The best gifts for photographers in 2025

One of the most daunting tasks is finding a gift for photographers. While it does seem easy, there are just so many things you can give a photographer that choosing the best gift often becomes difficult. To make matters worse, photography also has levels, ranging from enthusiast to professional, and each photographer has a very different need.

If you are looking to gift a photographer during the new year or on any special occasion, there are many options available. In this curated list, we will classify them into good gifts and best gifts that appeal to different types of photographers. From essential camera gear to essential reading, there are a ton of options to choose from.

Good gifts for photographers

For photographers, some tools are equivalent to essentials and they make the process of taking pictures easier. If you are looking for such gifts, here are five good gifts for photographers. 

Camera backpack

While most cameras come with a camera bag, you can help your photographer friend step up with a camera backpack. Whether they’re a seasoned professional or enthusiastic beginners, a camera backpack is a must-have. When choosing a camera backpack, look for ones built using weather-resistant materials, ergonomic design, and customised compartments to store camera gear.

Photography book

If you are gifting a budding photographer or a photographer who loves to read, these photography books will serve as both inspirational and essential. I recommend gifting Ansel Adams’ Photography Series titled The Camera, The Negative, and The Print. You can also gift Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson for learning while Annie Liebovitz at Work is a handbook full of extraordinary insights.

Tripod

Another useful gift for a photographer is a tripod, which helps photographers take sharp images and capture long exposures. For beginners, a tripod from brands like Croma and Photron will work but if you are looking to gift a professional photographer then choose from the Manfrotto Befree series.

ALSO READ: 13 different types of cameras used for photography

Memory card

An indispensable gift to a photographer would be a high-speed memory card. As photographers increasingly take high-resolution photos and even capture 4K videos, high-speed cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro or Lexar Professional will help them shoot without worrying about storage or read/write speeds.

Camera strap

A camera strap is another good gift for photographers planning to upgrade their standard camera straps. There are many camera straps available in the market that combine style with functionality and aesthetics and will certainly be appreciated by those who use two different camera bodies.

Best gifts for a photographer

If the gifts above are good then there are some that certainly fit into the best gift category. These gifts will not only be liked by photographers but also make them appreciate you more. Here are the five best gifts you can give to a photographer.

Drone

A drone is the best gift for any photographer looking to shoot aerial photography. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent option in this space that offers high-quality imaging in a compact form factor. When gifting a drone, don’t forget to ensure that it is used with proper permissions.

Gimbal

While a tripod is a great accessory, a gimbal would be an even better one for photographers dabbling in videography and shooting stills where the subjects are moving. There are great options like DJI Osmo for smartphones and DJI Ronin Series for professional cameras.

Lens

If you know the camera model of the photographer who you are planning to gift then a compatible lens will be one of the best gifts. A camera body with the stock lens will only take photography to a certain level and in order to unleash creativity, every photographer needs specialty lenses. Mind you, they are expensive. But by gifting a lens, you are not only giving a great gift but also helping them elevate their photography.

Lens filters

If a lens is a no-go then look for lens filters such as circular polarisers, ND (neutral density) filters, or UV filters from brands like Hoya. These are thoughtful gifts that will be greatly appreciated by the recipient.

Software subscription

If a camera is a photographer’s companion then a subscription for a photo-editing software is their secret arsenal. You can give a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom – two of the most popular photo-editing apps.

ALSO READ: Best camera for photography: Top picks for every budget

There is no right or wrong when it comes to giving the best gift to a photographer but there are definitely some gifts that will help them take their art to a new level. The above mentioned gifts are both practical and inspirational and will definitely bring a smile to any photographer’s face.