Best Instant Cameras for Christmas Gifts (2026), by Film Type
An instant camera is one of the few gifts that gets used on Christmas Day itself. Unwrap it, load the film, and the whole family is passing prints around the table within minutes. The catch most gift guides skip: almost every camera ships without film, and each one only takes one film type.
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Quick answer: For most people, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the easiest instant camera to give: it turns on with a twist of the lens, sets exposure automatically and uses Instax Mini film, the most widely sold format. Pick the Instax Mini 13 if you want a self-timer for group shots, the Instax Wide 400 for bigger family photos, or the Polaroid Now Gen 3 for the classic Polaroid look.
Below we sort the picks by who they suit and which film they need, so you can buy the camera and the right film in one go. Specs come from the Amazon listings and the makers’ own spec pages, not from our own testing.
⚡ Quick pick · Our top 3
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Best for: Most people, teens and first-time instant shooters
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Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Best for | Film / power | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm Instax Mini 12Top pick | Most people, teens and first-time instant shooters | Instax Mini / 2 AA (included) | View on Amazon |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 | Group photos and anyone who wants a self-timer | Instax Mini / 2 AA (included) | View on Amazon |
| Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 | The classic square “Polaroid-style” look | Instax Square / 2 CR2 | View on Amazon |
| Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 | Families, parties and landscape photos | Instax Wide / see listing | View on Amazon |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO | People who want to choose which shots to print | Instax Mini / see listing | View on Amazon |
| Polaroid Now Generation 3 + Film Bundle | The real Polaroid look, ready to shoot | i-Type or 600 / USB-C | View on Amazon |
| Polaroid Go Generation 2 + Film Bundle | Pocket-size gifts and stocking-stuffer budgets | Polaroid Go / rechargeable | View on Amazon |
| KODAK Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer | People who prefer their phone camera | Kodak cartridges / see listing | View on Amazon |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Best for: Most people, teens and first-time instant shooters
The Mini 12 is the default instant camera for a reason: there is almost nothing to set. Twist the lens to turn it on, twist again for close-up mode, and the camera picks the exposure and flash for you. The listing mentions a selfie mirror and parallax correction, which lines up close-ups so subjects aren’t cut off at the edge of the print.
Prints come out credit-card size (the listing calls them 2 x 3 inch) and develop in about 90 seconds. Two AA batteries are included, but film is not, so add a pack of Instax Mini film to the gift.
✓ What we like
- Very simple: twist to turn on, automatic exposure
- Selfie mirror and close-up mode
- Instax Mini film is the easiest film to find
! Keep in mind
- Film sold separately
- Small prints; not ideal for big group shots
- Runs on AA batteries, not USB-C
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13
Best for: Group photos and anyone who wants a self-timer
The Mini 13 keeps everything that makes the Mini 12 easy and adds the two things people asked for: a self-timer with 2- and 10-second options, and a hand strap with a camera-angle accessory, per the listing. That combination means the photographer can finally be in the Christmas photo.
It uses the same Instax Mini film and the same two AA batteries, so if someone in the family already shoots Instax Mini, film is shareable.
✓ What we like
- 2- and 10-second self-timer
- Camera-angle accessory on the strap for tabletop shots
- Same film as the Mini 12
! Keep in mind
- Film sold separately
- Newer model, so fewer color options in stock at times
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Best for: The classic square "Polaroid-style" look
If the recipient pictures an instant photo as a square, this is the camera. The SQ40 shoots Instax Square film, which Fujifilm lists at a 62 x 62 mm image, noticeably larger than Mini prints. Fujifilm’s spec page describes automatic exposure, a selfie mode you switch on by rotating the lens ring, and a front selfie mirror.
It runs on two CR2 lithium batteries, which Fujifilm rates for about 30 packs of film. That’s a long time, but CR2 cells are less common in a kitchen drawer than AA, so it’s worth tucking a spare pair into the gift.
✓ What we like
- Square prints with more room for faces
- Automatic exposure and selfie mode
- Retro black styling
! Keep in mind
- Square film is less common than Mini film
- CR2 batteries, not AA or USB-C
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400
Best for: Families, parties and landscape photos
The Wide 400 uses Instax Wide film, the biggest print Instax makes, so a whole row of cousins fits in one shot. The listing describes automatic exposure, a self-timer with an LED countdown, Normal, Landscape and Macro modes (Macro uses the included close-up lens), a camera-angle accessory and a shoulder strap.
It’s bigger and heavier than a Mini camera, so it’s more of a party or holiday camera than one that lives in a jacket pocket.
✓ What we like
- Biggest Instax print size
- Self-timer with countdown light
- Landscape and macro modes
! Keep in mind
- Bulky compared with Mini cameras
- Wide film sold separately
Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO
Best for: People who want to choose which shots to print
The Mini EVO is a hybrid: it takes digital photos first, then you print only the ones you like. The listing describes 10 lens effects times 10 film effects, saving to a microSD card (not included), and printing photos from your phone through the Instax app over Bluetooth.
