The holiday season is here, and with it comes the fun challenge of finding the perfect gifts for your nearest and dearest. Has your loved one taken an interest in drones this year? If so, we have the ultimate list of creative gifts for drone lovers of all ages and experience levels.
Whether you’re buying for a curious beginner, a budding aerial photographer, or someone looking to launch a career as a drone pilot, there’s a gift for everyone – and every budget.
DJI Neo: For the budding creator
The newly released DJI Neo packs an impressive array of features and technology into a compact 135g drone. This lightweight marvel shoots stunning 4K stabilised video, with features like AI subject tracking, palm take-off and landing, six preset shooting modes, multiple control methods and even voice activation.
The newly released DJI Neo packs an impressive array of features and technology into a compact 135g drone. This lightweight marvel shoots stunning 4K stabilised video, with six preset shooting modes, multiple control methods and even voice activation. The highlight of the Neo is its ease of use. Along with palm take-off and landing, the drone can smoothly and accurately follow its subject using AI tracking with the click of a button.
As well as being DJI’s lightest and most compact model to date, the Neo is a capable and versatile drone that’s perfect for capturing cinematic moments. It is the ideal next step for amateur drone pilots who are eager to expand their skills and create stunning content.
Features and functions
- Compact 135g drone
- 18-minute flight time
- 0.5” 12MP image sensor
- 22GB internal storage (40 minutes at 4K/30fps or 55 minutes at 1080p/60fps)
- AI-powered subject tracking
- Level 4 wind resistance
- Multiple control methods: AI Tracking, voice commands, smartphone app and remote control
Why we like it
With a very reasonable sub-$300 RRP, the DJI Neo is an ideal gift for drone lovers looking to get more serious about content creation. Plus, with optional extras like remote controllers and RC Motion, novice drone pilots can expand their horizons and practice new skills.
Where to find it
- DJI
- JB Hi-Fi
- Kogan
- Harvey Norman
Beginner Drone Course: For the hobbyist who’s ready to take flight
Global Drone Solutions’ Beginner Course is the perfect launchpad for anyone interested in exploring the world of drones. Under guidance from Australia’s most awarded drone training providers, the drone lover in your life will gain hands-on flying experience and practical knowledge to take the next steps in their journey.
The content is tailor-made for those who have zero flight experience, are new to flying or want to take their skills and knowledge to the next level. . We cover all the essentials, from pre-flight inspections to basic aerial maneuvers and flight controls, post-flight maintenance, safety tips, and CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) rules and regulations.
Special holiday offer: Save $100 when you book a Beginner Course before 31 December ($249 instead of $349).
Course content:
- Pre-flight inspection procedures
- How to take off, fly and land safely
- Automated flight modes
- Advanced flying techniques
- Post-flight inspection procedures
- Drone and battery maintenance
- CASA rules and regulations
- Industry applications
- Helpful resources
Why a Global Drone Solutions Beginners Course is the ideal gift for drone enthusiasts
This five-hour course provides a comprehensive introduction to drone flying in Australia. Our CASA-certified instructors equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to explore the possibilities of drone piloting. Whether a complete novice, aspiring content creator, or curious tech-head, a drone training course is the ideal starting point.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro: For that very special someone
We can assure you that any aerial photographer or videographer will be speechless when they unwrap a DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Featuring flagship tri-camera imaging that uses CMOS Hasselblad cameras on a 4/3 sensor, the Mavic 3 Pro captures 12-bit RAW images and 5.1K/50fps videos.
With a price tag of around $3,000 (up to $5,000 for the Fly More Combo), this is definitely the drone for professional content creators.
Features and functions
- Flight time: 43 mins
- 8 GB internal storage
- Single shot & burst shooting modes
- RAW image-capture
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal
- Hasselblad camera
Why we like it
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the ultimate choice for those looking to elevate their drone experience to a professional standard. As the most advanced and compact drone in its class, it delivers cutting-edge technology and professional-grade performance in a sleek, portable design.
Where to find it
- DJI
- JB Hi-Fi
- Kogan
- Harvey Norman
More drone gift ideas for all ages and budgets
$25: Stunt Quadcopter
The ultra-affordable Stunt Quadcopter is a fantastic introduction to the world of drone control. Suitable for ages 8+, this simple and safe quadcopter offers 360-degree manoeuvrability, easy operation, and three speeds.
At just $25, the Stunt Quadcopter is up there with the best budget gifts for drone lovers who are just getting started. If your budget can stretch a bit further, Kmart also stocks a $49 model that features a Wi-Fi camera.
The Stunt Quadcopter is ultra-affordable, easy to use, and built to withstand bumps and crashes. With an RRP of just $25 (not including 4 x AA batteries) at Kmart and Target, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer and a great starting point for young drone enthusiasts.
Features and functions
- Remote control included
- One-button take-off
- Up, down, left, right, forwards and backwards motion
- Low, medium and high speeds
- Altitude hold function
- LED light
- Rotor guards
Under $100: Printing their favourite drone image
Whether it’s a photo they took themselves or a unique piece from their favourite drone photographer, aerial photo prints are a truly meaningful gift for drone enthusiasts. Your favourite drone lover will feel inspired every time they see it.
National retailers including Officeworks, Vistaprint and Big W offer low-cost, high-quality printing.
$100-$250: Tello quadcopter
Tello is the perfect in-between drone for kids and young teenagers (and adults who are here for a good time). Built with industry-leading DJI technology, Tello features a 5MP camera with 720p stabilised video, throw-and-go flying, and a load of fun presets. Find these at most tech stores including JB Hi Fi and Camera House
The 14-core Intel processor and Tello Edu app also encourage youngsters to explore Scratch programming as they play.
Features and functions
- Range-finder
- Barometer
- LED
- Wi-Fi
- 720p stabilised video
- 5MP camera
- Flight distance of 100m
- Phone controls
Drone training: The drone gift that keeps on giving
Drones offer much more than entertainment. They inspire creativity, encourage exploration, and open doors to exciting careers.
You can help someone launch – or accelerate – their drone journey with Global Drone Solutions, Australia’s most awarded drone training provider. As well as our popular Beginners Course, we have a range of advanced and specialist courses to support drone enthusiasts at every stage.
Explore our drone course catalogue or learn which drone course is best.