The Most Unique Gifts for the Photographer You Love

It's nearly the holidays and you're unsure what to buy for the photographers in your life. Fear not! For, here is my list of the most unique gifts for the photographers you love for the 2024 holiday season. In fact, I make sure to including truly special items other's don't look deep enough to list.

Practical Gifts For Photographers

No matter what type of photographer you're buying for the following is a list of practical gifts in a variety of prices. Of course, if you're looking for fun or inspirational gifts you'll find those in the later section.

1. Camera Cleaning Kit
2. Mini Flexible Tripod
3. Muti-function Photographer's Tool
4. Camera Clip and Quick Release anchors
5. Rugged High Speed Card Reader
6. High Capacity External Hard Drive
7. Starter Drone
8. Photography Classes

Camera Cleaning Kit

When it comes to photography a clean sensor and lens is critical to creating unique photos. Therefore, a camera cleaning kit is an essential tool for all photographers.

Camera cleaning kits make great gifts because the gear in them gets used up over time. As such, even if they already have one, chances are high that they will need the stuff in here sooner than later.

My favorite cleaning kit is from VSGO. It has all the items needed to keep cameras clean and working well. Plus, unlike a lot of kits it comes in a regular box. Other kits come in a big hard case which are really wasteful.

Mini Flexible Tripod

You may see this one on other lists but that's because this mini flexible tripod from Joby is the photography gift that every photographer should have. The GorillaPod has flexible legs allowing it to wrap around railings and other objects.

Too, even if the photographer in your life already has one, having a second is actually not a problem. In fact, having a second GorillaPod to mount a light to makes all types of unique photos possible. As such, this is a great gift no matter what.

Multi-function Photographer's Tool

There are a lot of bits of photography gear that still expect people to be carrying around coins. Of course, 30 years ago everyone did. However, the fact that photo gear tightens down with screws that perfectly fit a US quarter is no longer very helpful.

That said, this photography tool is a unique gift that I promise the photographer in your life will love. The Multi-tool by Leofoto functions as a screwdriver as well as housing multiple common photography sized Allen wrenches and more.

In addition it's small and can clip onto a bag ensuring it'll be there when needed.

Camera Clip and Quick Release Anchors

The photography gear brand Peak Design is making a name for themselves with their straps and other unique photography gear. One of their best items is the Capture Camera Clip.

This is a great gift for any photographer who needs their hands free when not taking photos. Therefore, everyone from portrait photographers to nature photographers can use this great gift item.

Rugged High Speed Card Reader

This is one of those unique gift ideas that most overlook. If the photographer in your life take a lot of photos outdoors then having this rugged card reader is a must. The PGYTECH CreateMate reads cards quickly allowing for less down time. Plus it's far more weather resistant than anything else on the market.

If the photographer in your life takes a lot of photos on trips or each time they go out they'll love this gift. In fact, I'm really hoping that someone gets one for me this year because my existing card reader needs to stay inside.

High Capacity External Hard Drive

The photographers in your life are always running out of space to store their photos. Therefore, a high capacity external hard drive is a must. Additionally, one that can travel with them like the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a great choice.

This hard drive makes the perfect gift. Again, photographers always need more storage for their photos. Plus, this hard drive travels really well, takes up little space and weight, and is reliable.

Starter Drone

No matter the age of the photographer you're buying for if they've shown any interest in drone photography then this is the drone to start them with. The DJI Neo is under $200 and it doesn't require any licensing. In addition to that the Neo has shielded blades making it safer for beginners to fly. Plus, it's incredibly affordable and can be flown without any additional accessories.

Photography Classes

I'm a bit biased but photography classes make the perfect gift. No matter how experienced the photographer in your life is they can always learn more. Therefore, consider some classes. I offer online photography classes and in person lessons.

In addition, I offer photography tours which photographers at all experience levels love. The best way to gift a lesson is to order a gift card.

Read my gift guide for photography students.

Unique Inspirational Gifts For Photographers

Above is a list of practical gifts for photographers. However, what you'll find below are unique and inspirational gifts. These gift ideas will make the photographers in your life smile. Plus, they'll help inspire them to keep making amazing photos!

So, if you're ready to bring some joy to Christmas this year then here are my top picks for unique and inspirational photography gifts.

1.  Enamel Photography Pins
2. Cool Photography T-shirts
3. Photographer Mugs
4. Personal Camera Straps
5. Artistic Photography Filter Sets
6. Lensball
7. LED Lightwand for light painting

 Enamel Photography Pins

There are so many cool enamel pins on Etsy and elsewhere. Of course there are a few photography pins on Amazon too. Personally, I recommend searching Etsy for them as you'll find a lot more unique pins there.

Cool Photography T-shirts

In addition to cool photography pins Etsy is a great source for fun and cool photography t-shirts that make really unique gifts for the photographers in your life. Most of the inspirational gift items in this list are available on Etsy with the exception of the last few.

In addition to cool shirts there are also a number of really awesome hoodies, hats and more. Photographers love photography swag. From Kodak t-shirts to Nikon or Canon hats, we're suckers for that stuff!

Photographer Mugs

There are a variety of photography mugs that make are the perfect photography gift. Personally, I love the lens mugs. That said, mugs with cameras and other photography related items are really popular too. Check out Etsy for more of those. In fact, there are a few really cool water-color painting mugs of cameras that I know a ton of photographers who would go wild for.

Personal Camera Straps

There are a number of really amazing leather workers on Etsy who are making personalized camera straps. In addition, there are so many cool floral patterns and other designs that aren't available anywhere else.

I promise that photographers love it when we get complimented on things like cool camera straps. So, if you want a gift that they will love to talk about then this is a great gift idea.

Artistic Photography Filter Sets

Photographers love fun filters. For example, this kaleidoscope filter is a ton of fun and makes for a wonderful gift. Additionally, there are star filters and more which photographers love to play with. One of my personal favorites is this Whirlpool filter. Alternatively you can get your photographer a gift such as neutral density filters which allow them to take photos that show motion.

Lensball

Lensballs are like crystal balls for photographers. While they don't let you see the future, they do allow for some really cool photography.

LED Light Wand for light painting

Light painting is a fun and unique practice. In addition, it allows photographers to experiment making this a really cool and unique gift. My favorite light wand is this one by Lookmein. It's rugged making it idea for outdoor use. Plus, unlike other LED stick lights it's made for being held and manipulated. Therefore, it's a great tool for photographers looking to do something new and cool.

In Conclusion

I really hope that you've found this list of unique gifts for the photographers in your life valuable. If so, be sure to send me a note to let me know what you bought and what they thought of it. In fact, if you'd like more personalized advise on what to buy the photographer in your life please reach out. For unique photography gift ideas personalized to the photographer you love contact me for assistance. If you let me know a little about the photographer you're looking to buy a gift for then I can help you find the perfect gift.