outdoor lines to get into attractions.

Get free shipping when you spend $99+; no code needed.

Know someone heading to an ice festival this season? Gift them the Fireside jeans, available for both men and women!

The Fireside jeans are available in Men’s and Women’s styles.

Stay warm with these cozy fleecey jeans for travel.

Compression Socks

Is someone on your gift list pregnant and planning a babymoon ? Compression socks make a great gift for plane rides and road trips.

They’re not just for pregnant women and athletes, though. Compression socks are comfy , and they’re nice for any traveler to have during a long travel day, as they help with circulation of the blood while sitting for long periods of time.

They’re also a very easy gift to give, coming in only two sizes (M and L), and simple colors that match all your travel clothes. We have more ideas at our list of the best travel socks .

Take a step towards travel comfort with Compression Socks, designed to minimize swelling and fatigue.

WAMA hemp underwear

Becca is always at a loss of what kind of underwear to get, especially for travel, when you might be sleeping on a plane, or a train or a bus, and you want to stay fresh. She recently learned about WAMA Underwear , which makes undergarments for both men and women, and all the products are made out of sustainably-made organic hemp.

WAMA products are breathable and lightweight, and the company hopes to bring awareness to everyone, especially travelers, about the benefits of hemp as a new natural fabric.

Becca tried the bikini and hipster undies and looks forward to bringing them on a trip soon. For men, WAMA makes boxer briefs , boxers and briefs .

Experience unrivaled comfort and sustainability with the WAMA hemp underwear, a natural choice for everyday wear.

Merino Central II Long Sleeve Sweatshirt

This sweatshirt quickly became a favorite of mine, for having a perfect fit and a perfect feel. Between the cotton and merino wool blend, this sweatshirt is both lightweight and warm, making it versatile and kind of like a “goes-with-anything” piece to have in my bag on a trip.

Merino wool is one of the most popular materials for travel clothes these days, and this sweatshirt is the type of staple I’d have on a trip to somewhere with cool weather, or simply for wearing while in transit.

Stay warm and stylish with the Merino Central II Long Sleeve Sweatshirt, made with luxurious merino wool.

Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest

This women’s vest from Toad & Co. is a no-brainer gift for winter! Becca likes the timeless colors and the teddy-bear-like texture that’s both fuzzy and warm, but not bulky. A vest is a great item to have on a travel day, as it keeps your core warm, while keeping your arms free of, well, the bulk you’d have from a jacket. Just make sure to layer properly underneath!

Add a cozy layer with the Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest, designed for cool-weather adventures.

Public Rec Joggers

I’ve had my Public Rec Joggers for a few cold seasons now. They were my first pair of joggers, and they’ve been given some quality time throughout the short winter days.

They fit me really nicely and are a little bit thicker than some of the other travel joggers on the market .

I like the Public Rec joggers because of the amount of space that the pockets have and the quality of the material. They feel nice, and they haven’t shown too many signs of wear after extended use. For these reasons, they’re a cool athleisure gift for someone you’re close to.

Becca has them in the Women’s All Day Jogger and gave them a test run on her flights to Guatemala this year. If it hadn’t turned out well, we wouldn’t be recommending these for both women and men as great gifts this season.

Stay comfortable and chic with the Public Rec Joggers, designed for both active and relaxed days.

Mott & Bow Cashmere Sweater

A cashmere sweater feels like an elevated gift to receive and it’s true. From Mott & Bow, cashmere is both attainable and easy to shop for. In this review of Mott & Bow products , Becca reviewed the Women’s 100% Cashmere Turtleneck sweater. Note that it’s an oversized fit, so it makes a good gift because it doesn’t have to fit the gift receiver perfectly. It’s like a relaxed cashmere sweater that won’t go out of style.

Get an immediate 10% off with our exclusive Mott & Bow discount code (first-time customers only)! Use code HALFHALF10 at checkout.

We’ve also both tried the Mott & Bow crew neck cashmere sweaters: the Cashmere Raglan Crew Cambridge Sweater for women and the Classic Cashmere Crew Bergen Sweater for men. Both have more of a fitted style and are gifts for someone who likes to show off their physique during winter rather than hang out in a looser sweater.

Shop the Turtleneck

Swiftwick Vision Winter Collection

Swiftwick is somewhat of a new discovery for me this year. I first heard about the brand when I was doing research for bright socks to wear when I run at night . I was quickly impressed with the quality and wanted to try something new going into winter.

The Vision Winter Collection seems like a perfect fit to have some nice socks to wear when hiking during the colder days while keeping my feet warm. Socks tend to be an easy and quick gift, but if you’re giving them for a reason like for all the features of these socks, then they’re well appreciated!

The Swiftwick Vision Winter Collection offers a range of performance socks designed for warmth, comfort, and style during the colder months.

Arcade belts

With so many great travel pants options for men , it can be easy to overlook a belt that can be flexible and comfortable. This is where Arcade belts excel as gifts.

My trusty belt (that I think I must have gotten seven years ago) has been good, but it can start to get uncomfortable on some of the longer flights that I’ve taken. Arcade belts are designed to move with you and stretch, and one of these would be awesome for the traveler in your life who always forgets to pack a belt (that person might be me).

It’s really comfortable, where you don’t feel that you have a belt on. It’s low-profile enough that it never gets in the way. I think it’ll be a great gift for guys on the go.

See why this minimalist no-show belt is a great choice for having in your bag.

Outerwear for Travel

For fall, winter and early spring months, outerwear for travel is essential! When it comes to gifting, who wouldn’t want a trendy or stylish new type of outerwear for holiday trips?

Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell

I wear my Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell when the weather falls below 60 degrees. This windbreaker runs a little “warmer” than other similarly styled jackets.

It has become one of my favorite lightweight jackets that I own. I like it because it packs really well (it folds up super tiny in luggage), keeps you very warm, fits well and looks great.

It’s a nice gift idea for someone always on the go who would appreciate having a foldable and packable windbreaker to fit in a small backpack. Do you have that person on your gift list? I think we do.

Stay protected from the elements with the Public Rec Brave the Elements Shell, your essential outerwear.

Travel Shoes

Having shoes for travel is one thing, and gifting travel shoes is another! Luckily, we’re recommending these travel shoes as gifts because the return policies are super easy.

Allbirds Pipers

Becca and I both have the Allbirds Pipers, for men and women, and what we like about them is that they are machine-washable cozy walking shoes that are great for travel days. Gift these to someone who’s had their eye on owning Allbirds , as these are some of the coziest shoes for colder months.

See our full review of the Allbirds Pipers sneakers for men and women to see if this is the right gift to give this year!

Step into sustainable comfort with Allbirds Pipers, the perfect blend of style and eco-friendliness.

