Are you looking for the best gift ideas for history buffs? There are numerous opportunities to give gifts to loved ones throughout the year. If you have a history geek in your life, then they will appreciate a history-related gift.
There are numerous options to choose from, ranging from functional gifts such as history books and games, historical artifacts and souvenirs, and even fun items such as cups, mugs, and t-shirts imprinted with history jokes.
Below are reviews of some of the best gift ideas for history buffs.
14 Best Gift Ideas For History Buffs
1. Best Overall: History Channel This Day in History Calendar
This calendar is the best gift for history buffs, hands down. It has 4.5” X 4.5” tear-off pages, each with fascinating information about a historic event. It covers everything from groundbreaking inventions to influential people from the early civilization up to the 21st century. The information is immersive, entertaining, and educational.
This calendar is suitable for all history buffs, including men, women, adults, kids, history teachers, and students. You can give it any time of the year for any occasion or no occasion at all.
This comes in a 5” X 5” outer box. The packaging is 100% recyclable and plastic-free, and the calendar has a cardboard easel, which provides a sturdy display and storage.
History Channel produces a new edition of the calendar each year. The calendar is also available in women’s history and military history versions.
2. Best History Reference Book: History of the World By Map
This is not an ordinary world map, as it is a visual history of mankind. While maps are primarily topographical representations of the earth, they can also represent the movement of people, evolution of ideas, and explain historical events.
This hardcover book consists of 140 custom maps covering major historical events ranging from the history of the printing press to how the Allies defeated the Nazis in World War II. The reference book starts with the evolution and migration of the early man in Africa. It also has maps on the Greek and Persian Wars, the rise of the Ottomans, medieval Europe’s routes, and Mongol Conquests.
This book also consists of maps about the colonization of North America, Napoleon’s advances, and Britain’s control in India. It covers major historical happenings in recent centuries, such as the American Civil War, the industrialization of Europe, the age of imperialism, and the transformation of Japan.
History Of The World is organized in the following main historical periods:
- Prehistory 7 MYA-3000 BCE
- The Ancient World 3000 BCE-500 CE
- Middle Ages 500-1450 CE
- The Early Modern World 1450-1700
- Revolution and Industry 1700-1850
- Progress and Empire 1850-1914
- The Modern World 1914-Present
It offers a fun and easy way to learn world history. The maps are complemented by pictures, information boxes, and timelines. It is suitable as a unique gift for millennials and younger generations of book lovers and history buffs. The main events covered enhance a strong understanding of the main occurrences that have shaped the world.
3. Best History Game: Chronology – The Game Where You Make History
Next on our list is Chronology’s Game Where You Make History. This fun game will test your history knowledge. For instance, which one came first, John Deere’s first plow or Lincoln’s Gettysburg address? Or were bikinis invented before or after man’s first trip to the moon?
The game consists of 429 double-sided cards. Each card has a history event written on each side, so there are 858 events in all. The year of the event is indicated just below the event on the card. It is suitable for anyone aged 14 years and above, and you can have two to eight players.
You play the game by building a timeline of cards. Someone reads the historical event highlighted on a given card, and you decide where the event falls in the timeline. If one player gets it wrong, the next player attempts. If you have two cards with the same year indicated, the player has to indicate which event came first. The goal is to build a timeline with ten cards.
4. Best History Gift for Kids: Muamax Globe Pencil Holder
This globe-shaped resin pen holder is painted like a globe. It is available in two color options, rustic brown and blue, and adds a vintage feel to a desk, classroom, or study table.
The resin is durable and sturdy, giving the exterior a smooth streamlined design outline with continental contours. Its spherical storage cup is thickened with a copper base that keeps the cup sturdy.
This pencil holder can hold 10-15 pens and a variety of stationery, including paperclips, pencils, scissors, and desk candy. It keeps the workspace tidy and organized and ensures easy retrieval of the stationery. This is a suitable gift for kids as well as adults.
