Raise your hand if you’ve ever cried out “Bah-Humbug!” as you attempt to craft the “perfect” Christmas or birthday wish list for yourself. Or, on the flip side, maybe your frustrations are caused by the genealogist or historian you’re shopping for, all because you have no idea what gifts they’ll want or need. I know for a fact my parents have felt this way, as they’ve often voiced their struggles with finding creative and historical-oriented items to gift me. Luckily, they’ve succeeded every time in getting this historian/genealogist gifts that she loves. And I’m passing some of those ideas right along to you so that you can make every birthday and Christmas the best one yet. Even better, the list of 25 potential gifts below (complete with some links for easy shopping!) includes items for every budget, from $5 to $500. Ready to find the perfect item for yourself (no guilt in self-gifting sometimes, right?) or as a gift for a loved one? Keep scrolling!
Affordable Items (Under $50)*
Stickers – It’s hard to go wrong with historical stickers! Not only are they super cost effective (usually well under $5), but they’re also fun. There are stickers for all different history enthusiasts, from those who enjoy medieval times and the Revolutionary War to the Civil War or women’s rights history. Looking for stickers like the ones on my laptop above? The Abraham Lincoln, Party Like It’s 1776, and History Geek stickers are still available! Or you can find general history stickers on Redbubble, ranging from serious to humorous.
Pens – Pens are always a great gift option for historians and genealogists who write often! Vistaprint has this pen for under $5. Even better, it can be personalized with text and images. I whipped out the above design in under 5 minutes, so imagine the design you can make with a little extra time!
Archival Gloves – Over time, the oils in our hands can be detrimental to important artifacts, especially paper-based items like letters, newspapers, and photos. Gift your historian or genealogist some archival gloves so they can properly and safely handle antiques! Amazon has a 12-pack for as low as $10!
Folders – Let’s be honest–when you’re a historian and a genealogist, you tend to collect a lot of papers! I love that with an expanding file, I can keep my papers organized nice and tidy. I have two file folders similar to the one above, and the handle makes for easy carrying so I can transport my files anywhere. Plus, the tabs make labeling a breeze so you can sort records by family name, year, and more. Walmart has this 26 pocket file folder for just under $10!
Primary Source Holder – Primary sources, like letters and photos, warrant special handling. Sunlight and acid found in many storage materials can break down these paper pieces over time, which is why special storage is important to the overall wellbeing of primary sources. I’ve experimented with a few different storage options, but my favorite is easy and cost effective. Simply purchase a 1 inch binder, like this one from Target. Then grab some plastic sheet protectors to store letters and photos. I use Samsill’s sheet protectors, as they’re non-glare and archival quality (PVC and acid free). Many photo albums aren’t acid free, but I have a solution that you can also use your binder for! Purchase Avery Clear Mixed Format Photo Pages, where acid free and archival safe quality keeps your treasured pictures safe. Storage solutions always make great gifts!
Name Plates – A creative gift that most folks might not consider is a name plate! They can be personalized with anyone’s name and title, which makes them a great gift for historians, genealogists, and, well, everybody! My sister gifted me the one above, and I haven’t taken it off my desk since, as it brings a professional element to my home office. Snag one like mine from Providence Engraving (surprisingly, they’re under $15!).
TSGS Membership – Have you or a family member been on the fence about a Tri-State Genealogical Society membership? A TSGS membership is a great gift to give! A membership to TSGS will give you access to all the exclusive Members Only portions of the site. Plus, members get an email from me each month alerting them of new TSGS pages. Head here to become a member (it’s only $15 by mail, $16 via PayPal!).
Civil War Bullets – Even though they’re over 150 years old, Civil War bullets can still be purchased at a bargain! Southern Star Displays has bullets from numerous battlefields, and most are priced at under $20. Plus, since they come nicely displayed in a case, you don’t have to worry about how to store the artifact! I have a couple myself and have been pleased with the product I received.
Books – Is the historian or genealogist you’re shopping for a book connoisseur? Consider gifting them a book! There are tons of fiction historical novels on the market, not to mention nonfiction books on a slew of topics. If you’re looking for a great historical fiction gift (with Christian elements), it’s hard to go wrong with an Ann Gabhart book (I suggest the Rosey Corner series). If you’re thinking along the lines of historical nonfiction, maybe snag Ron Chernow’s Grant or check out TSGS’s line of genealogical books. Of course, book costs vary but many are priced around $20.
Bonus Gift Idea – If the historian or genealogist in your life tends to stay up late into the night devouring a good book, consider gifting them a book light! These lights come in fun colors (like blue, pink, white, black, and gray), and have multiple settings and brightness levels. Plus, they’ll easily clip onto a book, all without damaging the pages. I have one that I love!
Memory Book – Pictures truly are worth a thousand words, so consider using historic family photos as part of your gift to a genealogist or historian! You can compile photos into a photo book or even include photos/recollections of ancestors from older family members to make this a memory book. If you’re gifting the book to someone younger, consider adding in family photos and personal stories, information that genealogists will never find in censuses. Another idea, for genealogists/historians who enjoy baking, is a recipe book full of recipes from passed down family dishes. Honestly, with a memory book the options are endless. Even better, Shutterfly offers some for as low as $20!
