Looking for the ideal holiday gift to inspire a budding photographer? Whether it’s your child, niece, nephew, or a family friend, these holiday photography gifts for kids are sure to spark creativity and artistic expression. As a Chicago family photographer, I’ve curated five fun and beginner-friendly gift ideas to help middle school kids dive into the world of photography!
1. Beginner-Friendly Digital Camera
A great starter camera allows young photographers to explore the basics of capturing stunning photos. Models like the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo or Canon IVY CLIQ+2 are simple, fun, and intuitive. Instant-print cameras offer immediate gratification, enabling kids to print their favorite shots on the spot—perfect for scrapbooks, room décor, or sharing with friends. These can be ideal holiday photography gifts for kids.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo: A hybrid instant camera that combines digital and analog features, offering 100 different shooting effects. It’s pricey, but awesome. Available on Amazon
- Canon IVY CLIQ+2: A compact instant camera printer with a selfie mirror and Bluetooth connectivity. A certain chick I know is getting this one here! Available on Amazon
2. Phone Camera Lens Kit
Many middle school kids have access to smartphones. A clip-on lens kit, like the Xenvo Pro Lens Kit, is an affordable and exciting way to enhance their smartphone photography. With wide-angle, macro, and fisheye lenses, they can experiment with creative perspectives and close-ups, capturing unique angles of pets, friends, or even Chicago landmarks. You really can take the most amazing photos with even a smartphone nowadays. This could be a GREAT stocking stuffer for even a spouse, and also a fantastic option for holiday photography gifts for kids. A total steal at $40, if you ask me!
- Xenvo Pro Lens Kit: Includes a wide-angle and macro lens with LED light and travel case. Available on Amazon
3. Kid-Friendly Tripod
A sturdy tripod is essential for any photographer. Kid-friendly options like the UBeesize Portable Tripod are lightweight, versatile, and easy to use. Whether setting up a time-lapse, capturing long-exposure shots of holiday lights, or experimenting with creative angles, a tripod is a must-have. Plus, it works with both phones and cameras, making it one of the great holiday photography gifts for kids.
- UBeesize Portable Tripod: Flexible tripod with wireless remote, compatible with smartphones and cameras. Available on Amazon
4. Photography Journal or Guidebook
Inspire creativity with a fun photography journal or guidebook, such as Photo Adventures for Kids by Anne-Laure Jacquart. Packed with kid-friendly tips, challenges, and project ideas, these books provide a hands-on way to learn about composition, lighting, and storytelling. It’s the perfect companion for family outings, whether exploring local parks or snapping pics of our Chicago city skyline and makes ideal holiday photography gifts for pre-teens.
- Photo Adventures for Kids: A guidebook offering creative photography projects for children. Available on Amazon
5. Portable Photo Printer
There’s something magical about holding a printed photo. Mini photo printers like the HP Sprocket or Canon SELPHY Square QX10 bring that magic to life. These compact printers connect to smartphones or cameras, allowing kids to print their favorite pictures instantly. They can create mini albums, decorate their lockers, or design personalized holiday cards! They are excellent choices for holiday photography gifts for kids. I do see it getting expensive with the excessive printing…but I guess it’s not Fortnite or skincare, so maybe it’s fine?
- HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer: Prints 2×3″ photos from smartphones. Available on Amazon
- Canon SELPHY Square QX10: Compact photo printer producing high-quality square prints. Available on Amazon
Why Photography Gifts Make the Perfect Holiday Present
Photography gifts aren’t just about taking pictures—they help kids tell their own stories, build confidence, and develop a lifelong hobby. As a photographer based in the Chicago area, I love seeing anyone’s eyes light up as they discover their creative voice through the lens. Holiday photography gifts for kids can truly be magical.
Whether it’s a new camera, fun accessories, or a book to guide their learning journey, these gifts are sure to bring joy to the young photographer in your life this holiday season.
Share the Gift of Creativity This Holiday Season
If you’re looking to celebrate the beauty of family and photography this season, consider booking a family photo session. As a Chicago family photographer, I specialize in capturing heartfelt moments you’ll treasure for years. Let’s make this holiday season picture-perfect—both for your family and the young creatives in your life! Gift cards are available by eMailing hello@kileyhumbertphotography.com
Happy holidays and happy shopping!
