The Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Film Photographers
Film photography has made a remarkable comeback in recent years, in fact 2025 finds analog shooting back and even stronger than it has been in decades, embraced by everyone from teens to seasoned pros. This resurgence isn’t just nostalgia; it’s fueled by a desire for the tactile, intentional experience that digital often lacks. Major manufacturers report surging demand. In fact Kodak’s film sales jumped 30% from 2019 to 2023, with young photographers (18–35) leading the charge. With the “film is not dead” enthusiasm at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to surprise the analog aficionado in your life (or treat yourself!) to a photography gift!
Whether you’re shopping for a beginner just starting out or an intermediate shooter deepening their craft, this carefully curated gift guide has something for everyone. From cameras and must-have film stocks to modern accessories and DIY darkroom kits, here are the top 10 gift ideas that will delight any film photography enthusiast. Each suggestion includes why it would make a great gift and how it can enrich the analog shooting experience.
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1. Lomography Diana Mini & Flash (35mm Half-Frame Film Camera)
The Lomography Diana Mini is a pocket sized 35mm camera that can shoot in two formats: 72 half-frame shots per roll or 36 square images, simply by flipping a switch. This means beginners get double the photos per film roll, making it budget-friendly and fun. It comes bundled with a detachable flash for low light shooting, so you won’t miss any holiday moments. The Diana Mini embraces the analog quirks Lomography is known for. Expect dreamy vignettes, multiple exposures, and long exposure “B” mode for creative experimentation. Its cute, vintage design and easy point and shoot operation make it approachable for newbies, while the creative features keep more experienced shooters inspired. You can find the Diana Mini & Flash on Amazon for around $70-$90. It’s a thoughtful gift that invites any film lover to slow down and play with analog photography, one lo-fi shot at a time.
2. A Variety of 35mm Film Rolls (Fuel Their Creativity)
Nothing will make a film photographer’s eyes light up like a stash of interesting film. Consider assembling a bundle of popular film stocks as a gift. For color photography, Kodak Portra 400 is a top choice. It’s renowned for its natural skin tones and smooth grain, making it one of the most versatile and forgiving films around (beautiful for portraits or everyday shots). Another great all-purpose film is Kodak Gold 200, known for its vibrant colors and forgiving exposure latitude, ideal for someone learning the ropes or shooting travel and family scenes. To spark creativity, you could throw in a roll of something funky like Lomography Lomochrome Purple, which yields surreal, purple-tinted images for a totally unique aesthetic. And we can’t forget black and white film. Kodak Tri-X 400 is a legendary B&W stock that many consider the best. It has beautiful contrast, fine grain, and high sharpness for crisp images. A few rolls of Tri-X will let your photographer experiment with classic monochrome photography. By gifting an assortment of film, you’re essentially giving an artist new “palettes” to play with. Each film stock has its own look and character. It’s a thoughtful, exciting gift that encourages them to go out and shoot more.
(Tip: You might package the films in a cool container! See Gift #8 – to make it extra special.)
3. Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (Bluetooth-Connected i-Type Camera)
Instant photography is always a hit during the holidays, and the Polaroid Now+ brings the magic of Polaroid into the modern era. This camera is an upgrade from the Instax Mini, delivering the iconic larger Polaroid prints and a slew of creative tools. The Now+ is Polaroid’s “most creative camera yet,” featuring Bluetooth connectivity and a companion smartphone app that unlocks manual controls, double exposures, light painting, and other fun creative modes. In the box you also get a set of 5 clip-on lens filters (for effects like starburst and color tints), adding even more versatility. Despite these advanced features, it’s very easy to use in auto mode, just point, shoot, and watch your memories develop in the classic square format. The camera has a rechargeable battery (USB-C) and a tripod mount, making it practical for on-the-go adventures and creative setups. Amazon carries the Polaroid Now+ (Generation 2) often in bundle deals (around $130-$150 with film packs). It’s a fantastic gift for any analog enthusiast who loves instant gratification and it’s perfect for capturing family gatherings or New Year’s parties and creating tangible memories on the spot.
4. 35mm Film Scanner or Digitizer (Bridge Analog and Digital)
Help your film loving friend show off their shots online with a film scanner. Digitizing negatives is a crucial step in the modern analog workflow, allowing photographers to easily edit and share their images. Thankfully, high quality home scanning has become affordable and accessible, so it’s a great time to gift a scanner. There are two main routes: a flatbed scanner like the Epson V600 (a versatile device that can scan prints and film) or a dedicated 35mm film scanner such as the Plustek OpticFilm series. Flatbeds and affordable dedicated scanners have made high quality home scanning very attainable, delivering excellent resolution for enlargements. For instance, the Plustek 8200i SE is beloved for its 7200 dpi optical resolution, ideal for preserving detail from 35mm negatives. Even budget options like the Kodak Slide N Scan (which scans 35mm and 120 film to a memory card) can be a fun plug and play solution for someone who just wants quick social media ready files.
