Your loved one might love discovering the past, but that does not mean the gift you buy them should be dated or out of touch! There are a plethora of incredible gifts for history buffs of the world that manage to balance their nostalgic charm with modern needs and sensibilities, assuming you know where to look for them. Browse through the incredible history gifts we’ve accumulated below and take a journey through space and time to discover the ideal one for your unique historian. There’s no time machine needed for this trip through time, though – every gift can be found online right now!
Gifts for History Buffs
WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?
For fun and witty history gifts, you can not go wrong with this one-of-a-kind book! Written by Ben Sheehan, who is well educated in both politics and entertainment, this truly is a book like no other that’ll lead to a funny, while still educational guide to learning how our government works (or how it is supposed to work). Full of illustrations and graphs, this book is easy to understand, even by people who are not experts in the ways that the US government works. Thanks to it, readers will learn everything from the powers of the president to hidden, secret loopholes in our government.
The World’s Most Iconic Paintings
Transform any basic TV into a museum with the BillionDollarArtGallery! All you have to do is plug the device into a TV’s USB port, and it works on the video and photo display to show 500 of the most beautiful paintings in history. Viewers can also choose how long each painting displays on the television. All of these gorgeous art pieces lead the way for learning and spark a great conversation. History buffs will love to learn all about the artwork and artists from the captions on the videos, or download the free Kindle book that will give them all the information that they want.
History Timeline Map
A unique and fun way to improve someone’s history knowledge, the Histomaps is a reproduction of an antique map (including features to make it look old, such as stains, creases, and muddy spots). Large enough to display up to 4000 years of history – it shows different ways that cultures, ideologies, and more have changed and you can see how long they all lasted. This map makes it easy to understand history – especially the shifting empires, rulers, and beliefs. Over five feet long, they make for a great conversation starter in any home or office.
Civil War Miniature Naval Cannon
History buffs may have a specific part of history that they like learning about – ranging from ancient Egypt to the World Wars. One of the most popular areas of history for many people is the Civil War. If you are looking for a gift for someone who loves learning about this time period, look no further than the Denix replica mini cannon. This is an extremely detailed authentic reproduction of a cannon that would have been used in the Civil War era. Made out of metal with a wood carriage, it makes for a cool desk accessory that lasts for a long time. Bonus: This replica is completely put together already, so there is no assembly required.
The Game Where You Make History
A highly rated board game from Buffalo Games, Chronology is a fun way where players get to test their knowledge of history. Can you figure out if Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address first or if decaffeinated coffee was invented first? Your goal is to create an accurate timeline of historical events – and the better you are, the more cards you get. In the end, the first player to build a full and accurate timeline of ten cards wins! This game also has over 850 events for you to put into order, which makes it interesting no matter how many times you play!
Abraham Lincoln Scented Candle
Have you ever wondered what Honest Abe smelled like? If you have, this candle is perfect for you! While no one knows exactly how the 16th president smelled, JD and Kate Industries created this hand-poured candle that attempts to put a finger on exactly what his scent was. Made of soy wax blend, this candle is scented to smell like seasoned logs, wood smoke, and a touch of mustiness. Burning it will take your mindset right to a 19th-century log cabin. And if you love this candle, you can look out for other presidents in this line, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Barak Obama, and Ronald Reagan.
Hasegawa 1/48 P-40E Warhawk
For history buffs who also love the challenge of putting things together, look no further than this scale model of the P-40. This aircraft is the well-known airplane that flew across the skies during the time of the Pearl Harbor bombings. It looks just like the famous Flying Tiger planes and comes with a shark mouth nose. Crafty historians will enjoy assembling it together- it has p1 separate moving parts such as a rotating propeller, wheels, and a cockpit that can open or close. History heavyweights will also enjoy that it is detailed and at a scale of 1/48th of the original.
Funny History T-shirt
“That’s what I do. I read history and I know things.” If this sounds like someone you know, then you have found the perfect gift! These tee shirts can be purchased in men’s, women’s, or youth sizing, so no matter who your history buff is, it will be a perfect gift idea. With a selection of colors such as black, navy, asphalt, dark heather, and heather blue, this fun shirt will allow your loved one to show off their fun, nerdy side wherever they go – whether it is school, work, or the museum. Fans of this shirt also rave about how well-fitting it is and how soft it is.
Brass Ship History Sextant
An instrument that can measure an angle between any two objects, including celestial objects and the horizon, this Brass Sextant will win the heart of any history fan. Famous historical astronomers, such as Galileo, relied on sextants to track objects in the sky such as stars or meteors. Gifting a history buff with a sextant will make them feel like they are stepping back in time, and this high-quality brass one can actually be used. This sextant also comes in a hardwood box for safekeeping and any history collection
4D Cityscape History Time Puzzle
A puzzle, a history lesson, and a model replica all in one! This unique jigsaw puzzle allows people of all ages to build a 3D replica of the United States. The first level shows the country’s territorial expansion leading up to the 1900s. The second layer is a modern makeup of the United States. Finally, the last layer is full of 93 of the USA’s most famous buildings, monuments, and landmarks- such as Mount Rushmore and the St. Louis Arch. The puzzle also comes with a Time Poster that guides you through history as you build the country.
