So, just what does one buy for their favorite genealogist? I have collected a list of top choice, in all price ranges, based on various articles I had read this season, plus a few of my own ideas.
Every list had its own ranking but, I have decided to list these items in no particular order. Simply, these are things every genealogist would love to have.
Flip-Pal Scanner – a mobile scanner with great features for scanning photographs to pages from a book. “Stiching” software compensates for the small scan area when dealing with full pages in a book.
Netbook or Laptop – who wouldn’t benefit from a small, portable computer with a full keyboard for keeping up with family or taking notes while on a family history vacation or weekend trips to the library.
Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace 2nd Edition – this idea came from one of the articles listed below, but makes sense. This is by far the most popular title on citation.
Family Tree Maker, Roots Magic, Legacy, etc. – top selling genealogy software. Recommend buying a copy for a budding genealogist in the family, then give them a GEDCOM with all the information you have already collected.
Portable Scanner – the Flip-Pal is probably top choice here; however, there are pen scanners, light-weight (if bulky) full-bed scanners, and other portable to semi-portable options.
Digital Voice Recorder – how easily we forget something when its not written down. A voice recorder lets you quickly record notes, meetings, classes, etc. without the noise and bulk of a traditional tape recorder.
Google Your Family Tree – Unlock The Hidden Power Of Google (see special offer from Family Roots Publishing, includes free upgrade to 2nd edition) – Google is the Internet’s most popular search tool and this guide will help genealogist make the most of it.
Digital Camera – everyone historian needs a camera, whether capturing current events, gravestones, pages in a book, old photographs, or anything else that comes along, the camera is a vital part of the research toolkit.
Flip UltraHD Video Camera – a small portable video camera is a nice addition. I recommend getting a standard digital camera first, but if your budget allows, a pocket/purse-size video camera can be very useful. You could also go straight for a standard video camera, if the extra bulk is not an issue for you.
Ancestry.com subscription – the gift of research is always welcomed
Any Genealogy How-To Book – visit Family Roots Publishing and browse through hundreds of genealogy specific titles. Find books for virtually every subject area on which a genealogist may focus.
Kindle Fire – a portable e-book reader is both popular and functional.
Amazon.com Kindle Gift Card – once someone has an e-book reader, they will need some e-books to go with it.
Journal – give a loved one the tool necessary to capture their stories while they are here with us.
Membership to local Genealogical Society – active genealogist will appreciate the help and social interaction they will get from a society membership.
Genealogy T-Shirts – just for fun. Shirts with catchy phrases or declarations of genealogical joy.
Genealogy Buttons – also, just for fun.
Genealogy Bags – for fun and function. Everyone needs a bag to haul all their research materials and gear around in.
Paid Attendance to a Genealogy Conference or Expo – give someone a day, weekend, or week at a conference where they can learn and meet with others to improve their research skills and sometimes find answers to pesky stumbling blocks.
Sources:
5 Gifts Genealogists Will Love from Squidoo
Christmas Shopping: 12 Must-Have Genealogy Toys from The Armchair Genealogists
Holiday gift ideas for your favorite genealogist from nj.com