The 20+ Best Gifts for Future Filmmakers, From Camera Gear to Director-Approved Books

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Whether you’re a professional or an amateur filmmaker (or shopping for one), today’s smartphones make it incredibly easy to create your own big-screen worthy content. Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow said at the iPhone 13‘s reveal last year that its cinematic cameras “might even birth a new genre,” and Apple showcased the new iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 48MP camera at the Toronto International Film Festival — but still, it doesn’t hurt to top up on technical knowledge or play with some of the newest toys.

From fancy cameras and precise microphones to sound engineer-approved headphones, there are no shortage of accessories for future directors and cinematographers. And it’s truly a question of personal preference; filmmakers rely on their perfect combination of equipment to produce the look and feel they want. For that very reason, buying the best gift for the aspiring filmmaker in your life can be quite difficult. After all, they probably own what they already want.

Related: The Best Gifts for Digital Nomads, From Smart Office Gear to Tech Must-Haves

Still, there are a few practical and personal gifts that could be an excellent fit for any movie creator you know. Tripods can simplify the content creation experience, while posters and and books also make great gifts for your recent film school grad. A new camera is always among the best gifts for film students on a budget, along with laptop-friendly backpacks that let them work from anywhere.

So, whether your recipient is just starting out or has a wealth of experience (or maybe you’re treating yourself to new gear), here’s an eclectic selection of the best gifts for filmmakers or anyone else who loves movies and TV.

Need more ideas? Check out The Hollywood Reporter‘s holiday gift guides here.

2. Storyboard Notebook

They’re going to need a lot of space to jot down their future script and scene ideas, and this Storyboard Notebook has 170 pages for them.

3. Masterclass Subscription

There’s nothing quite like learning from the best. That’s exactly what a Masterclass subscription provides — a series of video lessons from some of the most accomplished professionals in the filmmaking field. Whether your giftee is inspired by Shonda Rhimes’ many hit TV series, Ken Burns’ documentaries or Aaron Sorkin’s quick writing, there’s an ideal class to be found. Bonus: There’s still time to get that buy one, get one membership deal through Dec. 13.

5. Customized Written & Directed By Journal

Help them manifest their name on the big screen with this Written & Directed By hardcover journal that can be personalized with their name.

6. BIIB Multi-Tool Pen Set

You never know what’s going to happen on set — and this multi-functional pen features nine convenient tools to ensure they’re always prepared.

7. Logitech Craft Advanced Wireless Keyboard

Logitech’s Craft Advanced wireless keyboard has a convenient input dial that gives users complete control on a range of apps, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and InDesign; and Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word. Giftees will also appreciate the backlit keys that automatically adjust to the lighting conditions in their space, and the responsive, quiet keys are optimized for efficiency and precision.

MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Logitech | Amazon

11. Speks Crag Magnetic Putty

Whether they’re facing writer’s block or they just need to let their creative juices flow, Speks’ Crags magnetic putty is a fun fidget-friendly accessory to help them concentrate (or get their mind off things).

12. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer

Smartphone cameras are an increasingly viable option for filmmaking. But it’s no good having a top camera if you can’t steady your phone. DJI’s three-axis Osmo Mobile 6 smartphone gimbal stabilizer does just that, enhancing the movie production experience for on-the-go content creators and aspiring directors.

16. Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Sony | Amazon | Best Buy

A favorite of Oscar-nominated sound editor Julian Slater, Sony’s latest WH-1000XM5 Bluetooth headphones are also our go-to gear for long flights. They boast an Auto NC Optimizer that adjusts noise canceling based on your environment, and wearers get up to 30 hours of battery life (so they’ll enjoy uninterrupted time while editing or listening to music).

17. SD Card Holder

Having a number of memory cards going at once is a normal part of being a filmmaker. And a sneakily good gift could be something to keep everything together. Kiorafoto’s card holder can store 12 SD cards and is entirely waterproof.

18. Pakt The Travel Backpack

Designed in collaboration with gear reviewer Chase Reeves and with the input of over 300 travelers, Pakt’s travel backpack boasts more than 20 features that make it essential for filmmakers who want to stay organized wherever they’re headed. Made of water-resistant fabric spun from recycled single-use plastics, this carry-on-sized pack has a cool dual-compartment clamshell design with a mesh divider, room for cameras and lenses, a separate laptop compartment, a waterproof section for toiletries (or items that might leak), an exterior water bottle compartment, a hidden back pocket for important documents, a luggage pass-through and plenty of easy-to-adjust straps to keep wearers comfortable.

19. Cheap Movie Tricks by Rickey Bird

This book by filmmaker and writer Rickey Bird is a good option for low-budget enthusiasts who are just getting into the filmmaking business. This 288-page guide will teach readers how to shoot “any film project into a piece of art,” as The Walking Dead actor Vincent M. Ward professes. After all, sometimes it can take just one great film to launch a career.

21. Lenovo ThinkVision Monitor

There are tons of good monitors out there, but versatility is key. The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is one of the best portable monitors for on-the-go video editing, playback, online browsing and movie watching — a perfect combo for a filmmaker. And as far as monitors go, it’s a relatively affordable gift.