You can’t find the right gift for the filmmaker in the family? Even if you’re just looking for something to treat yourself, we have you covered.
This is how it looks. It’s holiday season, and you open a gift that has your name on. The box feels heavy and you dare not shake it—the contents might be fragile! Do you really want the new camera? Perhaps you are looking for a DVD box set. LOST? What about the Stanley Kubrick light-meter? Barry Lyndon? Could it be?!
Nope. Not even close. It’s just a pair of socks.
Even though we all love winter and want to keep our feet warm, it can be difficult to find the right gift for the film-maker in your life. Santa Spielberg is our Saint Nick. We can help you find the perfect gift. Be they a cinematographer, screenwriter, or cinephile, these gift ideas will make your gift-getter freak out like they just got a Nintendo 64 in 1996.
To start off this list, we recommend checking out B&H’s Cyber Monday deals! Keep reading if you don’t find the answer you are looking for. Send this entire article to your dad, mom, or anyone else looking for gift ideas for you. You can trust me.
For Cinematographers, Gear Heads, and Creatives
This section is perfect for anyone who loves cameras or someone who makes a living from it. From cameras to camera accessories, and all the tools you need to work with your footage, these gift ideas are going to knock some socks off—hopefully literally.
Cameras
- FujiFilm X-H2s (New Release) – The newest camera from Fuji, the X-H2s is a hybrid mirrorless camera that shoots ProRes internally in 6K and does RAW to an external recorder. It is ideal for both professionals and hobbyists.
- Fujifilm GFX 100S ($500 off) – The GFX 100S medium format camera is one of the most affordable. This camera has been loved by landscape and portrait photographers since its release. You also have solid video options. Although it isn’t great for beginners, pros who need a larger frame will find the GFX a good choice.
- Fujifilm X-T4 ($150 off) – The X-T4 from Fuji is the hobbyist camera everyone had in their pocket, but it also had the features to make it a solid B-cam for pros. You can use it for both video and photos. The Fujifilm X-T5 is now available in the wild.
- Canon EOS R5 C ($200 off) – Canon wants this hybrid camera to rule all hybrid cameras, and with its feature set, it could do just that. The R5 C features fully dedicated modes for video and photo, and a full frame that produces 8K video. 45MP. This is the ideal kit for wedding photographers. This kit is also great for film and document work.
- Sony FX30 (New Release) – Sony’s return of APS-C/Super35-sized sensors to the camera market, the FX30, is among the most affordable cinema cameras available (right next to BMPCC 4K or 6K G). The FX30 is the perfect companion for solo filmmakers, whether they’re digital content creators or videographers. It has brilliant autofocus and stabilizing.
- BMPCC 6K (New Release). – Blackmagic Design’s most recent release, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2, is available now. This is not only the most affordable RAW-capable cinema camera on the market, but also boasts an image that rivals expensive cameras. It’s a great choice for beginners or those who are trying to make movies on a tight budget.
Lenses
- Cinema Lenses These tools are the most popular choice for filmmakers. These lenses look like tanks, can be controlled precisely with focus and aperture, and often have a character that other lenses cannot match. For creatives who want to add a cinematic edge, here are some of our favorites (that won’t break the bank).
- DZOFilm Pictor Zoom PL-mount Set ($200 off) – This pair of lenses is affordable and delivers as much as more expensive options. You get six lenses for the price of two, thanks to the extensive focal range.
- Sirui Mars 1.33x Anamorphic Lens Set- Sirui produces some of the best anamorphic lenses available. The MFT-mount set comes at a fraction of the cost of single lenses from other manufacturers. Although they aren’t as sharp as higher-end glass, the images they produce can be stunning.
- Sirui Venus Anamorphic Lens Set, 1.6x – Same affordability but with a full frame and an RF mount. These lenses would be a great choice if you have spent a lot of money on a RED Komodo. This set won’t break the bank and you will have amazing images to use in your projects.
- IRIX Cine entry set – IRIX has a relatively recent lens line up compared with other brands. They have solid glass that is both extremely affordable and produces amazing images. This entry set includes a 21mm (20mm) and 45mm (EF-mount). These lenses can also be purchased in PL-mount and Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L. MFT and Leica L.
