Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Genealogist

Shopping for Christmas/holiday gifts for the genealogist is easy and can meet a variety of price ranges. Most genealogists from the beginner to one who has been researching for years appreciate gifts tailored for their needs. Here are 10 holiday gifts ideas for the genealogist:

1. Subscription to an Online Research Service. Every genealogist wants a subscription to an online research service and the premier service is Ancestry. Offering records that in census, immigration, Social Security Death Index, military records, newspapers, and thousands of other records, this is the place to start your research. Even the seasoned researcher will be able to utilize Ancestry services. It is pricey, but well worth the cost. For a US Deluxe service, the cost is around $150.00 for a year. The world deluxe which offers addition UK and Irish records is considerably more at about $347.00 which averages out to about $1.00 per day. The World Deluxe membership allows access to everything published by Ancestry on its website.

2. Magazine Subscriptions: The magazine industry has catered to the genealogist as well. Each bimonthly issue offers fascinating historical perspectives on the times in which your ancestors lived along with hard-hitting news, how-to's, and other genealogical gems to assist you in your own ancestral quest. Family Tree ($24.00 for 1 year subscriptions), Everton's Genealogical Helper ($27.00 for the magazine subscription or $48.00 for a one year subscription to the online library as well as a 1 year subscription to the magazine), Ancestry ($24.95 for a year's subscription), Family Chronicle ($27.00 for a year) are just four of the magazines available. These magazines offer research techniques and articles to help you find your ancestors.

3. Books: There are many books published specifically for the genealogist. These books range from how-to topics such as How to Date a Photograph and How to Research German, Italian, or Irish ancestors to locality specific topics on particular counties in a state. You can find a variety of genealogical books at local bookstores or on-line.

4. Fun Stuff: There are specialty shops on line where you can find unique merchandise, clothing and gift ideas for everyone with an interest in genealogy and family history. The perfect holiday gift for the genealogist might be a t-shirt, hat, mousepad, mug, buttons, bumper stickers, calendars and books such as: Collecting Dead Relatives by Laverne Galeener-Moore which is "an uproarious and irreverent romp through the field of genealogy." This book is available for $8.95.

5. Gadgets and Tools: These also make wonderful gifts: a magnifying glass, a pocket size scanner for reading information in the library, or a mouse that reads microfilm can make genealogy research easier.

6. Family Tree Plaque: At Plaque Maker.com, family tree plaques take less than a week to create. They hand draw the family tree and then laser engrave it into a solid cherry plaque. The cost is around the $100.00 range. A little less pricey is a Family Tree chart that is about $45.00.

7. Heirloom Watercolor Paintings of Your Ancestors: For a truly unique gift, a photograph of your ancestor or family homestead can be brought to life in an heirloom watercolor painting that will last for years and years. The finished size is 8"x10" and the price is $112.00. This can be purchased at the Family History Store on line.

8. Heritage Scrapbooking Supplies: For the genealogist who would like to create a heritage album, scrapbooking supplies are appreciated. From papers, to scissors to embellishments, utilizing these items can create a treasured album for the family photos.

9. Personalized Gift Basket: Creating your own gift basket can be easy and fun. You also can be price specific depending upon the items included. Stamps, scrapbook supplies, mugs, pens, books, gift certificates, and even a membership in a local genealogy society are items that could be included.

10. Computer Programs: For the genealogist, an important aspect is record keeping and a computer program is a necessity. There are various programs available to keep tack of your research and most will generate charts and paragraphs about the ancestor. Roots Magic ($29.95) and Family Tree Maker ($39.95) are just two possibilities.

In conclusion, shopping for the genealogist or family historian can be interesting and fun. The recipient of these gifts will treasure them and enjoy them for years to come.