Christmas gifts for photography lovers!

We are a nation of photography lovers, and for those you know, here are some affordable ideas to get them the perfect presents...

Selfie Stick. Most people are guilty of the occasional selfie, but we all know that one person who LOVES to snap themselves wherever they are..and this is the perfect gift for them! The selfie stick is great for helping you get more of the background or more people into the frame. Varies in price but can start from as little as £5!

Lens Mug!Fun present for any photographer - I got one of these from my friend for xmas a few years ago!  From £6.50

Spirit level camera attachment.This is great for landscape photographers so they don't get wonky horizons! Prices roughly £5.

Gorillapod.This is not your usual tripod, its super flexible, and can cling on to almost anywhere! Lightweight as well, its perfect for the traveling photographer. From £15.00 

Build your own camera kit!How amazing would it be to say you made the camera that took your photos?
Roughly £20

Digital photo frame. One have just one photo on show when you can show all of them!
Prices from £30

Photography Challenge pack.This is super cool idea and as far as I know, its only available on Notonthehighstreet.com
Click here for the link. Only £9.99

Concrete camera vase.Another one thats availble on Not on the High street.com. This is a unique and really cool present for a photographer who likes getting flowers. Take a look at it here. 

Iphone camera fish eye / macro lens. Great for people who use their Iphone camera alot! Prices vary but cheapest I found on amazon was £2.99!

Instax mini 8.This camera is perfect for people who like polaroids. Its compact, light, comes in a range of colours and prints cute wallet size prints. Prices from £85.00 Available on ebay or Amazon.

Other ideas:

• A photobook of their work 
• Camera case /Lens case
• A photography workshop experience 
• Jewellery shaped like cameras. 
• Funky patterned camera straps. 
• Lonely planet's 'best ever photography tips' book

DIY clay/fimo gift tags

I absolutely love Christmas as it's the perfect excuse for me to get crafty! Over the next few weeks I may write a few more Christmas DIY posts.

I found air dry fimo in my draw and thought making some special gift tags for the important people in my life would be a nice touch to any present! 

Here's how: 

1. Roll out your clay or Fimo using a rolling pin.

2. I used a cookie cutter to get a nice crisp shape. My personal favorites were hearts and stars. 

3. I then used clean alphabet stamps to write the names. 

4. Don't forget to make a hole for the string! You can use a needle or pin to make a perfect hole. You could also wait till the fimo is dry and paint on the names. 

5. Then either wait 24 hours for it to dry or microwave/place in the oven. 

6. Once completely hardened, gift wrap your presents with string and thread the the gift tag through. 

You can also make these into great Christmas tree decorations!

DIY birthday gifts ideas

I just love setting myself a project of making a birthday present for a friend or family member. Below are some ideas that I've tried and tested and a few I have yet to try but think are really great ideas! 

Personalised photo necklace 

I made a few of these, using my photography, to sell in my pop up shop I did. They were one of the most popular things I sold and make great presents as you can really personalise them! 

Check out future blog posts for a step to step guide on how to make one. 

A box of pink! (Or whatever their favourite colour is) 

Collect things of the persons favourite and put it in a box! Anything from nail varnishes to socks. My box included these pink things:

gloves 

a pair of shoes

nail varnish 

the birthday girls favourite pink sweets

Home sweet Home sign. 

I found a blank sign in a local craft store and thought it would be great if I could use one of my photos on it. You can find these blank collage signs online if you cant find them in a arts or craft store. Customise them with your photos and decorative papers! 

Personal canvas bag.

A tutorial of this will be added to this blog soon but here is an example of a canvas bag that customised with my photos. You could use the same idea but add the person's favorite quote, film character or a photo of you both!

DIY Floral Letter.

Found this on pinterest, which was taken from here: http://themrsandmommabird.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/diy-floral-letter.html

I have tried and tested it, and loved how simple it was, and the results were beautiful. I added magnetic stripes on the back of mine so my friend could stick it on her fridge. 

DIY Journal Kit.

This is such a good idea for a present if you have a crafty friend! Collect a load of craft materials, place them in a box with a small description and maybe some journal inspiration and there you have a great present! Things you could include:

Pens and pencils

Stamps and stickers

Ribbon

Scrapbooking pictures 

String 

Glue

Sequins 

Check out this website for a tutorial and free downloads: http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/12/the-gift-of-journaling-diy-journal-kit-and-artwork-download.html

Move Night package

Buy your friend a DVD and collect all things you think they'll need for the perfect movie night. Mine would include, lots of chocolate, tea and crisp! 

Other ideas include:

Making a collage of your photos with the person and framing it

Pamper day box (Like the movie package)

Make a little book of your personal jokes.