Birkenstock Sandals

For taking trips to escape the winter cold , your favorite traveler needs some brand new Birkenstocks. We like this brand of sandals because they’re durable (I’ve had mine since fall 2017!), have good arch support and also good ankle support, in so many different styles.

• Shop Women’s

Step into comfort with Birkenstock sandals, a timeless blend of timelessness and comfort.

Teva Sandals

Teva sandals are a winner for travelers who are cool with sandals, and who like having their feet in the type of shoe that you can walk in for hours, but also get caught in the rain in, and not care! We recommend the unisex universal sandal from Teva for a gift.

Travel in comfort and style with Teva Sandals, designed to provide support and traction on any adventure.

Travel Photography Gifts

As two people who really love documenting their trips through photography, take it from us: photography gifts for travelers are huge this year. See what our top picks are, below!

Peak Design Tech Pouch

For photographers, the amount of little items you accumulate seems to grow, day by day. The Peak Design Tech Pouch helps wrangle all of your items together into a neat little package.

When I travel with mine, I always have my memory cards, charging cables, battery charger, adapters, dongles and more.

It’s been a lifesaver to have and in which to keep everything I bring with me. Any traveling photography enthusiast will appreciate this accessory as a gift. To see more photos and details, head to my Peak Design Tech Pouch review .

The Peak Design Tech Pouch is a highly-organized, efficient, and compact storage pouch designed for carrying your tech accessories. It's an excellent accessory for travelers, photographers, or anyone who carries a lot of small tech gear and wants to keep everything organized.

Photography courses from Moment

How exciting would it be to receive the gift of photography classes online? Moment is offering topics in photography from documentary photography to filmmaking to photo storytelling.

Warehouse returns are now on sale at 15% off (never used, just open box!); plus, get free shipping on US orders over $98.

Shop the sale

We like the idea of giving the gift of learning!

Enhance your skills and creativity with photography courses from Moment, a platform for aspiring and seasoned photographers alike.

Insta360 X3

This waterproof 360-degree action camera is a thrilling gift for travelers who’ve been wanting to document their trips in a unique way. It’s the perfect excuse to give someone the gift of unleashing their creativity through photo and video.

Capture stunning, immersive content with the Insta360 X3, a game-changer in portable 360-degree video technology.

Fujifilm X-T30 II

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a really good small camera. It’s good for any purpose and really shines during occasions when you don’t want to lug around a heavy camera and too many lenses.

Fujifilm cameras are known for their ability to emulate various film stocks. You can get a picture out of these cameras print ready with low to minimal editing. There’s something really special about that!

If you have the budget for a gift, or know someone who loves photography and you can chip in with others, the Fujifilm X-T30 II will be an outstanding gift this holiday season.

Looking for a lens to pair with the camera? I recommend the 35mm f/1.2. It’s one of those lenses that you can keep on the camera and never take it off. It’s really nice!

One last thing, with any digital camera, you’ll need a memory card. This 128GB memory card will work well for any photography camera.

Don’t forget a lens and a memory card !

Capture moments in stunning detail with the Fujifilm X-T30 II, a compact powerhouse that brings your vision to life.

Camera cleaning kit

Camera cleaning kits make great gifts for people who are into photography and have DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Or, really any camera with a sensor. Cleaning your sensor is scary, but without doing so, you may have dust spots on your camera sensor that can get in the way of your photos.

I have a guide and video talking all about how to clean your camera sensor. I recommend these products as a way to effectively clean your sensor the right way.

Here’s everything you might want to complete the set

• Rocket blower
• Sensor swabs
• Sensor cleaning solution

Travel Books

Oftentimes, we groan about books, but now that we have a proper coffee table (finally) at home, we can appreciate books that we really want to look at. And, we love to look at travel books, both to leaf through for fun, and to prep before a trip!

Promptly Journals Travel Journal

These beautiful and packable travel journals help to uniquely document your adventures. Slide one into the laptop compartment of a backpack, or the side pocket of a suitcase, and voila: you can wind down with journaling during a trip.

There are even some prompted entries to help you jot down trip highlights to look back on, so that you don’t get that overwhelm of staring at a blank page.

Record your trip in your own way, in these sleek and timeless travel journals.

You can also check out the 4 pack directly on their website.

Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples: A Couples Journal for Planning Your Best Experiences Together

Our friends Alex and Ryan of Alex & Ryan Duo Life wrote this book for adventurous couples who want to hit their goals and create memories! It’s for travel, and also milestones in your adventure together through marriage. What a fun way to grow together! Makes a great gift for newlywed travelers.

Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples

Embark on unforgettable experiences together with the Ultimate Bucket List for Married Couples, a guide to shared adventure and romance.

Lonely Planet Guides

A series of books we swear by are the Lonely Planet guidebooks. You will see the mentioned all over this website, from our travels on our Portugal Road Trip to Chichen Itza in Mexico . We think that an LP guide for a traveler you know is a good gift, especially if they haven’t had time to properly plan an upcoming vacation.

Lonely Planet Guides on Amazon

Unleash your inner adventurer with Lonely Planet guidebooks, your gateway to the most unforgettable travel experiences.

Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist)

This beautiful and down-to-earth coffee table book about traveling in North America is an inspiring gift for a loved one who either wants to get to know the US, Canada and Central America better, or doesn’t have the desire to head too far away for adventuring. This book is one we really enjoy leafing through, because there are so many places in North America we have yet to visit.

Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist) is a unique guide offering a fresh perspective on exploring the continent.

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Namaskar ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

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40 Best Gifts for Travelers, from Day Trips to Vacations

Posted: May 31, 2024 | Last updated: May 31, 2024

Whether someone’s a frequent flyer, digital nomad, or simply adventuring elsewhere every so often, gifting an item that improves their travel experience can go a long way (often literally). Small, helpful travel gadgets can reduce airport headaches and increase your giftee's odds of staying sane on long flights , handy organizers like travel makeup bags can optimize all that never-enough suitcase space, and splurges — well, they’ll traverse thousands of miles and passport stamps.

As a travel writer and professional shopper, I’ll be the first to admit that the best present for a loved one who loves to explore the globe might just be a plane ticket. But we didn’t just give you the second-best gift idea for a traveler. After researching, testing, and consulting on gift ideas with an expert flight attendant and travel author, Best Products gave you 42 more too.

There are two main types of travel gifts: the practical and the aspirational, explains Nikki Vargas , Senior Editor of Fodor’s Travel and author of the memoir Call Me When You Land . For Vargas, a practical gift would be an item to “make a traveler’s journey easier and safer.” She suggests picks like a carry-on suitcase, toiletries holder, or even a personal safety alarm. “An aspirational gift might inspire wanderlust, like an armchair traveler book that sweeps you across the globe or map to start tracking your trips.”