Goodnight Pioneer Wagon Twin Bed
Playing The Trail to Oregon is a fond memory for many a schoolchild, but the experience was certainly never a relaxing one. However, your loved one can now be brought back to the days of westward expansion without the stress of managing a wagon party. In the Wagon Bed, your history buff can imagine the adventure of traveling the trails in a horse-drawn wagon and be lulled to sleep by the image of calm prairie fields passing by. Complete with a sturdy bonnet, flip-down steps, and a built-in toy box for handy tool storage, this wagon is worthy of a true pioneer man or woman. The Wagon Bed requires only basic tools for construction and is strong enough for indoor and outdoor relaxation, allowing your loved one to play with their gift however best suits their old-fashioned sensibilities.
Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design
Understanding the history of technology is vital to building a better future. For the history buff that dreams of mastering sound design, this gift offers a valuable glance into the time of vinyl radios and the local radio. Hi-Fi is a book dedicated to the world of music, tracing the development of audio technology from the 1950’s all the way to the modern-day. Given the huge developments we’ve seen in tech in the last few decades, the knowledge contained within this book is vast and valuable. Help your history buff understand exactly where audio technology has come from – and the possibilities for where it might go next.
The World’s Most Historic and Significant Works
What propels some books to infamy while others are lost to the depths of time? Remarkable Books is an assessment of the literature that has endured and the stories behind them, the perfect gift for history buffs with their nose in the books. Literature has long served to shape and share specific ideals, and Remarkable Books brings together the stories behind 75 of the world’s most iconic, unforgettable works, including those so rare that your history buff might never have the chance to experience first hand. So, explore the libraries of history and discover the lore behind the lore in this unique encyclopedia!
This Day in History Boxed Calendar
History is littered with life-altering discoveries and events, so many that some of the most important can become overshadowed over time. The History Calendar, published by the History Channel, reminds history buffs that every day is filled with incredible accomplishments worth remembering. Every day in this tear-away calendar includes a description of one of the world’s most vital historical events that occurred on that very date, providing curious minds with 366 fascinating tidbits and facts that they might never have otherwise discovered. No work feeds a hunger for history quite like a History Channel product, making this calendar ideal for those obsessed with days past.
Declaration of Independence Wood Framed Poster
No document has shaped American history more so than the Declaration of Independence, and now, your favorite history buff can get their very own copy of the famous text! Admire the words of Thomas Jefferson and the Continental Congress in all their glory in the form of a poster, a laminated page, or a framed work of art for a touch of history that belongs right in your historian’s own home. You don’t need to steal this national treasure to impress your favorite history lover – this gift is available in nearly a dozen unique styles and sizes to ensure a perfect fit in every home.
1962 Volkswagen Microbus 1:24 Scale
A rearview mirror can be the ideal mirror to the past, depending on the vehicle it’s situated in. For many history buffs, the Volkswagen microbus is an iconic throwback to the groovy ’60s, and this 1:24 scale Franklin Mint model is just the piece to get your loved one’s nostalgia running. With functioning doors, windows, and seats, the Volkswagen microbus model captures the vintage vibes of this iconic vehicle. Remind your history lover of the vibrant days of Woodstock, civil rights, and psychedelia with the gift that pays homage to one of America’s most unforgettable decades.
T-Rex Skeleton 36″ Scale Replica Model
Despite countless appearances in film and television, the mighty tyrannosaurus has rarely been portrayed in all of its true horrific glory. However, your history buff can witness first-hand the mighty dinosaur as they construct the realistic T-Rex model and have their very own close encounter with the beast. Standing at 36-inches long and 18-inches tall, this scale model of history’s most terrifying dino is true to life, boasting 51 fossil pieces mimicking the skeleton of the real tyrannosaurus. The T-Rex Model can be constructed and reconstructed time and again, meaning this gift will continue to enrapture your history fan even beyond that first horrific build.
Rocky Mountain National Park Can Glass Set
Nature often holds the key to the past, offering us a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors centuries ago. The hand-printed set of can glasses is a testament to the vast wilderness, with each featuring a screen printing of the Rocky Mountains National Park topographic map on its surface. In this set, your history buff will receive 2 dishwashers safe 16-ounce glass cans, ideal for sharing a drink beneath the bright sun with a loved one or refreshing after a long day exploring the world. For the history lover with a passion for geography and nature, the can glass is a fantastic gift that reflects upon the true value of the natural world all around us.
