If your favorite photographer has a birthday coming up it can be stressful to try to find the perfect photographic gift. Camera brands, lens sizes, and the photographer’s needs can all complicate the question and make it near impossible to get a “clear picture”. (Haha. Get it??) Regardless, you may not want to invest in costly gear, and photographic accessories are overwhelmingly plentiful.
Luckily, Lumoid knows cameras, brands, accessories, and photographers. Using our expertise, we culled down the choices to deliver the best birthday gifts under $25 for photographers.
1. Fstopa White Balance Cards (Overall Winner)
These clip-on white balance and gray cards are our overall winner for two reasons: they are useful and they compliment the photographer. Let me explain…
White balancing is essential for photography. Photographing a white balance card prior to a photo session translates to easier white balancing in post-processing. Furthermore, using a grey card guarantees accurate tones. These are extremely useful items that every photographer should have.
However, in a world of increasing digital tech, the art of white balancing stands to be a lost art. If the camera can do it for you, and do it better and faster, then why not let it?
Yet understanding the camera is extremely valuable to a photographer and allows access to more mediums using yesteryear’s low-tech. Compliment your photographer’s birthday by daring them to explore the intricacies of working the camera.
2. Andaz Press “I Shoot People” 11oz Stainless Steel Coffee Mug
This snarky stainless steel coffee mug is a great choice for photography presents on a budget. Universally pragmatic, either used for coffee or a place to throw your keys and boasting a simplistic and stylish black and white minimalist design, this tongue-in-cheek “I Shoot People” coffee mug is a great choice.
3. Mustard Glass Photo Coaster Set
Photographers love their photographs. We’re proud of our work and enjoy seeing it. This is why these DIY picture coasters from Mustard are one of the best birthday gifts under $25 for photographers.
The glass coasters house square photos of 3.3″x3.3″. Your photographer can pick and choose their favorite photos and easily display them. The easy design means they can switch out the photos as they see fit.
4. Vintage Classic Camera Patent Poster Prints
Photographers often have a collection of vintage or classic cameras gathering dust on a shelf. That’s why these stylish vintage camera patent posters are the perfect gift for photographers. Tickle their desire for cameras while saving space and clutter.
Boasting a clean design with a striking black background and white text, this set of four 8″x10″ unframed poster prints show patent schematics for four vintage cameras from the 30s, 40s, and 60s. Don’t stress about interior design; the color scheme will blend easily into any existing home decor.
Bonus gift idea: Frames!
5. Mocalaca 11-in-1 Cell Phone Lens Kit
It’s hard to deny that the audience for cell phone photography is growing steadily. Even if you prefer classic camera equipment, it can be useful to have access to a suitable substitute when the professional gear isn’t around. Luckily, as cell phone photography has progressed, the possibilities, and gear, have flourished as well.
This 11-in-1 cell phone camera lens kit from Mocalaca gives the on-the-go photographer all the options of professional equipment in a pocket-sized punch that works on most cell phones. A clip attaches over your phone camera with a wide array swappable lenses including a wide-angle, fisheye, and a macro as well as filtering lenses to create various effects. It comes in an attractive, compact, and portable case.
Coming in just under budget, this lens kit is at the top end of our best birthday gifts under $25 for photographers, but it’s well worth the price.
6. SD/Micro SD Card Reader for iPhone/iPad
This little tool is an invaluable addition to the toolbox of any photographer. Transferring photos from one place to another has a lot of options but few of them are as direct and simple as this card-to-phone adapter for iPhones and iPads.
Using effortless plug-and-play technology, this SD and Micro SD card reader connects with the phone and imports photos and videos. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but when it comes to the singular purpose of this device, it’s perfect.
There are some caveats, however. First of all, it mostly only works in one direction. Meaning it will NOT transfer photos from the phone to the card; it only works the other way around. I say “mostly” however because it might be possible depending on the device’s iOS. I suggest reading the details closely.
7. EnYL’s Vintage Camera Strap
If you want to focus on camera gear while still maintaining a reasonable budget, take a look at this vintage camera strap. This unique and thoughtful gift can be a truly impactful item, making it one of the best birthday gifts under $25 for photographers.
Camera straps are largely utilitarian which is why this stylish canvas and leather camera strap really stands out. Able to carry over 6.5 lbs, there is no need to worry this strap isn’t up to any challenge. It also comes in varying colors and designs!
Full transparency: I see nothing to back up the term “vintage” but I won’t tell if you won’t.
8. LotFancy Silica Gel Packets
If you have to get a photographer a birthday present but you don’t really like them and want to keep it under $25, you might want to consider a pack of silica gel packets. Because I can’t think of a less-sexy product.
However, the photographer will be unable to argue their usefulness! These tiny little packets, which come in varying quantities and sizes, are an extremely useful tool to wick moisture away from delicate lenses and intricate camera tech.
I’ll say it again, these are extremely useful items that every photographer should have. But you might want to pair it with another gift. Just a suggestion.
9. The bigger picture cards (Budget Winner)
These photography inspiration cards are our budget winner for the best birthday gifts under $25 for photographers. Why? Because they are simple, budget-friendly, and invaluable.
Inspiration is wonderful but unreliable. As photographers, it’s important to continue to challenge ourselves and find new perspectives that are likely to ignite inspiration. These photography inspiration cards from the bigger picture are a tool to keep the creative juices flowing and inspiration just around the corner.
Blending photographic knowledge and photo tasks or challenges, the photographer is set off on a challenge. Furthermore, the cards can be used as learning exercises to deepen the knowledge of photography basics.
Birthday Gifts Under $25 Can Be Worth a Lot More to Photographers
Searching for a gift that lingers under $25 doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or usefulness. Any of these gifts would benefit, delight, or thoughtfully challenge any photo fiend, including the silica gel packets. (Although, seriously, they had better come with a really good card.)
