Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who has a passion for genealogy research and family history, I have some thoughtful and meaningful gift suggestions that will not only enhance his interest but also provide him with tools and resources to explore his familial roots further.

1. Ancestry DNA Kit: Consider gifting him an Ancestry DNA kit. This will allow him to discover his ethnic origins and potential matches with relatives he didn't know existed. It will expand his understanding of his family tree and provide an opportunity to connect with distant relatives who share the same interest.

2. Subscription to Genealogy Websites: There are various websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and Findmypast that offer access to extensive databases, historical records, and family trees. A subscription to one of these platforms will provide your son with a wealth of genealogical information to explore and help him advance his research.

3. Genealogy Software: Help him organize and document his family tree with genealogy software. Programs like Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, or RootsMagic offer comprehensive tools for recording and visualizing family connections. They also provide features for attaching documents and photos, making it easier for your son to keep all his research in one place.

4. Personalized Family Tree Art: Commission a customized family tree artwork for your son. You can have a professional artist create a beautiful illustration or design a digital file that can be printed on canvas, making it a unique and meaningful piece for his home. It will serve as a constant reminder of his passion and the importance of family.

5. Books on Genealogy and Family History: Consider gifting him informative and inspiring books related to genealogy research and family history. "Genealogy Standards" by the Board for Certification of Genealogists and "Evidence Explained" by Elizabeth Shown Mills are renowned guidebooks for serious genealogists. Alternatively, you can choose books that focus on specific aspects of genealogy, such as tracing immigrant ancestors or conducting DNA research.

6. Research Trip or Conference: If you want to offer him an extraordinary experience, consider funding a research trip to his ancestral homeland or sponsoring his participation in a genealogy conference or workshop. Immersing himself in the culture, visiting crucial historical sites, or connecting with renowned experts in the field will fuel his passion even further.

7. Interview Recording Equipment: Help your son capture and preserve family stories and oral history by gifting him high-quality interview recording equipment. This will enable him to interview older family members and document their memories, anecdotes, and insights, ensuring that these valuable narratives are not lost over time.

Remember, the most precious aspect of these gifts is not the material item itself, but the support and encouragement you show for your son's passion. By nurturing his interest in genealogy research and family history, you are helping him cultivate a sense of identity and connection to 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.”