So someone on your list is getting serious about photography. Maybe they got a new camera last year, and they're starting to talk about "aperture" at dinner. With a budget up to $100, you can get them something that genuinely changes how they shoot.
I'm a professional photographer here in Central Florida, and these are the five gifts under $100 I'd tell a friend to buy. Every single pick works no matter what brand of camera they shoot, so you don't need to know anything about their gear to get this right.
The quick list
Short on time? Here's the whole list. Details on each one are below.
- Peak Design Slide Lite camera strap: a strap upgrade they'll use every single day
- Peak Design Capture clip: carry the camera on a backpack strap or belt, hands free
- Lexar Silver PRO 128GB V60 SD card: a seriously fast card for bursts and 4K video
- Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 camera backpack: real protection for their new investment
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 12: the just-for-fun pick that makes them better at framing
Peak Design Slide Lite Strap
The strap that comes in the box with a new camera is, almost always, terrible. It's stiff, it's scratchy, and it has the camera brand printed on it in giant letters. Upgrading the strap is one of the first things most photographers do.
Peak Design makes the straps you see on working photographers everywhere. The Slide Lite is comfortable, adjusts quickly from shoulder carry to cross-body, and uses little quick-release connectors so you can pop the strap off in a second when shooting on a tripod.
It fits basically every mirrorless camera and DSLR, so this is another one where you don't need to know what they shoot.
See it on Amazon →Peak Design Capture Clip
This one gets a "why didn't I have this sooner" reaction every time. The Capture clip attaches to a backpack strap or belt and holds the camera right there, ready to go. Hands free, no neck strap swinging around.
It's perfect for theme park days, hikes, and travel, basically anywhere you'd otherwise leave the camera in a bag and miss the shot. When they want to take a photo, they press a button and the camera slides right out.
It's a little more niche than a strap, so it's a great pick for the active photographer who's always on the move.
See it on Amazon →A Fast 128GB SD Card
Not all memory cards are created equal, and this is where a lot of new photographers get burned. A slow card is why the camera freezes up for a few seconds after a burst of shots, right when the kid scores the goal. When it comes to cards, I'll take a faster card in a smaller size over a huge card with terrible speeds every time.
The Lexar Silver PRO is a UHS-II card rated V60, which means it can keep writing at least 60MB/s without slowing down. In plain English: it keeps up with fast bursts and 4K video, and it moves photos onto a computer way faster than a basic card. 128GB is plenty of room for thousands of photos plus video.
Good to know: to get the full UHS-II speed, their camera needs a UHS-II card slot (most newer mid-range cameras have one). In an older or entry-level camera, it still works perfectly, just at standard card speeds. Either way, double-check that their camera takes SD cards before you buy.
See it on Amazon →Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 Backpack
A new camera is a real investment, and tossing it in a tote bag is how lenses get scratched and screens get cracked. A proper camera backpack has padded dividers that keep everything separate and protected.
The Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 is a compact, lightweight backpack that fits a camera with a lens attached, one or two extra lenses, and accessories. Lowepro has been making camera bags for decades, and this one is sized right for someone just starting out, without being a giant pro backpack they don't need yet.
See it on Amazon →Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
This is the fun one. An instant camera prints the photo right there in your hand, and there's something about it that makes people slow down and think about each shot. With only 10 shots per film pack, every frame matters. That's a great habit for any new photographer.
It's simple enough for anyone in the family, it comes in a bunch of colors, and it's an absolute hit at parties.
Don't forget the film! The camera doesn't come with much, so grab a twin pack of Instax Mini film (around $18) to go with it.
See it on Amazon →Bonus: a memory card wallet
If you're getting them the card, add a Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket for around $24. It's a little folding wallet that keeps cards organized and protected, so a nice card doesn't end up rattling around loose in a bag.
On a tighter budget?
Some of the best photography gifts cost a lot less than $100. Check out my 5 favorite gifts for new photographers under $50, including the book I recommend to every beginner.
Prices on Amazon change often, especially around the holidays. The prices above were accurate when I wrote this, so click through to see today's price.
Rather give photos than gear?
The holidays are a great time to finally get the whole family in one picture, with nobody stuck behind the camera. I travel to families all over Orlando and Central Florida.
Book a Family Session →