5. Best History Gift for Men: Funny Men’s Novelty Presidents Socks
This is the perfect gift for men who are history fanatics. The bundle comes with six pairs of fun and funky socks.
The President’s series consists of six pairs, each with an image of one of the US presidents or other prominent people in history patterned on the calf of the socks. Personalities depicted on the socks are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Queen Elizabeth.
In addition to the presidents’ series, these socks are available in other themes, including Mona Lisa, Napoleon Bonaparte series, Scream, and Van Gogh self-portrait, in both long and short styles. They are only available in one size that fits sizes 6 to 12.
The socks are 90% combed cotton and 10% polyester. They have an elastic closure and are also machine washable. Each pair is stretchy, breathable, and anti-smelly.
The manufacturer backs the quality of the socks with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They also offer 24-hour customer service.
6. Best History Book: History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day
This comprehensive encyclopedia-style history book provides an in-depth overview of the world from the origin of the earth up to the 21st century. It covers history from all angles, including groundbreaking ideas, key events, political events, and technological advancements and how they shaped our world.
The book has more than 600 pages with events covered in chronological order. The textual information is brought to life by stunning images and illustrations. Each episode is explained in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
It also covers contemporary issues such as climate change and the rise of social media, and how they are likely to influence or affect the future. The book is updated and expanded to accommodate recent historical events. It is currently in its third edition.
7. Best T-shirt for History Lovers: I Love History Shirt
The T-shirt has a fun quote that makes you stand out as a history buff. It is available in five color options (black, navy, brown, olive, and black heather) in men’s, women’s, and youth designs. It is also available in different materials. Choose from 100% cotton, 90/10 polyester, and 50/50 cotton. All designs are machine wash safe.
The t-shirts are lightweight with a classic fit, and the sleeve and bottom hem are double needled.
They are ideal as gifts for history students, history teachers, history majors, and general history lovers. They make great gifts for Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th, birthdays, and any other occasion.
8. Best History Gift for Whiskey Lovers: Greenline Goods Whiskey Glasses
This unique gift is perfect for whiskey lovers who are also history buffs. It is a set of two 10-oz tumblers. Each glass has the United States Declaration of Independence scripted on it. The premium quality printing will last as long as the glass does.
They are unapologetically patriotic, and you can bet that the founding fathers would be proud to see you sipping from it. They look particularly classy with full-bodied bourbon or old-fashioned scotch, and you can also use them to serve cocktails.
The made-in-the-USA glasses are premium-quality glassware. They are lead-free with a wide and heavy base to ensure stability. They are dishwasher safe – the printing will not wash off, and the glasses are breakage resistant. They are also freezer safe.
These are ideal gifts for men, e.g., a Father’s Day gift, birthday gift, Valentine’s gift, groomsmen gift, etc., and backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
9. Best Gift for Girls Who Love History: The Book of Awesome Women
This book is a bestseller in the Teen & Young Adult Social Activist Biographies, Sociology, and Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance category. Most history books do not highlight the role of women in history and this book acknowledges most of them.
The book is a portrait of 200 sheroes and superwomen from across the globe, including:
- Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari Maathai
- Dian Fossey
- Coretta Scott King
- Martina Navratilova
- Indira Gandhi
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Margaret Mead
- Georgia O’Keeffe
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee
- Joan Baez
- Sojourner Truth
- Anita Hill
- Aretha Franklin
It covers our foremothers and trailblazers in the modern world in different industries – sports, science, politics, education, media, etc.
As a gift for young adults and teenagers, this book will help young women come into themselves and realize how much they have to offer the world. It will encourage them to be proactive in their areas of expertise and celebrate the heroines of the world.
10. Best History Trivia: Timeless Trivia Volume 1
This fun history book consists of 1000 questions in history and other areas such as sports, literature, geography, arts, entertainment, and many more. It is perfect for introducing fun in a history class, breaking ice in meetings, or family fun. Some questions are challenging, while others are simply fun.
