Our 2023 Christmas Gift Guide
If you have a genealogy or heraldry enthusiast in your life, finding the perfect gift can be tricky but this year we are making sure has never been easier for you to find that special something.
Whether they are passionate about tracing their family history or fascinated by the art and science of heraldry, here are some thoughtful and unique gift ideas, pulled together by the IHGS team, to delight and inspire your friends and families this festive season.
From the practical and the information, to inspirational and beautiful, hopefully we’ve covered something for everyone!
- Custom Family Tree: Help them display their family history in a beautiful and personalised way with a custom-made and framed family tree. This gift allows them to showcase their ancestral lineage and create a visually stunning centrepiece for their home or office. We’ve chose this one but there are so many styles out there to explore.
- Subscription to a Genealogy Website: Provide them with access to a wealth of genealogical records and resources by gifting them a subscription to a popular genealogy website like Ancestry.com. This gift opens up a world of possibilities for their research, allowing them to delve deeper into their family tree and discover previously unknown ancestors. This site offers a 14-day free trial so you can try before you buy!
- Family History Photobook: Preserve and share their family stories by creating a stunning photobook featuring old family photos, documents, and narratives. This gift allows them to document and pass down their family's history for future generations to cherish. Website Shutterfly offers loads of fab timelines and templates to help you create an eye catching design and really simplify the process.
- A Journal: Encourage them to document their own genealogical journey and discoveries in a dedicated journal from the beautiful range at Papier. This gift not only serves as a practical tool for organizing their research but also provides a space for them to reflect on their findings and personal insights along the way.
- Historic Map Puzzles: Combine their love for history and puzzles with a set of historic map puzzles that allow them to piece together the past. This gift provides a fun and engaging way for them to explore the geographical aspects of their family history and understand the context in which their ancestors lived. Affordable, on theme and fun!
- Legacy or Memory Box: Help them organize and store precious family heirlooms, photographs, and documents in a beautifully crafted legacy or memory box. This gift not only keeps their treasured items safe but also provides a tangible representation of their family's legacy and heritage. For a range of beautiful, wooden handmade box options, check out Etsy!
- Photo Archiving Kit: Giving the tools and resources needed to digitize and preserve old family photographs for future generations makes for a practical but appreciated gift! These kits allows them to safeguard their family's visual history and ensure that it remains accessible and intact for years to come in boxes, sleeves, files and folders.
- A Family Recipe Book: Compile cherished family recipes and create a one-of-a-kind family recipe book that celebrates their culinary heritage. This gift not only provides them with a collection of delicious recipes but also captures the essence of their familial traditions and the shared meals that have shaped their family's story. We love this template from Bags of Love as a basis to start your design.
- Locket: Consider gifting a locket where they can keep a photo or a small memento representing their family heritage close to their heart. This sentimental gift allows them to carry a tangible reminder of their roots wherever they go, fostering a sense of connection to their ancestors, or lost loved ones, Not on the High St has lots of affordable and lovely options.
- Family Story Personalised Print: Capture their family's unique story with a personalised print that combines their family name, history, and meaningful symbols to create their own family story. This gift serves as a beautiful and meaningful piece of artwork that encapsulates their family's narrative and celebrates their heritage.
- Family History Record Book: Help them stay organized in their genealogical research with a comprehensive family history record book. This gift provides them with a structured framework to document their findings, record sources, and track their progress as they uncover their family's past.
- Family Tree Bauble for Christmas Tree: Add a touch of family pride to their Christmas tree with a family tree bauble or decoration. This gift allows them to showcase their family tree in a festive and decorative way, creating a special tradition that honours their lineage and looks gorgeous on the tree! This handmade one on Etsy has fab reviews!
- Subscription to either Family Tree Magazine or WDYTYA: A classic idea but a good one! Keep them up to date with the latest genealogy research, tips, and stories by gifting a subscription to a popular genealogy magazine. This gift provides them with a constant source of inspiration and knowledge, helping them stay connected to the wider genealogy community.
- And not forgetting an IHGS Gift Voucher of course! The perfect flexible option so they can choose what they would really like and use their vouchers towards any course, tutorial, book or product from the online shop!
We hope this list has given you a bit of shopping inspiration and ideas on how to treat your family history fans!
Happy browsing and Happy Christmas from the team!
(And don’t forget to share any gifting ideas of your own with our IHGS community in the comments!)
