The Ultimate Genealogy Gift Guide: Perfect Presents for Family History Enthusiasts
If only we could ask Santa for the ultimate genealogist’s wish: a magical window to the past, complete with a time and date stamp, allowing us to see exactly what our ancestors were doing, where they were living, and who they were with. Since that gift is a bit beyond even Santa’s capabilities, there are plenty of other tools, experiences, and resources for every budget that can delight the family historian in your life—or yourself!
From genealogy cruises and DNA testing kits to archival supplies and online subscriptions, there’s no shortage of thoughtful gifts to help uncover and preserve your family’s story. Here are some of the best genealogy gift ideas for every level of experience.
Take Your Family History Research on a Genealogy Cruise
For those with a more generous budget, consider giving the experience of a genealogy cruise. These cruises combine vacation fun with hands-on learning from expert genealogists.
One exciting option is joining Gary and Diana Smith on their 3rd annual genealogy cruise to the sunny Eastern Caribbean aboard the Celebrity Silhouette, a luxurious Solstice Class ship. Passengers enjoy five-course gourmet dining, spectacular entertainment, and fascinating genealogy workshops while visiting beautiful Caribbean ports of call.
If these dates or destinations don’t work, many cruise lines and organizations offer similar genealogy-themed sailings worldwide. A genealogy cruise makes for an unforgettable experience filled with both education and relaxation.
Give the Gift of Online Genealogy Research Subscriptions
A subscription to a genealogy website is a valuable tool for anyone tracing their family tree. Whether you’re researching ancestors worldwide or focusing on specific regions, there are platforms tailored to your needs.
Popular genealogy research sites provide access to census records, vital records, immigration documents, military service files, and more. For advanced researchers, an additional subscription to a country-specific site can expand the scope of research and help uncover hidden family connections.
Genealogy Research Vouchers: Expert Help on Demand
Sometimes the records you need aren’t online. In these cases, consider giving or requesting a genealogy research voucher. Many professional genealogists offer gift certificates for services ranging from quick vital record lookups to full, multi-lineage research reports, beautifully printed on archival paper with charts or scrolls.
This is the perfect gift for someone who is stuck on a brick wall or needs help accessing offline records in distant locations.
Learn and Grow with Genealogy Courses
You don’t have to leave home to continue your genealogy education. A wide range of genealogy courses are available both in person and online. These include beginner classes, specialized workshops, and even certified diploma programs for advanced researchers.
Whether it’s one-on-one mentoring, group sessions, or self-paced tutorials, there are courses to suit every interest and skill level.
Magazine Subscriptions: Education and Inspiration
A genealogy magazine subscription offers both entertainment and education. With options ranging from global publications to local family history society newsletters, there’s something for every interest and budget.
For a comprehensive list of genealogy magazines, visit Cyndi’s List. These publications provide tips, record updates, and stories that inspire new research avenues.
Start Strong with a Family History Starter Package
If you or someone you know is just beginning their genealogy journey, check out our sister site, Trace.com, for an Origins Package. This family history starter kit is designed to bring your ancestors’ stories to life and help children, grandchildren, and other relatives connect with their heritage.
It’s the perfect gift to inspire curiosity and create lasting family bonds.
Explore Your Roots with DNA Testing
DNA tests have revolutionized genealogy. There are three primary types:
- Y-DNA tests – Trace your direct paternal line through male ancestors.
- mtDNA tests – Trace your direct maternal line.
- Autosomal DNA tests – Match with relatives across all ancestral lines.
DNA testing can help confirm relationships, reveal ethnic origins, and connect you with living cousins who share your family history.
Essential Tech for the On-the-Go Genealogist
For tech-savvy researchers, tools like laptops, tablets, family tree software, scanners, and digital cameras make great gifts.
If you have old CDs or floppy disks filled with data, consider a USB floppy disk reader to access files or a 35mm slide scanner to digitize old photographs. Portable storage devices such as USB flash drives are perfect for backing up family history data.
Storage and Organization Solutions
For genealogists, it’s not just about location, location, location—it’s about storage, storage, storage!
- Digital storage: Services like Dropbox offer free storage with upgrade options.
- Physical storage: Consider external hard drives or USB flash drives for backup copies of files.
- Fireproof safes: Keep original certificates, printed family trees, and photographs safe from fire or water damage.
Proper storage ensures your family history is protected for future generations.
Affordable Genealogy Gift Ideas
Not all genealogy gifts have to break the bank. There’s a wide range of archival supplies available, such as:
- Acid-free paper and tissue for certificates and photographs
- Family history binders and storage boxes
- Archival-quality pens and brass paper clips
- Fun organizational tools like colorful washi tape
These items make thoughtful and practical stocking stuffers for the genealogist in your life.
Books for Genealogists
Books are a timeless gift. For serious researchers, Elizabeth Shown Mills’ “Evidence Explained” is a must-have reference for proper source citation.
There are also countless books on regional history, research strategies, and DNA genealogy to suit every interest and experience level.
Final Thoughts: Gifts That Bring Family History to Life
The perfect genealogy gift depends on the recipient’s interests, budget, and research needs. Whether it’s an exciting genealogy cruise, a DNA test, archival supplies, or a simple subscription, these gifts all share one purpose: helping someone uncover and preserve the incredible stories of their ancestors.
Give a gift that connects the past, present, and future—and creates lasting memories for generations to come.