11. Most Unique History Gift: Hand Forged Hiking Knife
If you are looking for something unique to give a history lover, this is it. It is ideal for history lovers who love to hike, hunt, and spend time outdoors, and a fantastic gift for people interested in medieval weaponry, antiques, Irish artifacts, and collectible knives.
It has a rugged ancient aesthetic as if hand-forged in the early middle ages. The Celtic knife has a forged construction from Damascus steel with a tang neck. The blade is two inches long, while the entire knife is 3.14 inches from the tip to the handle. You can use it in the field or carry it around for display.
It also comes with a leather sheath and a neck cord. You can choose between black and brown leather for the sheath.
12. Best History Gift for a Girlfriend or Wife: Keep Calm You’re Not Henry VIII Wife Mug
This mug will get your history geek wife or girlfriend laughing. It is not only fun but also functional. It is microwave and dishwasher safe, and you do not have to worry about the print coming off.
It is white and made of ceramic. The 11oz mug is printed on both sides with a picture of Sir Henry VII and a funny quote, “Keep Calm You’re Not Henry VIII’s Wife”. The high-quality printing has a glossy finish.
13. Best History Education Kits for Kids: National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
This mega fossil dig kit is an excellent gift for kids. The learning kit will foster a lifelong curiosity and infuse fun into learning history.
It comes with a set of archeological digging tools such as a chisel, brush, magnifying glass that boys and girls can use to play make-believe to excavate fossils as well as fun dinosaur fossils dug with different kinds of dinosaurs, including ammonites, sharks, mosasaurs, and more. All the items are high quality and will keep the kids occupied for hours.
In addition, the package also has a 16-page learning guide. The pages are full color and provide illustrations on how fossils formed for the young archaeologists and scientists.
14. Best Decorative Gift for History Buffs: Santa Maria Ship in a Bottle
This one is a fun gift to buy for any history enthusiast. It is one of the ships of Columbus in handmade miniature, beautifully handcrafted with glass, wood, and strings by artisans in Vietnam.
The vintage model of a fighting ship also makes a great gift for navy soldiers and veterans. It can be a souvenir, collectible, or decoration. The bottle is a clear bulb, which makes this piece stand out.
Tips for Choosing The Best Gift Ideas For History Buffs
With the wide range of history gifts to choose from, it can be challenging to choose the best one. Below are five tips to help you narrow to gift options that they will love.
1. Window Shop
You may be lost for ideas for gifts for history lovers, but window shopping will open your mind up to numerous options you can work with. Simply search “best gift ideas for history buffs” on Google, Amazon, eBay, and other online stores. You could also window shop at a gift store, souvenirs shop, or museum shop near you. Take note of items that interest you and you think would be a great option for the person you want to gift.
2. Be Observant of the Person You Want to Gift
This is the key to understanding their needs and interests and choosing a suitable gift. Notice history topics they are most interested in or history-related items they already own.
3. Don’t Stress About It Too Much
Buying a loved one a gift is not a do-or-die type of situation. The thought is what counts. They will most likely be happy with whatever you get them because it is a gesture of thoughtfulness.
4. The Gift Doesn’t Have to Be Practical
It does not have to be a history book, a map, a piece of cloth, or other functional items. It can be fun with no function at all. For example, the Viking knife reviewed above. They may never use it, but it is a nice item to have.
5. Work with Your Budget
Gifts don’t have to be expensive and luxurious. As evidenced in the list below, you can get great gifts for less than $30. Check their reviews to ensure that they are of good quality and exciting for most people.
Best Gift Ideas For History Buffs: Conclusion
As you can see, there are numerous gift options for the history fan or history nerd in your life. Whether you’re shopping for a history major or history teacher, finding the right gift idea doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply pick the most suitable one from the ones reviewed above and give them on an upcoming occasion or simply for the sake of it.
The 14 Best Gift Ideas For History Buffs