By gifting a scanner, you empower your photographer to take control of their workflow. They can choose how to crop and color correct their scans, and instantly upload those analog masterpieces to Instagram. It’s a gift of both convenience and creativity that will elevate their film photography game.
5. CineStill CS41 Home Developing Kit (Do-It-Yourself Film Processing)
For the hands on photographer, consider a gift that takes their hobby to the next level: an at-home film developing kit. Products like the CineStill CS41 2-Bath Kit make it surprisingly easy to develop color negative (C-41) film in your own kitchen or bathroom. This kit is highly regarded as the perfect kit for those who want to develop their own color negatives at home, helping users save money and gain more control over the process. It comes with all the necessary chemistry to develop ~20–24 rolls of film, and because it’s a simplified 2 step process (just a developer and a blix), you don’t need a full darkroom setup or extensive experience. Processing your own film can be incredibly rewarding! It teaches patience and craft, and there’s nothing quite like the moment of unspooling a developed roll and seeing the images you captured. Along with the chemical kit, you might include a few accessories like a developing tank, measuring jugs, and a thermometer (many starter bundles are available). This gift transforms film photography from just taking pictures to actually making pictures, allowing your enthusiast to experience the magic of the darkroom at home. Plus, it’s a great way for them to save on lab fees in the long run and truly understand the craft from start to finish.
6. Stylish Camera Strap (Comfort meets Personal Style)
Every photographer needs a good camera strap and film cameras often come with decades old, fraying straps (if any at all). A stylish yet sturdy new strap can be a wonderful stocking stuffer or add on gift. You have options ranging from elegant leather straps for a vintage vibe to modern woven designs or hardcore crossbody straps that distribute weight. One popular choice is the Peak Design Slide or Leash straps, which are not only comfortable but come with quick release anchor links. They allow you to unclip and reattach different camera straps with ease, so you can switch between a plethora of strap styles depending on your mood. This means your photographer friend can go from a neck strap to a wrist strap in seconds, or remove the strap entirely when using a tripod, all without fuss.
When choosing a strap, consider their personal style and camera size. For a smaller 35mm camera or rangefinder, a slim leather strap (perhaps with a classic Braun or Domke gripper design) would look great. For an SLR or medium format camera that’s heavier, a wider padded strap (like Peak Design or BlackRapid) might be more practical. Not only does a fresh strap make carrying a camera more comfortable, but it also lets the shooter express their personality. Whether that’s a neon-colored woven pattern or a classy replica of a vintage brand logo. It’s a simple gift that they’ll use every time they shoot film, and it can really refresh the look of their beloved camera.
7. Camera Bag or Backpack Insert (Carry Gear in Style)
Film photographers tend to accumulate a lot of goodies. Camera bodies, lenses, film rolls, maybe a light meter, so a good camera bag is essential to haul everything around safely. One highly recommended option is a sling style bag, such as the Peak Design Everyday Sling. Reviewers praise it as “versatile and compact, perfect for travelers,” with just enough space for a small camera plus a few rolls and personal items. Sling bags are awesome for city photowalks or day trips. They won’t weigh you down like a full backpack, and you can slide them from back to front quickly to swap a lens or change a roll. The Peak Design sling, for example, has flexible dividers to organize gear and even room for keys, a phone, and wallet.
If your photographer friend already has a favorite backpack, consider gifting a camera insert, a padded compartment that turns any bag into a camera bag. These inserts (available in various sizes) are like little camera “cubbies” with adjustable dividers. They can drop one into their everyday backpack or tote to protect the camera and lenses from bumps. It’s a subtle gift that offers peace of mind (no more worrying about that precious film SLR banging against other items). Whether you go for a dedicated camera bag (there are many stylish options now that don’t scream “camera bag”) or a modular insert system, you’ll be helping your film shooter explore the world with their gear well protected and organized. They’ll thank you on their next photo adventure!
