27 Unique Gift Ideas For History Buffs: Uncovering The Past Through Gifts

Are you looking for the best gifts for history buffs? For that one friend or relative who can recite the entire timeline of the American Civil War and knows more about the Roman Empire than Julius Caesar himself? Then look no further! Because in this list, you will find 27 gifts for history nerds, that will bring the past to life.

So get ready to go back in time and check out the ultimate history lover gift guide.

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History buff gifts for large budgets

#1 History by mail subscription

I will start with one of the coolest and most unique gifts for history nerds: monthly physical mail with replicas of documents of major historical events. Some examples include a letter by Albert Einstein or the police report of Rosa Parks’ arrest.

The documents are sent each month by FedEx, so it’s not just another spammy mail that they will probably never read. No, it’s a paper document that will take them back to that historic moment in time.

#2 A New York Times collection of a specific topic

Are you looking for gifts for history lovers who are super interested in women’s rights?

Then the New York Times collections on everything related to women’s rights is the history lover gift you need.

It’s a collection of the most important articles that were published at the time in the newspaper. That way you can experience the entire movement as if you are reading the newspaper of that time.

#3 History nerd gifts: board games

For some reason, many history nerds are also board game lovers. (Though make sure your recipient is into board games before you buy one 😉). And for those history nerds who also love traveling, I think I found the best gift: History of the world.

Honestly, I don’t think there are any better gifts for people who like history, travel and board games.

Though, if you are unsure about this gift or if it’s a bit above your budget, but you would like to find game-related gifts for history buffs, check out #13.

#4 History of the world: map by map book

Obviously, I couldn’t finish a list of gifts for history buffs without including a few books.

So here is the first one that I thought was one of the best books and gifts for history buffs.

History of the world: map by map.

The book covers human history from across the globe starting in prehistory and finishing in the present time. And as you probably already guessed by the title, the book doesn’t just contain dry text. It tells the story with 140 custom maps to illustrate the events.

#5 Mini museum souvenirs

The mini-museum is an awesome website to find gifts for history buffs. In fact, they even have a special section for history lovers.

And one of the things they offer are these decorative items that include a specimen of some historical event or place.

For example, this item with a mini bluestone quarry slab from Stonehenge, but they offer a lot more options such as

• A Beatles brick
• Part of the first supercomputer
• Medieval chain

Check out the mini-museum shop for more options.

#6 Historic map of the world

Do you have a friend who loves to travel back in time and explore the world as it once was?

Then, a vintage world map is the gift they never knew they needed!

This map not only adds a touch of charm and elegance to their home, but it also allows them to relive history and imagine what it would have been like to sail the seven seas in the days of yore. And that makes it one of the best gifts for history buffs.

#7 World history timeline poster

This giant poster that depicts the timeline of the history of the world is a great gift for history buffs who would love to decorate their home with history items.

#8 Personal heritage discovery test

This is one of the best gifts for history lovers who would love to discover more about their personal heritage.

My Heritage uses DNA tests to discover information about one’s ethnic background and heritage.

The best history gifts for mid-budgets

#9 Official piece of the Berlin wall

Do you have a friend who can’t get enough of historical events, particularly the ones involving communism, or German history and who loves to collect unique memorabilia?

Well, look no further because just found the best history nerd gift; an official piece of the Berlin Wall!

Not only will they have a tangible piece of history in their hands, but they can also relive the events of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall every time they see it.

#10 History-related clothing

If you are looking for gifts for history nerds who also love traveling, books might not be the most practical gifts. In that case, clothing, such as this funny Caesar reference shirt, might be a good alternative.

I thought it was quite a funny design, and I am sure that Roman history lovers will agree. Though check out RedBubble for more history-related clothing.

#11 History gifts: travel mug

If you are looking for gifts for history nerds who also love the series Game of Thrones, this travel mug is a great gift.

The phrase: “I read history and I know things” is a reference to one of the lines of the character Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones. Where he says: “That’s what I do, I drink wine and I know things.”

And for people who didn’t watch the show, check out Zazzle to find nearly 3,000 history-inspired tumblers and travel mugs.

#12 History buff water bottle

I promised you I would also add gifts for history nerds that wouldn’t include books. And this water bottle is one of those gifts.

It’s still perfect for history buffs. I mean the bottle literally says “History buffs”.

#13 Chronology card game

Does your history buff friend have a knack for remembering all the important events in history but struggles to recall what they had for breakfast yesterday?

Then, the card game Chronology is just the gift they need!

