Top Christmas Gifts for Veterinary Social Media Lovers!

With the holidays upon us and Cyber Monday deals launched, it's time to get crackin' on that gift list. If you need a few more ideas for your favorite veterinary lovin' social media nerd, look no further. I know these are good, because I actually own almost all of them! Some are fun, some are super handy, and some are downright essential. Whether these are gifts for a friend, colleague or yourself, they promise to make social media even more fun.
Happy holidays! -CD

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1. Tripod $25.99
​Hands down, a tripod is THE most practical and useful thing you'll need for getting better photos and videos in the clinic.  I love this one, because it's sturdy and magnetic- giving it extra stability and allowing me to configure it into some weird ways to get the perfect shot. I love that the feet are magnetic- sticking to the dental table, our window frames, and I've even wrapped it around the exam room sink. Looking for a cheaper option? I've also tried this one, which gets the job done with a little less stability and no remote. 

2. Selfie Stick: $7.99
I know, I know. I was TOTALLY against them forever. Literally, I only recently broke down and got one in the last year and a half or so. I have made fun of people using them and swore I would never join the ranks of such ridiculous photo-takers. But then....we got one at the clinic, and I'm sold. Admittedly, I'm not taking this bad boy out and about to tourist destinations, but for group photos in the clinic, it's the only way to go. It's also really handy trying to get a decent picture of a person and an animal in those tiny exam rooms. Give it a try-- you won't regret it. I got this one which again works with an iPhone 8 (and therefore is Bluetooth, so you don't have to physically connect the selfie stick to your phone). 

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3. iPad Mini: $319
Ok, ok, this one is a bit more pricey, but well worth the investment, especially for a clinic. I love the idea of clinics having a single device to use for their social media. Having one device, accessible to everyone, makes taking pictures, editing and posting on social media easy. It avoids the common owner frustration of staff using their cell phones during work time, and can also come in handy for showing owners photos and using other apps as well. Install your social media apps, PicMonkey, Canva and Picsart and you're on your way! 


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4. Dog GoPro Harness $28.72
This one is the the most fun item to use on this list. Obviously, it does require a GoPro, but if you don't want to buy one of those you can often rent or borrow from a friend. The Fetch harness, however, is a little more elusive and you will definitely want it for footage from the dog's perspective. It works on dogs 15-120 lbs, but trust me, not on cats. You can mount it on their chest or on their back, and I've gotten some great clinic tours and behind-the-scenes videos using it! Read my tutorial here, watch me putting it on my pooch Maple here, or check out these example videos here and here. 

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5. Smartphone Microphone $49
This is something I'm treating myself to this year if Santa doesn't bring it under the tree. A smartphone microphone will help improve the sound of your live or recorded videos, and is a small addition that pays big dividends! I've used the Rode brand before with my DSLR, but looking for a smaller, more compact mic to keep in my bag or at the clinic. This one is wireless will work for any of you with Android or phones iPhone 7 and before. If you have one of the newer iPhones you'll have to head over to Rode.com and get the new version that works with the lightning connector! If you don't mind a cord, several of my podcasting-loving friends recommend this one! 

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6. Smartphone Ring Light: $10.99

If you want to do any video for your veterinary social media, brighten up those dark clinic environments with this selfie ring light. You can adjust the brightness of the light and the added light helps improve the quality of your videos. Even though it says it is a "selfie" light, I use it facing the other way too when I'm filming something in the clinic. Fits on the top of any smartphone, and compact as well.  

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7. Flexi-Paw $14.99
Another item I've added to my wish list! I've tried all kinds of cell phone attachments to get pets to look at my phone when I'm taking their pictures in the clinic. From a treat launcher to the Pooch Selfie (requires a ball-driven pup!), I've tried them all. This one makes the most sense to me- a hands free way to keep their treat in view and close to them, and hopefully lining up their adorable fluffer faces with your lens. If anyone tries it let me know! 

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8. LabCam Microscope Adapter $193
So this one is definitely a big-ticket item, but I really love it. I've spoken with the inventors of the LabCam (in the medical field themselves!) and they really figured out how to make this work. I've tried several other microscope/smartphone adapters, not to mention the old toilet paper roll method and the verrrrryyyy carefully balancing your smartphone against the lens to get that great ear mite shot, but this one takes the cake. I've used it hundreds of times and it's standing up to the test of time. It's durable and gets the shot the first time, every time. What a great way to educate our clients- showing them what we're seeing under the scope! From parasites to cytology, you know you want to make your photo album a little more colorful with great microscope pics! Check your smartphone for the best sizing!

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9. Portable Backup Charger: $14.99
If you're a big social media user, chances are you've run into the problem of draining your phone or tablet battery way too many times. I've gotten better about charging on the go with this handy gadget -- ESPECIALLY essential during conferences and all-day events where I may not have access to a wall charger. Handy and reliable, this has saved me many times! 

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10. Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch: $6.46
I love this bad boy. Our jobs are messy, and phones are expensive. I've used this pouch numerous times to keep my phone dry, clean, and safe from whatever I'm about to spill on it, or what my patient is going to um, expel. Especially for farm calls, I've found this to be really handy for both phone protection and as a way to hang the phone (from a chute or IV pole) and have a handy way to film! I also can use the phone while still in the pouch, and it's clear on both sides so you can easily capture photos and videos while using (unlike some of the hardshell waterproof cases). 

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DISCLAIMER: You'll notice that these are almost all Amazon links for a few reasons: 1) Who doesn't love and need Amazon 2 day shipping right now?! and 2) We'lll earn a small fee if you follow the links below to order, but it doesn't change your price! This helps us continue to test out and report on new gadgets in the clinic! TheSocialDVM is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.