Padfolios – It’s not unusual for me to give several historical presentations a year about Civil War history and/or genealogy, so I normally have several pages of notes to keep organized. That’s why I invested in a padfolio, and I’m so glad I did! My Alpine Swiss padfolio lets me keep my papers organized, safe, and wrinkle-free for added professionalism, while also giving me a space for business cards, pens, a tablet, and my phone. Plus, the zippered pouch is great for small items, like paper clips. I also love that the included writing paper lets me jot down notes when I’m at meetings. There are tons of padfolios on the market, with most costing around $20. I’ve only had my padfolio a few months, but I have to say it’s a must-have item!
Historic Newspapers – Let the historian or genealogist in your life read important headlines–right when they happened–by gifting them a historic newspaper! Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers has historic newspapers for a bargain, from $20 all the way up to several thousands–and any price in-between! Historic newspapers offer interesting information, from presidential and military news to sports headlines and movie releases. From Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers, I’ve even been able to snag a newspaper from 1683 all the way up to the 1970s. There’s something for every historian’s/genealogist’s interest!
Shirts – When I head to my closet, it’s packed full of vacation shirts and, of course, history tee shirts! I have some general historical/patriotic tees, as well as some personalized shirts that are custom-made (like shirts that say “History Major”). You can find patriotic tees and adorable genealogy shirts online, or personalize a tee shirt using a company like Vistaprint. Most tee shirts are well under $30, though the price varies. (Do note that your area might have a local screen printing shop that can help with the design and printing of your shirt.) Personalized genealogical shirts are always a great option, as you’re guaranteed to be one of the only people who could even qualify to own the tee. Personalized ideas include “Descendant of 10 Union Soldiers” with the veterans’ names on the back, pics of your ancestors on the tee, and more.
Silicone Rings – If the historian or genealogist in your life lives an active lifestyle but still loves to deck out their outfit with jewelry, gift them an Enso Ring! I love rings, but normally ditch the standard band when I’m out exploring cemeteries, installing cemetery signs, or lifting grave markers, for fear I’ll damage the ring or my finger. Since finding Enso, I never take my rings off! The majority of Enso’s silicone rings are made in the USA, plus come with breakaway technology. This means that if your ring gets caught on something, the silicone band will snap instead of your finger! While that makes it sound like the rings might not last long, I’ve found the opposite to be true. I wear my rings nonstop, and I’ve had few problems from them. Luckily, when I do encounter an issue, I simply reach out to Enso as all non-clearance items come with a lifetime replacement warranty (just pay shipping). Wondering how this ring qualifies as a genealogical/historical gift? Some of the rings are personalizable, meaning you can request a special, engraved message on the ring (for an extra fee), as long as it’s below a certain number of characters. There are tons of message possibilities, like “Historian,” “Genealogist,” and more. Prices vary greatly, but most rings that are eligible for personalization are around $30, with thinner silicone rings as low as $11.
VHS Tape Conversion – For a long time, VHS tapes were the normal. Then came DVDs, and now online streaming. Overtime, VHS tapes have become so phased out that no new VHS players have been produced for years. A meaningful gift is to have your historian’s or genealogist’s VHS tapes converted to a DVD! DVDs give viewers ease of watching, as DVD players are simpler to attain. Walgreens partners with iMemories to convert VHS tapes to DVDs for just under $40. Do note that this fee is per tape and DVD, with a maximum of 2 hours per videotape. You’ll also have your VHS tapes shipped to iMemories for conversion, although the website assures consumers all original tapes will be preserved. Walgreens also offers services to convert movie reels and photos to DVDs. It will certainly be special to view those old family movies on DVD, where your whole family can gather around to share memories!
Tumblers – I always love a good cup, especially one that can keep my sweet tea cool in the summer and my hot cocoa warm in the winter. One of my favorite cups? My personalized Tervis tumbler (see above). A gift for my birthday, this cup was able to have its own personalized background, as well as photos of some of my favorite historical figures and the word “Historian.” I love that a stainless steel Tervis has triple insulation to keep a drink hot/cold for several hours, plus comes with a BPA-free plastic lid. My mom’s been using her Tervis non-stop for a year, and it’s still holding up well by handwashing it. I will note that the customization program can be difficult to use, so you might want to wait and start your personalization when you have plenty of time to spare. While the nearly $40 price tag is a bit more expensive than some of the other items in this section, it’s a lasting gift that can see lots of use, plus you can take it everywhere you go.
Pricier Items (Over $50)*
Hard Drives – Gift your genealogist or historian peace of mind with a hard drive! Hard drives can be used to back up important files (like research documents) that are stored on computers. Without having records and documents backed up on hard drives, a computer crash could wipe away all their hard work in a second. Believe me, I know! Due to a computer crash several years ago, I lost hours of research and compiled family biographies, documents I still haven’t been able to get back. Hard drives range in price, with Walmart having some from $50 to $100, depending on what kind you want or need.