I tend to opt for practical items that can reduce the friction of being away, but others may prefer gifts to inspire wanderlust or sweet sentimental commemorations of a beloved venture. My own recommendations as a hotel reviewer and digital nomad range from a blackout sleep mask that salvaged my sleep in a boisterous hostel to the portable TV stick that made a cold resort room feel homey when I needed it most.

Check out our list of best travel gifts starting at just $6 — before your giftee checks in to their next flight.

1) Harper Crossbody Bag

This adorable (and affordable!) small purse, named one of Oprah's Favorite Things , is perfect for traveling. Made of synthetic leather, it holds all the essentials, such as your phone, credit cards, and cash. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors and patterns and can be worn across the body or on your belt.

More: Great Gifts for Here She Won't See Coming

2) Everywhere Belt Bag

Look, you certainly don't need us to explain why a lululemon bag is a notable gift to give. But in this case, it's more than just attractive. This Everywhere Belt Bag is designed for those who embrace their wanderlust or their daily routine, with a comfortable fit that can be worn crossbody or around the waist. Its water-repellent fabric is a fit for any adventure, whether a hike or a night out.

3) Universal Travel Adapter

It may not be the most romantic travel gift, but frequent travelers definitely are always in need of this travel essential .

This all-in-one adapter works in almost every country (you can easily change prongs with a flip of a switch), charges up to five devices at once, has a built-in safety fuse, and comes in shades like grey, rose gold, or white.

4) Pack This! Pad

Eliminate the stress of packing for your giftee with a thorough list that will help every traveler keep track of everything in their suitcase (or everything they always forget). The list is quite extensive, so they can get as thorough as humanly possible as they plan for practically any trip and leave fully prepared.

5) Magnetic Wireless Charger for Apple Devices

Carrying a tangled mess of charging cords while traveling is a bigger pain than it should be, as is carrying multiple plug adapters if you’re traveling internationally. So if you’re buying for someone loyal to Apple products, this foldable charger is an incredibly useful gift. Its strong magnetic pull ensures a stable connection to your device, and it takes up very little room in a backpack or handbag.

More: The 12 Best Viral TikTok Travel Essentials on Amazon—Under $60

6) Packing Cubes

For the traveler in your life who just can't seem to keep their suitcase in order, gift them a set of these discounted, durable, and lightweight polyester packing cubes available in 14 stylish colorways.

Packing cubes will compress their luggage so they can fill any suitcase to the brim while keeping their newly organized contents safe. Plus, the visible mesh fronts mean they can easily keep track of what’s stuffed where.

7) Mother Lode Travel Backpack

Of the thousands on the market, the Mother Lode is the best travel backpack around the $200 price point considering it's packed with useful features. It has everything a traveler needs for maximizing carry-on space, like internal compression straps for clothing, external side straps for larger items like a tripod or rolled jacket, a laptop sleeve, lie-flat pockets for travel docs, and tuck-away backpack straps so you can use it like a duffel bag.

The clamshell-style, suitcase-like zipper is also helpful if you need to unpack your bag during a surprise TSA security search.

8) The Collapsible Bottle

Staying hydrated during travel is pretty darn important, you guys. This water bottle is the absolute best for traveling because it collapses small to fit easily into your carry-on. Head to the water fountain after you're through security, expand it out to full size, and make sure to drink up!

9) USA Photo Map

Our 50 states encompass a rich array of ecological, sociological, and cultural diversity. Here's a way for those travelers working their way through the USA to display their favorite photos from every state, highlighting what landmarks and hidden gems made each location stand out.

10) 100 Places That Will Change Your Life

For over a century, the pages of National Geographic have provided stories and images about the far reaches of the globe, allowing readers to visit new regions, if just in their minds. Now, your intrepid traveler friend can use those same pages to inspire their next real-life trip, in this sprawling collection of life-changing destinations, from the iconic to the hidden gems.

11) Jet Lag Remedy Pills

Pills might not seem like the most appropriate gift for someone, but anyone who has experienced jet lag knows it's no joke. This convenient little package can even be wrapped up with tickets to a faraway destination where the time-zone change can really get to a person.

12) “Everywhere You Go:” A Guided Travel Journal

This thought-provoking travel journal is a great travel gift for recent grads taking their first big trips abroad or anything who appreciates the life-changing moments that can happen on the road. They don’t have to be a writer or journalist to appreciate the book’s thoughtful prompts on everything from their favorite views on vacation to lessons they’ve learned while traveling.

The book is slim and small, and can be used while traveling or after they get home.

13) Tree Runners

AllBirds is the brand most associated with the idea of “one-shoe-to-do-it-all” while traveling, and no single shoe shows that off better than the Tree Runner. The packable shoes won’t take up much space in the recipient's bag, and the cushioning and grip make them well-suited to light hikes and treks.

And if that hike happens to be muddy, no problem: they can throw them in the washing machine when they get home. Bonus: they don’t scream “athletic shoe,” so wearers won’t get laughed out of that Parisian cafe like they may if they showed up in traditional sneakers.

14) Book Reading Light

As convenient as e-readers like Kindles are, some people just like the feel of paper pages. And for those people, reading using an airplane’s overhead light can feel like someone is shining a flashlight in your eyes.

If you’re buying for someone who reads actual books, magazines, or newspapers, an ultra-light clip-on book light is a great budget travel gift. It’s useful on planes and trains, but also if they want to stay up late reading in bed while their travel buddy gets some shut-eye.

15) eAlarm Plus 130db Emergency Alarm

If you or a friend happen to be traveling somewhere that could be unsafe for any reason (be it because of people or wild animals), this little personal alarm is a smart thing to have with you.

When activated, it makes an insanely loud noise, scaring off potential danger, and is much more effective — and easier to travel with — than pepper spray. It's TSA-approved as well, so don't worry about bringing it through security.

16) 'An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders’

There are a million and one travel blogs out there trying to tell you where to go and what to do there. It's hard to sift through it all. The first edition of Atlas Obscura was a best-seller, and it's only gotten better. The book includes 12 city guides, including a map and info on everything you should be doing when you get to your destination.

17) Passport & Vaccination Card Holder

Travel in the modern world, particularly international travel, requires its fair share of crucial documentation. Yet, for some reason, the most crucial of those documents, passports and vaccine cards, are prone to damage and displacement. Help ensure your giftee isn't stranded without the paperwork they need with this simple, colorful passport and vaccine card holder, which helps keep their documents safe, secure, and easily accessible.

More: 15 Passport Holders That’ll Have You Planning Your Next Getaway

18) Explorer Map

Calling all nature lovers! This awesome map allows you to chart every national park you've visited using the included tree sticker kit and a corresponding list of parks at the bottom. Place a tree on the map after you visit for a creative way of charting and tracking all your adventures.