4D New York City Skyline Time Puzzle
The unmistakable city that never sleeps, New York holds a special spot in the hearts of history lovers, serving as a port to welcome colonists to the new world and a vital center of power throughout much of recent time. The New York 4D Puzzle captures the bustling streets and the remarkable skyline of the iconic city, offering aspiring historians and geography buffs a thrilling look at how the urban center has blossomed over the years. Containing 900 pieces, the 4D cityscape puzzle is a gift that will occupy your history lover’s mind for weeks to come and stimulate their mind for years more.
World’s Smallest Gold Coin of Vijayanagar Empire
Great things come in small packages. While the world’s smallest Gold Coin might only be the size of a grain of rice, it stands for what was once a powerful civilization in India: the Vijayanagar Empire. History buffs will be moved by the story behind this incredible find as they are transported back 500 years in time to the banks of the River Tungabhadra where this exact currency was once used. Introduce your historian to a remarkable society whose legacy they can hold in the palm of their hand – with the gift Gold Coin, history truly does come to life.
The Voynich Manuscript
Every history lover knows that for every great civilization we study, another is lost to the depths of time. As a result, works like the Voynich Manuscript read more like an indecipherable riddle than a novel of any kind. Your history buff will be captured by the complex writings and intricate images contained within this mysterious work and will enjoy becoming lost in the strange pages of the Voynich MS. The mystery of this book is a wonderful gift for the person who desires to know it all, even what might be beyond our own comprehension. Do you have what it takes to decipher this complex riddle of a manuscript?
Titanic Building Block Kit
Despite its fateful journey having taken place over 100 years ago, the Titanic still lives on in the hearts of many history enthusiasts. With the boat long sunk, your history lover’s best bet to take in the massive form and gorgeous detailing of this star-crossed ship are in the form of the SuSenGo building kit. A detailed model of 1021 individual pieces, this huge set is an incredible reconstruction of history’s most famous ship. A history lover can remember the story of the Titanic and honor the lives lost when it sank as they recapture the memorable image of the gargantuan ship that could not be sunk. Detailed instructions spell out the entire construction process, making this history gift accessible to history enthusiasts of any model making skill level.
Wright Brothers Flyer Kite
Does your history lover have the skill to recreate what the Wright brothers accomplished a century ago? With a 46-inch wingspan, the Wright brothers flyer won’t actually take your loved one to the skies. But rest assured – this 3D replica of the original plane requires no pilot to impress. History buffs 8-years and older can relive history as they fly this true-to-life kite, demonstrating along the way the power of polyester, fiberglass, and a healthy dose of wind beneath the wings. Young historians can enjoy the great outdoors as they discover the incredible history of aviation with the right gift in hand – order a kitty hawk flyer and prepare for taking off!
Indiana Jones Golden Fertility Idol Bank
While Indiana Jones might not offer the most reliable look at the past, it’s undeniable that the popular franchise has sparked a number of history buffs‘ fascination with the world of archaeology. For the historian partial to the art and rituals that Mr. Jones himself explored, the Raiders of the Lost Ark coin bank makes for a memorable, high-quality gift. Although this idol is constructed of resin and paint rather than genuine gold, the wealth your loved one can amass in this unique coin bank is sure to make Harrison Ford himself jealous. Movie-goers with a passion for historical fiction will adore the attention to detail this fertility idol boasts, reflecting that in the well-known movie to a tee.
The Vitruvian Man Figma Action Figure
Da Vinci’s Vitruvian man is one of history’s most well-known works of art, but now, the work of art has come to life. A 3D model featuring four arms and four legs, artists, sculptors, and history buffs alike can appreciate the gift. With jointed limbs stable enough to be posed, your loved one can explore the full range of the ideal male body in a way Da Vinci could never have imagined. For fans of the famous artist and inventor, FREEing’s take on the iconic work of art is bold, innovative, and impossible to look away from. Whether a useful artist’s tool or decoration in a history lover’s living room, the action figure is designed to do the job perfectly.
Aedes-Ars Stonehenge Model Kit
All history buffs have at least heard of Stonehenge, the famous stones that stand proudly in the English countryside. But do they know how the monument once looked in its prime, centuries before being named a World Heritage Site? The Aedes and Ars Stonehenge model doesn’t just show your historian the ancient monument: it tasks them to construct those famous stone arches for themselves. Made of 121 pieces, this excellent Stonehenge model revives the long-lost form of the landmark, capturing the impressive size and structure of the work when it was first constructed. Standing upon an 11-inch by 11-inch square, this miniature Stonehenge isn’t nearly as difficult to build as the original and should fit nicely on a bookshelf or nightstand.
Medieval Knights Figurines
Armor-clad knights might be a thing of the past, but lucky for your history lover, that won’t stop them from manning an army of their own! In this European Knights gift set, your loved one will receive 12 3.5-inch knight figurines, each in a unique pose with their weapon of choice in hand. Capture the diversity in the knight’s barracks, ranging from distance fighters like crossbowmen to the classic selection of the sword and shield. History buffs obsessed with the dark ages can now set patrols around their entire house with this reliable legion on hand, proving the sun never truly sets on the dark ages.