If the person you’re shopping for loves family history, they don’t need another mug or notebook. What they really want are tools, education, and answers. This list is packed with meaningful gifts for both hobbyists and professionals. Today’s blog is to get the juices flowing for that genealogist in all of us.
1. Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills
The gold standard for citations. Not exciting to non-genealogists. Thrilling to us. Link
2. Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones
Perfect for anyone ready to move beyond beginner research. Link
3. Family Tree Magazine Subscription
Still one of the best all-around genealogy magazines out there. Link
4. Ancestry Gift Membership
Records, trees, and DNA tools. A classic for a reason. Link
5. Newspapers.com Subscription
Obituaries. Social news. Local stories. This one changes research fast. Link
6. Fold3 Subscription
A must-have for anyone researching military ancestors. Link
7. MyHeritage Complete Plan
Great for international records and photo tools. Link
8. AncestryDNA Kit
Still the largest matching database for genetic genealogy. Link
9. MyHeritage DNA Kit
Excellent for European and international matches. Link
10. 23andMe Kit
A good blend of health and ancestry. Link
11. RootsMagic Software
Powerful desktop software that syncs with major websites. Link
12. Family Tree Maker Software
Perfect for tree builders who love working offline. Link
13. Legacy Family Tree Software
Strong reports and charts. Loved by many professionals. This is what I use. Link
14. Legacy Family Tree Webinars Annual Membership
This is basically continuing education for genealogists. Best bang for your genealogy buck. Link
15. RootsTech Online or In-Person Pass
One of the biggest genealogy events of the year. It’s free online, but an in-person pass will have a fee. Link
16. Association of Professional Genealogists Membership
An excellent gift for anyone serious about going pro. Link
17. A Two-Hour Consultation with a Professional Genealogist (Me)
A personalized research session can save you years of frustration. Link
18. A DNA Results Interpretation Session
Perfect for people who have tested and now feel totally stuck. Link
19. A Research Project Gift Certificate
Instead of guessing… let them choose the problem they want solved. Link
20. A Local or State Genealogical Society Membership
Get a membership where they live or, better yet, where their ancestors lived.
21. A Writing-Your-Family-History Course
For genealogists ready to turn research into real stories.
22. A Brick-Wall Research Package
One focused question. One professional deep dive. One very happy researcher. Link
Finally
Whatever you choose, the genealogist in your life will love your gift. Click below if you want to get started on a project or buy a gift certificate for someone you love.
