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Instant Camera: Take a picture and give it away
An instant camera makes new photographs into small physical keepsakes, with film format and the cost of each print worth choosing together.
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A photograph they can pass across the table
An instant camera makes taking the picture part of the occasion. It suits someone who enjoys a small print to give away or keep, rather than a perfect shot to edit later. The useful first choice is how much control they want before a print comes out.
An analog film camera usually spends a shot each time the shutter fires. A hybrid camera takes a digital image and may let them review it before printing. Those are different pleasures: one keeps the surprise, while the other can help a small film pack last. Check the exact camera's behavior rather than assuming every instant model has a preview screen.
Choose the print before the camera color
Look at a real example of the finished print. The image area can be considerably smaller than the sheet around it, and mini, square and wide formats use different supplies. Similar packaging or the same maker's name doesn't make film interchangeable.
Divide the price of a compatible refill pack by its number of exposures to get a useful cost per picture. A low camera price can be less appealing if the recipient is reluctant to use its film. Cheap thermal-paper toy cameras make a different kind of print; they aren't a like-for-like substitute for color instant photographs.
For pictures they have already taken on a phone, a photo printer may be the better gift. It leaves the choice of image until later and doesn't require another camera to carry.
Give them a workable first pack
A simple automatic model can be inviting for a newcomer, but automatic exposure doesn't prevent every missed picture. Compare close-focus distance, flash behavior, grip and the controls they will actually use. Self-timers or more manual settings earn their place when the recipient wants them.
Match the included film to the exact camera, and count actual exposures rather than accessories in the bundle photograph.
Establish whether batteries, a charger or a charging cable are included; models use different power arrangements.
Leave time for prints to develop and follow the maker's handling and storage instructions.
Keep film sealed and give them the pleasure of choosing the first shot. If sharing prints is the appeal, a small pack they will happily use matters more than a case full of extras.