The season is just about upon us and now is the time to think of a special gift to give to your genealogist-enthused loved one or for yourself:
- The Flower Letters is an interesting gift I received for Mother’s Day – it’s a gift that lasts all year. Every two weeks the recipient will receive a snail mail letter about a historical fictional mystery. The letter is written in cursive, quite decorative, and includes additional items about the info contained in the letter, such as postcards, calling cards, maps, etc. For further education, some words are written in red, and for more information, the reader can go to the online website to learn about the topic. Currently, the company is having a fall sale so take advantage of this unique opportunity. This is a wonderful gift, especially if you are tying it in with an ancestral region.
2. Is travel in your loved one’s future plans? If so, it might be a surprise to learn that travel isn’t quite what it used to be. Lost luggage is happening more frequently so here is a way to find it quick – GPS Trackers. There are many out there so identify first if your loved one has an Android or Apple. I use one of my kid’s Apple trackers when we travel and it is peace of mind knowing that my bags can be found anywhere in the world.
3. If you want to avoid lost luggage entirely, do what we do for trips of less than two weeks – simply get a duffel bag to carry on. I highly recommend a duffel bag instead of a rolling smaller bag as lately, airlines are making you check in those roller bags at the gate. Never thought to put a tracker into a bag I was carrying but it was needed. I have since switched to a duffel. They never take those, they can be crammed under the front seat of even the tiniest planes, and your belongings stay with you.
4. BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS! Here’s a list of my top 6 must haves:
Griffeth, Bill. Strangers No More – This is a sequel to his memoir, A Stranger in My Genes.
Hanson, Anne. Buried Secrets: Looking for Frank and Ida – This family’s brick wall was eventually gotten over and could help if you are stumped, too.
Jones, jr. Henry Z. Psychic Roots and More Psychic Roots – These are two books by the same author – You Can read my review here and here. If your genealogist is having strange and unusual finds this might be just what they need to understand them.
Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained. 4th Edition – Revised must have
Shamblin, Rebecca. Building a Legacy – You can read my review here. For those interested in preserving and sharing their researched and sourced family tree.
Shamblin, Rebecca. Leaving a Legacy – You can read my review here. This is a must if you are planning on writing a family history book in the upcoming year.
5. Here’s a gift to give to yourself if you are age 65+ – a FREE membership to the National Genealogical Society. See if you qualify for membership through Grouper.
6. Had to laugh at a recent drawing that was held in Indy for the Indiana State Library’s Fall Genealogical Conference. The giveaway that got the most Ooohs and Ahhs was a lighted magnifying glass. Older eyes can all use this and not just for genealogy. I absolutely hate the writing on food labels that keep shrinking (or maybe it is my eyes?). More than one is nice – one to keep at home and one for the road trips to archives.
7. You’ll probably think this is dumb but it’s so important – pencils. Yep, those number twos are still used by especially beginner genealogists who are keeping records as hard copies. A big eraser also goes a long way. Personally, I prefer to digitize but I understand not everyone does that. I also like engineering pencils as I don’t have the mess of a pencil sharpener and I can take them into archives that don’t allow pens with no issues of trying to find a sharpener.
8. Add to your Walmart cart the 15-Pack Blank Family Tree Charts. It’s a deal at only $14.99!
9. If your genealogist is into cemetery visits, create a cemetery to-go kit. Walmart even has an incomplete (IMHO) kit for $35.95. Add a bucket, a spray bottle, and some gardening shears to cut the grass/weeds around the stone. Include garden gloves and bug spray as well. If you want to go all out then also add a kneeler pad.
10. Your Time – seriously, just listen to what your family genealogist has discovered. Who knows, you might even get interested?!