Great Gifts for Photographers
2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Every year, I pull together a holiday gift guide to help make shopping for the nature photographer in your life a little easier. Whether they’re just starting out or have been chasing light and wildlife for decades, these 18 hand-picked ideas are practical, inspiring, and field-tested. From small accessories that make long days in the field easier, to trusted gear I personally rely on, and even a few dream-worthy investments, this guide is built with photographers in mind.
*This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—helping support my photography.
Gifts Under $75
Tenba Protective Wrap
These Tenba protective wraps are incredibly handy and versatile. I use them to keep lenses and teleconverters safe in my carry-on, and even wrap my laptop for extra protection. I have a few sizes, but the 20” and 16” versions are my go-to.
Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle
I travel a lot, and not everywhere I go has great water. I also don’t want to buy bottled water that just adds to the plastic pollution problem. This refillable bottle solves that with a built-in filtration system, so I can fill up anywhere with confidence.
60 years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year
This book is a fascinating look at 60 years of great wildlife photography, showing how the craft has evolved and the stories behind some of the most iconic images. A great read for anyone interested in nature photography.”
Kinesis SafariSack
This bean bag is one of the most versatile supports I’ve used. It packs flat when empty so it’s easy to fit in luggage, then can be filled on location with rice or beans. Perfect for steady shots out of a car window or from a safari vehicle.
The Photography Deck
These photography-themed playing cards are both fun and practical. Each card doubles as a cheat sheet with tips and tricks, making them a great way to keep learning while you play. I love how they add a little whimsy in the evening after a long day in the field.
Grizzly 399
Tom Mangelsen has been one of my biggest inspirations, and his book on Grizzly 399 is both powerful and heartbreaking. Once the most famous bear in the world, 399 was tragically killed in October 2024, making this collection an even more important tribute to her story.
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Gifts $75 - $500
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
I use Apple AirTags on all my gear and luggage, and I buy them in packs of four so I always have enough. They’re simple, reliable, and give me peace of mind knowing I can track everything while on the road.
Comfort 55 WalkStool
As I get older, I don’t always want to stand around all day waiting for wildlife. This lightweight, packable stool has been a game-changer. It folds down small, attaches easily to my backpack, and gives me a comfortable spot to sit while I wait for birds or animals to appear.
OutIn Portable Electric Espresso Machine
I love my coffee, but good coffee can be hard to find when I’m out in the field. That’s why I never travel without this OutIn portable espresso machine. It’s rechargeable, easy to use, and works with Nespresso pods—so I can enjoy a real espresso no matter where I’m shooting.
Monal Photography Blind by Tragopan
Wildlife photography, especially birds, often requires hiding, stillness, and patience. A portable hide like this helps me blend in, stay out of sight, and wait comfortably for the right moment. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and makes getting close much easier.
ProMediaGear TR42ML Monopod
A good monopod is a lifesaver in the field—lightweight, easy to carry, and great for stabilizing your camera when you don’t want to lug around a full tripod. I also love that it doubles as a hiking stick in rough terrain, making it one of the most versatile tools in my kit.
Gura Gear Kiboko 2.0 Camera Backpack
I’m always searching for the perfect backpack for my cameras and lenses, and while I haven’t found it yet, this one comes close. The flap system is what really makes it stand out—I can keep my 600mm lens on one side and my camera bodies and other lenses on the other, which makes organizing and accessing gear in the field so much easier.
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Gifts over $500
Mirrorless Telephoto Zoom Lens
For anyone wanting to get into wildlife photography, a telephoto zoom is the perfect place to start. These mirrorless lenses (ranging from 200–600mm, with Canon reaching 800mm) give you the reach you need for birds and animals without the massive price tag of pro glass. They’re sharp, versatile, and one of the best entry-level investments you can make in wildlife photography.
Nikon Z6III
How about a new camera to go with that new Nikon lens? This is the same camera I bought my wife when she started learning photography, and it’s been fantastic. It offers fast, accurate autofocus, a high frame rate, and excellent dynamic range—all in a compact, lightweight body that’s easy to carry anywhere. With 4K video, in-body stabilization, and great low-light performance, it’s a versatile little powerhouse for anyone looking to dive into photography.
Atomos Ninja 5.2" 4K HDMI Monitor
I use this a lot in the field to record short videos while I’m also shooting stills. It’s perfect for time-lapse sequences, and it’s a lifesaver in harsh sunlight when the camera’s screen or viewfinder is hard to see. It has a clear touchscreen, intuitive controls, and excellent battery life, making it easy to set up and run for hours. Compact, reliable, and versatile—it’s one of those tools I’m always glad to have in my bag.
BenQ Photo Video Editing Monitor
I use this monitor daily for my photo editing, and it’s been outstanding. The color depth is excellent, which makes a huge difference when working on fine details, and it’s easy to calibrate so I know my images will look consistent in print and online. If you’re serious about photography, a reliable monitor like this is one of the best investments you can make.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 Printer
While most of my large fine art prints are produced by trusted third-party printers, I still use this printer regularly for test prints. It’s perfect for checking how an image translates to paper—color, tone, and detail—before sending files out for full-size production. Reliable, easy to use, and a great tool for photographers who want to print their images at home.
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
A good macro lens opens up a whole new world in nature photography. From insects to wildflowers, it lets you capture incredible detail that’s impossible with standard lenses. This one delivers sharpness, beautiful background blur, and great working distance—making it perfect for exploring the smaller, often overlooked subjects that bring a portfolio to life.
