Family historians can be tricky to buy for. They often already have the books, they're particular about their software, and the thing they'd really love, a missing great-grandmother's birth certificate, can't be wrapped. But with a little thought, you can give a gift that genuinely helps their research or brings their family's story to life.
We've grouped these ideas by type and budget, from small stocking fillers to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Before you buy, it's worth a casual question or two to find out what they already use. A second subscription to a site they already pay for won't help, but a year of something new might.
DNA tests
1. A DNA test for the family historian
If they haven't tested yet, a DNA kit is the most obvious and often the most exciting gift. For most people with British, Irish, Australian or North American roots, AncestryDNA is our top pick because its database is by far the largest, which means more relatives to match with.
AncestryDNA 4.8/5
The go-to choice if your main goal is discovering living relatives and building your family tree. Its very large tester base produces more matches than any competitor.
2. A DNA test for a relative
Here's a secret many genealogists will tell you: the best DNA gift isn't always a kit for them. It's a kit for their oldest living relative, a parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent, whose DNA reaches a generation further back. Offer to buy the kit and help with the sample.
3. A second DNA company
If they've already tested with Ancestry, they can usually upload their raw data to MyHeritage for free or cheaply. A MyHeritage subscription can unlock the advanced tools for uploaded DNA, such as the chromosome browser, as well as its large European record collections.
DNA kits are usually discounted around Black Friday and Christmas. Check our deals page and our guide to DNA test deals for the best prices.
Subscriptions and memberships
4. A records subscription
A subscription to Ancestry, MyHeritage or Findmypast can be a generous gift, especially one that covers countries they don't already have access to. Choose based on where their ancestors came from: Ancestry for broad British, Irish, US and Australian coverage; MyHeritage for European records; Findmypast for British and Irish records, including the 1921 census of England and Wales.
5. A family history society membership
Local, state and national family history societies offer libraries, journals, research help, courses and friendly communities. Membership is usually inexpensive and greatly appreciated. In Australia, consider the society for the state or region they research, or one in the country their ancestors came from.
6. A newspaper archive subscription
Trove is free for Australian newspapers, but British and Irish newspapers are largely behind paywalls. A subscription to a British or Irish newspaper archive can unlock obituaries, court reports and community news.
Tech and tools
7. A photo and document scanner
Most family historians have boxes of old photographs waiting to be digitised. A good flatbed scanner, ideally with a film and slide adapter, makes that possible. Look for at least 600 dpi optical resolution for prints and higher for slides and negatives. Our guide to scanning old family photos explains what to look for.
8. Desktop family tree software
Desktop software gives a family historian a private master copy of their research that they control. Options range from the free and powerful Gramps to RootsMagic and Family Tree Maker, which sync with online trees.
RootsMagic 4.7/5
Powerful desktop software that keeps your tree on your own computer while syncing with Ancestry and FamilySearch when you want it to.
9. An external hard drive or cloud backup
Years of research deserve protection. An external hard drive, plus a cloud backup subscription, follows the "3-2-1" rule: three copies, on two types of media, with one off-site. It's not glamorous, but it could save heartbreak.
10. A magnifying lamp or digital magnifier
Old documents, faded photographs and tiny handwriting are hard on the eyes. A good magnifying lamp is a practical joy.
11. A second monitor
Comparing a census image with a family tree, or a will with a transcription, is far easier with two screens. Many researchers say it's the best upgrade they've made.
Archival supplies
12. Acid-free storage boxes and sleeves
Ordinary cardboard, plastic and photo albums can damage old photos and documents over time. Archival-quality, acid-free boxes, folders and sleeves protect them for decades.
13. Cotton gloves and a document-safe pen
Small, inexpensive and genuinely useful for handling originals and labelling photo backs safely.
14. A heritage photo album
An archival album, with acid-free pages and space for captions, lets them display the best photographs safely and share them with family.
Books and learning
15. A guide to researching their ancestors' homeland
There are excellent guidebooks for Irish, Scottish, English, German and other national research. A specialist guide to the country they're stuck on can be a breakthrough gift.
16. A local or social history book
A history of the town, industry or community their ancestors belonged to, such as a mining district, a fishing village or a convict settlement, helps them understand the world their ancestors lived in.
17. An online course or conference ticket
Genealogy societies, universities and conferences offer courses in everything from DNA to palaeography (reading old handwriting). Many are online and inexpensive.
Experiences
18. A research trip
For a significant birthday or anniversary, a trip to an ancestral town, archive or cemetery can be unforgettable. Even a day trip to a state archive or a historic town can be special.