Safes – If your historian or genealogist has important artifacts, gift them a safe to store the relics! I have several safes holding family photos, old books, my grandmother’s baby dresses, and more. While I can’t put everything that’s important to me in a safe, I always like to store some items that would be impossible to replace in them. Walmart has a fire and waterproof SentrySafe for just $65, a small price to pay to preserve important heirlooms.
Genealogy Subscriptions – Give the gift of research with a genealogy subscription! Consider giving your family member a subscription to Ancestry, Fold3, or Newspapers.com, as genealogy is a gift that keeps on giving, all year long. (Read through my reviews of Ancestry, Fold3, and Newspapers to learn more about the programs.)
DNA Kits – If the historian or genealogist in your life is curious about their ethnic background, give them a DNA test kit! Kits from Ancestry and 23andMe start at $99, but are often offered for even cheaper rates around holidays. While I’ve never personally taken a DNA test, my great-grandmother did and was excited to learn more about her ethnicity.
Storage – When you’re a historian and genealogist, storage space is a must-have for everything from books and papers to artifacts and file folders. Giving the gift of storage is always a great option, as most genealogists like to have a tidy and inviting space. Storage options are endless–which means price variations abound–but this Industrial Retro 2-Tier Bookshelf with Doors looks both beautiful and functional! The open shelving looks like a nice place for attractive books or sturdy artifacts, while the two drawers could hold items that need to be kept safe from kids or pets. Plus, Ashley Furniture has the above bookshelf for around $100!
Artifacts – As a kinesthetic learner, I discover the most about history and genealogy through hands-on experiences. One of the ways you can have a kinesthetic historical experience is by collecting artifacts! If you think the historian or genealogist in your life would love some Civil War artifacts, check out Shiloh Relics, Stones River Trading Post, and Middle Tennessee Civil War Relics. If you’re not an expert in the artifact field and are worried about forgeries, the sellers I just mentioned are all reputable. I’ve purchased items from all of them and have always been pleased with the relic I receive. The possibilities for gifting artifacts are endless, which means the price range can be pretty vast–from a few bucks to a few thousand. Items normally costing under $500 while still holding historical value include canteens, cartridge boxes, cap pouches, and belt buckles, just to give you some ideas.
Posters – I’ll be the first to admit that my artifact collection, though featuring items from a slew of eras, is predominantly Civil War-related. That said, I’ve dreamed of owning my own World War II poster for some time, and in the summer of 2022 that dream was finally realized! I’d been shopping around for a poster and just had a bad experience with a rude seller. I’ll admit I was a bit wary after my previous experience with a World War II relic seller. Then I found Golden Age Posters. Luckily, this seller was super nice and gave me such a good deal that I was able to purchase two World War II posters for the same rate the rude seller was offering just one! Golden Age Posters has so many different posters available, from advertising and entertainment to political and military posters–to name just a few. On a tight budget? No problem! The posters vary in price, but there’s a section for great posters under $200 (some of them from World War II era). I got my posters professionally framed from Hobby Lobby (you could include that in your gift, too!), and it’s now a show-stopping historical piece on my wall!
Custom Frames – For genealogists, meaningful family photos decorating the wall enhance any space and provide special memories. Unfortunately, the sun does lots of damage to these images over time, ultimately fading them out. (A peek at my old baby photo exposed to sunlight shows this, as it looks 100+ years old from sun exposure!) Luckily, there’s a safe solution, a way for family photos to be displayed properly–custom framing! I recently ordered custom frames from Hobby Lobby, where the glass is UV protected and acid free backing keeps paper items safe. With custom framing, you also have matting options and could even pair related photos and letters/newspaper clippings together to create a beautiful framed piece! Prices vary, but expect to spend far more than you would on a non-custom frame of the same size. Visit your nearest Hobby Lobby for a quote, or consider Michaels for your framing needs.
Trip – If you have a generous budget, consider gifting that special someone in your life a historical or genealogical trip! This is a gift you can tailor to anyone’s interest. For example, you could visit a battlefield their ancestor fought at, head to a genealogical archive they’ve been wanting to research, or even travel overseas to explore their genealogical roots. If you want your loved one to be involved in planning the trip, consider sitting down together to plot out all the sights you want to see and determine how long you can feasibly be away from home. Also, if you’re worried about the budget, take into account the various costs, like lodging, food, transportation, etc. I will say that you’ll want to make sure a trip is actually an option for the foreseeable future, not an adventure that could be years down the road–your family member might not be so fond of an “IOU.”
I hope the gift ideas I’ve shared help you make your loved one’s birthday or Christmas extra special! I know shopping for genealogists and historians can be difficult, but the gifts above are likely to be well-received by virtually anyone. And who knows, with so many gift options, you could use this list for birthday and Christmas shopping for years to come!
Happy Shopping!
*The links posted throughout this article are not sponsored. Prices reflected on this page do not include costs of shipping and taxes, as shipping/tax rates vary by state and region. Cost of items listed are subject to change by the seller.