Presenting a gifts for history buffs is rewarding because it thrills the giver to compete in what most appropriately suits his or her gift. Mostly, a history lover appreciates thoughtful gifts that resonate with their passion for the past; it may be an era, event, or historical figure they admire. For most people struggling to come up with ideas of what to give a history nerd, here’s a guide with ideas and considerations.
Know Their Areas of Interest in History
To any history enthusiast, it is crucial to know what specific aspects they show interest in. History is an extremely broad study area; most people have an interest in just one specific area, such as historical events that feature ancient civilizations, military history, or cultural history. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Which historical period do you think they are most interested in?
- Who is their favorite historical figure or event?
- Do they have an area of interest, such as ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages in Europe, or perhaps the American Civil War?
Once you identify some of those areas of interest, you’re well on your way to getting a gift that goes right to the heart of your passion. This will say not only that you really know them but that you put thought into your gift, too.
Books: The Timeless Gift for History Buffs
For a history lover, books are always a good option. Between well-researched biographies and historical novels or time-frame studies, books seem to hold endless possibilities.
For instance, if they would love ancient Rome, the book to get is SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard. If they are interested in World War II, then The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer could make a great choice.
To make it even more interesting, you could go as far as seeking signed editions or first prints of the history books that interest them. You could further browse works of famous historians like Doris Kearns Goodwin, David McCullough, or Simon Schama to find what would really spark their interests.
Replicas of Historical Documents
For the history enthusiast, who would appreciate a close relationship with the past, give an important historical document replica as a history gifts. From the U.S. Constitution to the Magna Carta, a piece of replicated history can be interesting for the history enthusiast. Some companies even print on parchment paper, so that it resembles an original document.
You could also look for a framed version that will serve both purposes: a nice gift and home decor. That is how they could display it in their living room or office to share it with other people about their interests.
Historical Artifacts or Replicas
While you probably cannot afford to purchase authentic ancient historical artifacts for a gift, high-quality reproductions are abounded and will surely make for an amazing gift. Explore various options depending on the interests of the recipient. Some of these options include:
- Ancient Coins: There are many reproductions of the ancient Roman, Greek, or Egyptian coins. This is another unique gift that adds history to the collection of the recipient.
- Medieval Replicas of Weapons: If they have a taste for historical research into medieval times, a replica sword, shield, or armor would come as an interesting gift.
- Antique Maps: An antique map or a reproduction of historical maps from the time of the famous expeditions of famous explorers can get geography-loving history fans excited.
Such a gift can provide a tangible link to the past when history lovers can hold in their hands a piece of it, making the gift both interactive and memorable.
History Magazine or Journal Subscriptions
Magazine or journal subscriptions to history-focused periodicals are wonderful sources of historical facts year-round. Some publications, such as BBC History Magazine or National Geographic History, publish in-depthly researched articles on a wide array of historical subjects. If your gift recipient has a penchant for more scholarly writing, a subscription to an academic history journal such as The Journal of American History or The English Historical Review may be closer to their ideal end.
A subscription is the gift of learning because the magazines include cutting-edge research, historical discoveries, and interviews with historians. Therefore, it is quite perfect for a history enthusiast interested in new perspectives and ideas in this field.
Historical-Themed Games
A history nerd may enjoy a themed board game or video game. There are many popular games that revolve around historical events, strategic wars, or civilizations.
- Board Games: Examples include Ticket to Ride-which centers on the history of railroads; or Memoir ’44, also centering on WWII battles but offering a historical context for entertainment.
- Video Games: If they are a gamers, Assassin’s Creed is an awesome franchise that will take them on journeys through historical time frames in the Old World: Ancient Egypt, the Italian Renaissance, and even the American Revolution.
A game that aligns with their historical interests provides them with an interactive way to learn about something they are interested in.
Museum Memberships or Tickets
Any history buffs in your family or circle of friends might really enjoy visits to museums. A membership or even a set of tickets can be a really meaningful, long-lasting gift, especially if the museums offer annual memberships with benefits such as early access to exhibitions, members-only events, and free admission.
- Local Museums: Check for memberships in local museums that may showcase their favorite historical eras or personalities.
- Traveling Exhibitions: If there is a traveling exhibition within your state or in a town that is nearest to you that caters to their passion then tickets to such an event can become a great experience-based gift.
This kind of present gives them the chance to get close up to history, adding an experiential element to their passion for the past.
Historical Movies or Documentaries
For the history buff who loves visual storytelling, consider gifting a collection of historical movies or documentaries. Films like Schindler’s List, Gladiator, or Braveheart could be best for historical movie nights. On the documentary side, consider options such as The World at War, Ken Burns’s The Civil War, or Ancient Civilizations.
You can also get you a subscription for streaming services, which has an extremely large collection of documentaries on history, like CuriosityStream. This would give them the chance to delve into all sorts of different eras and events from the comfort of their homes.
Conclusion
A history nerd would love, above everything else, something that best expresses their specific historical interests: perhaps some thoughtful, unique item aligned with their passion for history books, a replica artifact, a museum membership, or even a historical game. These options are literally endless, but with these tips, you will be well on your way toward giving a gift that delights and also enriches your love for history.