19) The Carry On Cocktail Kit

Go ahead, take the edge off! For a boozy boost, this carry-on cocktail kit is the perfect gift for travelers. It comes in a variety of classic cocktail flavors and can be used to really kick the mini bottles of alcohol you can purchase on the plane up a notch.

20) Travel Jewelry Case

Which jewelry-loving travel-mad gal wouldn't appreciate this portable jewelry box from Kelofon? She can keep all her favorite rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings organized and in one handy place. Plus, there's a small mirror, so she can check out her look.

21) Faux Leather Luggage Tag

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a traveler in possession of a standard black check-in suitcase must be in want of a luggage tag. Seriously, they blur together on the carousel. Luckily, these luggage tags under $10 come in 27 colors to customize their set.

22) Metro Weekender

With a capacity similar to a carry-on, this highly organized weekender features a pass-through trolley sleeve and multiple interior pockets, including an additional tech slot for a 16-inch laptop. Its faux leather feels high quality, and its zippered lower storage area is ideal for wet items, dirty laundry, or pairs of shoes.

As a travel writer, this sleek bag keeps me feeling “together” in every airport situation — and provides easy access to my passport, essentials, and more; your giftee could use it as a work bag, too.

23) SRS-XE300 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker

It's always nice to be able to listen to your top tunes during your travels, making a portable speaker the perfect gift for music-loving travelers.

We spent weeks testing the best waterproof bluetooth speakers on the market, and our Best Overall is the Sony SRS-XE300. With a robust, 24-hour battery life and a durable, waterproof build, this will keep your recipient rocking, wherever their travels take them.

"Packing a duo of full-range audio drivers and two passive radiators, the SRS-XE300 produces a powerful, distortion-free stereo sound that’s customizable via an app," wrote our testers. "Unlike other top-rated waterproof Bluetooth speakers that aren't stereo-capable, the XE300 excelled in both indoor and outdoor testing. It’s a reliable speakerphone, too."

24) Travel Toiletries Set

If decanting is part of their love language or they spend 20-plus minutes in front of the mirror for their skincare, this gift is for them. This elegant 16-pack of travel toiletry bottles is TSA-friendly, leak-proof, and easy to fill.

25) Waterproof Binoculars

Whether the person you know who’s always on the go is a national parks fan, headed out on safari, or planning a whale-watching trip on a coastal vacation, a pair of high-quality — and lightweight — binoculars are bound to come in handy.

The standard issue binoculars from Nocs hit the sweet spot between high quality and high cost and come with a storage bag and neck strap. They’re also designed to be used with phones to take photos of what you’re seeing from afar. In fact, Nocs sells a binocular camera kit (including binoculars) for about $25 more .

26) Grotto Sling Cooler

Shopping for someone who never lets a summer go by without making at least one trip to the lake or beach? Gift them with the convenience of a cold drink even when it’s 95 degrees outside. The Grotto Sling Cooler is a hands-free (and waterproof) way to carry up to 20 cans, keeping drinks cold for hours.

While there are plenty of trendy cooler brands in the outdoor world, the Sling Cooler is best for travel since it packs flat, making it easy to fit in even the most overpacked of family minivans.

27) Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90

A travel mosquito repelling device may not be the sexiest travel gift on this list, but the gift of not having bit-up, itchy legs will be. This particular device is small and easy to pack. It’s also TSA-approved for carry-on bags, unlike mosquito sprays and aerosols.

And thanks to a 9-hour battery life, it’ll last well into the evening, whether your giftee is camping near a buggy lake or sitting on their veranda at a 5-star jungle retreat.

28) His Staple Shorts for Every Trip

Packing can be difficult whether you’re a seasoned traveler or rarely leave the home. Your giftee will reach for this comfortable, stretchy pair of shorts time and time again. A comfort-stretch waistband and hidden phone pocket ensure these shorts hold up to any outing, but they’re equally cozy at home on the couch, too.

Best of all, this short is available in seven neutral colorways ranging from a deep olive green to a versatile light gray.

29) Portable White Noise Machine

Hotel sleepers tend to fall into two camps, claiming the best shut-eye of their lives or the most miserable overnight purgatory they could imagine. For those in the latter camp, consider gifting a handy, portable white noise machine to cover up those 3 A.M. ice machine treks or drunken elevator conversationalists.

Its impressive battery life, 21 soothing soundscapes, and cordless design make it a favorite amongst both family and solo travelers.

30) The Carry-On X Luggage 43L

The right suitcase can last years, a loyal companion throughout a lifetime of red-eyes and train connections, making it an excellent selection for a loved one deserving of a major upgrade. I can vouch: as someone who’s nearly always at the airport, this German-engineered beauty has seen more of me than my roommates.

While undoubtedly pricey, the Carl Friedrick suitcase has an impact-resistant shell, compression sleeve, separate hard-shell front pocket for laptops, and a TSA-approved lock. The 360-degree spinner wheels are butter-smooth, while its cognac and gray colorway channels first-class energy even in economy.

31) OWS Pro Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones

I’m often walking or running through unfamiliar streets as a frequent traveler, but keep my head on a swivel for safety reasons. Enter these incredible open-ear headphones .

While I appreciate their multipoint connection and smooth, gentle fit, I’m most impressed by these earphones’ 58+ hour run time; I’ve gone almost a month using these daily without charging the included case and still haven’t needed to power it up, making the tech ideal for long flights, meandering days, and other scenarios on the road.

32) Light Blocking Sleep Mask

I’m not a great napper, but between red eyes and jet lag, the travel disruption on any trip can be positively brutal. This wraparound blackout mask with soft eye cups has been my saving grace while staying in noisy hostels, tucking in for a long-haul flight across the globe, and other situations in which scoring an extra two minutes — or two hours — of rest would be crucial.

Bluetooth connectivity even allows you to queue up soundscapes, an audiobook, or your favorite playlist for the ultimate bedtime lullaby.

33) Fire Stick 3rd Gen Streaming Remote

At home, I hook up this streaming stick to a compact projector to create my own home theater or tote it across the street every night to a friend’s to watch our favorite show together. It’s easy to transport, fits in the smallest of carry-on pockets, and plugs into any HDMI port without requiring extra streaming service logins, making it my favorite hotel hack.

I’ve taken it on work trips, vacations, and family visits, and it seriously salvaged my trip that time I got a stomach bug at an all-inclusive resort, adding a much-needed comfort of home to a miserable travel experience.

34) Water Vista Sandals

Building the right packing list is an art. Finding versatile apparel and accessories is necessary to making the ‘fits without worrying about everything fitting. Somehow, whittling down shoes always feels like the worst of it.

