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  • A guide to genealogy gifts
    • Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee

    Genealogists are on an exciting journey to uncover their roots and trace family histories, a passion that often isn't shared by all family members. Finding or creating genealogy-themed gifts can be challenging since non-genealogists might not be familiar with the tools and services used by genealogists. Conversely, genealogists might struggle to gauge a non-genealogist's level of interest.

    Here is important information to make sure the right gift is selected for the right person and brings enjoyment to both giver and recipient.

    Research your ancestors on MyHeritage

    Recipient: The genealogist

    Non-genealogists might be unaware of the myriad products and services genealogists use, such as subscriptions to family tree and record research sites like MyHeritage, memberships in genealogical societies, fees for online and in-person conferences, books, magazines, and more.

    Instead of guessing, it's best to ask the genealogist for their "wish list" to avoid duplicating something they already have. When in doubt, a gift card is a reliable choice.

    Gift ideas for the genealogist

    When selecting a gift for a genealogist, consider tools and resources that can aid their research, keep them organized, or celebrate their discoveries. Here's a guide to some useful gifts that any genealogist would appreciate:

    • Book gift cards: It would be difficult to determine which book or books a genealogist already has in their collection, so a gift card for a genealogy book vendor or even Amazon would be greatly appreciated.
    • Coffee and meal gift cards: While attending an in-person genealogy conference or heading out on a research trip, genealogists need fuel, and fuel in the form of coffee and food!
    • DNA test kits: Many genealogists "manage" DNA projects for specific family groups and surnames. DNA test kits are needed to be sent to those family members targeted for testing.
    • Genealogy software or software upgrade: Check and see what genealogy database software the genealogist uses and if they are looking to upgrade their current program or switch to a new program.
    • Genealogy supplies: Genealogists are known to use many different types of office supplies including binders, note pads, sticky notes, highlighters, and more.
    • Genealogy website subscriptions: Purchase a gift membership or subscription to a favorite website, like MyHeritage, used for research. Check with the gift recipient to see if they already have a gift membership, especially since some sites do not allow use of a gift membership to extend a current membership.
    • Tech gadgets: Genealogists often use a variety of computer peripherals and tech gadgets to store research information as well as to digitize photos and records. Consider an external solid state drive (SSD), flash drives, a digital camera, a flatbed or portable scanner and other similar items.
    • Travel gift cards: Traveling to genealogy conferences or for a research trip can get expensive. Consider gift cards for major hotel chains or even travel sites such as Booking.com or Trivago.

    Recipient: The non-genealogist

    Genealogists, often seen as the "keepers" of family history, might misjudge the interest level of non-genealogists. Rather than surprising a non-genealogist, it’s best to ask what they’d like to know about their family history.

    Gift ideas for the non-genealogist

    When selecting a gift for a non-genealogist, consider items that can bring back memories or help them understand their roots. Here's a guide to some thoughtful gifts that any genealogist would appreciate:

    • Customized jewelry: Consider a gift of a locket necklace or brooch with an ancestor photo inside. Another neat gift is to purchase old wrist watches at a flea market and replace the watch face with an ancestor photo.
    • DNA test kit: Satisfy the non-genealogist's curiosity with a DNA test kit from a reputable company like MyHeritage. Explain how the testing process works and then assist them in understanding the results.
    • Family tree chart: Based on the genealogist's own research using the MyHeritage website, create a family tree chart customized for the non-genealogist. Make them the focus and display several generations of their ancestors.
    • Family history calendar: Using life event dates for ancestors such as birth, death, marriage, etc. create a family history calendar. Use sites like Canva or Shutterfly to produce multiple copies of the calendar to give as gifts.
    • Family history display: Create an actual "family tree" using a bronze decorative tree or take an actual tree branch and nail it to a platform. Then print small versions of family photos, purchase small hanging frames and "decorate" the tree. Another idea: use a shadow box to display small ancestor photos or even string a small "clothes line" and clip photos to display.
    • Family photo book: A non-genealogist would probably love to understand their family history, but in a simple, easy-to-read format - not a report filled with footnotes and source citations. Create a small, customized book ... it can be as simple as working with a local printing company. Also consider focusing on one family group or even a theme like family weddings, vacations, school, etc.
    • Family photo restoration: Offer to digitize and restore an old photo that a non-genealogist holds near and dear. Use a reputable vendor - locally or online - and explain the process to the gift recipient. It is likely they will be amazed by the results.
    • Family story book: The genealogist is usually the keeper of many family stories. Once these are put down in writing or some other fixed form, create a book of the best family stories. Print multiple copies to give as gifts.
    • Family recipe book: Solicit recipes from family members and compile them into a document. Then either use a local printing company or an online site like Create My Cookbook to produce multiple copies to give as gifts. Also consider creating "themed" cookbooks based on a specific holiday or ethnicity.
    • Genealogy website membership: Does the non-genealogist have even a slight interest in family history and genealogy? Gift them with a membership to a site like MyHeritage, where they can view updates of the genealogist's work and share in the discoveries. Collaborate with non-genealogists in an easy-to-use online environment where they can contribute family stories, photos, and more.
    • Personal history software: Everyone has a story inside of them, especially a personal story of their life. Consider purchasing a software program like Personal Historian allowing the non-genealogist to get their own story down in writing. These programs contain prompts making it easier to recall events in detail. Results can be printed as a document or book.
    • Personalized family history book: Based on the genealogist's own research using the MyHeritage website, create a family history book customized for the non-genealogist. Make them the focus and display several generations of their ancestors.

    Conclusion

    With these thoughtful gift ideas, you can find something that resonates with both genealogists and non-genealogists alike, making family history a shared joy.

    See also

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