Top Ten Gifts for Historical Reenactors

Is someone on your gift list living in the past? Historical reenacting is a very popular hobby and enthusiasts bring to life much more than just the Civil War era. Today, you'll find reenactors or living history buffs, men and women, who focus on times including the ancient Roman era all the way through the Viet Nam war. Some of the more poplular eras are the Civil War, Old West, Lewis & Clark era, Medieval Celtic or Viking European and the Dark Ages. Each era will have specific limitations; you wouldn't find a Colt 44 revolver in a Renaissance era encampment, so you will need to give some thought and maybe even do a little research before gift shopping for your history lover. Don't let the limitations frighten you, shopping for the unusual and challenging items these folks need is interesting and scoring just the right gift is a badge of honor for any true gift giver.

1. The Historical Yellow Pages

Salvatore's Historical Yellow Pages is the ultimate product guide for reenactors of all eras. Available in both online and hard copy.

2. Newsletters and magazines

For up to date information on events, products and lifestyle articles, a magazine subscription is a thoughtful gift.

For the Renaissance era, Renaissance Magazine can't be beat. It's a full color, slick magazine devoted to lifestyle articles, event listings, product reviews and other ways of bringing the Renaissance to life. Published since 1996, this magazine is the perfect general gift for your middle ages history lover.

Colonial and early Celtic reenactors will appreciate the Smoke and Fire News. This 48 page monthly publication focuses on living history events, battles, fairs and rendezvous all over the United States and Canada. Event listings even include museum events and exhibitions. Time eras include Medieval, Scottish, Colonial & Revolutionary War,, French & Indian War, Fur Trader Rendezvous, Civil War, Old American West, and Native American historical times.

The Civil War era has an abundance of magazines devoted to it. Search any well stocked magazine rack and you'll find several to choose from focusing on the male side of the Civil War.

Cowboy era fans will absolutely love the magazine, Shoot!. Shoot! celebrates the American old west and cowboy lifestyle. Western action or single action shooting enthusiasts will be thrilled with the detailed articles on theory and practical advice on hitting that target. While guns are the main focus of this magazine, there are also articles on events, wild west history and camp life.

3. Thermal Underwear

Living history doesn't stop when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. Events are held year round in all weather. Why not give your reenactor a secret weapon to combat the cold and damp of winter. Most reenactors are very strict about their clothing, but many will make allowances for the underpinnings that can't be seen. Thermal underwear of all description can be had from the Vermont Country Store. They carry everything from traditional long johns to very delicate silk thermals for the ladies. For more style variety try the Wickers online store. For sizing up to 7x, shop at The Sock Company.

4. Sewing Patterns

For most reenactors, getting their persona and dress is of utmost importance. Clothing issues almost guarantee that at some point, an article of clothing will have to be custom made. Even if your friend is already fully garbed out, who doesn't like a new shirt or dress? The major pattern companies have improved in the last years by offering many costume patterns that will get someone started, but their selection is limited. For authentic period correct specialty patterns, my recommendations are:

Laughing Moon Mercantile supplies patterns and accessories for western, Civil War, Edwardian and Victorian eras.

Buckaroo Bobbins Wild West Haberdashery specializes in outfitting in the Old West style.

Barjavel Design offers a variety of hard to find patterns for SCA or medieval era as well as the correct fabrics to create with. The have an especially hard to find line of patterns for medieval hats and head ware.

Folkwear Patterns is the grandmother of all period clothing patterns companies. They offer authentic clothing patterns from many historical eras and world cultures.

5. Weapons

Need a longbow or a mace? How about a crossbow or a Confederate officers ceremonial sword? For one stop shopping that includes every era's weaponry, you have to shop at Replica Weaponry. This website has it covered, no matter what you are after. For the gift giving shopper, it's organized so that even those of us with little to no weapon knowledge will be able to select something that is period correct. I called their customer service department and was very pleased with the advice I received on choosing a gift.

6. Authentic Reproduction Accessories

Living history weekends aren't all about the battle. There are also meals to prepare and eat, clothing to repair, and games to play. Take a little time to think about the little 'extras" that add so much to life. . How about a period correct sewing kit, eating utensil or a deck of playing cards. Check out these sources for all sort of wonderful niceties.

Historic Enterprises focuses on the 14th and 15th century with an enormous selection of goods from camp wagons to basic toiletry kits. This is a medieval reenactors ultimate shopping resource.

Historic Seams provides items for the 18th century ranging from eating utensils to playing cards.

River Junction Trade Co. has everything a 19th century emporium could possibly offer. There are many suppliers for this era, but River Junction really gets my vote as a top choice because of their attention to detail. If you really want to get to the nuts and bolts of daily living items, this is the place.

7. Dover Publications

Whatever era you're shopping for, you will find a book at Dover to give as a gift. Dover's catalog is literally all over the map from how to books for making ancient Viking weapons to reproductions of Shakespearian sonnets. There are books for kids on making Native America Crafts, reproductions of 19th century catalogs, how to books for making basic items in wood and other crafts and reproduction cookbooks for many eras. Make their subject listing page your first stop to narrow down your searching, but be prepared to spend lots of time browsing for that perfect stocking stuffer.

8. Leather Photo Album or Journal

Your reenactor will be sure to have many photos of their gatherings. What could be a nicer gift than a quality leather covered photo album? A leather photo album is correct for any era. Have yours personalized by a leather smith who can use metal stamps to add a monogram or name to its cover. A blank journal will be appreciated as well, for recording memories, addresses and other details of life.

9. Writing Supplies

Today, most historically correct writing supplies fall under the category of Calligraphy. Beautiful Victorian era calligraphy supplies and portable writing desks can be found at the Gentleman's Emporium. For medieval era writing supplies including real vellum and uncut quills, shop at John Neal Booksellers. A very nice selection of sealing waxes, seals, and insignia rings can be found at Nostalgic Impressions.

10. Historical Home Décor

When your living history friend is not actually participating in an event they are probably still thinking about their favorite era. They're sure to appreciate the historically accurate, museum quality reproductions and home décor available at The Aurora History Boutique. The range of items in this massive store is from Rome BC to early 20th century. The Aurora History Boutique offers highly collectible authentic items as well as quality reproductions.