So gift them a pair of do-it-all sandals that look just as chic on a boat deck or at a five-star chef’s table experience. Bonus: these ones are even waterproof. I’m Hawai’i-based and practically wear them everywhere.

35) The Minimalist Complexion Stick

Similarly, all-in-one beauty products can maximize space while minimizing those undereye circles. This foundation and concealer complexion stick scores points for its buildable, natural coverage and moisturizing ingredients ideal for parched skin after a long flight. (Does anyone else get so dry up in that altitude?) It’s practically all they need in their makeup bag.

More: The 9 Best Travel Makeup Bags for Organized Chaos

36) All Around Travel Tumbler

Getting up in the middle of the night for a 5 A.M. boarding time never fails to feel like an undiscovered circle of Hell (especially without TSA PreCheck.) Your “morning person” friend or loved one is probably chugging a coffee before they go through security, and immediately snagging a refill. While I’ve tried many, my go-to going-somewhere tumbler is sleek, double-wall insulated, and is even dishwasher-safe.

37) Language Learning Program

Learning a new language is a popular goal, especially for those with a vacation in mind. Instead of having a loved one stumble through a greeting, or accidentally ask for an entrée they’ll be suspiciously eyeing once it arrives at the dinner table, gift them a subscription to the online tutoring service Babbel before their departure.

The Instagram snaps may fade, but the delight of understanding a quick barista conversation will last forever.

38) Beach Towel

A quick dry towel while traveling is a lifesaver, whether your accommodations have limited amenities (“I told you we should have gone for the nice hotel”) or you’re simply relishing an afternoon hike complete with a frosty lake dip.

Laying out on the beach and not immediately drowning a towel in the sand? A+. This adorable striped towel is giving poolside vibes, and it’s made of 100 percent recycled material to boot.

39) Montauk Raffia Travel Pouch

Inspired by nautical aesthetics, this soft-sided travel case channels the boxy convenience of vintage travel trunks — at a much smaller size helpful for toiletries, makeup, and more. Eight interior elastic organizers keep everything neat, while polished leather details make the personalizable gift even more elegant.

40) The Hanging Toiletry Bag

“I tend to shop at Away [for my travel needs],” said Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant and travel photographer Colton Jones . “Plus, their customer service is top-notch.” This accessory from the brand has water-resistant nylon and convenient mesh pouches that make it a pinch to settle in at a hotel for the night and be out the door to your dinner reservation. Plus, it includes a clear, detachable pocket for smaller items or liquids.

41) How We Chose the Best Travel Gifts

When I was a child, I dreamed of having a house full of artifacts, art, and photos I’d collected from my travels around the world. Now, 20 years later, thanks to the combination of access to a global online marketplace and getting to travel frequently for work, my home decor does indeed have a fairly global theme. I have products that remind me of places I’ve been and items to inspire travel, like planning journals and gorgeous travel books. Add in the fact that I travel at least once a month and have used most of the practical items below myself, and I have a pretty good idea of what gifts different travelers will and won’t like.

I considered factors like gift cost, overall ratings, and size and weight (essentially for carry-on travel items). Truth is I could have put together a list of 50 or 60 great travel gifts, so the ones below are truly the best of the best, whether you’re buying for a luxury traveler in their '70s or someone headed on their first post-college international vacation.

Finally, I relied on some of the previous research done by Michael Natale, Jill Fergus, and Adam Schubak. Read on to get the gifts you need!

42) The Expert

I’m a full-time travel journalist and editor and have been for many years. While I’m sometimes lucky enough to stay in luxury hotels, I’m usually staying at more budget-friendly accommodations, and almost always flying in basic economy, so I’m all about products that make travel more pleasant. Between the 40 to 50 flight segments I take per year, the amount of time I spend road-tripping to national parks (my favorite), and how much time I spend looking at new products for writing online reviews, I’ve been hands-on with every type of travel product below.

43) Our Expert Traveler Suzie Dundas Has Even More Gift Guidance

If I want to give a splurge travel gift, what would some options be?

For a splurge travel gift, consider buying someone a nicer version of something you know they’ve been eyeing. Many travelers tend to be frugal in order to save more money for travel — the kind of people who spend money on experiences, not things.

For example, a photography fan may already have a cheap-o camera tripod and your friend going on safari may already have plastic binoculars. So you know they’ll appreciate it when you get them a higher-end version to enhance their travel experience (like the tripod or binoculars listed above).

In general, avoid spending big bucks on anything customizable or personalized, as those items usually can’t be returned if it turns out it isn’t a good fit for the recipient.

When is the best time to shop for travel gifts?

Given the extensive variety of items that could count as “travel gifts,” and how many retailers there are, there’s no best time to buy travel gifts—travel isn’t tied to a certain time of year, so you can’t wait for post-season sales.

That said, depending on what type of products you’re buying, you may find that they go on sale after the season in which they’re most used. For example, beach-related products usually go on sale after Labor Day, and ski-related items may be on sale come April.

However, your best bet is probably to shop for travel gifts during the usual shopping discount seasons: back to school (mid- August), Black Friday/Cyber Monday (late November), and on post-Christmas sales.

Are there travel items that are best not given as gifts?

There are definitely some travel items that are better for people to buy for themselves, rather than receive as gifts. Products related to fashion or with very specific sizing can be tricky to give as gifts, both because they may not fit and they may not match the person’s style.

It can certainly be done, but it’s why I recommend items like a packable jacket (where a slightly loose fit is fine), or a pair of unisex sunglasses to use as a secondary pair. If you do buy something that comes in multiple sizes and styles, make sure it’s a brand that offers returns and exchanges, just in case.

If you want to avoid the potential awkwardness of choosing the wrong size or aesthetic, consider a travel gift that reminds the recipient of travel. Gifts like a travel photo album or map to track where they’ve been will make a great gift—and potentially get more use, especially if the person you’re buying for is cutthroat about keeping his or her suitcase as small and light as possible while traveling.

What is the best travel gift you have ever received?

I’m a fairly practical traveler, so the best travel gifts I’ve ever gotten have been those that come in handy while away from home. I was given the universal travel adapter on this list and use it on every trip (including those in the U.S., where I don’t even need a plug adapter), because of how useful it is to be able to charge multiple devices from one plug. I was also gifted a slim, simple passport holder that has kept my passport dry and protected on multiple occasions, and have also gotten immense use out of packing cubes.

That said, I’d love to be gifted some of the home items on this list that remind me of my favorite travels, like a photo album gift voucher or a national park botanical kit (hint, hint, Mom).

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More From Forbes

Father's day gift guide 2024: the best strollers for frequent travelers.

