The 2024 Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Genealogy Gifts 🎁

The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to start that Christmas shopping!

If you’ve got a family historian in your life (or if you’re dropping hints for yourself), you’re in the right place. I’m sharing my absolute favorite genealogy gifts for 2024, and I’m excited to share this carefully curated guide with you.

From stunning custom family tree artwork to DNA testing kits, this year’s guide is packed with unique ideas that will make any ancestry enthusiast smile on Christmas morning. I’ve included options for every budget, from thoughtful stocking stuffers to premium gifts that will become cherished family heirlooms.

And hey, if you happen to find something perfect for your own genealogy toolkit while browsing this guide… well, let’s just say I won’t tell if you treat yourself. After all, who better knows what a family historian needs than another family historian? 😉

So grab your favorite holiday beverage (mine is a peppermint mocha!), get cozy, and let’s explore these amazing genealogy gifts together. I’ve organized everything by category to make your shopping experience easier, and I’ve included both tried-and-true favorites and exciting new products for 2024.

Quick tip: Don’t wait too long to order – many custom genealogy gifts take extra time to create, and you’ll want to ensure everything arrives before the holidays!

Table of Contents

• Custom Genealogy Gifts
• Digital Subscriptions & Memberships
• DNA Test Kits
• Books & Learning Resources
• Genealogy Gifts for Research On-the Go
• The Genealogist Focused Home Office
• Budget-Friendly Options (Under $50)
• Luxury Picks (Over $200)
• Final Shopping Tips & Wrap-Up

Custom Genealogy Gifts

Looking for a gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind? Custom genealogy gifts let you turn family history into beautiful keepsakes that tell your unique story. I’ve gathered the best ideas for personalized gifts that any family historian will treasure this holiday season – and the personal touch makes them even more special.

• Custom Family Tree from Family ChartMasters
• Personalized Family Tree Engraved on Natural Wood
• Custom Family Tree Gift featuring a word cloud of family names.
• Family History Book Template (for Canva) – Organize your research, write your family history and create a shareable collection.

Digital Subscriptions & Memberships

Digital subscriptions are a mainstay for any genealogy researcher. It’s like having a key to the world’s largest genealogy library right at your fingertips. These practical presents provide year-round access to invaluable research tools.

They’re an excellent choice for researchers at any skill level, and they’ll think of you gratefully with each new discovery. A digital subscription could be exactly what they need to break through their next research challenge.

• Ancestry.com
• MyHeritage
• FindMyPast
• Newspapers.com 
• Archives.com
• GenealogyBank
• Legacy Tree Webinars – An excellent way to learn and stay up to date on all things genealogy
• Fold3

DNA Test Kits

Ready to help unlock family mysteries? DNA testing has revolutionized family history research, opening doors to discoveries that were impossible just a few years ago. These gifts do more than reveal ethnic origins – they can connect your favorite genealogist with cousins they never knew existed and break through those frustrating brick walls. Plus, with constant updates and new features, these truly are gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.

• AncestryDNA
• MyHeritage DNA 
• FamilyTree DNA

Books & Learning Resources

Every family historian knows that learning never stops in the quest to uncover family stories. I’ve rounded up the most helpful, up-to-date guides and books available for today’s genealogist. These educational gifts are ideal for the ever-curious family historian who loves to expand their research skills.

• Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace: 4th Edition by Elizabeth Shown Mills
• Generation by Generation: A Modern Approach to the Basics of Genealogy by Drew Smith
• How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records by Sunny Morton, Harold A. Henderson
• Tracing Your Irish Ancestors, 5th Edition by John Grenham
• The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA, Y-DNA, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X-DNA by Roberta Estes

Genealogy Gifts for Research On-the Go

Every genealogist dreams of that perfect research trip to the library, archive, or ancestral hometown. Help make their (our your!) next genealogy adventure more comfortable and productive with these carefully selected travel essentials.

