Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who loves diving into genealogy and tracing family history, I have a few gift ideas that are both meaningful and will help enhance their hobby.

1. Ancestry DNA Testing Kit: Ancestry DNA kits are a great way to uncover more about one's heritage and connect with distant relatives. Your friend can discover their ethnic roots and even find potential matches within their family tree. This gift will open up a whole new level of exploration and provide valuable information for their genealogy research.

2. Genealogy Software: Help your friend organize and document their family research with specialized genealogy software. There are several options available, such as Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker, and Gramps. These software programs allow users to input, store, and track family information, making the research process much smoother and more efficient.

3. Historical Maps or Atlases: Many genealogists love maps and atlases as they provide visual context to their research. Look for historical maps or atlases related to your friend's ancestral regions or countries of interest. They can use these maps to trace the migration patterns of their ancestors or visualize the places where they lived.

4. Genealogy Research Books: There are numerous books available that provide tips, techniques, and guidance on genealogical research. Look for bestselling options like "The Genealogist's Companion & Sourcebook" or "Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace" by Elizabeth Shown Mills. These books can serve as valuable resources and help your friend take their research to the next level.

5. Gift Card to an Archives or Historical Society: If your friend enjoys visiting archives or historical societies to gather information, consider giving them a gift card to one of these institutions. They can use it to access documents, records, and resources that aren't readily available online. This gift will not only support their research but also give them the opportunity to explore new avenues of information.

6. Customized Family Tree Artwork: Commission a custom family tree artwork for your friend. There are many talented artists who specialize in creating beautiful family tree designs. You can provide them with the basic information and photos of your friend's family, and they will create a unique and visually stunning piece that your friend can proudly display.

7. Genealogy Conference or Workshop: Genealogy conferences and workshops offer excellent opportunities for networking, learning new research techniques, and staying updated on the latest tools and resources. Consider gifting your friend a ticket to a local or national genealogy conference. They will appreciate the chance to connect with other enthusiasts and experts in the field.

Remember, the most important aspect of choosing a gift for your friend is to show that you support and encourage their passion for genealogy. By selecting a gift that aligns with their hobbies, you'll be demonstrating that you appreciate their interests and are invested in their happiness.

Or you can get her/him a star map with an important date you share.