Whether or not you’re looking for an skilled pilot or somebody who’s by no means flown earlier than, I’ve put collectively the last word present information for drone fanatics. From budget-friendly starters to premium FPV setups, right here’s every part it’s good to know to nail your vacation buying this 12 months.
The final word Drone Lady present information
Drone presents for absolutely the newbie
DJI Neo – $199
At simply $199, the DJI Neo is my high decide for anybody getting began with drones (there’s additionally the DJI Neo 2, nevertheless it’s more durable to get your arms on and it’s dearer). It launches from the palm of your hand, shoots spectacular 4K video and weighs solely 135 grams (no FAA registration wanted!). The fully-enclosed propellers make it protected for flying indoors or round youngsters. Good for content material creators, vloggers or anybody who needs to seize distinctive selfie angles with out the training curve of a conventional controller.
Why I like it: It’s probably the most beginner-friendly drone in the marketplace, and you’ll’t beat the value.
DJI Mini 4K – Purchase on Amazon
For simply $100 greater than the Neo, the DJI Mini 4K delivers considerably extra functionality. You get correct 4K video at 30fps, a devoted distant controller (included!), and 31 minutes of flight time—almost double the Neo. It weighs underneath 250 grams, so leisure pilots nonetheless don’t have to register it. That is my suggestion in order for you a “actual” drone expertise with out breaking the financial institution.
Why I like it: Finest worth for the value, arms down. It’s what I like to recommend when folks ask for the most cost effective drone that also delivers high quality outcomes.
For the drone pilot able to improve
DJI Flip – $439
The DJI Flip is the drone that stunned me most this 12 months. At $439, it delivers the identical 48MP digicam high quality because the Mini 4 Professional (which prices $320 extra!) however in a singular design with foldable, full-coverage propeller guards. It’s good for vacationers, vloggers and content material creators who prioritize portability and security. The vertical capturing mode is clutch for Instagram Reels and TikTok.
Why I like it: Skilled-level digicam in a beginner-friendly bundle. The propeller guards imply I don’t stress about flying indoors or round folks.
DJI Mini 3 – $419
If battery life issues greater than the rest, the Mini 3 is your drone. You stand up to 38 minutes of flight time (or 51 minutes with the Plus battery), plus a big 1/1.3-inch sensor that captures beautiful 4K HDR video. The True Vertical Taking pictures characteristic makes it good for social media content material. It’s just lately dropped in worth, making it the most effective values within the under-$500 class.
Why I like it: Longest flight time of any DJI drone underneath $500. While you want additional airtime for complicated photographs, that is the one.
HOVERAir X1 – $439
The HoverAir X1 stands out as the very best non-DJI possibility on this worth vary. It’s ultra-compact (128g), launches out of your palm, and has a singular get together trick: it information audio by means of your telephone. The fully-enclosed propellers and pre-programmed flight paths make it useless easy to make use of. Whereas the two.7K video isn’t as sharp as DJI’s choices, it’s good for informal creators who worth portability above all else.
Why I like it: Generally you desire a DJI different, and that is the very best one underneath $500.
For the FPV adventurer
Antigravity Drone – $299
The Antigravity drone is without doubt one of the most spectacular beginner-friendly freestyle drones to emerge this 12 months. Not like totally enclosed cinewhoop-style plane, Antigravity is designed for pilots who need that dynamic FPV look — quick dives, sharp turns, swooping cinematic traces — with out constructing a quad from scratch. At simply 249 grams, it skirts FAA registration necessities for leisure pilots, but nonetheless delivers the facility and responsiveness of bigger FPV rigs.
With its sturdy body, tuned flight controller and non-obligatory prop guards, it’s approachable for newer FPV pilots who wish to apply acro flying with out instantly burning by means of a pile of spare elements. Pair it with goggles you have already got (or one thing just like the DroneMask 2), and also you’ve acquired a versatile, reasonably priced FPV setup that’s way more nimble than camera-focused drones.
