35 Amazing Gifts for History Lovers (perfect for Christmas & Birthdays)

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Looking for wonderful gifts for history lovers? We are here to help!

Having a history buff around is like carrying an Encyclopedia of history. They love everything history, they enjoy historical documentaries and can talk about those events for hours and hours.

They usually also enjoy travelling and go on walking tours. This gives them a deeper understanding of the place they visit.

Are there any history buffs in your family or friends? Would you like to get him or her a wonderful gift? Finding gifts for such fanatics is as special as they are. 

We have created this list of gifts for history lovers which will help you find the best gift for the history buffs in your life.

Top history-themed gifts for people who love history

In the first section, you will discover the very best presents for history buffs who are adults.

This includes fun pieces of clothing, mugs, games, statues and plenty more!

1. Chronology Game

If you are looking for a fun game for history buffs to get as a present, this one will be ideal!

The Chronology game is perfect for people who love dates and historical events.

Basically, you will have to build a timeline and place the various events in the right order.

For example – what came first? Man on the moon or Disneyland Paris opening?

Altogether, you’ll find 429 double-sided cards with 858 events. The first player who manages to get a correct timeline with 10 cards wins.

This game is suitable for age 14+.

2. History Channel This Day in History Boxed Calendar

This is an all-time favourite and definitely one of the best gifts to get to someone who loves history.

You just can’t get it wrong with this one!

The History Channel is known for its wonderful documentary and historical drama such as Vikings. 

Each year, they release a calendar and each day you can see which important event took place on the same day.

It’s a great way to learn more about history in a fun way, a little bit every day.

The same calendar is also available in two other versions: military history and women’s history. They can be an excellent option if you know that the person you’re getting it for is more interested in these topics.

3. Keep Calm You’re Not Henry VIII’s Wife Mug

Looking for a funny history gift? That’s exactly what this one is!

To put it back into context, Henry VIII was an English monarch who is famous for having had 6 wives and beheaded 2 of them.

Needless to say that because of that, nobody would want to be his wife and that’s where the pun lies here.

Whether you like this kind of humour or not, you can be sure that any history buffs will get the reference straight away. Especially if that person is British or particularly interested in British history.

4. Get Your Guide Gift Card

Girl near the Colosseum in Rome
Girl in Edinburgh

Get Your Guide is a provider of tours and tickets for destinations all around the world. 

They offer an incredible selection of activities including some that will delight all history lovers out there.

Getting a Get Your Guide Gift Card is the perfect choice if you are looking for experience gifts for history lovers

Firstly, you can choose the exact amount you want. Secondly, you can suggest some activities or just let the person chose).

If they are going somewhere, that will allow them to book a history walking tour or to get an entrance ticket for historical landmarks.

Alternatively, they can also use it to book one of the virtual tours. 

5. American Trivia

Is the perfect you’re getting the present always up for a good pub quiz or history trivia? Then this will be ideal.

This American Trivia game includes numerous double-sided cards with a total of 1,440 questions.

The great thing about this game is that you have questions for kids on one side and more challenging questions on the other side. This means everyone can play and have fun!

It’s also a great game to take on a road trip or a family trip.

READ MORE: The Ultimate USA Quiz: 130 Questions and Answers about America

6. History Books Monthly Box

Old books about history

Did you know that there are loads of subscription boxes for history lovers out there? If that’s something you think your friend would like then this History pages book box will be ideal.

Each month, the person will receive a curated selection of books about history and politics.

This is an excellent way to learn more about famous events but also dive deeper and discover new things.

As it is a monthly box, you will have to choose how long you want the subscription for.

7. BBC History Revealed Magazine Subscription

BBC is known for its wonderful magazines. They are all incredibly interesting and this one focuses on history.

Getting a subscription is an excellent gift for the history buff in your life.

Every month, the person will get the new issue of the magazine, History Revealed, delivered at home!

The magazine is particularly well done and treat interesting topics. It contains a lot of illustrations so the readers can understand better.

Some of the recent topics were for example “Who were the real-life Peaky Blinders”.

BBC is very good at integrating current topics into this magazine which always makes it particularly interesting.

It’s also important to note that’s it’s particularly affordable and you can stop the subscription whenever you want.

8. Ancient Gladiator Roman Coins

These coins of the Christianity Era are ancient Gladiator Roman coins

This compilation of 5 ancient bronze coins is definitely a treasured gift for a history buff who is passionate about Ancient Rome.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Rome Quiz: 95 Questions and Answers about Rome, Italy

9. History Buff Mug

Looking for funny and small gifts for history buffs? Then this mug will be perfect for you!

It says “History Buff: I’d Find You More Interesting If You were Dead”.

