Five Star Gift Ideas

If your son is passionate about genealogy research and family history, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that you can consider for his birthday. These gift ideas will not only cater to his interest but also enhance his experience and journey in discovering his roots.

1. DNA Testing Kit: A DNA testing kit can be a fascinating and informative gift for someone interested in genealogy. It will allow your son to explore his ancestry and discover more about his heritage. There are various companies offering DNA testing kits such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA. Each test provides different information, so it might be worth researching which one suits his interests best.

2. Genealogy Software: Invest in genealogy software that will help your son organize and document his findings more efficiently. These software programs, such as Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker, or Ancestral Quest, offer advanced features like record matching, source citation, and multimedia integration. As a result, he will be able to build a detailed and accurate family tree with ease.

3. Subscription to Genealogy Websites: Consider gifting your son a subscription to online genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage. These platforms provide access to a vast collection of historical records, documents, and family trees shared by others. With a subscription, he will have the opportunity to dive deep into his family history and uncover new connections and information.

4. Family History Book: Help your son preserve his research and create a lasting family heirloom by gifting him a custom family history book. Websites like Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Blurb offer easy-to-use online tools for creating personalized photo books. Your son can compile his research, include photographs, stories, and documents, and publish his own family history book that can be cherished by future generations.

5. Research Materials and Resources: Consider purchasing books, magazines, or other resources related to genealogy and family history. Look for titles that focus on techniques, methods, and tips for conducting research. Books like "The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy" by Blaine T. Bettinger or "Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace" by Elizabeth Shown Mills can be valuable additions to his genealogy library.

6. Home DNA Testing Display: If your son has already taken a DNA test, consider creating a unique display to showcase his heritage results. Frame the DNA test results and include a world map highlighting his ancestral regions. This thoughtful gift will serve as a visual reminder of his roots and spark conversations with visitors.

Remember, the key to a meaningful gift is personalization and thoughtfulness. By considering your son's interest in genealogy research and family history, you can choose a gift that not only shows your support but also helps him delve further into his passion.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.