5 Gifts for Filmmakers Under £50 They'll Actually Use (2026)
By Seb Pupino · Updated
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Buying gear for a filmmaker is a minefield. Lenses depend on their mount, batteries depend on their camera, and they've probably already got strong opinions about microphones.
So these are gifts that work for any filmmaker, whatever they shoot on. I'd be happy to open any of them myself, and they're all under £50.
Quick picks
- For every filmmaker: In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch
- For the director: an acrylic clapperboard
- For the camera nerd: a Giottos Rocket Blower
- For the shooter: a SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card
- For the one who rigs everything: a Manfrotto Super Clamp
1. In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch: the book every filmmaker should own
Walter Murch edited and mixed some of the greatest films ever made, and this short book is his thinking on why cuts work. It's slim, readable in an afternoon, and it will change how they watch and make films. If you only buy one thing from this list, make it this.
- Great for: editors, directors, film students, anyone who loves cinema
- Watch out for: they might already own it, but a second copy to lend out is never wasted
- Why it's here: the most influential £15 in filmmaking
2. An acrylic clapperboard: useful and iconic
A clapperboard isn't just a prop. It labels every take for the edit and gives a sharp sync point for sound recorded separately. A clear acrylic one with dry-wipe markers looks great in behind-the-scenes photos, too.
- Great for: short-film makers, students, anyone recording separate audio
- Watch out for: go for a sturdy acrylic version; cheap wooden ones warp
- Why it's here: the gift that makes them feel like a director
3. Giottos Rocket Blower: the dust killer
Dust on a lens or sensor shows up as ugly spots in every shot, especially against skies. A rocket blower removes it without touching the glass. It's simple, cheap, and every camera bag should have one.
- Great for: anyone who changes lenses outdoors
- Watch out for: nothing; it's foolproof
- Why it's here: the cheapest way to save a day's footage
4. SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card: you can never have too many
Every filmmaker runs out of cards at the worst moment. A fast, reliable SD card from a brand they can trust is a gift that gets used straight away. Look for V30 or V60 ratings for 4K video.
- Great for: anyone shooting on a mirrorless camera
- Watch out for: check their camera takes SD cards; some cinema cameras use CFexpress
- Why it's here: the gift that's always welcome
5. Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp: the grip's best friend
This little clamp grips onto anything (doors, tables, poles, shelves) and lets you mount a light, a camera or a monitor exactly where you need it. Once you've owned one, you'll wonder how you shot without it.
- Great for: low-budget shoots, tight locations, creative angles
- Watch out for: pair it with a small ball head or spigot to mount gear on it
- Why it's here: the gift that solves problems they don't know they have yet
My honest pick
If you're not sure, buy the Walter Murch book. Every filmmaker who reads it remembers who gave it to them.
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