The ultimate genealogist’s holiday wish list has something at every price: small supplies, books and subscriptions, equipment such as a scanner and backup drives, and experiences like a research trip. Use this list yourself, or share it with family so they know exactly what would help your research most.
Small Wishes Under Twenty-Five Dollars
These items add up over a year of research, and they are easy for relatives to buy:
- Pocket notebooks and good pencils.
- Binder dividers and sheet protectors.
- Acid-free photo corners and polyester sleeves.
- A flash drive for backups.
- A magnifier for faded handwriting.
Mention your favorite types, such as lined paper or a certain pen size, so you receive exactly what you will use.
Books and Subscriptions
Genealogy websites often list reference books, regional histories, online record subscriptions, magazine subscriptions, and conference session recordings as top gift categories. They also suggest handing over a gift certificate when the recipient has strong opinions about a product, such as a wall chart.
- A standard reference book on evidence and citation.
- A book on your region or the place your ancestors came from.
- A year of access to a records site you use often.
- A genealogy magazine subscription.
- Recorded conference sessions for learning at home.
Subscriptions are a great shared gift, since several relatives can chip in. List the exact site and plan, so everyone buys the right one.
Equipment for Digitizing and Backups
The same list names flatbed scanners for home use, portable scanners for travel, and external storage among useful gifts. For a researcher with a large collection, these tools can save hundreds of hours.
- A flatbed scanner for photos and documents.
- A portable scanner for libraries and relatives’ homes.
- An external hard drive, plus a second one for a backup copy.
- A small photo light box or stand, for photographing documents.
Keep your files in at least two places. Add a wish for cloud storage if your collection keeps growing.
Protecting the Originals
A big storage gift can protect a family’s most valuable papers. The National Archives recommends containers big enough that originals lie flat, made of lignin-free, acid-free or buffered stock, and storing them away from damp basements, hot attics, and windows.
- Archival boxes sized for photos and documents.
- A set of acid-free folders in several sizes.
- An archival album for the best family photos.
- A proper shelf or cabinet in a cool, dry room.
These items rarely excite gift-givers, but they are among the most valuable things you can add to a family archive.
Experiences and Comfort Upgrades
Some of the best wishes are not objects. A research trip to the town where your ancestors lived, a registration for a genealogy conference, or a day with a professional researcher can move a stuck project forward.
Think about your workspace as well. A good desk lamp, a comfortable chair, and a second monitor make long research sessions more pleasant. A quiet pair of headphones helps you concentrate when the house is busy. Even a small upgrade to your space can make research more enjoyable, and that is worth putting on a wish list.
Add Gifts That Help Others
Consider adding a few wishes that benefit the whole family. A framed chart of your family line makes a good gift for the next generation. A printed book of family stories gives cousins something to hold. A family cookbook with credits for each cook is useful and personal.
These wishes also bring relatives into your research. When people see the results, they are more likely to share photos, stories, and questions of their own, which is often the best gift a family historian can receive.
Write your wish list in order of priority, with a few items in each price range. Include links, sizes, and any details that matter, and send it before shopping begins. Relatives usually appreciate clear guidance, and you will receive things that you truly need.
Update your list each year as projects change. Cross out what you already own, and add new goals, such as digitizing a box of slides or visiting a courthouse. A thoughtful list keeps your research growing all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Big-Ticket Item for a Serious Researcher?
A good flatbed scanner, with backup drives, is often the most useful. It speeds up digitizing and protects fragile originals. A subscription to a major records site is another strong choice.
How Do I Ask Relatives for Genealogy Gifts Without Being Awkward?
Send a short list with prices and links. Explain that each item helps your project. Most relatives are happy to have a clear idea.
Should I Ask for Experiences Instead of Items?
Both are good. An experience, like a research trip, can lead to breakthroughs. Items last longer, so mix them on your list.
Is Used Equipment a Good Option?
Often yes, especially for books and scanners. Test equipment before buying, and check that all parts are included. Do not use old storage materials if they are not acid-free.