- Photography Lenses Photography glass is a great way for you to save money, even though they are not as well-machined as cinema lenses. Many may include optical image stabilization or autofocus. These are just a few of our favorites.
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II – A solid choice for Sony shooters, the 24-70mm is light, quick to focus, and covers a favorable focal range.
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM – A rival to the Sony lens above, this RF mount Canon lens has image stabilization and a constant aperture.
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM ($400 off) – A counterpart to the previous Canon, the 15-35mm is a bit wider.
- Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2R WR – This is the lens to get if you shoot on Fuji. It’s sharp, fast, and has a unique quality that other lenses may not have. It is, at least in our opinion.
- Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III ($300 off) – This is one of the fastest lenses on the market, making it a perfect tool for low-light shooting, either for photos or cinema. You also have the option of purchasing it in Canon RF or Sony E mounts.
- Venus Optics Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF Lens ($250 off) – Another crazy-fast lens, the Argus is a bit wider but is also a bit cheaper and available in Canon RF, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts.
- Accessory – Follow focus unit, matte boxes, batteries and more. Here are some things you can do to prepare your camera for any production.
- Tilta Nucleus-M Wireless Follow Focus System – Tilta upended the market with this set, becoming one of the most affordable follow-focus units out there. You won’t have to break the bank for this solid piece of kit.
- Tilta Nucleus Nano Wireless Following Focus System – Tilta did the same with the Nucleus M. It did the same with the Nucleus Nano. This wireless follow focus kit is just below $300 and can be used with any lens.
- SmallRig MagicFIZ Wireless Follow System- SmallRig is a manufacturer of cages for various cameras and wanted to get a piece of Tilta’s pie. This is why they released a wireless follow-focus device that was affordable.
- Atomos Ninja 5″ 4K Monitor/Recorder. The Atomos Ninja, one of only two external monitor/recorders available on the market, can record ProRes Raw footage. It’s an incredible monitor.
- Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7″ – If Atomos was the first RAW recorder, then the BMD Video Assist is the competition. Creatives can use BRAW with this monitor/recorder. If you prefer a smaller footprint, it is also available in a 5″ model.
- SmallHD 702 Touch 7″ Monitor – This monitor from SmallHD will be used on many ARRI cameras. This monitor is not the most affordable, but it will work well for you and your colleagues. It will not record RAW video or any other type of video but it will deliver a clear image that is bright and accurate in color.
Gimbals and Drones, Computers and TVs, and Many More
Publications and magazines
- ASC’s American Cinematographer is $30/year. Or $60 for two years. Each cinematographer must keep up with changes in the industry. American Cinematographer does the same for shooters as Variety does for agents.
- Cinema Scope: $20 for one year or $40 for two years
Swag and Merch
Everyone wants to look their best or honor their favorite brands and gear. There are many fun accessories that you and your filmmaker friend might like!
- Gift Cards from B&H (when you’re not sure what to get!)
- Filmtools
- Kino Flo T-Shirt: $13
- American Cinematographer “Sketch” Camera Operator T-Shirt: $15
- Moviola Ball Cap: $15
- Stinger Pin: $15
- 9-Light Pin: $15
- Hoo-Rag Bandana: $20
- 5-Panel Hat (Black): $20
- Camera Head Man Sticker: $4
- Cat Stops Sticker: $4
- Aspect Ratios T-Shirt: $23
- C47 Patent T-Shirt: $23
- Designated Charging Station (DIT) T-Shirt: $23
- Director Evolution T-Shirt: $23
- DTF (Down to Film) T-Shirt: $23
- Fix It On Set T-Shirt: $23
- Mayonaise T-Shirt: $23
- More Room Tone T-Shirt: $23
- Steadicam Patent T-Shirt: $24
- Steadicam Silhouette T-Shirt: $24
- Patti Lapel, “We Come to This Place for Magic”, T-Shirt: $35
Television/Home Entertainment
You are watching movies when you aren’t making them. This is an investment in you. The more sound and image you have at home, the better you will be able to analyze, learn and critique the work that will inspire you for your next project.
You can also forget about all of that and simply treat yourself to the best because you love what you see.
- Samsung 55″ HDR 4KLED TV – $347.99 Surprisingly Enjoy a holiday discount and get a bargain! You deserve it.
