It’s never too late to start a blog. Whether you want to use it as a space to express yourself or want to share your expertise, it’s a great way to share information. If you’re a blogger or know someone just getting started, here’s a basic list of things that I wish I had when I first started.
Note: This page contains affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
Camera
Bloggers don’t need to have a camera if they have a smartphone. But if a blogger is interested in getting a point-and-shoot or DSLR, this is a great gift. This could depend on which niche the blogger has chosen. If you blog about the stock market, you may not have a need for a camera. This tool is great for those starting a food, travel, lifestyle, or fashion blog. This will help them capture their blog’s vision.
If you’re looking at DSLRs, Nikon and Canon are great brands. However, Nikon is my absolute favorite. I’ve used this brand for 12 years, and it has never steered me wrong. You can buy them brand new at the namesake website or many retailers like Best Buy. I recently got the Nikon D3500, and I absolutely love it! If you’re looking for some great new or used options, Adorama is a great place to get them. If you choose to buy used, they even grade the used items so you know whether it’s like new or has a few scratches.
Note: If you’re buying a DSLR, make sure you buy the camera body that comes with a lens. Sometimes, the camera body doesn’t come with other accessories.
Tripod
Sometimes, you won’t have someone available to take photos of you or you want to take steady shots yourself/scenes for your blog. A tripod helps make this a lot easier. It’ll pair well with your DSLR camera. There are also some that are compatible with your smartphones solely for smartphones.
Memory Card for Camera
if you’re using a digital camera, you’ll need this accessory. The internal memory of digital cameras usually isn’t large enough to take a lot of photos. A 64 GB or a 128 GB memory card is a great place to start. SanDisk is one of my favorite brands.
Camera Bag
This will be the best way to safely carry or travel with your camera. Some have great storage space to hold lenses and a cleaning kit amongst other things someone needs for their camera.
Camera Cleaning Kit
Everyone with a DSLR camera can benefit from having a cleaning kit. Unfortunately, dust and dirt find their way into camera equipment. Having a cleaning kit will help a lot.
Overhead Phone Mount
An overhead phone mount is great for any blogger or content creator who wants an overhead angle. Some people use them for art or planner content. Food content creators can use this to get shots such as mixing batter or building a smoothie bowl. Here’s a popular one on Amazon that you can use on surfaces like a countertop: https://amzn.to/3TMOvLr.
Ring Light
A ring light is a must for a blogger/content creator. It’s often used to do Instagram or Facebook Live or record reels. It has made recording a lot easier for me. Here’s a ring light similar to the one I have: https://amzn.to/3UPZft3.
Coffee Mug/Water Bottle
Everyone gets thirsty. Why not gift your blogger a cute mug or water bottle? This would be a thoughtful gift, especially for the coffee or tea drinking blogger in your life.
Here’s a link to one of my recent favorite mugs: https://muggedtweets.com/products/i-will-dog-walk-you-iamcardib. Another brand I love is Smarty Pants, a woman- and minority-owned business. I love their “I Need a Break” mug: https://smartypants.store/collections/novelty/products/i-need-a-break-mug?variant=39334420021447.
Gift Cards/Money
A great gift that gives a blogger options, especially with a Visa or American Express gift card. It’s great for buying coffee, good, supplies, or anything else a blogger needs.
Office Supplies
Notebooks, pens, pencils, sticky notes… Everyone’s list may be different. Having at least one notebook where you can jot down notes or write blog post drafts has helped me a lot. Sticky notes have helped me a lot with planning and brainstorming.
Planner/Calendar
Whether the planner is specifically for blogging or to write down everything happening in their lives, this is a lifesaver. There’s nothing like forgetting to follow up with someone or forgetting a meeting. Here’s a link to one I have my eye on: https://amzn.to/3E0OoFX. As of November 2022, I’m using Papier’s Le Moderne planner. Get $15 off your first order using my referral link here.
I hope this blogger gift guide was helpful. There’s nothing like being gifted something that will help you on your blogging journey. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment box or email me at foodishways(at)gmail.com.
Until next time.
Foodish Ways 