If you are doing secret Santa at work, it would be particularly good for a colleague who has a bit of humour. 

No matter what, you can be sure to get a laugh after giving this present!

10. The World Game

This one is more of a gift for geography lovers but it can be suitable for history buffs as well.

Usually, one goes with the other and it’s pretty fun so it was worth including it in this gift guide.

The world game is the ultimate game for geography nerds.

It includes a map as well as flashcards. They can be used for trivia and facts.

It’s also a great game for children or parents who want to play do an educative (while fun) activity.

11. Ancient Coins History Board

If you love to collect ancient coins and want to gift this treasure to a history buff, this Ancient Coins History Board is unbeatable. It includes the coins like:

  • Roman Empire (c. 340 AD)
  • Judean Kingdom (200 BC – 135 AD)
  • Ancient China (1050 BC – 618 AD)
  • Nabataean Kingdom (300 BC – 106 AD)
  • Ancient Greece (800 BC – 600 AD)
  • Ancient India (200 BC – 650 AD)

Isn’t that the perfect collection of ancient coins for a history nerd you know?

12. Famous Painting Art Printed Men’s Dress Socks

History lovers can be totally smitten over everything about history.

Be it an antique mannequin or the photos and paintings of famous historical personalities, they just love everything about the former times.

But it doesn’t mean that they don’t have a good sense of humour!

This set of pairs of socks features photos of famous historical icons and is very casual and funky in nature.

13. Funny Coffee Mug For History Buffs

This classy ceramic coffee mug comes with a WARNING! The owner of this mug could be so obsessed that he would start talking about history anytime. 

Gifting this coffee mug with a warning is definitely going to be an obsession for a history lover for sure.

14. If History Repeats Itself, I’m so getting a dinosaur Coffee Mug

This chucklesome coffee mug says “If history repeats itself, I’m so getting a dinosaur”.

It’s a great gift for people who love both history and dinosaurs. It’s also pretty funny so you can be sure to make the person laugh.

15. Santa Maria Ship in a bottle

Every history lover will love to own a replica of the largest of three Spanish ships of Christopher Columbus, “Santa Maria” or “La Santa Maria”.

This small replica of the famous giant ship comes in a lamp-like bottle and is definitely a perfect gift for a history buff.

16. Unexplained Mysteries Boxed Calendar

Get a glimpse of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time with 365 days of joy and wonder!

A trusted and respected source of historical information, History Channel, brings you a daily dose of unsolved mysteries with this awesome calendar.

17. Funny George Washington History Buff Tshirt 

Looking for a funny history present for him? This could be just what you are looking for.

This T-Shirt is made of polyester and cotton. It comes in various sizes and showcases George Washington lifting up weights.

It is pretty funny and will be a good thing to give to someone who likes humorous t-shirts.

18. Egyptian King Tutankhamun Pharaoh Sarcophagus Figurine

Ancient Egypt had a lot of firsts; that’s why it occupies a special place in history.

The discovery of the almost undamaged tomb of King Tutankhamun had received worldwide press coverage in 1922.

The mask of Tutankhamun now at the Egyptian Museum is a prominent example of ancient Egypt’s newfound attention.

This miniature replica of Tutankhamun Pharaoh will be an excellent gift for people fascinated by ancient Egypt.

19. Antique Rome Chess Set

This antique Rome chess set is the best gift for history buffs and chess enthusiasts. 

All the pieces are handmade and feature Roman soldiers on a marble-like board. The pieces are in metal and very good quality.

Since it’s handmade, it’s a bit more expensive than some of the other presents mentioned here but it’s a very unique gift.

20. Constitution of United States Silk Tie

This is another great present for him. This silk tie features the constitution of the United States (yes the handwritten version, obviously!).

It’s perfect as a gift for American history lovers who would proudly wear this beautiful tie.

21. Outlander Book Series

Outlander is a series of historical fantasy novels that were written by Diana Gabaldon.

It became incredibly famous this past few years since it was adapted as a TV show (available on Amazon Prime).

Though the story is quite romanticised and not true per se, it is based on events that did actually happen such as the battle of Culloden in Scotland.

It’s a great read for someone who loves historical drama!

READ MORE: 20 Best Books about Scotland That You Must Read Before your Scottish Adventure!

22. Spartan Helmet Handmade Silver Necklace

This handcrafted Spartan helmet sterling silver necklace is a masterpiece of men’s jewellery.

It reflects the glory of ancient Greece and makes it a perfect present for every masculine personality.

23. Risk Game

Although that’s not exactly based on real historical events, Risk tends to be a game history buffs particularly appreciate.