These simple and practical gifts solve common research challenges and make long days in archives much more comfortable. Trust me – anyone who’s spent hours in a chilly archive or cramped library will appreciate these thoughtful solutions!

• Tech travel kit This is my #1 gift idea!
• Charmast Portable Charger A MUST for any research trip – of family holiday!
• These are perfect for a genealogy themed stocking!
  • Pencils  – Remember, some archives do not allow pens inside.
  • Note pads – For note taking, of course!
  • Roll of Quarters – Yes, some repositories still have quarter-fed microfilm machines. 
  • Snacks – The Barebells Protein Bar is my current favorite snack to keep in my backpack or purse.

The Genealogist Focused Home Office

Let’s face it – most family historians spend countless hours in their research space. A well-organized, comfortable home office isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential for productive research sessions. These gifts help create the perfect command center for family history work.

• Laptop – HP ENVY 360   – This my current laptop.
• Second Computer Monitor (Sceptre)  While not a “have to have”, I can’t imagine research without it. It just makes genealogy research easier.
• LaCie External Hard Drive Back up that research!
• My Logitech External Camera – A “nice to have” for all those video calls.
• Light Board and Phone Holder  – This is what I use when scanning old family slides, negatives and photos.
• Tech travel kit It’s not just for travel!  I use this at home!
• Silicone Cable Straps Cord Organizers  – These little cord organizers keep me organized and well, make me happy!
• Flash drives – Perfect for sharing your research and backing up, too!

Budget-Friendly Options (Under $50)

Great genealogy gifts don’t need to cost a fortune! I’ve discovered some fantastic options that are perfect for holiday gift exchanges and budget-conscious shopping. Each item in this section offers real value to family historians. These affordable gifts prove that thoughtful giving can happen at any price point – and they’ll still bring a smile to your favorite genealogist’s face.

• Membership to a genealogy society – A great way to learn more about your family research. In-person, online and hybrid options are available.
• Magnifying Glass with Light – For deciphering tiny text on old documents.
• Genealogy Tote Bag – For carrying supplies to libraries or archives.
• Subscription to a Genealogy Magazine – Family Tree Magazine and Family-Tree Magazine (UK) are popular choices.

Luxury Picks (Over $200)

Sometimes you want to go all out with a truly special gift. These premium picks are perfect for celebrating major milestones or creating an unforgettable Christmas morning surprise. Each item in this collection stands out for its exceptional quality and lasting value. These show-stopping gifts will delight even the most serious family history enthusiast in your life.

• Professional Genealogy Research Package with Legacy Tree Genealogists
• A VIP Genealogy Intensive Day with Lisa – A VIP Genealogy Intensive Day is for genealogy researchers  who are ready to get a first (or second set) of eyes on their research and start exploring new avenues of research for that elusive ancestor (s). It’s a 1:1 day with me dedicated to YOU and YOUR family tree!

Final Shopping Tips & Wrap-Up

I hope this 2024 gift guide has given you plenty of ideas for the family historian in your life! Remember, the key to finding the perfect genealogy gift isn’t always about spending the most money – it’s about choosing something that shows you understand and support their passion for family history.

A few final shopping tips to keep in mind:

• 📦 Order custom and personalized items early – many artisans get swamped during the holiday season
• 💝 Consider combining budget-friendly items into themed gift baskets (like a “Research Trip Ready” kit or “Home Office Essentials” package)
• 🎄 When in doubt, many genealogy vendors offer gift cards – let your favorite family historian choose exactly what they need
• 💳 Check if your credit card offers cash back on genealogy subscription services

Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for birthdays and other special occasions throughout the year. After all, genealogists love their tools and treasures all year round, not just during the holidays!

Did I miss something? Drop a comment below with your favorite genealogy gift ideas. And remember, if you decide to treat yourself to something from this list… your secret is safe with me! 😉

Happy holiday shopping!

Looking for even more ideas? Sign up for my newsletter to get updates when I discover new genealogy tools and treasures throughout the year!