40+ Thoughtful & Foolproof Gifts for History Lovers (That Will Stand the Test of Time!)

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

It can be daunting to find great gifts for history lovers. I mean, can any gift really compare with the past wonders of the world?

But before you stress out about the number of overwhelming options, know that you don’t necessarily need a time machine to secure the best gifts for history lovers… In fact, all you need is this article right here.

Whether you’re looking for unique presents for history lovers or funny history gifts, we’ve assembled the best gift ideas for history lovers below, from books and board games to neat home decor.

We hope you find it helpful!

Pin these ideas for later:


Best Last-Minute History Gifts from Amazon

Shopping last minute? We offer an extensive list of history gifts below, but If you’re looking for fun history themed gifts that will deliver promptly, here are some ideas for history gifts from Amazon that offer fast shipping:

Our Pick
This Awesome Book About Bad Days in History
$10.99

Chronicling hilariously bad days in history, this is the perfect book gift for history lovers who enjoy a bit of drama.

10/04/2024 07:49 am GMT
This Cool 'Day in History' Boxed Calendar

This thoughtful history gift allows the recipient to enjoy a little piece of history every day!

This Epic 'History of the World' Board Game
$49.99

If you're shopping for a history nerd who also loves board games, this super fun game centered around global conquest is a must-buy.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/04/2024 01:03 am GMT
This Super Fun Chronology Game
$19.99

This is a game where you literally "make history", so it's little surprise that it'd be a hit with any history buff.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/04/2024 07:39 pm GMT
This History Top Trumps Card Game Bundle

Top Trumps and history are a match made in heaven. This is definitely a geeky gift that any history buff would appreciate!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This Awesome Ides of March Pencil Holder
$24.99

This Julius Caesar pencil holder would make THE most epic gift for any fan of Roman history and/or Shakespeare's play. Et tu, Brute?

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/04/2024 06:18 am GMT
This Henry VIII Disappearing Coffee Mug
$19.95

This magical mug shows the faces of Henry VIII's (many) wives once it gets warm enough - a hilarious tribute to one of history's most notorious characters.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/04/2024 02:04 am GMT
This Fascinating Book About History's Unknown Chapters
$14.04

If you're shopping for a history buff who thinks they already know everything, this enthralling book about hidden chapters of history will be a great way to thrill them (and knock their ego down a few notches)!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/04/2024 07:18 am GMT
These Quirky Historical Socks
$13.99

These fun and colorful socks will allow your history buff to wear their nerdiness with pride.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/03/2024 05:24 am GMT
This Book Full of Historical Maps
$39.99

And if your history buff loves maps as much as they love history, this gorgeous book would make the perfect history-themed gift that they'll get use out of for years to come.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/03/2024 04:43 am GMT
This Geeky History-Themed T-Shirt
$19.99

Shopping for someone who is a proud and shameless history buff? This T-shirt will definitely help them flaunt their nerdy superpower.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/04/2024 09:28 pm GMT

Best Gifts for History Lovers Under $20

If you’re looking for great gifts for history lovers on a budget, you’re in luck! Because, while they may spend all their time poring over kings and extravagant castles, that doesn’t mean that’s what they’re expecting.

Whether you’re after gifts for ancient history lovers or gifts for medieval history lovers, here are some of our favorite gifts for history nerds under twenty dollars.


Family Name History

If you’re shopping for someone who loves history and especially loves learning the history of their family (there are plenty of those kinds of people out there), then this is probably one of the best gifts you can get them!

This awesome family name history is a great gift they’ll love showing off in their home. You can select the border color, and you just have to input the name. Then a framed picture with the family crest and information on its origin will be sent your way.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via SurnamePro on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

1899 Clans of Scotland Map Print

Maybe you’re shopping for someone who’s particularly interested in Scottish (or maybe just general UK) history. Or maybe you’re shopping for someone who loves maps. Regardless, this is perfect. Because I’d imagine history and maps go hand in hand.

This great 1899 clans of Scotland map print is a truly unique gift they’re sure to appreciate! You can select the size. It looks like a real, aging map, and it details all the different clans that comprised Scotland. Few gifts teleport you to the past like this!

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via FatFrogPrints on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

History Buff Mug

Looking for some funny history gifts? Well, if you’re shopping for someone who’s a certified history buff, then this is going to be their favorite coffee mug. And, honestly, this kind of thing is probably the best way for them to set the tone in the morning. It could be a confidence booster!

This great history buff mug is pretty hilarious. It’s particularly great if they like US history (Teddy Roosevelt in particular). It has the words history buff and a shirtless, ripped Roosevelt on it. You can choose the design color and the size.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via FacultyLoungers on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

When Hitler Took Cocaine and Lenin Lost His Brain

If you’re shopping for a history buff who thinks they know everything there is to know about history, then this is a great gift to get them. Because it’ll illustrate that there’s plenty that’s omitted in our textbooks. And, hopefully, it’ll humble them some.

This great book entitled When Hitler Took Cocaine and Lenin Lost His Brain by Giles Milton is sure to be appreciated by any history buff. It’s accessible, fun, and details all of the lesser-known historical facts that have been, for one reason or another, elided.