Why I like it: It delivers that thrilling FPV really feel at a fraction of the price of premium rigs. It’s light-weight, fast to study and excellent for pilots who wish to transfer past cinematic drones and into the world of freestyle — with out the intimidating DIY construct course of.
DJI Avata 2 – $999
The DJI Avata 2 is hands-down the very best indoor drone and probably the most thrilling drone I’ve flown this 12 months. With built-in propeller guards, you possibly can zip by means of tight areas with out worrying about crashes. The included DJI Goggles 3 and RC Movement 3 controller ship an immersive FPV expertise that feels such as you’re within the pilot’s seat. The upgraded 1/1.3-inch sensor shoots beautiful 4K video, and 23 minutes of flight time offers you loads of room to nail your photographs.
Why I like it: It makes FPV flying accessible to everybody. You get that adrenaline rush with no need to construct your individual racing drone.
DroneMask 2 – $179
Need to flip your present drone into an FPV expertise with out spending $500 on DJI Goggles? The DroneMask 2 is your reply. This intelligent headset works together with your smartphone and nearly any digicam drone to present you that first-person view. At lower than half the value of DJI Goggles 3, it’s good for anybody FPV-curious who needs to dip their toes in with out committing to a full Avata setup.
Why I like it: Most reasonably priced technique to expertise FPV flying with a drone you already personal.
For cameras that aren’t really drones
DJI Osmo Motion 4 – Value varies
Each drone pilot wants a terrific motion digicam along with their drone. We are actually onto the Osmo Motion 6 — however my Osmo Motion 4 remains to be holding robust and stays my go-to for ground-level motion photographs that complement aerial footage. It shoots 4K/120fps, handles excessive temperatures and the magnetic mounting system is genius. Plus, it performs good with DJI drones in your workflow.
Why I like it: It’s the proper companion to drone footage. The colour science matches DJI drones, making enhancing a breeze.
Insta360 X5 Necessities Bundle – Purchase on Amazon
Sure, I’m hawking a non-DJI digicam proper right here! The Insta360 X5 takes 360-degree footage to a complete new degree. Simply look to the work we see from drone pilots like Eric Thurber that don’t rely simply on drones.
Items that don’t take up any area
Drone Adventurer Masterclass
Enroll now – Use code SALLY50 for a reduction
Whether or not you wish to shoot actual property, weddings, or industrial work, this masterclass covers all of it. The funding pays for itself after your first paid gig.
UAV Coach Programs
The gold commonplace for Half 107 take a look at prep. In case your present recipient is severe about flying commercially, they want this coaching. UAV Coach constantly updates their materials to match present FAA laws.
Drone Dojo Subscription
Ongoing schooling is important on this trade. Drone Dojo retains pilots present on laws, methods, and trade traits with contemporary content material each month.
Masterclass Subscription
Past simply drones, Masterclass gives unbelievable programs from the world’s greatest photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers. I’ve realized a lot about composition and storytelling from well-known specialists within the discipline corresponding to Jimmy Chin, the man who made “Free Solo.”
Important equipment
Premium Drone Provides Customized Touchdown Pad
A top quality touchdown pad isn’t nearly defending your drone, it’s about trying skilled. For hobbyists, perhaps it’s nearly having enjoyable and creativie together with your shoot. That’s the place customized drone touchdown pads come into the image.
I take advantage of Premium Drone Provides as a result of they provide customized choices that allow you to add your emblem (or hey, perhaps your favourite image.
Save $5 in your order from Premium Drone Provides with code SALLYFRENCH.
Why I like it: Sturdy, folds down small, and the intense colours make it simple to identify in any terrain.
Spare batteries and propellers – Value varies
That is the 2025 vacation present for the sensible pilot. Further batteries imply extra flight time, and spare propellers imply your recipient gained’t be grounded after their first crash (and belief me, there will likely be crashes). Be sure you match the battery to their particular drone mannequin. Undecided what drone your beloved has? Simply ask (as a result of propellers and batteries will be incompatible with totally different drone fashions).
