Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers

Shopping for a film photographer can be tricky – especially if you’re not a film shooter yourself. Sure, you could spring for a lens or camera bag, but those can be pricey and photographers are (rightfully) picky about fit and specs. That’s why the options below are our top recommendations: The Darkroom digital gift cards, Darkroom merch, prints & wall art, and fresh film. Each one is easy to give and guaranteed to get used.

The Darkroom Gift Cards: 20% For The Holiday Season!

Our e-gift cards are the easiest, most useful gift for any film photographer and a smart way to save on your own orders, too. Use them for film developing, prints & wall art, and Darkroom merch.

Holiday Offer: 20% off all gift cards of $25+, November 24 – December 25, 2025.

  • Perfect gift for any film shooter (instant delivery by email).
  • Great for yourself – buy a card and effectively get 20% off your next order.
  • Spend $150+ on a gift card and receive our 2026 Darkroom Calendar bundle: calendar + Darkroom lens cloth + stickers + fresh film mailer.

$40.00 for a $50.00 Gift Card
$80.00 for a $100.00 Gift Card
$120.00 for a $150.00 Gift Card


Tip: Gift cards are digital and available instantly – great for last minute gifting.

Get Your Digital Gift Card

Darkroom Merch – Practical Extras Film Photographers Love

We’re proud to be part of an amazing film photography community, and our growing collection of Darkroom merch is designed for film shooters who want to represent and support the lab. From everyday essentials to creative accessories, it’s the perfect way to join the Darkroom Film Crew and show your love for analog photography.

  • 2026 Camera Desktop Calendar: Now in its 6th edition, The Darkroom’s 2026 limited-run desktop calendar features a different film camera each month, paired with a city from around the world. It’s the perfect gift for any film photographer – ideal for desks, shelves, or workspaces.
  • “Do Not X-Ray” Film Travel Pouch: Perfect for everyday use and travel, The Darkroom’s “Do Not X-Ray” Travel Film Pouches come in two sizes and are ideal for safely organizing 35mm and 120 film rolls. Made from durable, see through PVC mesh, each pouch features a zipper and a clear Do Not X-Ray label – making it a helpful tool for hand-check requests at airport security checkpoints.
  • The Darkroom Tote: Sturdy and stylish for carrying cameras, film, and daily essentials.
    The Darkroom Film Mug: Featuring 12 fun film illustrations, this 11oz. much is ideal for film + coffee lovers!
  • Tees, hoodies, lens cloths, stickers, and more: Useful, giftable, and ready to wrap.

Printing options at The Darkroom

  • Traditional photographic prints: Color prints and true black & white prints on Ilford silver gelatin RC paper – uncommon, archival, and gorgeous.
  • Canvas & Metal Prints: Ideal for larger size prints, these premium prints are ready to hang – no frame needed. Their vibrant detail and sleek finish make them perfect statement pieces for any wall.
  • Acrylic & Bamboo Prints: Beautiful, modern display pieces that stand out in any space. Ideal for desks, shelves, or as wall-ready décor, they offer a unique way to showcase your favorite images with a contemporary touch.
  • Framed prints: Delivered ready to hang in a wide range of sizes, with customizable options for frame color, matting, or no mat. A timeless and elegant way to display your favorite photographs.

Holiday timing tip: Order sooner rather than later to give the lab enough time to print and ship your gifts.

Order Prints & Wall Art

Film – A Classic Gift That Always Fits

Film pairs perfectly with a Darkroom gift card – give a few rolls now and cover the developing later with a card they can use anytime. If you’re not sure what film stocks they like best, go with reliable classics like Kodak Portra 400, Ilford HP5 400 , Kodak Tri-X 400 , or Kodak Gold 200 – all great choices!

Want to make it feel a bit more special? Choose a roll they wouldn’t usually splurge on – like premium low light film such as Kodak Portra 800, Cinestill 800T, or Kodak TMAX P3200, perfect for evening and indoor photography.

For photographers who love getting creative, consider fun and experimental films like HARMAN Phoenix 200, LomoChrome Purple, LomoChrome Turquoise, or FPP Color 125.

Or go one step further with something truly unique – Kodak Ektachrome 100, a slide film that we develop in-house at The Darkroom. It’s not only stunningly sharp and vibrant, but it’s also a great gift for any film photographer who hasn’t experienced the beauty of slide film yet.

Wrap-Up: Easy, High-Impact Gifts for Any Film Photographer

As a traditional dip and dunk film lab with the modern convenience of easy online ordering, a free film mailer, and our mobile app, The Darkroom makes it easier than ever to shoot, develop, and print film.

Our holiday gift cards (now 20% off) are one of the best all-around gifts for any film shooter. They can be used for high-quality film processing and scanning, prints and wall art, or even Darkroom merch – making them a smart, flexible option that every film photographer will appreciate and actually use.

Whether you’re shopping for a 35mm beginner, a medium format shooter, or someone who just loves analog photography, The Darkroom has gifts that support every step of the process – from capturing the moment to holding the final print. Make this holiday season extra meaningful with gifts that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the beauty of film.