It’s all about strategy. The aim is to conquer territories by building an army and planning battles.

It can last a long time but is truly a great game.

You can buy the classic version or opt for one of the local versions such as Medieval England and Risk Europe.

No matter which one you choose, it will definitely be a great gift for history nerds!

24. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt tickets

scavenger hunt

If you are looking for unique gifts for history buffs, this one will be ideal. 

Let’s Roam is a company that organises scavenger hunts in most cities in the world. From the USA to the UK, you will find these scavenger hunts everywhere!

They usually have a focus on both fun and history and are a great way to discover your city under a new light.

You can find all the scavenger hunts available here.

If you don’t find the city of your choice, you can also opt for virtual scavenger hunts. They are also loads of fun! 

25. Medieval Leather Renaissance Viking Pirate Boots

Made from pure leather, these Renaissance Viking pirate boots are a must-have for a history maniac. These boots are available in various sizes and can be customized for the size you want. 

Add it to your hamper of gifts for a history lover and witness the gaiety on their face. 

26. Ammonite Fossil Necklace

The Ammonoidea subclass of the class Cephalopoda consists of defunct marine molluscs known as ammonites (also called ammonoids). 

About 65 million years ago, these molluscs became extinct. 

Such an amazing fossil represents the history and the science of the past era.

Made with such rare fossils, this ammonite necklace is a gift for everyone who loves natural history.

27. World Paper Money Monthly Box

This is another great subscription box for history buffs. Unlike the first one where the person would receive books, this one includes paper money.

Basically, the person you get the gift for will be receiving banknotes from anywhere around the world.

Each month, there will be at least $20 worth of money.

This is an excellent gift for a collector. Every month, he (or she) will get the paper money. There is always a bit of a feeling of excitement when we receive a monthly box.

Also, the company who provides this service is very reliable and the banknotes are of great quality.

If you know your loved one has something for world money, this will be the perfect Christmas or birthday gift.

28. National Geographic Large Fossil Dig Kit

This Science Kit is a unique kind of gift for history buffs that contains 15 real fossils, including dinosaur bones and shark teeth. 

That makes a great gift for kids and adults.

29. National Trust Membership

beautiful national trust near Manchester Lyme Park

If you are looking for history gift ideas for someone who lives in the UK, you should consider getting a membership for the National Trust.

The membership can be purchased as a gift on their official website and it will give them access to all the National Trust properties in the UK.

This includes a lot of historical mansions, parks and castles. There are National Trust sites everywhere in the UK (especially in England) making it ideal for people who want to learn more about history but also go on nice days out.

Also, the National Trust has been doing such an amazing job at preserving these sites that it’s always nice to know you’re supporting a good cause.

30. English Heritage Membership

English Heritage in Cheshire

This is also a great option if you are looking for the best gifts for history lovers UK.

The English Heritage is a charity that looks after historical sites in the UK. Their sites tend to be more historical than the National Trust since they are older and had more historical importance.

One of the most famous one is Stonehenge but you will also find loads of castles and other sites around the UK.

A membership with English Heritage will give free entrance to all the sites (and free carpark) which will give the opportunity to the person you’re getting it for to discover loads of places in the UK and learn more about the British history.

Unique Gifts For History Loving Kids

The following gifts are for kids who are passionate about history.

They are great for keeping history hands-on, engaging your children in the study of history, or giving something to someone who has a budding interest in it.

1. Way Back in History Game

This is a great game for kids who like history or on the contrary, who are having a hard time remembering history at school.

The game provides a fun way to learn more about history. It’s both educational and fun which is the best we can ask for a history gift for kids.

It is easy to play and you’ll see that even as an adult, it’s very likely you’ll start playing as well!

2. Horrible Games Similo History Card Game

This game can be played by 2-8 players including kids and adults.

One of the players needs to give the clue and the others need to guess the historical character.

It is suitable for kids of 8+ years and the entire family.

3. Time For Kids: Benjamin Franklin

Biographies from Time For Kids help children to connect past heroes’ lives with today’s events.

If you or your kid has an interest in the American Revolution, then this magazine about Benjamin Franklin will be an excellent gift.

4. The Historical Figure Sweatshirts for Kids

This hoodie is designed to feature historical figures such as Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Robert-a-Brieuis, Theodore Roosevelt, and Horatio Nelson.

5. Ertugrul Clothing for Kids 

This is an excellent Kids Dirilis Ertugrul Gazi Costume that adds up the charm of history to your child’s life.

These are the best ways to showcase their love for history and get into a character completely.

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best gifts for history lovers.

Whether it’s for a kid or an adult, everyone is going to be thrilled and euphoric with these unique history gifts.

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