That makes it the least wasteful camera here, since nobody burns film on a blinked-eye shot. It’s also the best pick for someone who already takes lots of phone photos.
✓ What we like
- Print only the shots you like
- Prints phone photos too
- Lots of creative effects
! Keep in mind
- microSD card not included
- Less of the one-shot surprise that makes instant film fun
Polaroid Now Generation 3 + Film Bundle
Best for: The real Polaroid look, ready to shoot
Polaroid film has a softer, more vintage look than Instax, and bigger square prints. The Now Gen 3 bundle comes with film, so it’s ready to use on Christmas morning. The listing describes a twin-lens autofocus system, compatibility with both i-Type and 600 film, and a USB-C rechargeable battery rated for more than 15 packs per charge.
One thing to know before gifting: Polaroid packs hold 8 photos, and the prints take longer to develop than Instax, so it suits someone who enjoys the slower, more deliberate side of instant photography.
✓ What we like
- Film included in this bundle
- USB-C rechargeable
- Takes i-Type and 600 film
! Keep in mind
- 8 photos per pack, fewer than Instax
- Prints develop more slowly than Instax
Polaroid Go Generation 2 + Film Bundle
Best for: Pocket-size gifts and stocking-stuffer budgets
The Go Gen 2 is Polaroid’s smallest camera, per the listing, and this bundle includes film for 16 photos. It has a selfie mirror, self-timer and double exposure mode, and the battery is rated for about 15 packs of film per charge.
The trade-off is film: it only takes Polaroid Go film, which is smaller than regular Polaroid film and not sold everywhere. Order a couple of extra Go packs at the same time.
✓ What we like
- Very small and light
- Film for 16 photos included
- Self-timer and double exposure
! Keep in mind
- Only takes Polaroid Go film
- Small prints
KODAK Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer
Best for: People who prefer their phone camera
Not everyone wants a new camera. The Kodak Mini 2 Retro prints the photos already on a phone through a Bluetooth app. The listing describes 4PASS printing, where the photo gets several layers including a protective coat, and about 55 seconds per print. This bundle includes cartridges and sheets for 38 prints.
It’s a smart gift for grandparents or anyone who wants physical photos of the kids without learning a new camera.
✓ What we like
- Prints existing phone photos
- Bundle includes paper for 38 prints
- No film to choose
! Keep in mind
- Not a camera
- Uses Kodak cartridges, not Instax film
Which Instant Film Format Should You Buy?
Instax Mini is the smallest and most common film. Instax Square gives a square print with more space, and Instax Wide is the largest Instax print, made for groups. Polaroid i-Type and 600 film give the classic large square Polaroid. Polaroid Go film is a smaller square made only for the Go camera.
If you’re buying for an Instax Mini camera, a twin pack like this Instax Mini film twin pack (20 photos) is the simplest add-on.
How Do You Pick the Right Instant Camera Gift?
- Choose the film first: Instax Mini, Square and Wide, Polaroid i-Type/600 and Polaroid Go are all different sizes. A camera only takes its own format.
- Count shots per pack: Instax film packs hold 10 photos (Mini twin packs hold 20), while Polaroid i-Type and Go packs hold 8.
- Check the power: Instax Mini 12 and 13 use AA batteries, the SQ40 uses CR2 cells, and Polaroid cameras recharge over USB.
- Wrap the film with the camera: Without film, the camera is a very nice paperweight on Christmas morning.
- Taking the family photo with a phone instead? A phone tripod gets everyone in the shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best instant camera to give as a gift?
For most people, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. It’s simple to use, sets exposure automatically and uses Instax Mini film, the easiest film to find. The Mini 13 adds a self-timer if group photos matter.
Do instant cameras come with film?
Most don’t. The Instax cameras here ship without film, so add a pack to the gift. The Polaroid Now Gen 3 and Polaroid Go Gen 2 links on this page are bundles that include film.
Is Instax or Polaroid better for a gift?
Instax is simpler, prints develop faster and packs hold 10 photos. Polaroid gives larger, more vintage-looking prints with 8 photos per pack. Pick Instax for kids and casual shooters, Polaroid for someone who loves the classic look.
Which film does the Instax Mini 12 use?
Instax Mini film. The same film works in the Mini 13 and Mini EVO, but not in Square or Wide cameras.
What is a good instant camera for a teenager?
The Instax Mini 12 or Mini 13. Both are easy, come in bright colors and use the most common film. The Mini EVO suits teens who want effects and phone printing.
🏁 Still deciding?
Our top pick: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Best for: Most people, teens and first-time instant shooters
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