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Forget the “dad” nonfiction history book that is so often gifted during the holiday season! This year, we guarantee that at least one of these presents will suit the history lover in your circle of friends or family, no matter their age or specific interest.
Of course, not everyone considers themselves a lover of history, but, in fact, most of us are. That’s because history doesn’t have to be solely focused on government or politics. For example, if your teenage daughter loves fashion, she would likely be thrilled to learn more about the heroic story of Catherine Dior and how she affected the creation of Miss Dior, the iconic first fragrance created by her brother, Christian. Likewise, a nature enthusiast can document their own history of visits to national parks with a create-your-own-design water bottle.
To that end, and with all types of history lovers in mind, Biography roamed the wilds of museums and online stores to find the items that will most delight history buffs, and, yes, we give you permission to buy one or two for yourself!
If your history lover knows whether the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was sold before the first Neiman Marcus opened, then this is the game for them. Each participant builds their own timeline in a race against other players.
It’s not just impressive from the outside. This 1:200 scale model is almost 54 inches long and includes over 9,000 pieces (they’ll be busy!). It opens to reveal the inner workings of the ship. At just shy of $850, this is definitely a big-ticket present.
Since the shocking story of Christian Dior, his sister Catherine, and Coco Chanel was told in the Apple TV series The New Look, it is an honor to wear the fragrance that Dior created for his sister just a few years after she was released from Ravensbrück, the WWII concentration camp that held only women.
From Doris Kearns Goodwin on writing and leadership to a new class on the history of crypto, every history lover will appreciate the variety and expertise offered on this site. It’s like getting a master’s degree without having to go to class, take a test, or write a paper.
They can wear their honor on their sleeve with this hoodie that salutes the 99th Pursuit Squadron. The red lining is a stylish nod to the Red Tails’ iconic aircraft.
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Celebrate Ancient Egypt
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Sphinx of Hatshepsut T-Shirt
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Celebrate Ancient Egypt
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Sphinx of Hatshepsut T-Shirt
While not everyone will be able to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, this T-shirt brings Egypt to wherever your loved one travels, even if it’s just around the block. This sphinx, likely built around 1479–1458 BCE, portrays Hatshepsut as a female pharaoh with the powerful body of a lion. Most statues depict Hatshepsut as a king. This might inspire some research into their life.
While the exact name and rules of the world’s oldest game are up for debate (maybe it’s Senet? maybe it’s some version of cribbage?), The Royal Game of Ur is easy to learn and fun to play.
As seen on Shark Tank, each month your gift recipient will receive copies of historic documents. There is also a sports history version for those whose only interest in history revolves around wanting to know how the mitt came into existence.
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Old-School History
Arcadia Publishing Homes of Hollywood Stars Postcard History Series by Barry Moreno
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Old-School History
Arcadia Publishing Homes of Hollywood Stars Postcard History Series by Barry Moreno
Arcadia Publishing, known for hyper-local history books, has a series of postcard books around numerous themes and locations. Older relatives can send this series to younger family members to engage them in history. Or, they can send it to members of their own generation!
For many people, history begins and ends on the silver screen. Whether it’s reminiscing about where and when they saw a favorite film or enjoying the way a movie brings a time and place to life, this trivia game will get the party started.
Celebrate “America’s Best Idea” with a water bottle that travelers personalize by adding stickers when they visit a national park. This water bottle is both inspiring and a great souvenir.
Inspired by a Roman artifact, this wooden puzzle challenges recipients to create a daily calendar puzzle using 10 shapes, which, when put together, will reveal the date. So much more interesting than glancing at their phone!
A perfect gift for tweens and teens (and adults who can’t name all 54 African countries), you can use this as flashcards and a guessing game, or you can play the board game and use the map that is included. By the way, by alphabet, the first African country is Algeria and the last is Zimbabwe. Now it’s time to name the other 52!
Whether they need something to do close to home on a sunny Saturday or whether they’re traveling somewhere further afield, TripAdvisor can help them find the perfect tour guide for any of their historical, artistic, and geographical interests. Prices vary based on location and type of tour.
To love history is to love culture and the ways in which individuals thrive and express their values and stories. Almost all historical events center around people moving, governments clashing, and then people telling those stories. If you know someone who loves historical fiction, this book will introduce them to the creativity of historic civilizations that still thrive today.
This elegantly presented display case collection features 20 genuine bronze, copper, and silver coins from each of the last 20 centuries. This gift comes with an explanatory booklet.
Learn history without even meaning to! These 21 stories will teach kids more than a few facts while they laugh out loud with their friends and family. Added bonus: the kids will learn all about nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
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From Animal Crossing to Zelda
Harry N. Abrams Video Game of the Year by Jordan Minor
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From Animal Crossing to Zelda
Harry N. Abrams Video Game of the Year by Jordan Minor
Whether they grew up playing Pong or Halo, if their eyes are usually glued to a screen, they will love learning about the tech, reception, and legacy of over 40 years of video games in colorful glory.
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Understand the Ground Beneath Their Feet
Smithsonian Books How to Read a Rock: Our Planet’s Hidden Stories by Jan Zalasiewicz
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Understand the Ground Beneath Their Feet
Smithsonian Books How to Read a Rock: Our Planet’s Hidden Stories by Jan Zalasiewicz
Whether they’re looking at the Grand Canyon or the rocks in their local park, this gorgeously illustrated book explains the history in the layers, colors, and textures around them. A beautiful book for the nature lover who also loves history.
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Literally Bring Back the Past
Abacus Brands Virtual Reality History! Illustrated Interactive VR Book and STEM Learning Activity Set
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Literally Bring Back the Past
Abacus Brands Virtual Reality History! Illustrated Interactive VR Book and STEM Learning Activity Set
From books to movies to video games, people have tried for generations to bring history to life. DK may be close to the goal! This gift set includes a virtual reality headset, book, puzzle, and 25 “experiences.” Requires a smartphone.