We have plenty of history lovers in our family—from teens to octogenarians—so I’ve amassed a lot of experience selecting thoughtful gifts for people who love the past. This guide collects ideas for husbands, sisters, nieces, grandparents, and anyone who enjoys learning about government, sports, natural history, and the people and events that shaped our world.
Books for History Buffs
Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene: A beautifully designed book that profiles 50 Indigenous leaders and changemakers from history and today. It’s an excellent choice for history readers of any age.
New York Times history collections: These volumes gather the Times’ best reporting and essays on a single subject. I’ve gifted a sports-team history book to my father and an aviation history volume to my nephew. Topics include:
- History of Civil Rights
- History of Women’s Rights
- History of US Presidential Elections
- History of World War II
- History of Aviation
- History of Space
- Sports history (by team, sport, and more)
Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen: This illustrated collection highlights bold women who made history. It’s a fantastic present for teens and young adults curious about lesser-known stories.
The 1619 Project, edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones: An expanded version of the New York Times project that centers slavery and its legacy in the American story. The book includes essays that explore how these historical forces continue to shape society today.
Page flag and highlight strips: A practical gift for avid readers who annotate and take notes. These slim highlights and flags make marking passages easier without damaging pages.
Unique Gift Ideas for History Buffs
Historical art prints: Reproductions and curated prints focused on topics like U.S. history, aviation, and art history can personalize a study or living space and celebrate a recipient’s particular interest.
Historical quote notepads: Notepads printed with quotations from notable figures are both charming and useful—perfect for desks and everyday jotting.
History by Mail subscription: One of the most unique gifts—each month, archivists select and send replica historical documents related to a theme in U.S. history. Recipients receive letters, proclamations, or documents they can study and display; framing favorites turns the collection into a personal keepsake.
Government for Grownups workshops: Expert-led virtual workshops focused on U.S. history and civics. Topics range from the Supreme Court to constitutional history and current institutions—ideal for someone who enjoys structured learning and lively discussion.
Historical figure ornaments: Felted ornaments representing famous political and historical figures make charming seasonal gifts and can become part of a family’s yearly traditions.
Museum membership: A membership to a local museum—whether natural history, art, or a specialized collection—gives repeated access, member benefits, and special programming. For someone who already has “stuff,” an experience-based gift like this can be especially meaningful.
Famous figures doll kits: For hobby sewists who admire historical women, doll kits featuring figures like Michelle Obama, RBG, or Frida Kahlo blend crafting with history appreciation.
Historically accurate ball caps: Fans of sports history will appreciate vintage-style caps, jerseys, and jackets recreated with period-accurate details—great for collectors and game-day wear alike.
I hope this list gives you fresh ideas to find the perfect gift for the history buff in your life.