MicroSD Playing cards – Value varies
You’ll be able to by no means have too many microSD playing cards. I like to recommend SanDisk Excessive playing cards as a finances decide — they’re quick sufficient for 4K video and dependable sufficient that I belief them with paid gigs. Get no less than 128GB.
Professional tip: Label them!
Apple AirTags – $30
I lose quite a lot of issues! With drones, there’s the elevated threat of theft. AirTags can supply some peace of thoughts that no less than you’ll know the place your stuff is at. I like to recommend tucking one in your drone case.
Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K Energy Financial institution – $55
A transportable battery pack is crucial for all-day flying classes. This Belkin mannequin is my favourite—it fees quick, holds sufficient juice for a number of drone batteries and the compact dimension means it really matches in my digicam bag.
Enjoyable and distinctive presents for drone pilots
Santa Drone Decoration – $16
Each drone pilot wants a drone decoration on their tree. Higher but when it’s Santa flying a DJI Phantom lookalike. It’s the little touches that present you get their ardour.
Personalised Puzzle – $10
Flip their favourite drone shot right into a customized puzzle. It’s a considerate present that celebrates their greatest aerial work.
TinyCircuits TinyTV 2 – $60
This tiny retro TV shows movies and photographs from a microSD card. Load it up with their greatest drone footage, they usually’ve acquired the world’s smallest spotlight reel on their desk. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and truly helpful.
Nationwide Geographic World From Above – $26.56 (41% off)
This beautiful espresso desk ebook is principally 200+ pages of aerial pictures porn. Curated by Nationwide Geographic explorer Jeffrey Kerby, it showcases the world from above by means of the lenses of the world’s most modern photographers—lots of whom used drones to seize these photographs.
What makes it particular:
- Over 200 full-color aerial photographs organized by shade, form, texture, and scale
- In-depth interviews with photographers about how they captured their most spectacular photographs
- Sidebars exploring the historical past of aerial perspective, from historical earthworks to trendy drones
- Hardcover, outsized format (good for that espresso desk or workplace)
Good for: Drone pilots who want inspiration, photographers who recognize composition from distinctive angles, or anybody who loves beautiful nature pictures.
Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves – $35.95
Chilly arms are the enemy of easy flying — and the Moshi Digits gloves resolve that drawback with out sacrificing dexterity. These winter touchscreen gloves use conductive fibers so you possibly can function your drone controller, telephone or pill with out exposing your fingers to the chilly. The microfleece lining retains your arms heat, whereas the GripTrak sample throughout the palms improves your grip on handheld units (or your RC controller) throughout takeoff, touchdown and mid-flight changes.
Why I like it: Heat sufficient for winter classes, exact sufficient for touchscreen controls, and way more useful than generic knit gloves.
Aura Frames – $180
That is digital picture body that’s actually a terrific present for anybody who loves trip slides and household photographs. It rotates by means of your curated record of photographs. For drone pilots, it makes their greatest drone photographs seen every single day.
2025 vacation present ideas from a drone skilled
Match the present to the talent degree. A $1,000 FPV drone is wasted on somebody who’s by no means flown earlier than, similar to a toy drone will disappoint an skilled pilot.
When doubtful, go together with equipment. Further batteries, a touchdown pad, or coaching programs are at all times appreciated and by no means the incorrect alternative.
Verify compatibility. DJI batteries and equipment are model-specific. Double-check you’re shopping for for the appropriate drone earlier than you wrap it.
Think about an expertise. Generally the very best present is a drone pictures workshop, a guided flying lesson, or perhaps a day journey someplace scenic to fly collectively.
Present playing cards work. In case you’re undecided what they want, a present card to B&H Picture, Amazon, or instantly from DJI means they’ll get precisely what they need.
Completely satisfied holidays, and completely happy flying! 🎄✈️
— Sally French, The Drone Lady
Disclosure: Some hyperlinks on this information are affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests I’ll earn a small fee when you make a purchase order by means of them. This doesn’t price you something additional and helps help my work creating free content material like this present information. I solely advocate merchandise I’ve personally examined and genuinely imagine in. Thanks for supporting The Drone Lady!
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