‘Tis the season of joy, celebration, and the timeless tradition of gift-giving! As you spread warmth and happiness, why not add a touch of modern innovation to your holiday presents? I’ve curated a list of exciting holiday gifts under $50 that combine the thrill of drone technology with practical tools for safe and responsible flying. Perfect for thoughtful holiday surprises, these affordable finds are ideal for adding a spark of excitement to any gift exchange or slipping into a stocking for a touch of high-tech fun. Let’s explore these fun and functional finds that are sure to make this holiday season memorable for your loved ones!
As a note, some of the products are my own and others I am not sponsored by, but I may get a small fee if you click on the links. These are a list of gift giving ideas based on my personal use or experience in the field, and possibly my own wish list. Prices are based at the time of this writing.
Holiday gifts under$25
“Elevate your Standards” book. First off let’s start with safety. Building an operations manual for your uncrewed aircraft systems company is packed full of helpful information for drone operators at any level. Yes, I published this book with the drone operator in mind. It’s an excellent publication for drone pilots starting their journey or advanced operators ready to dive deep into building a career. Inside the book is information regarding checklists, regulations, learning flight skills, safety, and many more valuable resources.
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SD cards. You can never have enough Secure Digital (SD) cards. 64GB and 128GB are very common. There are higher quality SD cards and certainly more Gigabyte (GB) storage and need to be considered depending on the use case. I prefer the 64GB and 128GB because they allow me to record enough footage and swap out cards for large flights when I don’t want to lose data. I can also provide them to a client and not worry about replacing them. The SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter – Up to 190MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, 5K, A2, Micro SD Card – SDSQXAA-128G-GN6MA is a great choice. https://amzn.to/4eNhHML
SD card case holder. Well once you have all the SD cards where do you put them? Nothing worse than fumbling around looking for available SD cards. I seem to collect SD cards like some people collect shoes or jackets. I recommend that you get a case that has a placeholder for standard MultiMediaCard (MMC) flash memory card and micro SD card as well. https://amzn.to/46BRvAo
Safety vest. Safety vests are a great item to have on a gift list. Yes they come in a variety of colors. Some of the features that are attractive to this style is the clear front chest pocket to allow Remote Pilot Certificate or any identification to be seen. This vest also has handy pockets to keep items available and your hands free. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your gift giving, there is no print on the backside which allows you the option to have a print shop personalize the vest with name or logo on the back. https://amzn.to/4i0pcCN
Lithium polymer (LiPo) Bag. When thinking of safety, this fireproof storage bag can be used to safely transport, storing, and charging lipo batteries. Never leave a charging battery unattended. Battery fires are no joke and can get out of hand before you know it. Take all safety precautions possible. There are a variety of sizes of LiPo bags to choose from. Some airlines or countries require batteries to be transported in a LiPo bag. https://amzn.to/3uF0mUK
Holiday gifts under $50
Give the Gift of Flight This Holiday Season! Surprise your loved one with a personalized drone coaching session to unlock their aerial potential. This is a perfect gift for pilots new to flight or for a pilot looking to master advanced techniques. Learn flight safety, aerial photography, mapping, and more from an expert instructor. https://calendly.com/onthegovideo/schedule-a-meeting
Anti collision light. A “must have” for flying at night with your drone. There are many options available (see below), depending on the required quality and function of the light. Firehouse velcro on, are extremely lightweight and rechargeable. This makes a great choice for small drones and you want to keep the weight down. https://amzn.to/3uLW6Tl
Safety cones. These cones are a great gift idea for anyone and are a great way to mark off a launch and landing zone. I specifically like these because they are collapsible which makes them easy to transport. They stack very small, come in a carrying bag, and fit in the car. They have a light on top if you need them at night. This is an excellent gift for any purpose with safety in mind without taking up a lot of trunk space. https://amzn.to/3R3qb8m
Ruko Remote ID Module. The Ruko Compliant Remote ID Module is an affordable and straightforward solution for meeting FAA Remote ID requirements, compatible with a variety of drone models. Its compact design, reliable connectivity, and ease of installation make it a convenient choice for recreational and professional drone pilots alike. This may not be suitable for all use cases of drone operations, but it is an affordable option to consider. https://amzn.to/3OoBgQH
Q9C RC Drone with 720P HD FPV. This drone is a lot of fun. There is a 720p Camera and has LED lights that make it a great gift. It is easy to fly with altitude hold. Kids love when they can program the drone to do flips. https://amzn.to/49cmIx5
That’s a wrap.
The allure of drone technology, coupled with essential safety gear, transforms your holiday gifts into experiences that soar to new heights. From affordable gadgets under $50, this curated list ensures that every budget finds a place in the symphony of joy. May your celebrations be filled with the joy of discovery, the thrill of technology, and the warmth of shared moments. Wishing you and your loved ones a season brimming with happiness and the magic of thoughtful gift-giving!
