8 gifts for aspiring Instagram and TikTok influencers

We all have that friend or relative who aspires to be a social media influencer. They're always keeping up with the latest trends, they're always filming or taking pictures, and they have the ruthless ambition of a reality show contestant.

They've got the raw talent, they just need the right tools. And that's where you come in. Help them achieve the polished influencer look and impress them with your influencer savvy all at the same time.

1. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

For those who are serious about taking on the influencer game, look no further than the stream deck. Think of it as an extension of a keyboard, but with completely customizable buttons to control apps, tools, and platforms. Basically, everything you need for a livestream or studio-level production is at the push of a button.

You can even connect it to smart lighting systems. Credit: Elgato/Amazon

2. Green screen backdrop

With your own green screen backdrop, anything is possible. Use it to transport yourself to a picturesque locale or to present data and information in a visually interesting way. TikTok already has its own green screen effect, but using a physical backdrop gives you a sharper outline.

It's like having your own in-house production studio. Credit: Neewer/Amazon

3. Tiny microphone

Last spring, tiny microphones took over TikTok and they’ve dominated FYPs (“For You" pages) ever since. Part gimmick, part genuinely useful (they are functioning microphones after all) creators started using them as a way to catch people’s attention. Gifting someone a tiny microphone will not only help them get followers, but demonstrate your TikTok knowledge.

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Don't drop this mic, because you might not be able to find it. Credit: Uniwit/Amazon

4. LED light strips

Give the gift of colorful mood lighting that you can change on command. Stick these lights anywhere and use your phone or voice control to change the hue, brightness, or sync it with music. Perfect for creating the right video vibe.

So they can set the mood for their unboxing video. Credit: Philips Hue/Getty

5. Smart tracking phone holder

This gadget is basically your own personal cameraperson. Not only does it hold your phone, it tracks your horizontal movements and rotates to wherever you go. This is the gift to give for that special someone who is always asking someone else to film them. 

Basically designed with TikTok dance videos in mind. Credit: MOYOON/Amazon

6. Ring light with tripod

Good lighting is the key to achieving that professional influencer look on Instagram or TikTok. This ring light has multiple light settings for warmth and brightness so you can discover what’s most flattering. It’s also a tripod that can hold a phone or a camera and comes with a wireless remote. Basically an all-in-one studio for the giftee. 

Never underestimate the power of good lighting. Credit: UBeesize/Amazon

7. Kaleidoscope window decals 

It’s like a filter, but in real life. Give these window decals to someone who is always trying to capture light and shadow in artsy ways. The decals are removable and reusable, so they can create high concept projections wherever they go. 

Iridescent rainbow light = Instagram likes. Credit: CottonColors/Amazon

8. What Do You Meme? TikTok Edition

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Test the meme knowledge of an aspiring influencer with this card game. Every round a new judge chooses the funniest caption that accompanies the selected TikTok meme. Plus, each photo card has a QR code that links to the original TikTok video. 

This game is all about playing to the judge. Credit: What Do You Meme?/Getty