Filmmaking is one of those careers that demands purchasing new stuff frequently. Often, this can be a lot of fun but it can also be miserable when you don't have the money. For those that have the money or have someone who has money and is willing to get you what you need, this buying guide is for you.

Unlike last year, I am not including anything above $700 because purchases in that category should be properly researched to meet the needs of the individual filmmaker.

Under $20: Stocking stuffers and gifts for people you barely know.

• DVDs, DV Tapes and any media in general is an excellent buy. Filmmakers always need media, you can't go wrong. If you don't know what they use, ask them.
• Mini-DV cleaner. Every camera owner needs one of these.
  
• Digital Video Books & magazine subscriptions also easy gift ideas. I plan to read more books this year whether it be film geekie stuff or general fiction.
  
• One of the writers we constantly quote is Scott Kirsner. He has a new book out titled The Future of Web Video. One of our bloggers is currently reading it and writing up a review. I am next in line to get the copy, woohoo!
• For fun, maybe you could get someone a DVD Rewinder!

$20-$100: The sweet spot of the gift prices unless you are really intimate close with that person. There are a lot of shareware softwares in this range, so if you don't like something here, check out VersionTracker for more ideas.

• B&H Photo Video gift certificate - If you are not sure what to get someone, you can't go wrong with this. B&H is one of the best and largest stores that service the Multimedia industry.
• Cheap Lavalier mics - Just a thought.
  
• Lineform - Illustrator replacement, it has been getting some excellent reviews. And is not as expensive as Adobe CS. ($79)
  
• Lynda.com Training CD's - If they are trying to pick up software skills, training CD's like Lynda.com series is a great and easy way.
• A couple of months of IMDB Pro service ($12.95 per month) could be very useful for Independent filmmakers. Namely, to get a script over to a Hollywood star!
• VisualHub - Excellent conversion software for the Mac Platform. It made Playlist magazine's Top Plays. ($24)
• You can always buy rolls of Super8 film!
  

$100 to $300: A price range that can really help a filmmaker. Everything I have listed is something that Filmmakers need but most times don't buy because of other considerations.

• Upgrades to Withoutabox.com Premium membership ($129-$139). I don't know what I would do without this site, it has made the painful task of submitting to film festivals wonderfully easy. The free version allows you to submit films but with the Premium memberships, you can get festival discounts. If you are submitting a film to more than 10 festivals, the membership is a very good move. The membership has other advantages, check here.
  
• Vidled on-camera LED lights - I am getting one of these, maybe not now but at some point.
  
• Conduit plug-in for Motion brings nodal compositing to FCP Studio. Great looking software. ($199)
• External Hard Drives - Like tapes, this is a no-brainer. Make sure it is fast. Firewire is better than USB, Firewire 800 is better than 400 (they need to have a FW800 connection), 7200 RPM is a must. 3.5 sized disks is another must. 160GB and more is good.
  
• REsizer for FCP Studio ($149) - If someone recently got a HDV camera, they will most likely need this. This software allows intermingling of HDV and DV footage.
• Pclix LT100 ($139) - If someone has a DSLR and plans to do some timelapse, make their lives easier with this purchase.
  
• Bogen/Manfrotto 560B Monopod ($149 at B&H) - Tripods and monopods, a great way to upgrade your home videos.
  
• Digital Juice SoundFX library (currently only $249, normally $599) - Though I don't work with sound or music, my SoundFX library has been slow expanding. The last thing you want to do in the middle of editing is go online to look for sound effects. Build a library beforehand.
  
• A Director's chair is a bulky but perfect gift for someone spending a lot of time on their feet.
  

$300-$700: If you considering buying in this range, make sure it's what they (or you) want. And kudos for being so generous.

• Samson Zoom H-4 - Most DV cameras have adequate sound (HDV sound is less than adequate). This budget field recorder is perfect companion for your shoots.
  
• Nikon D40 - This DSLR is what I want for Christmas. Perfect for timelapse photography and other stuff. And it is a steal at $599.
  
• Mac Mini - Perfect for iMovie filmmakers. Get an extra drive and you should be good to go. Maybe the LaCie companion drive. I know a iMovie filmmaker (my neighbor) very happy with this combination.
  
• Shake is available for $499. This is one of the best software deals you will find anywhere. After all, the effects from Lord of the Rings & King Kong were done in this program.
• If you know anyone who has the HVX200, they can always use more P2 cards.
  

If you are thinking of buying a video camera, I'd suggest you look at these articles:

• Videomaker's Camcorder guide for 2006
  
• Camcorder Info selects for 2006
  
• Camcorders for the Holidays by Richard Baguley
• Macworld's Picking the Perfect camcorder (also by Baguley!)

Happy Shopping!

(Thanks to other DVguru's for their suggestions)