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Dads can have it all, and there’s no reason they can’t bring along their babies on business or personal travel. Celebrate the dad in your life this Father’s Day with a special gift – a stroller that will empower him to travel in style with his infant. Whether he prefers beach travel or city travel, these strollers make it easier to have adventures with a baby in tow. So, here’s a stroller gift guide for travel-adoring dads who will be celebrating this Father’s Day with little ones. There’s a stroller here for any kind of traveler.

Dads with babies need a great travel stroller for traveling near and far.

Gladly Family: Anthem 2 Wagon

This all-terrain wagon was designed to fit up to two kids so it's great for playdates or parents ... [+] with two little ones.

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift for a beach-loving new dad, you can’t go wrong with Gladly Family’s all-terrain wagon stroller. It accommodates two kids, and it works with most infant car seats so you can use it from birth. It’s ideal for taking little ones to the beach, and it has sun, wind, and rain protection for unexpected changes in weather. It also has special features like an interior mattress, an XL canopy, and a parent cup holder. Shop Now: Gladly Family, $499.99

Nuna TRVL lx Stroller

The Nuna TRVL lx Stroller provides whatever a new dad needs to be prepared for a stroll with their ... [+] baby.

Nuna’s TRVL lx stroller is ideal for travelers. It was created with a one-handed fold so dads traveling alone can carefully handle the stroller and their baby at the same time. Once it’s folded, it stands on its own. This luxurious stroller was made to last for a long time, and it was designed to optimally hold a baby from birth until they weight 50 pounds. It has a flat recline seat that will easily convert to carriage mode. It makes getting out and about easy and hassle-free whether the dad in your life is traveling to the grocery store or across the country. Shop Now: Nuna, $550

Silver Cross Jet 4 Super Compact Stroller

Silver Cross Jet 4 Super Compact Stroller was designed to make flying with babies safe and easy.

Dads who fly a lot are sure to appreciate the Silver Cross Jet 4 stroller. It’s ultra-compact and cabin-approved so it makes flying with a baby easier. Designed to fit little ones from birth to toddlerhood/55 pounds, the Jet 4 has a cushioned, comfortable seat for the baby that can recline to lie flat. It has features like a large storage basket, a UPF50+ canopy, and a mesh viewing window. When it’s folded up, it can fit into the overhead bins of airplanes or the trunk of one’s car for road trips. Shop Now: Silver Cross, $469.99

UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller is lightweight and high quality.

UPPAbaby’s G-Luxe is a fantastic stroller for dads who are looking for something that’s lightweight and high in quality. It’s packed with features such as an extendable UPF 50+ sunshade, removable cup holder, and one-handed recline. It also has a large basket that will carry up to 10 pounds of accessories a dad may need during his travels. This stroller is suitable for babies from three months until they weigh over 55 pounds. Shop Now: UPPAbaby, $199.99

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Zendaya tennis movie ‘challengers’ gets streaming release date, a promising new update on silo season 2 on apple tv plus, bob gear wayfinder pack.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack stroller is great for traveling parents.

If you’re wondering how to choose the best stroller for dads who love to jog during their adventures, the Bob Gear Wayfinder is a strong choice with its high-performance jogging features. It is travel-friendly and can be folded up with one hand, so he can hold the baby or other gear when traveling solo. This stroller also has dual suspension and air-filled tires so they can provide a smooth ride even on bumpy sidewalks or cobblestone paths. Shop: BOB Gear, $849.99

Austlen Entourage 2.0 Stroller With Second Seat

The Austlen Entourage 2.0 Stroller With Second Seat empowers parents to travel far and wide.

This deluxe stroller from Austlen Baby Co. is great for families who travel with two children. It is flexible in multiple ways. Not only can this single-frame stroller be converted from a single to a double, but it can also easily become a sit-and-stand stroller with one-hand activation. It fits children from birth until their weight exceeds 65 pounds. With the sit-and-stand accessory, it can accommodate a child weighing up to 75 pounds. This stroller is made with hand-stitched vegan leather and has a rust-free aluminum frame. Shop Now: Austlen Baby Co., $1,149.99 at the time of publication

Thule Sleek City Stroller

The Thule Sleek City Stroller is great for traveling dads who frequent bigger cities.

Thule’s city stroller was designed for traveling, active dads. It’s perfect for tackling strolls in the big city. It’s lightweight and easy to handle during air travel or road trips. It’s easy to push through crowds and around narrow corners. This stroller is also a good investment since it is made to last and can easily expand to accommodate another sibling. Shop Now: Thule, $949.95

Britax B-Lively Double Stroller

The Britax B-Lively Double Stroller is great for dads of two babies or small children.

The B-Lively double stroller from Britax is great for dads with two young children. Each seat accommodates a baby from birth to 50 pounds. The stroller is travel-system ready, and it’s lightweight with all-wheel suspension. It has a self-standing quick fold which is especially convenient for traveling dads. It has features like an extra-large storage basket, reclining seats, ventilated UV 50+ canopies, and six pockets. Shop Now: Britax, $469.99

Nuna x Liberty TRIV Next Stroller

The Nuna x Liberty TRIV Next Stroller is stylish and fun for travel.

Nuna recently launched their Liberty London “Fantasy Land” collection, including the stylish TRIV next Stroller that would be fun for any dad to travel with. It’s a compact stroller that’s designed to pack up easily during travel, and it was engineered for comfort for parent and child. It has a one-touch braking system for safety and large rear wheels to help dads get around airports or busy city streets. The seat faces and golds both ways, and it has accessories to help keep the baby cool in summer and warm in winter. Shop Now: Nordstrom, $700

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50 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys in 2024

Not sure what to get him for his birthday? Look to one of these cool and trendy ideas.

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It may seem hard to find gifts for 10-year-old boys (or 10-year-old girls , or any 10-year-olds in general ), but the Good Housekeeping Institute has figured out what gifts tweens like through a fool-proof method: soliciting feedback from actual 10-year-olds. Lab experts evaluate hundreds of toys and gifts each year, checking out the safety and quality of each one. Then, and most importantly, it hands the toys over to real kids, who assess the fun factor. (Each year, the best wind up Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners.) We put those results together with best-sellers and editor's picks, and these emerged as the best toys and gifts for 10-year-old boys in 2024.

• The Guardian Test: Legends of Lotus Island #1 , $11 on amazon.com
• Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drone , $20 on amazon.com
• Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch , $38 at amazon.com
• 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen , $49 on amazon.com
• ArmoGear Laser Tag Set , $100 on amazon.com

There are plenty more where that came from, including STEM sets, building kits, fidget toys and more.

