Top 10 Gift Ideas for a Civil War Buff

Got a Civil War Buff on the old gift list? Well I have been interested in Civil War History for years. I know what I would have to have for Christmas and I think I can provide 10 Gift Ideas Civil War Buffs. There is just something about War Between The States (Or War of Northern Aggression as I call it) that fascinates many Americans to this day.

1 A Guided Tour of Civil War Battlefields. If price is no object and they can travel or are lucky enough to live near some of the Battlefields, a tour is awesome. Sure they can go and tour the field themselves, but a guided tour by a historian is so much better. All the major battlefields have them. I found one site online that does them for around $295. The tours are mostly in the Spring or Summer though. A friend of mine toured all the major battlefields and he said he cried like a baby at Gettysburg. It was a very emotional and educational experience for him.

2 Replica Civil War Firearms. You can get non firing replica weapons in various places online or at gun stores (if ordered in some cases) these are not real weapons and you don't have to have a permit to own them (in any state I know of anyway) My personal favorites are the revolvers (pistols) you can get them starting at around $50. These are great conversation pieces to hang on the wall. You can also get Civil Wars swords at good prices in most cases.

3 Miscellaneous Memorabilia- You can get whole uniforms, canteens, belt buckles, half shelters (tents) and much more stuff. Online sources or at pawn shops sometimes or flea markets. Also various Civil War Flags can be found on the cheap.

4 Civil War Movies- Some of the best Civil War Movies you can get anywhere. Cold Mountain, Journey to Shiloh, Gods and Generals, are just a few good ones. You can also find lots of documentaries and also Civil War CDs with historical discussions on them. Various prices. The local library is a good source when they are selling off old stuff to make room for new. A true Civil War Buff won't mind if it's used if it's something good.

5 Civil War Books. Thousands to choose from. Some of my favorites are "Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara, "Guns of the South" by Harry Turtledove (this is alternative history where time travelers provide the South with ak47s) and I have some very good books on equipment of the Civil War. You can also get books of Civil War Maps which are awesome. Any bookstore will have lots of good choices available.

6 Civil War Photographs. You can sometimes find authentic Civil War pictures that most amateur historians would love to have. You may find them in a antique shop or more likely in Civil War Specialty shops online or Ebay.

7 Civil War Games. There are many good Civil War games. Computer games, and board games around. My favorite ones for the computer are the Sid Meier's Civil War games. You can get them online or at Wal-Mart.

8 Civil War Chess Sets. Various places at various prices. Any Chess fan who happens to be a Civil War Buff, would love a chess set with the Blue and Gray clad soldiers for chess pieces.

9 Civil War Art. Need something for the den? There is some great Civil War art out there. Famous battlefields and Generals. Some of it's a little steeply priced but if your person likes art it's a good gift.

10 Civil War Puzzles. There are some very nice Civil War Jigsaw Puzzels out there. My favorite one is of Generals Lee and Jackson in a church with 2 children ( you can find it online easily) just search for civil war puzzles.

No matter the price range you can always find something Civil War related. Good luck on your gift selections and Happy Holidays!