Gift guide ·
Gift ideas for film lovers: 12 ideas that don't feel like a last resort
Film lovers usually own everything the merch shelf has to offer. Good gifts therefore show that you know which films matter to them. Here are 12 ideas from inexpensive to special, with an honest note on who each one suits. Our own product is one of them: a poster made from the real colours of their favourite films, from €24, in three sizes up to 70 × 100 cm and framed if you like.
Before you start: three questions
Which films do they watch again and again? Favourite films say more than favourite genres, and almost every personal gift on this list builds on them. If you don't know, ask casually or look at their shelf.
Do they prefer watching at home or at the cinema? Home cinema fans enjoy things for film night, cinema-goers enjoy experiences and tickets.
Should the gift last or be used up? A poster hangs for years, a cinema night is one lovely evening. Both are good, but they are different gifts.
1. A poster made from the colours of their favourite films
Every film has its own colour world: warm summer evenings, cold night scenes, the red of a finale. At moviestripes a whole film is broken down minute by minute into its colours and printed as a graphic, for example as a classic barcode of stripes, as a wave or as rings. A group poster holds up to eight films, plus your own title such as “Our film nights” and a subtitle with names or a date.
Who it suits: anyone who loves particular films, and couples with films they share. Price: from €24, framed and ready to hang if you like. Usually delivered in 3 to 6 working days; films that are not yet in the catalogue are usually added within 48 hours.
2. A cinema night as a voucher, but with a plan
A cinema voucher can easily feel impersonal. Better: a specific evening at an independent cinema, with dinner beforehand and the film you talk about afterwards. Many independent cinemas offer gift vouchers, memberships or season cards.
Who it suits: cinema-goers and anyone who wants more time rather than more things. Price: roughly €20 to €60 depending on the cinema.
3. A film festival ticket
Festivals show films that often never get a regular cinema release, sometimes with talks by the filmmakers. Besides the big festivals there are many small regional film festivals with day passes.
Who it suits: curious film lovers who like discovering new things. Price: single tickets from about €10, festival passes considerably more.
4. The soundtrack on vinyl
Film music on vinyl is a gift for the ears and the shelf. Many soundtracks are available as reissues, often with their own cover artwork.
Who it suits: film lovers with a record player. Price: usually €25 to €45. Tip: check first whether the soundtrack is already on their shelf.
5. A good book about film
Photo books about cinematography, conversations with directors or books about the making of a favourite film deepen what you see on screen. People who like reading value this more than another gadget.
Who it suits: film lovers who like a look behind the scenes. Price: €20 to €60.
6. A collector's edition of their favourite film
Restored 4K versions or editions with extras and a booklet are a real highlight for collectors. Check the format: not everyone has a 4K player.
Who it suits: collectors with a home cinema. Price: €20 to €50.
7. A film journal
A beautiful notebook for recording films seen, with date, place and a few thoughts. Sounds small, but over the years it becomes a personal film history.
Who it suits: anyone who watches a lot and likes keeping lists. Price: €15 to €30.
8. A film quiz for the next games night
Quiz games with film questions, quotes or stills bring film knowledge to the table. Even more personal: a home-made quiz about the films you have watched together.
Who it suits: sociable film lovers. Price: €15 to €35, almost nothing if home-made.
9. A home cinema night in a box
Good popcorn, favourite snacks, a blanket and a film they don't know yet but will like. The effort of putting it together is the real gift.
Who it suits: sofa cinephiles and couples. Price: up to you, from about €20.
10. A projector for film nights
A small projector turns any white wall into a screen, in summer in the garden too. More of a big gift, good if several people chip in.
Who it suits: film lovers without a big TV or with a garden. Price: from about €150.
11. A trip to a filming location
Many films were shot in places you can visit. A day trip there, together with the film the evening before, is an experience that stays.
Who it suits: fans of a particular film who like to travel. Price: depends on the destination.
12. A workshop: making films instead of only watching
Adult education centres, film houses and media centres offer courses in screenwriting, camera or editing. A gift for film lovers who want to get creative themselves.
Who it suits: creative film lovers. Price: often €50 to €200.
Our tip for Christmas
Personalised gifts need lead time. Order printed gifts by early December if you can; the exact Christmas order deadline is on our Christmas page. And if you don't know their favourite films: ask their friends or family, they almost always know.