Zombie Dice

This is one of those games that's just easy to pick up whenever there's a dull moment in the action. Players are the zombies, and as they roll their dice, they're hoping to get delicious brains and avoid the shotgun blasts. Ages 10+

TOSY Flying Ring

They'll be able to have fun outside even after the sun goes down with this illuminated flying ring. In addition to cool LED lights, it also has a soft rim for easy catching, and its makers say it can fly 100 feet. Ages 5+

Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch

You don't need a pump (or the ability to hold your breath) to inflate this lounger — you just swoop it around in the air, and it fills up. That means it's easy for him to take out and pack away again, which means he could use it at the park or beach, in the backyard or even as extra seating in his room. It also comes in more than a dozen patterns. No age recommendation given

Force1 Scoot Hand-Operated Mini Drone

He won't have to master any complicated remotes to use this drone — instead, it's entirely operated by hand. He just has to toss it in the air and it'll hover around his hands. And, with a little practice, he can master flips. It also has LEDs to look cool at night. Ages 8+

RELATED: The Best Drones for Kids

Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Set

They can experiment with some of the forces of physics with this marble run set, which adheres to vertical surfaces so kids can build taller marble runs faster and with fewer pieces. There are also expansion sets available. Ages 8+

ArmoGear Laser Tag Set

No need to go to a laser tag arena when you can get this set of laser tag set with enough gear for four people to play. You can duck through backyards, neighborhoods or even around the house for epic battles. The guns have a 150-foot shooting range, and vibrations make it really clear when you've been hit. Ages 8+

3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set

If they're interested in getting into the world of 3D printing — or if they just want a new way to explore their art — this kit comes with everything they need to make their own 3D creations. They can follow along with the included instructions for guided builds, or they can make their own designs. Bonus: The pen doesn't get too hot, so you don't have to worry about burning fingers. Ages 6+

Shashibo Shape Shifting Box

This is what you get when you mix a brain puzzle and a fidget toy. The brightly-colored cube unfolds to reveal new shapes, colors and patterns, and then it becomes a challenge trying to get it back into its cube shape. It'll leave everyone mesmerized. Ages 8+

SpyX Night Mission Goggles

Whether he's doing some solo sleuthing or playing a team sport like Capture the Flag, these spy goggles will help him see in the dark. They have two LEDs that illuminate up to 25 feet. Ages 6+

Minecraft: Builders & Biomes Strategy Board Game

This game has everything kids love about Minecraft — the mobs, the biomes, the building — but taken off screens and transformed into a strategy-based board game. Players explore the Overworld, mine resources, build structures and fight enemies to earn points, and the one with the most points wins. And, since the Overworld grid is different every time, it's never the same game twice! If it catches on, there's also a Farmer's Market expansion . Ages 10+

Spin Flip Puzzle

This unique puzzle is made of concentric rings that can be spun around in different directions, so it's a cross between a brain-teaser and a fidget toy. Multiple Good Housekeeping Institute testers say their families picked up a bunch of them to do head-to-head battles and see who could solve it first. Ages 8+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Kit

Get him off his phone and working with his hands in a new way thanks to this kit that comes with 40 pieces of paper (all that have awesome designs! ) and a whole instruction book on how to build the best paper planes ever. Ages 7+

Comic Book Making Kit

If he dreams of becoming his own comics creator, he'll be so excited to see his artwork turned into a bound book! The kit comes with a blank book, markers and a booklet with helpful tips about how to set up the comic. Then, you put it in a pre-paid envelope and send it in to get bound, complete with an about-the-author page. Ages 8+

Koosh Flix Stix Ball Fun

Koosh meets Lacrosse here , and how much more fun can it get? They'll be outside for hours to see who can catch the Koosh ball after the furthest throw. Ages 8+

Walkie Talkies

Sure, phones are cool, but even with all the games on them, they can't compete with Walkie Talkies. There are two in this set, and they can be used up to 3,000 feet apart , according to the brand. That's about the size of the Navy Pier in Chicago! Ages 3+

Slackers NinjaLine 36' Intro Kit

With 10 obstacles included, this kit makes sure he has everything he needs to become the ultimate ninja. He can swing from one ring to the next and build both upper body strength and imagination. This intro set works for many fitness levels — from beginner, intermediate and advanced training. All obstacles include steel hanging safety clips that hang between two sturdy posts . Parents, make sure to follow the included instructions for proper safety installation! Ages 5+

Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids

Help them practice their skills with this sparing bag, which is ideal for the karate lover or kickboxer in your house. Even if they aren't into those sports, many Amazon reviewers that it keeps their sons busy. Ages 3+

3D Print Pullover Hoodie

You are now entering the Twilight Zone, or at least you'll feel like you are after looking at this hoodie. There are so many cool 3D designs he'll love , but this one is our favorite. Sizes 6 – 16

Newton's Laws Construction Kit

While your child builds catapults, gravity fans, moving cabins and collision cars , he'll be learning about the fundamental properties of potential and kinetic energy. The included manual also comes with a quiz section, which could help make studying for school tests more enjoyable. Ages 8+

Penn & Teller VR Magic Lab

If they want to live out their magician dreams, this set lets them explore the world of magic IRL and in virtual reality. They will learn 28 different magic tricks, and then can present them to friends and family, which is a great way to introduce them to the world of public speaking. Ages 8+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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These 55 Unique Gifts for Grandpa Will Show How Much You Care

From keepsake books to personalized sweatshirts, these ideas will tug at his heartstrings.

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Nothing says "thoughtful" quite like a gift that reminds him of his favorite pastimes. Book lovers can enjoy new reads with a monthly gift subscription that will deliver popular picks to his front door automatically. If he likes music, cool vinyl record coasters can call attention to his own collection of LPs. Our guess is grandpa's favorite idea of fun is spending time with his grandkids. If that sounds right, gifts like a personalized book inspired by his bond with his grandbabies might cause tears of joy.

Our Favorite Gifts for Grandpas in 2024

• Custom Birthday Book ($100)
• Wrangler Long Sleeve Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jacket ($30)
• Book of the Month Membership ($60)
• Upcycled Vinyl Record Coasters ($24)
• Wooden Sudoku Board Game ($30)
• Nixplay Touch Screen Digital Picture Frame ($150)
• Tally Tumbler Golf Cup ($40)
• AeroGarden Harvest Smart Garden ($114)
• Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey ($45)
• 'What I Love about Grandpa' Fill-In Journal ($12)

Scroll below for 55 gift ideas that grandpas are sure to love. FYI to last-minute shoppers : Many of these gifts are available on Amazon to arrive in time for your occasion, even if it's coming up soon.

While you’re at it, show the other members of your family some appreciation with more of our guides:

• Best Grandma Gift Ideas
• Best Gift Ideas for Dad
• Best Gifts for Mom

Custom Birthday Book

Help Grandpa celebrate a landmark year with this custom book of New York Times front pages showcasing major moments from his lifetime.

Long Sleeve Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jacket

This oversized garment is somewhere between a shirt and a jacket. We love that it's sherpa-lined for maximum comfort.

