Soon after we’ve carved the turkey, my email lights up with inquiries from non-genealogists wanting to have their family tree done in time for a holiday gift. I agreed to help once (never again at such a late date!) and compiled as much information as possible to pass on to the client. The results were disappointing and I learned a lesson. Even with the best of intentions, some things can’t be rushed. So, with Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa approaching I thought I’d share some thoughtful family history related gifts you can create yourself.
Review your research
I once found a photo of a friend’s great grandmother in a book. The photographer was documenting conditions in a struggling area of Ireland and there she was, standing in a doorway. I was lucky enough to locate a copy of the book. I tagged the page and wrapped it up with a bow. Maybe you found an interesting mention in a book or newspaper. Print or copy it on sturdy paper, add a frame and you have a treasured gift.
Photographs
Ancestral photos are always appreciated by family but pulling them together in a memory box makes it extra special. Include an engagement or wedding announcement with that wedding photo, and the date and location. A piece of lace, confetti, and a mini silver bell finishes it off beautifully.
Family tree chart
If you’ve already spent the time building a family tree, share it! Order a blank family tree chart at Etsy.com (my favorite is at Fresh Retro Gallery), add family information and a beautiful frame for a gift that will be treasured forever. Creating it yourself also gives you the option of adding on as new information surfaces.
Lineage certificate
Have you established that an ancestor is part of Lineage or First Family society? Well known are the Mayflower Society and Daughters/Sons of the American Revolution but there are also state or territory “First Families”. Submit your research now and have the certificate prepared in the name of your relative. (Remember to show descent to the person named on the certificate!) Frame it and you’ll have a perfect, one-of-a-kind gift.
Migration map
Although my own family has shallow roots in the United States and a straight route to New York, many others moved often. Scratch Maps can be a fun way to track family immigration and migration throughout the country or even the world. You can find them on Amazon for under $25.
Census record
Seeing wallpaper made from a census record of the original homeowner in a magazine recently made me consider a room update. My husband, not so much. GenealogyGifts on Etsy.com will customize a coffee mug with the 1940 census of your family which is almost as good.
Family cookbook
The smell of Mom’s shepherd pie might flood you with sweet memories of her, but your children don’t know that. Most of us would agree that some of our best memories are made in the kitchen with family. Why not create a cookbook that includes personal information or a story about the family members along with the dish they were famous for? Include a couple of your “famous” dishes along with your own memories, then wrap them up with a tin of homemade cookies for a sweet gift.
I hope you enjoy your family during the holidays and take the time to create more memories. Family history gifts are a small way to share our passion of genealogy and will become cherished treasures for years to come. Happy hunting!