Do you have a genealogist in the family? One that you need to buy for this holiday season but are unsure what to get? Whether you need a gift for a hobbyist or professional or to stick to a budget, this guide is for you. And feel free to mix it up a little!
Being a genealogist is wonderful whether you do it for fun or money. We all have a wish list of books, subscriptions, or DNA items we’d love to have. If you’re trying to find that perfect gift for your favorite family historian, check out the suggestions below.
For the Hobbyist Genealogist
Books
Books make wonderful gifts for hobbyists, offering a chance to up their skills, inspiration, or just plain enjoyment. Here are a few top picks:
- The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine T. Bettinger
A beginner-friendly book that explains DNA testing and how it connects to family history research. - The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy by Val D. Greenwood
Perfect to improve your research skills. I mentioned this book along with two others in a previous blog post. You can read that here. - The Family Tree Problem Solver by Marsha Hoffman Rising
This book is all about helping you break down brick wall ancestors. - History books – Don’t forget about history books your genealogist is interested in. Historical context is so important in genealogy and we can all stand to learn more about our country’s past.
DNA Testing Kits
DNA kits remain a favorite gift for anyone interested in family history. Some options to consider:
- AncestryDNA: The most popular DNA test, with access to the largest database of test takers.
- FamilyTreeDNA: Best for connecting with distant relatives.
- MyHeritage DNA: Best for international cousin searches.
Many of these kits are on sale now!
Subscription Services
It’s hard to find your ancestors without the help of an online database. FamilySearch is free, but they don’t have everything. Consider adding one of these:
- Ancestry: A subscription gives access to billions of records, family trees, and DNA connections.
- MyHeritage: A global platform great for international research.
- Newspapers.com: Ideal for uncovering family stories through old newspaper articles. This one is a no-brainer for me.
- FindMyPast: Perfect for researching ancestors in England or Ireland.
- Legacy Family Tree Webinars: This is the best bang for your genealogy buck. There are many webinars for beginning and intermediate genealogists and it’s a place where you will grow your skills.
For budget-friendly options, consider gifting just a few months of service rather than a full year.
Fun and Functional Supplies
Genealogy can be paper-heavy, so practical supplies make excellent gifts:
- Genealogy notebooks: Look for journals or notebooks designed to organize family trees and notes.
- Archival storage boxes: Help them preserve family photos or documents.
- Chart templates: Look for decorative family tree charts they can fill out and frame.
Personalized Gifts
Add a personal touch with these thoughtful ideas:
- Customized family tree posters: Use a service like Etsy to design a beautiful family tree featuring their ancestors. The one I use is The FamilyArtShop. Start here.
- Engraved family name ornaments: Perfect for the Christmas tree!
- StoryWorth: Turn family stories into a book. This is one I’ve always wanted to try.
For the Professional Genealogist
Professional genealogists need gifts that take their work to the next level. These ideas focus on quality tools, resources, and time-saving solutions.
Books
Professional researchers never stop learning. Help them expand their library with these top picks:
- The Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources – published by Ancestry. An invaluable guide to U.S. genealogy research.
- The Source – published by Ancestry.
A must-have resource for any serious genealogist. - Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills
One-stop shopping to learn about and get source citations.
Subscription Services with Extra Value
Professionals rely on high-level tools to complete their research. Consider gifting one of these:
- AmericanAncestors.org: Ideal for those researching early American ancestors.
- Fold3: A fantastic resource for military records.
- GenealogyBank: Offers historical newspapers and obituaries.
Some services, like FamilySearch, are free but could always use donations. To find out how go to this link.
Genealogy Software
Help them keep their research organized with powerful genealogy software:
- RootsMagic: One of the most popular family tree software programs.
- Legacy Family Tree: Offers professional-level tools with an easy-to-use interface.
- Reunion (for Mac users): A favorite among genealogists who use Apple products.
Tech Tools
Upgraded tech can make a professional’s work smoother and more efficient:
- Online Backup Services: If you have pictures galore or you just want to feel more secure, gift a subscription to an online backup service. I use Backblaze.
- External hard drive: Backing up family trees and files is critical, and an extra drive always comes in handy.
- Dual monitor setup: Genealogists love having two screens—one for research and the other for note-taking. I couldn’t work without two monitors!
Conference Passes or Webinars
Many professional genealogists attend conferences or webinars to stay current on the latest research trends. Consider purchasing a pass for:
- RootsTech: The largest genealogy conference in the world. It’s held each winter in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ve been in person and it’s fantastic!
- National Genealogical Society (NGS) webinars: Offer in-depth training sessions.
- Local genealogical/historical society events: Support their community research interests. You could gift a membership to their local genealogy society, historical society, or one in the area where their ancestors lived.
Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry—there are still plenty of meaningful gifts to consider.
Digital Gifts
- E-books: Many genealogy books are available in affordable digital formats.
- Genealogy apps: Some apps, like Evernote or Trello, help with organizing research.
Homemade Gift Ideas
- Family history scrapbook: Create a scrapbook with old family photos and stories. Snapfish and Shutterfly make wonderful books!
- Heirloom recipes: Compile a cookbook featuring recipes from their ancestors.
- Ancestor timeline: Use free online tools to create a timeline of their family history.
Gift Cards
If you’re unsure what to buy, let them choose with a gift card:
- Amazon: Perfect for books, supplies, or tech.
- Etsy: A great option for personalized genealogy items.
- Their favorite genealogy website: Many platforms offer gift cards for subscription renewals.
Finally
Whether you’re shopping for a hobbyist or a professional, there’s no shortage of thoughtful gifts to brighten your favorite genealogist’s holiday. From DNA kits and subscriptions to books and personalized keepsakes, you’ll find something to fit every budget and interest.
Remember, the best gifts are the ones that show you understand their passion. With these ideas in hand, you’re ready to make their holiday special—and maybe even help them uncover a piece of their family’s history.
Genealogy tip: When in doubt, just ask. Genealogists are not shy about telling you what they would love to have.
Don’t forget you can also buy time with a professional genealogist. Click below to get started!