3-Book Gift Membership

This book subscription will put the power in papa's hands on what he wants to read each month. The service offers a monthly selection of the most popular hardcovers and audiobooks for gramps to choose from, and if he's still working on last month's read, he can skip a delivery and claim it the next month.

Personalized Grandpa Embroidered Sweatshirt

Give him a cozy reminder of the moment he became a grandpa with this comfortable sweatshirt, which is adorned with the year his first grandchild was born and their name.

Upcycled Record Coasters

This one's for the grandpas with a music collection for the ages! These upcycled record coasters will be a cool homage to his assortment and prevent his coffee table from getting ring marks.

Grumpa Definition Ceramic Coffee Mug

Disclaimer: Even if your grandpa is a little grumpy, this coffee mug shares the truth that he's also loving, wise, and a legend.

Coastal Comfort Short Sleeve Button Down

Spruce up grandpa's style just in time for summer with this coastal short-sleeve shirt. It's made of tencel and linen, which gives it a breathable fit for routine wear.

Use our exclusive discount code COUNTRYLIVING at checkout for 30% off your Cozy Earth purchase .

Crowd Cow Filet Mignon

No matter the occasion, a steak delivery is sure to please grandpa if he's a meat lover. This one includes filet mignon, which is defined by its tender and lean cut.

Grandpa Knows Everything Funny T-Shirt

Wise words: Grandpa can rock this relatable T-shirt when he needs a laugh, or any time he's ready to give some advice to his grandkids.

Derek Wolf Beer Infused BBQ Rubs

If grandpa's diet partially consists of barbecue and beer, he'll get the best of both worlds with these brew-infused spice rubs. After cracking the can open, these blends can be used on anything from smash burgers to roasted vegetables. Added perk: The cans have resealable lids for easy storage.

How to Babysit a Grandpa

Want to teach the little ones in the family how to babysit grandpa? This book gives detailed instructions ranging from eating cookies topped with ice cream for snacktime and looking for lizards on walks around the neighborhood.

Pen Pal Correspondence Kit

Create memories between generations with this thoughtful correspondence kit. Not only will it help you keep in touch with long-distance grandparents, it will give both parties tactile memories to cherish forever.

Personalized Family Member Signpost

We just can't get over how cool this is. A perfect gift for any family member who lives far away, this custom artisan-made signpost features the names and "distances" of all relatives. Brilliant! Starting at $155 for three signs; $200 as shown with six signs.

Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder

He can bird watch anywhere with the help of this smart bird feeder , which snaps photos of the feathery creatures and sends them directly to his smartphone.

Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

Help grandpa track his health with this smartwatch that will monitor his heart rate and daily sleep score.

Docking Station

Leave this by his front door or on his nightstand and prepare yourself for him never returning your call hours later because he couldn't find his phone anywhere.

Wooden Sudoku Board Game

Is staring at that tiny phone or iPad screen to play his favorite game giving him eye aches? We love this good ole fashioned wooden version of sudoku that looks just as good as it plays.

Monogrammed Vegan Leather Watch Roll

Tuck his favorite timepieces in a classy case made with luxurious leather. This organizer comes in both brown and black vegan leather. Price shown is for monogrammed watch roll .

AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test

Give Grandpa the gift of insight into his ancestry. This easy-to-use kit (just takes a cheek swab) will give him information on his heritage and family, plus health and genetics. He'll love sharing the findings with the family.

Lined Hardsole Slipper

This ultra-fluffy shoe with a traditional moccasin design is just perfect for any grandpa—whether for weekend or all-the-time wear! We love the hard sole on these slippers that make them perfect for not just indoor wear, but also the occasional trip to grab the mail or take the dog outside.

Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines; she covers all things home and lifestyle across brands such as Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan, Delish, and Esquire. Before joining Hearst, she highlighted small business owners, creatives, and the best shoppable content. 

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Hidden Hiking Gems: Three Lesser-Known Kansas Hikes

Exploring some of kansas' less-traveled hiking trails.

For years, I have enjoyed hiking the Kansas outdoors. After being asked to create a selection of some of the state’s lesser-known hiking trail gems, I set off on a thousand-mile journey of love, exploring and revisiting paths across Kansas. Often, I would drive or detour for a good part of the day, enjoy the trail, and then perch near sunset at the Kansas treasure I had newly discovered or was appreciating once more. For me, these memories and views were gifts more striking than words or photos can convey. The timeless scenery was a humble reminder that my visitation was only surface-level, brushing across decades and centuries of human footprints and stories before me, and these nestled on the longer geological imprint of time. I wish you the same experience, and here are my suggestions for five less-visited trails that may give you a similar experience.

Sand Hills Loop Trail

The Sand Hills Loop Trail is one of five trails in the Sand Hills State Park. Thick, roving marshland grass and sloping hills showcase native Kansas wildflowers, expansive skies, and trees. The soft path is excellent for all skill levels of runners, hikers, or nature seekers. The trail is maintained but not well-marked, so review maps before hiking. Because of the marsh characteristics, consider using the trails April through October.  

How to access

State Park permit required, but there is ample trailhead parking from the main entrance off N K-61 Highway north of Hutchinson.

Location: Near Hutchinson, Reno County

Trail distance: 7.7-mile loop-style

Rating: Easy to moderate

Terrain: Sand

Surrounding Attractions: Coronado Heights Park Trail | Dillon Nature Trails

Hunting By limited permit

Facilities: Yes

Camping: Yes, at Sand Hills State Park

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Coyote trail at webster state park.

Coyote Trail offers diverse terrain and scenery in a small series of loops and crossover trails. The trails take hikers by a lake, limestone cliffs, and near an eagle nesting area. Most portions of the trail are well-marked, and the trail loops all the way around the lake, making it easy to keep your starting point in view.  

How to Access

State Park permit or access fee is required, but plenty of trailhead parking is available.

Location: Webster State Park,  Rooks County

Trail distance: 2.9-mile loop-style

Terrain: Mowed grassland

Surrounding Attractions: Nicodemus National Historic Site 

Hunting: Yes

Camping: Yes

Lemon Park Nature Trails

Lemon Park Nature Trails provides a scenic walking tour along the Ninnescah River. Featured inside this family-friendly venue are both paved and natural trails with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, native plants, and waterfalls. Popular with hikers and runners, the park provides plenty of shade and windbreaks.  

Free parking throughout the park  

Location: Pratt, Pratt County

Trail distance: 1.4-mile loop-style

Rating: Easy

Terrain: Paved and natural

Nearby Attraction: The Big Wheel in Greensburg

Hunting: No

Camping: No  

Hidden Hiking Gems: Lehigh Portland Trails

Hidden hiking gems: big basin prairie preserve, ways to stay connected.

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