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The Ultimate Show Biz Industry Holiday Gift Guide


December 2, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for the actor or the production person in your life can feel like a tough audition. Actors and behind-the-scenes workers are a unique blend of creativity, ambition and dedication, and they appreciate gifts that fuel their passion and support their craft. The Ultimate Show Biz Industry Holiday Gift Guide is here to take the stress out of holiday shopping. Whether you’re looking for practical stocking stuffers, luxurious splurges or sentimental keepsakes, this guide has something to light up every actor’s and crew member’s holiday season.

Insights: Quick Holiday Gift Ideas

  • For budget gifts, consider accessories like rechargeable hand warmers and personalized water bottles to keep actors comfortable and hydrated on set.
  • Mid-range presents can include industry-themed clothing for comfort and style, and practical items like a portable phone tripod for self-taping auditions.
  • Splurge on subscriptions to Casting Networks or IMDbPro for career development, or offer relaxation tools like noise-canceling headphones and portable massage guns for recovery after performances.

Gifts Under $25: Budget-Friendly Finds

Hand Warmers & Toe Warmers: Great for working in cold environments, whether it’s an outdoor scene or an unheated theater. Hand and toe warmers provide portable, on-demand heat, making them an ideal gift to help stay comfortable and focused. There are also rechargeable hand warmers!

Fingerless Gloves: Fingerless gloves are a great option, offering warmth while allowing for full movement of the fingers — perfect for handling scripts, phones, or props without having to remove gloves. These unisex knit gloves come in all different colors! For that extra special someone, add cozy arm warmers.

Personalized Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is super important, especially on long shooting days. Staying well-hydrated helps avoid fatigue, keeps skin looking fresh for the camera, and supports vocal cords. Add someone’s name or nickname to the water bottle for peace of mind, especially when on large sets.

Relaxing Scented Candle or Essential Oil: For unwinding after an intense day, and we all know how demanding long rehearsals and emotional scenes can be! Check out this scented candle gift set and essential oils gift set. Be sure to add a diffuser for the oil if needed!

Line-Highlighting Script Markers: Bright markers or highlighters designed specifically for scripts make it easy to mark important lines, cues, and stage directions without obscuring text. These are compact and help you stay organized and focused.

Portable Phone Charger: You may want to have multiple phone chargers on hand because there’s always someone on set who forgot theirs! Sharing is caring, after all.

Stress Relief Ball: Show business can be physically and emotionally taxing, so a stress relief ball can provide a quick way to release tension and relieve stress, whether on set or at home. These are easy to carry and help you recharge.

Gifts $25-$100: Mid-Range Marvels

Sweatshirts & Hoodies: Yay! Sarcastic and funny sayings for actors and crew are perfect for the colder months. They’re available in different colors, too!

Comfortable Slip-On Shoes: Great for stage crew or actors who spend long hours on their feet, offering comfort and ease between scenes or setups. Of course, you can wear them for everyday use as well. See the options below, suitability for all identities and preferences.

Portable Phone Stand or Tripod: These modern miracle phone tripods are a game changer for self-taping and practicing scenes.

High-Quality Yoga Mat: A durable, comfortable yoga mat is a must-have for actors and stage crew members who rely on yoga, stretching, or meditation to stay physically and mentally prepared for the demands of their work.

Tool Kit for Stage Crew: A compact tool kit with essentials like screwdrivers, pliers, and measuring tape, perfect for quick fixes on set or backstage.

Backstage Survival Kit: Sometimes rehearsals and filming can feel like an earthquake hit. Well, you’ll be prepared with this backstage survival kit! It’s also good for outdoor adventures such as camping and hiking.

Portable Foldable Chair: Give your tootsies a rest from those long-standing days on set! This Coleman chair comes with a carry bag for easy stowing.

Gifts Over $100: Splurge-Worthy Splendors

Subscription to Casting Networks: Get cast in your next project. Upload your photos, reel and resume, then search thousands of commercial, television and theatrical projects and submit yourself for more roles than anywhere else. Casting directors, talent reps and project creators – there’s a place for you here, too! There may be a free trial if you click now!

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for memorizing lines or tuning out distractions on set. Check out these Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth headphones. Be prepared to lose yourself in the immersive sound of your favorite music, podcasts, or scripts.

Rolling Bag: A rolling bag is the one item that no one knows they need until they have it. Carry your costumes, props and tools in an organized way. Store your personal items, as well!

Portable Massage Gun: Yes, this is really a thing! Do we even need to go any further with a description? The TheraGun mini massager is great when you’re on-the-go… or on set … or at home… or in your car…

Broadway, Concert or Theater Show Tickets: Give them the gift of inspiration by treating them to a show or concert. Choose a Broadway show, an Off-Broadway show or a concert.

Membership to IMDbPro: IMDbPro is the “essential resource for the entertainment industry”. Here you can keep on top of industry news all in one place, as well as have your pic and resume viewable to other members, which include casting directors, directors and actors/singers/dancers.

Walmart Gift Card: Some people have everything. That’s why the Walmart Gift Card comes in handy. It’s a no-brainer!

Affordable Bonus Gift: Journals!

Happy Holidays from Casting Networks!

Thinking about joining Casting Networks? Sign up for a free trial today!

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Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things.



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