Looking for the perfect gift for the content creator in your life? Whether it’s for filming an epic hike for Instagram, a trending dance for TikTok or long-form vlogs for YouTube, here are some gifts that any creator can appreciate.
As journalists and content creators, my husband, Brandon Purington, and I don’t leave for a trip without our camera bag of gear. Over the years, we’ve tested out everything from tripods to action cameras to mics and have narrowed it down to a handful of products that all fit into one backpack. We’ve done the leg work for you; our faves are featured below, including some great Black Friday deals. Added bonus: we’ve asked some top content creators to weigh in, too.
Quick Overview
This charger is handy to have when you’re creating content.
(Clutch)
The Clutch V3 Charger, an ultra-thin charger the size of a few credit cards stacked on top of each other, easily fits in your pocket and means you have a way to recharge your devices on the go. At an affordable price, this is an absolute no-brainer to have in your camera bag. See the Black Friday deal here.
“The Joby Gorillapod has been a staple in my kit for years,” says content creator Kyle Wicks (@k_wicksy). Its compact size makes it easy to bring on any adventure without adding weight or taking up space. What I love most are the flexible legs, they let me set up on almost any terrain, from awkward spots on mountain tops to wrapping around tree limbs and whatever else I can find. It keeps my camera steady and lets me lock in the shot with confidence.”
Rather than keeping your DSLR in your bag, attach it to your backpack strap for easier access.
(Peak Design)
“The Peak Design Camera Clip has been a lifesaver,” says content creator Courtney Buck (@thisworldofadventure). “We used to strain our necks on hikes or constantly dig our camera out of our pack. This clip has made our photography 10 times better. It’s so convenient being hands-free, and our necks have thanked us every day since. Whether we’re hiking, biking, or exploring a new city, we can grab our camera in seconds without missing a shot.”
The Light & Airy Pop-Up Stand is lightweight and easy to bring along.
(Light & Airy)
Don’t ask a stranger to take your photo, opt for the Light & Airy Pop Up Stand. It holds your phone and comes with a bluetooth remote. It expands to 59 inches and folds down to 12 inches, so it can easily fit in a purse or backpack. “As full-time travelers who create content in every corner of the world, we need gear that’s reliable and lightweight,” says content creator Emily Crider. The Pop-Up Photo Stand has become our go-to because it slips into any backpack, sets up in seconds, and lets us capture family shots without having to ask a stranger. It’s one of the few pieces of gear we never travel without.”
The DJI Mic Mini allows you to capture amazing audio.
(DJI)
DJI Mic Mini is the key to capturing amazing audio — whether it’s birds chirping, water rushing or your sounds of glee while hiking. “Where the DJI Mic Mini really shines is in its size and its ability to still capture clear, detailed audio,” says content creator Bryan Murphy (Hawaii’s Best Travel). “Good audio matters more now than ever no matter what type of content you create. The Mic Mini has both great quality and ease of use, with solid noise canceling and true plug-and-play, which makes it a big step up from any built-in mic for on-the-go content creation.” See Black Friday deal here.
The Insta360 Flow 2 makes capturing video projects a breeze
(Insta360)
The key to capturing buttery smooth footage with your phone is a gimbal. With a built-in selfie stick, AI capabilities and built-in tripod, the Insta360 Flow 2 makes capturing video projects a breeze. Bonus: It also has 10 hours of battery life, a remote control via your Apple Watch or second phone and long distance and group tracking. Pro tip: Add the magnetic phone mount for an even quicker setup. See Black Friday deal here.
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack not only looks sleek, it’s super functional.
(Nomatic)
“For anyone who travels with camera gear, we couldn’t recommend Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack enough,” says Courtney Bucks from @thisworldofadventure. “Not only is it extremely durable, it’s incredibly spacious. We love being able to travel with it on our backs instead of a rolling or handheld case, it’s the go-to for all our gear. We fit two camera bodies, three camera lenses, mics, a drone, GoPro, Insta360, chargers, gimbal and a laptop all into this bag. You really can’t beat it.”
Nomatic Luma Camera Backpack 18L
Nomatic’s Luma Camera Pack is compact and functional.
(Nomatic)
Whether you’re hauling camera gear, snacks or rain jackets, Nomatic’s Luma Camera Pack makes it easy. The customizable dividers and handy compartments keep you organized, and the sternum strap provides added support. See the Black Friday deal here.
The GoPro Hero 13 makes shooting everything from hiking to skydiving easier.
(GoPro)
“The GoPro Hero 13 is the best action cam on the market,” says content creator Giselle Langley (@thecreatorpassport). “We use our basically every single day of a trip, and love how it is very easy to use, captures insane slow motion and regular footage and has a small footprint, so it doesn’t feel like its a burden to bring.”
The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD is handy for backing up footage on the fly.
(LaCie)
“I have a ton of external drives, but this is the one that I take on the road with me, because it’s built to be used,” says content creator Bryan Murphy (Hawaii’s Best Travel). “I’m really hard on my gear, and I often record podcast interviews on-location, so it’s nice to know that this drive will survive. I’ve never had it fail, and the speed is more than enough for me to edit audio and video while traveling. The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD basically lives in my bag.”
The DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone is user friendly and lightweight.
(DJI)
“Being able to take shots from the air is such a game changer for photography and videography,” says content creator Heather Ellison @gooutsideandexplore. Giselle Langley agrees. “The DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone is is our go-to drone. We use it basically every day and love it because it shoots full vertical, it is under the weight limit a lot of countries need it to be to fly legally and it also is great at shooting photo/video for social media.”
The Sony A7111 is perfect for beginners, as well as, pro photographer and filmmakers
(Sony)
Keeping your camera bag lightweight is key. Having a mirrorless camera helps with that. The Sony A7111 is perfect for beginners, as well as, pro photographer and filmmakers. With insane image quality, 10fps subject tracking and 4K video capture, it’s a joy to shoot with.
This premium standard zoom lens takes ultrasharp photos at all focal lengths.
(Sony)
Pair your Sony A7III with this lens, perfect for sharp photos, great autofocus and wide-angle and mid-range perspectives. The premium standard zoom lens takes ultrasharp photos at all focal lengths.
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