Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who has a deep interest in genealogy and researching family history, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that you can consider. These gifts will not only cater to his passion but also enhance his journey of discovery and connection with his roots. Here are a few suggestions:

1. DNA Testing Kit: A DNA testing kit such as AncestryDNA or 23andMe would make an excellent gift for your son. It will provide him with the opportunity to explore his genetic ancestry and connect with relatives he may not have known exist. This gift will offer fascinating insights into his heritage and open up new avenues for research.

2. Family Tree Software: A family tree software like Family Tree Maker or Legacy Family Tree can assist your son in organizing his genealogical findings. This software allows for the creation of comprehensive family trees, providing a visually engaging platform to showcase his research. It also enables easy syncing with online databases and the ability to share his work with relatives.

3. Subscription to Genealogy Websites: A subscription to popular genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com or MyHeritage.com can greatly enhance your son's research capabilities. These platforms offer vast collections of historical records, documents, and family trees, allowing him to delve deeper into his family history. A subscription will unlock access to valuable resources and databases that will help him uncover more about his ancestors.

4. Genealogy Books: Consider gifting your son some informative and engaging books on genealogy. There are several reputable publications written by experts in the field. Some popular choices include "The Family Tree Toolkit" by Kenyatta D. Berry, "Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace" by Elizabeth Shown Mills, and "Genealogy Standards" by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. These books will provide him with valuable insights, research methods, and guidance to further his studies.

5. Research Trip: Plan a trip for your son to visit a location significant to your family history. Whether it's the birthplace of a prominent ancestor or a historical site connected to your family's past, this personalized experience will allow him to immerse himself in the culture and history of his ancestors. This trip will provide him with unique opportunities to connect with local resources, visit archives or cemeteries, and gain a deeper understanding of his family's heritage.

6. Record Preservation: Help your son preserve family memories and artifacts by gifting him archival supplies such as acid-free photo albums, preservation boxes, or document sleeves. This gesture will demonstrate your support for his passion and encourage him to document and safeguard important family records, photographs, and letters for future generations.

Remember, the key to finding a meaningful gift for your son is to demonstrate your support and appreciation for his passion. By choosing a gift that aligns with his interest in genealogy, you are not only giving him a valuable tool but also acknowledging and encouraging his journey of self-discovery and connection with his roots.

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.”