- Samsung 65″ HDR 4K LED TV – $447.99 – Okay. Similar to above but bigger because you deserve it too.
- Yamaha 5.1 Home Theater System – $649.95 You can stream this system by purchasing it. Dune immediately. Trust us.
- Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones – $249 – Get rid of the cords without compromising audio quality. You’ll love these headphones, whether you’re looking at, cutting, or taking notes.
For Screenwriters, Novelists and Playwrights
Although you may not be a techie, you still make movies the same way as everyone else. This section is for you, or those you know who fit this description. These gift ideas will help you get through the holidays, no matter what medium it is: film, stage, or nightstand.
Software
- Final Draft – $250 – Many pros use this software. They call themselves the industry standard, but you can get by just fine with other choices—still, many people like the feel of using the program many other people use as well.
- Highland 2 – $50 – give yourself some software designed by A-list screenwriter John August. You wouldn’t want anything that isn’t devoted to your needs.
- Fade In $79 – Another popular option for professional writers. This one looks neat on the page, and it’s also very fun to use.
- Save the Cat – $189 per year – The most popular book and software that you don’t actually use to write screenplays, this can help you structure your story or just drive you crazy when you realize you’re missing specific beats.
Goodies for writers
- Personalized idea notebook, $23.99 Let them be creative and write it down.
- Writer Emergency Survival Guide – Got screenplay problems? This guide will challenge you to think outside of the box and help you write better screenplays.
- Writer Emergency Pack – A deck of cards you can play when you hit writer’s block? Yes, indeed! Yes, you can! Just don’t attempt to play blackjack.
- These top screenwriting books are a great resource for anyone who is trying to procrastinate.
For Cinephiles and Movie Nerds
This section is dedicated to movie lovers. Here are some gift suggestions for movie lovers and sitcom fans.
Streaming Services
Many great filmmakers learned from film-watching. It’s an excellent way to not only learn, but also support the field.
- MUBI: $10.99/mo. or $95.88/year. – A curated platform that streams hard-to-find movies and art films, as well as foreign titles that you won’t see on Netflix.
- Shudder: $5.99/mo. Shudder: $5.99/month or $56.99/year Shudder us if you are a film lover or if you’re a fan of horror films all year. You can’t handle more horror, thrillers, or supernatural suspense.
- The Criterion Channel $10.99/mo. $99.99/year – The standard for classic cinema from all eras, countries, and genres. The price alone for the poster/box art is well worth it, let’s not lie.
- IFC Films Unlimited: $5.99/mo (must have Amazon Prime) – Devoted to independent film, this is the streamer where you can enjoy and support the indie film community in the purest sense.
- Sundance Now: $6.99/mo (must have Amazon Prime) – Do you miss actual Drama? It’s a large genre that is almost extinct at the multiplex. Sundance Now steps in to save the day.
Gear to Start Your Own Podcast About Movies
- RØDE Pod Mic: $89.95 – You have a lot to say, and you think people should hear you say it! Begin a conversation with your friends. Create a horror podcast, or other narrative format. You can get wild in your own home.
Special Edition Gifts
- Box sets for DVD. You can watch the best gifts! Choose from a variety of styles and themes to find the perfect gift. Choose your favorite. Your guilty pleasures. Go nuts!
- Action figures in special editions Prices can vary. There are many options, whether you’re looking for Todd McFarlane’s bust or one that you can make yourself. These are great to have on your desk or for playing with. These are very entertaining.
- Movie posters starting at $50 to $80 from MONDO Decorate your office or home with your favorite movies. Begin a conversation among friends. Pick the most and worst movies that you enjoy.
- Grogu (Baby Yoda), a life-sized version The Mandalorian $375
Ralphie Loves This Stuff Christmas Story
- Red Ryder – But don’t shoot your eye out.
- Leg lamp – Careful, it’s fra-geee-lay.
- Ovaltine – The drink Little Orphan Annie likes to guzzle.
Find the Best Stuff Die Hard That seems really fun
- Christmas book – Share the holiday classic with your kids.
- Mug – Sip coffee like Roy Rodgers.
- 4K Blu-ray – Own the pristine holiday classic film.
Let us know if you have any questions. We wish you a happy holiday!