Not only will they get to test their knowledge and see if they truly do know what happened first, but they also get to play with friends and family to see who will come out on top as the ultimate history buff. It’s the perfect history nerd gift if the board game (#3) was over your budget.

#14 History book about another topic

Are you looking for gifts for history buffs who are also into gin? What about this book about the history of gin?

Or whiskey, if they are more into that. Or what about the history of their favorite vacation destination?

What I love about this gift is that it actually shows that you have put some thought into it. Because you remembered the fact that they’re into history as well as what other topic or country they love.

#15 Sapiens a graphic history book

This is the graphic edition of Sapiens: A brief history of humankind, the best-seller by Yuval Noah Harari.

It’s the perfect gift idea for history lovers who are not really into reading. (I know it’s a rare thing, but it happens). This book is filled with fun and easy-to-understand graphics, so you will still learn a lot, you just don’t have to read as much.

However, if they are into reading, the regular edition of Sapiens might also be a great gift idea.

#16 History-related puzzles

This jigsaw puzzle of The Declaration of Independence is a great gift for people who are into American history and who love puzzles.

For a more personalized touch, this custom New York Times front page puzzle is a great idea.

#17 History-related cookbook

I know what you’re thinking.

Seriously, another book gift? Can’t you think of something different?

But wait. Before you continue. This is not just a book about history.

This is actually one of the best gifts for history nerds ánd food lovers.

It’s a cookbook that includes 150 recipes that are linked to American history in some way.

The best history gifts for small budgets

#18 Funny mug

If you are looking for funny gifts for history nerds, this mug with “Don’t make me repeat myself” is a great option!

#19 History-related socks

Anyone who has checked more articles on my site knows that I am quite a fan of socks related to someone’s hobby or interest. And well, the gifts for history nerds are no exception to that.

So if you know someone who’s all about American presidents, these socks with the faces of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington are great gifts.

#20 History calendar

If you want to find gifts for history nerds at home, this history calendar is one of the best. It’s a great way to learn more about history every day. Because each day on the calendar tells what happened on that day sometime in history.

#21 Bad days in history book

Since I also included a few books within the higher price range, here is a small, yet fun and informative book that history nerds will love.

Bad days in history covers 365 stories (one for each day of the year) in history when something unfortunate happened. From romantic tragedies to enormous economic misfortunate. I am sure it will contain stories even the most die-hard history nerds didn’t even know about.

#22 More funny books for history lovers

Alright, I couldn’t help myself, and I had to include another interesting book. This one is perfect for people who love languages.

In Why do we say that they will learn everything about random idioms, phrases, and words, where they came from, and what they originally meant?

#23 History crossword

I love crossword puzzles! I even travel with a crossword book to accompany me on long flights or while chilling at the beach.

So if you are looking for gifts for history buffs who are also into crosswords, this history-related crossword is one of the best gifts.

#24 History-related gifts

Are you looking for small gifts for history lovers? This notebook with important figures from history (and some still from today) is a great gift.

If you are looking for regular travel journals, check out these 25 cute journals. Or if you are looking for more small history gifts, continue to the next two items.

#25 More small history gifts: key rings

The best gifts for history buffs who are about to leave for a long-term trip are small gifts that do not occupy too much space. And for that, keyrings are simple, sweet, and cute gifts. For example, this one with the same as the mug: Don’t make me repeat myself.

Or this one about women: Well-behaved women, don’t make history.

#26 Tote bags

Just like the previous two gifts, tote bags are super small and practical gifts for travelers. So if you are looking for gifts for history buffs who are going on a trip, a history-related tote bag, is a great idea.

#27 Historical prints

Are you looking for unique history buff gifts for someone’s home? Then this poster of the constitution bill is perfect!

This poster is not only a fantastic decoration piece but also a constant reminder that even the founding fathers had the occasional disagreement (as evidenced by the Bill of Rights).

Though for other historical posters, check out Amazon.

Save the best gifts for history buffs

Don’t forget to save these gifts for history buffs on Pinterest (or wherever you want) for the next time you need to find gifts for history nerds!

Final note on these gifts for history lovers

Alright, I hope that these gift ideas for history lovers helped you to find the perfect gift for the history buff in your life. If not, check out the editor’s top three for a final call.

• Large budgets: History by mail subscription (#1)
• Mid budgets: Official piece of the Berlin Wall (#9)
• Small budgets: On this day in history calendar (#20)

FAQ about gift ideas for history buffs