Five Star Gift Ideas

For a son who enjoys genealogy research, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas you can consider that would help fuel his passion for uncovering family history. Here are a few gift suggestions that may excite him this Christmas:

1. Ancestry DNA Kit: Help your son delve deeper into his genealogical research by gifting him an Ancestry DNA kit. This would allow him to uncover his ethnic origins and connect with living relatives who have also taken the test. AncestryDNA provides a detailed breakdown of genetic ethnicity and can be an exciting tool to explore family connections.

2. Subscription to a Genealogy Website: Consider a subscription to genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage.com. These platforms provide access to vast databases, historical documents, and family trees that can greatly aid in genealogical research. With access to billions of records and a network of fellow genealogists, your son will have ample resources to further his exploration.

3. Books on Genealogy Research: Gift your son a comprehensive guidebook on genealogy research. There are various options available, such as "The Genealogist's Companion and Sourcebook" by Emily Croom or "Genealogy For Dummies" by Matthew L. Helm and April Leigh Helm. These books will provide him with valuable insights, methods, and techniques to enhance his research skills.

4. Online Genealogy Course: Encourage your son's passion for genealogy by enrolling him in an online genealogy course. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer a wide range of genealogy courses that cover topics from basic research techniques to advanced methodology. This gift will not only enhance his skills but also open up new avenues for his research.

5. Family Tree Software: Help your son organize and document his genealogical findings more effectively by gifting him family tree software. Programs like Legacy Family Tree, Gramps, or Ancestral Quest provide comprehensive features for creating and managing family trees, adding records, citing sources, and attaching photos. This software will enable him to keep track of his research progress and collaborate with other genealogists.

6. Historical Documents or Archives: If your son has already made progress with his research, consider gifting him copies of relevant historical documents or access to archives. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, land deeds, or military records can provide valuable insights into your family's past. These authentic pieces of history will make his research even more tangible and meaningful.

Remember, the most significant gift you can give your son is your support and encouragement. Show interest in his research, engage in conversations about family history, and perhaps offer to collaborate on a research project together. By fostering his love for genealogy, you'll not only provide him with a thoughtful gift but also help him connect with his roots and preserve family heritage for future generations.

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

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”