Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who enjoys researching family history, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that can enhance his passion and provide him with new tools to explore his genealogy further.

1. Genealogy DNA Kit: A genealogy DNA kit can offer your son fascinating insights into his ancestral origins and help him connect with distant relatives. Leading companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritageDNA can provide detailed information about his family's genetic history.

2. Research Subscription: Consider gifting your son a subscription to a genealogy research website such as Ancestry.com or MyHeritage. These platforms have extensive databases that will allow him to delve deeper into his family tree and discover historical documents, records, and photos.

3. Family History Software:

- Legacy Family Tree: This software offers a comprehensive platform for organizing and preserving your family's history. It allows your son to document and store important information, track relationships, attach scanned documents and photos, and create charts and reports.

- Family Tree Maker: Another popular software, Family Tree Maker provides powerful tools to help your son with his genealogy research. It offers features such as syncing with online databases, creating custom charts, and providing access to historical records.

4. DNA Books: There are numerous books that focus on genealogy and DNA research, providing valuable tips and techniques. Consider books like "The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy" by Blaine Bettinger or "Genetic Genealogy in Practice" by Blaine Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne.

5. Custom Family Tree Art: Present your son with a beautiful and personalized family tree artwork or poster. This visually appealing gift can become a centerpiece in his room or study, showcasing his hard work and dedication to researching his family's history.

6. Genealogy Research Trip: If you are looking for an extra special gift, consider planning a genealogy research trip for your son. Together, you can visit ancestral towns, historical archives, or graveyards to gather more information about his family and create unforgettable memories.

7. Research Guidebooks: There are many genealogy guidebooks available that can help your son enhance his research skills. Recommend titles such as "The Family Tree Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to Uncovering Your Ancestry and Researching Genealogy" by Kenyatta Berry or "Genealogy Standards" by Board for Certification of Genealogists.

8. Document Preservation Supplies: Help your son preserve and protect valuable photos, documents, and memorabilia with acid-free archival supplies such as photo enclosures, acid-free folders, and document sleeves. This thoughtful gift will enable him to protect and organize his findings for future generations.

Remember, the most important aspect when selecting a gift for your son is to support his passion for genealogy and provide him with tools and resources to continue his research journey. Your thoughtful consideration will surely be appreciated and cherished by him for years to come.

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.”