Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandson who has a strong passion for genealogy, I have a few thoughtful gift ideas that will spark his interest and help him delve deeper into this fascinating field.

1. Ancestry DNA Kit: This is a perfect gift for anyone interested in their family history. With an Ancestry DNA kit, your grandson can uncover his ethnic origins and connect with distant relatives. This will provide him with a deeper understanding of his ancestry and the opportunity to explore his family tree even further.

2. Subscription to a Genealogy Website: Consider gifting your grandson a subscription to a reputable online genealogy website, such as MyHeritage or Findmypast. These platforms offer comprehensive databases with vast collections of historical records, census data, and family trees. Such a subscription will allow him to conduct in-depth research on his ancestors and discover new branches of his family tree.

3. Genealogy Software: There are various genealogy software programs available that can help your grandson organize and track his family history. One popular option is Legacy Family Tree, which provides powerful tools for recording, sourcing, and creating visual representations of genealogical data. This will enable him to document and share his findings in a more structured and professional manner.

4. Books on Genealogy: There is a wide array of books available on the topic of genealogy, ranging from beginner guides to more advanced research methodologies. Consider gifting your grandson a few books that cover different aspects of genealogy, such as "Genealogy for Dummies" by Matthew L. Helm and April Leigh Helm or "Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace" by Elizabeth Shown Mills. These resources will equip him with valuable knowledge and techniques to enhance his research skills.

5. Customized Family Tree Artwork: A personalized family tree artwork can be a beautiful and meaningful gift that showcases your grandson's family heritage. There are various online services that can create customized family tree charts, such as AncestryDNA or Etsy. These artworks can be customized with names, dates, and photos, providing a visual representation of his genealogy research that can be displayed proudly in his home.

Remember, the key to a meaningful gift is to support your grandson's passion for genealogy and provide him with tools or resources that can further enhance his research and discovery process. These suggestions should help him continue his journey into understanding his family history and make his Christmas truly special.

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