8. Film Storage Case (Keep Those Rolls Tidy)
If you’ve ever seen a film photographer digging in their bag for a loose roll of film, you know the struggle. Those little cannisters tend to scatter everywhere. Enter the film storage case, a simple but genius accessory. One popular pick is the Kodak film case that holds 5 rolls of 35mm film neatly. Gifting one of these means no more rummaging through the bag or losing a precious roll. It keeps all their film nice and tidy in one place. These cases often come in cool retro designs (the Kodak-branded metal case has a vintage vibe and comes in multiple colors). They’re lightweight and fit easily into a bag or pocket.
For the 120 medium format shooters, there are similar cases for the larger rolls as well. And if your friend shoots a lot of film, consider a mini film fridge. Yes, seriously! Many enthusiasts store film in a dedicated small refrigerator to prolong its life. While you probably won’t be gifting an appliance here, a cute ammo can or lunchbox can also serve as a quirky at-home film storage solution. But the pocketable 5 roll case is the most practical day to day tool. It’s the kind of thing someone might not buy for themselves, but once they have it, they’ll wonder how they lived without it. Every time they pop open the case to reload a fresh roll, they’ll appreciate the thoughtful gift that keeps their analog workflow running smoothly.
9. Photography Book or Creative Prompt Cards (Inspiration for Analog Shooters)
When the weather’s bad or creativity is running low, a great photography book can inspire and educate. A highly recommended choice is “The Photographer’s Playbook: 307 Assignments and Ideas.” It’s an inspiring book filled with hundreds of photo exercises and challenges from renowned photographers. It includes prompts like “shoot a whole roll with one theme” or “experiment with light and shadow patterns.” It’s perfect for analog shooters looking to practice and improve. It’s a fantastic way to spark creativity and push them to try new techniques. They can flip open to any page and find a fun assignment for their next photo walk, ensuring they stay entertained and learning.
If not the Playbook, consider analog photography coffee table books. For example, “Film Is Not Dead” by Jonathan Canlas showcases beautiful film images and techniques, or a monograph from a favorite film photographer (think Vivian Maier’s street photography, Fan Ho’s incredible work, Ansel Adams for classic landscape lovers, etc.). These books provide both eye candy and education, letting readers study the tones and grain of real film photographs. Obligatory plug to say that I also have a photo book available :)
Another idea is creative prompt cards, like a deck of “photo challenge” cards (some sets are themed for film photography or travel photography). One popular set contains weekly challenges that “stretch your creativity,” and has been a hit among photography community. Whether it’s a book or a deck of cards, this gift will keep on giving by inspiring your film photographer to pick up their camera even in those uninspired moments. It’s like gifting not just an item, but new ideas and motivation to fuel their passion.
10. Ilford + Paterson Film Processing Starter Kit (Home Developing Kit)
For a truly meaningful gift for your black and white enthusiast, consider equipping them with the tools to develop their own film at home. The Ilford Paterson Film Processing Starter Kit is an all in one analog accessory that empowers photographers to take the next step in the film process. This kit contains everything needed to start developing black and white 35mm film rolls: A Paterson developing tank with reels, a thermometer, measuring jugs, mixing stirrer, film drying clips, and even the essential Ilford chemistry in convenient pre-measured packets. In other words, it’s a complete mini darkroom in a box. Perfect for someone eager to learn the craft of film developing without purchasing each item separately. Home developing can be deeply satisfying and cost effective, allowing photographers to see their creative process through from shooting to processing. Priced around $100 on Amazon, this starter bundle is highly rated, and I personally had a blast with mine. Gifting this kit shows you recognize their passion, and it opens up a new hands on experience in analog photography. From the excitement of seeing negatives come to life to the pride of doing it yourself, this kit delivers a rewarding, educational gift that any film shooter will appreciate!
Conclusion
From cameras that offer a taste of nostalgia to accessories that make shooting film more enjoyable, these gift ideas cover all bases for film photography lovers. The key to a great gift is understanding what makes film shooters tick; the anticipation of waiting for developed photos, the craftsmanship of manual cameras, the community and culture around analog aesthetics, and the simple joy of capturing moments in an authentic way. This guide was researched and crafted to ensure each recommendation is truly useful or delightful, no fluff, just real items that film photographers rave about all of which I have used myself.
As the holiday season 2025 approaches, interest in film photography is at a high. Whether your recipient is a budding beginner just starting out or a seasoned shutterbug who’s shot rolls for years, there’s something here that will make them smile. By choosing a gift that aligns with their analog passion, you’re not only giving them a physical item but also encouraging their creative journey. And who knows, maybe your gift will inspire them to shoot an unforgettable project or learn a new skill (that they’ll be excited to share with you).
Happy gifting, and here’s to many more captured moments on film in the year ahead! 📷🎞️