19. A professional researcher's time
For a particularly stubborn brick wall, a few hours of a professional genealogist's time, especially one based in the country being researched, can be a thoughtful gift. Look for researchers accredited by recognised professional bodies.
20. Record certificates
Offer to pay for the birth, death or marriage certificates they've been meaning to order. It's a practical gift that genuinely moves research forward.
Personal and DIY gifts
21. A printed family history book
If they've done years of research, help them turn it into a printed book, with stories, photographs and family trees. Many print-on-demand services make this easy. Our guide to writing your family history can help them get started.
22. A framed family tree
A beautifully designed family tree chart, printed and framed, is a lovely way to celebrate their work. Our free printable family tree chart is a simple starting point.
23. Restored or colourised photographs
Have a treasured family photograph professionally restored, or use a photo enhancement tool, then print and frame it. MyHeritage's photo tools are popular for this.
24. Recorded memories
Record an older relative talking about their childhood, their parents and grandparents, and family stories. Edit it into a short audio or video file. This may be the most precious gift on the list.
25. Your time
Offer to help: scanning a box of photos together, transcribing letters, visiting a cemetery to photograph headstones, or simply listening to their latest discovery. For many family historians, the best gift is someone who shares their enthusiasm.
Gifts for different kinds of family historian
The beginner
Someone just starting out will appreciate a DNA test, a beginner's guidebook, a basic family tree chart to fill in, and perhaps a short subscription to get started. Our beginner's guide and free printables are a nice companion to any of these.
The DNA enthusiast
For someone who has already tested and loves working with matches, consider kits for older relatives, a second database such as MyHeritage, a Y-DNA or mtDNA test for a specific line, or an online course in genetic genealogy. Our guide to Y-DNA, mtDNA and autosomal tests explains which specialist test might suit them.
The record hunter
For the person who spends evenings in census returns and parish registers, think records subscriptions, certificate orders, a second monitor, or a palaeography course to help them read old handwriting.
The keeper of the family archive
If they're the one with the boxes of photographs and letters, practical gifts like a good scanner, archival boxes, sleeves and a backup drive will be genuinely appreciated, along with your help scanning and labelling.
The storyteller
For someone who loves the stories more than the data, consider a printed family history book, a professionally restored photograph, a recorded interview with an older relative, or a local history book about the place their family came from.
Last-minute and digital gifts
If you've left it late, many options can be delivered instantly: gift memberships and subscriptions, online course enrolments, society memberships, digital gift cards, or a printed voucher promising your time to help with a research project. A thoughtful card explaining the gift makes even a digital present feel personal.
Gift ideas by budget
- Under $30: cotton gloves and archival pen, acid-free sleeves, a certificate order, a society membership, a printable framed tree.
- $30 to $150: a DNA test (especially on sale), a guidebook, an online course, an archival album, a magnifying lamp, desktop software.
- $150 to $400: a records subscription, a flatbed scanner, a second monitor, a printed family history book.
- $400 and up: a research trip, a professional researcher, multiple DNA kits for relatives.
Prices vary between retailers and change frequently, so treat these as rough guides.
A note on gifting DNA tests
DNA tests can reveal unexpected family information, such as unknown siblings or different biological parentage. Before giving a test, consider whether the recipient would welcome it, and make sure they understand they can choose their own privacy and matching settings. A card explaining the gift lets them decide when and whether to test.
Not sure which kit to choose? Our 60-second quiz can help, and you can compare kits side by side.
Wrapping ideas with a family history twist
Presentation can make a family history gift even more special. Wrap a DNA kit or a voucher in a photocopy of an old family document, a map of an ancestral town, or a printed census page showing the recipient's ancestors. Tuck a scanned photograph of a great-grandparent inside the card. Or present a printed family tree chart with a few branches deliberately left blank, alongside the gift that might help fill them in. Small touches like these show that you understand what their research means to them.
Gifts to avoid
A few well-meant gifts can miss the mark. Avoid duplicating a subscription they already have, generic "family crest" products that suggest everyone with a surname shares a coat of arms (heraldry doesn't work that way), and novelty DNA tests from unknown companies with unclear privacy policies. When in doubt, a voucher or your time is always welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best gift for someone who already has a DNA test?
A kit for one of their older relatives, a subscription to a second database, or a records subscription for a country they haven't explored.
Can I gift a subscription?
Many genealogy sites offer gift memberships or gift cards. Check the company's website, and make sure the recipient doesn't already have the same subscription.
What do genealogists really want?
Honestly? Time, a breakthrough on their toughest ancestor, and someone to share their discoveries with. Practical tools and records access help with the first two; your interest helps with the third.
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