Click here to check prices and reviews.


Best Gifts for History Lovers Under $50

So none of the gifts for history lovers we’ve listed so far have done it for you. We get it. Great gifts for history lovers have to rival the great wonders of the world. And that’s no easy task.

So, from Amazon gifts for history buffs to Etsy gifts for history buffs, we’ve excavated the very best optionms for you from twenty bucks to fifty.


Genuine Roman Coin

This is a great gift that pretty much any history buff would love to get their hands on. Because, let’s be honest, there isn’t a history lover that doesn’t (in some capacity) turn their home into their own makeshift museum.

This great genuine Roman coin is probably one of the coolest gifts because it’s a literal piece of history. Which, you know, is as good as it gets. It’s been vetted for authenticity. It includes a glass and leather display case and six information cards.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via HistoryHoard on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Genuine Civil War Bullet

This is, again, the kind of gift any history lover would die to get their hands on. And, I guess, picking between these things just depends on what they’re more interested in. But, if they’re interested in the Civil War, you can’t miss with this one!

This amazing genuine Civil War bullet is a great piece of American history that they can finally own. It’s vetted for authenticity, and it dates back to the 1860s. It comes with a glass and leather display case, information cards, and a certificate of authenticity.

Click here to check price sand reviews.

Photo via HistoryHoard on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Celestial Desktop Timekeepers

If you’re shopping for someone who spends a lot of time at their desk—regardless of whether the desk is at home or at the office, and regardless of whether that time’s spent for work or for leisure—this is the perfect desktop ornament to get them!

These celestial desktop timekeepers come with options. Choose between an Astronomical Ring Dial that’s modeled after its 17th-century iteration or the Nocturlabe modeled on its 16th-century artifact. They’re brass dipped, and sure to guide them safely!

Click here to check prices and reviews.


Lucky Elephants Tusk Ivory Sculpture

This is a great gift that’s different than the other, Euro-centric gifts that are often represented on these lists. Because history extends beyond that. So, if you’re looking for something different, this is a beautiful piece that is sure to be appreciated!

This awesome lucky elephant’s tusk ivory sculpture is sure to be appreciated by people who are into this kind of history. The idyllic image of a family of elephants enjoying shade beneath a tree make this a great gift for families, too.

Click here to check prices and reviews.


Best Gifts for History Lovers Under $100

With a slightly bigger budget, there’s no shortage of good history gifts at your disposal… so, from the best history gifts for him to the best history gifts for women, here are some more awesome options.


Authentic Holy Land Clay Oil Lamps

This is a great present, particularly for those who love ancient history. And, honestly, these kinds of artifacts are a great reminder of where civilization incubated and was born. Because, oftentimes, we have a tendency to forget where it all began.

These great authentic holy land clay oil lamps date back to the 4th-7th century. They’re truly special artifacts. Each lamp is mounted on a walnut display base. These are particularly perfect gifts for Middle Eastern history lovers.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via ArtifactsAndJewelry on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Medieval Coin Collection

If you’re shopping for the perfect present for a medieval history lover, then look no further. These are the kinds of gifts they’ll probably love to show off to every guest, however, so prepare yourself for enduring that.

This great medieval coin collection comes with three different types of medieval currency. They date back from the High to the Late Middle Ages (1000-1500 AD for the uninitiated). You’ll probably get bonus points for speaking in their jargon, too.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via HistoryHoard on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Funny Medieval Bayeux Tapestry

This is a great gift that would be perfect for the right kind of history lover. Though it should be noted that you should ensure that you have this kind of relationship with them before making the purchase. But, if you do, they’ll definitely get a kick out of it!

This great and funny medieval Bayeux tapestry is one they’ll probably laugh at every time they see it. It has a, uh, old English compliment: Thine ass is thick. Which is referring to the donkey, obviously. Get your head out of the gutter.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via LookAtTheseTees on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Compendium Desktop Ornament

If you’re shopping for someone who spends all their time at their desk—regardless whether it’s for work or pleasure, and regardless of whether it’s at home or at the office—then this is the kind of gift that’ll really tie the aesthetic together for them.

This awesome compendium desktop ornament is sure to take front-and-center stage on their desktop. It’s modeled after an antique scientific instrument. It’s brass, and it contains a working sundial and compass. Though it may be impractical at an office.

Click here to check prices and reviews. 


Best Gifts for History Lovers Over $100

So you’re still looking for the best history presents for history nerds…

Well, here are some pricier but more than worth it history gifts for you to consider.


New York Times Custom Birthday Book with Magnifying Glass

This is a great gift that’s particularly good if you’re shopping for someone’s birthday.  But, honestly, history lovers would love to get this regardless of what day it is. It’ll make them feel like they belong in the history books they peruse so often.

This awesome New York Times custom birthday book with a magnifying glass is truly a unique history present for history lovers. You provide their birthday, and a personalized book comes with headlines from each birthday since the day of their birth!

Click here to check prices and reviews.


Mini Personal Natural History Museum

This is one of the coolest gifts you can get a history lover. Because, as you probably know (and have been dragged along to), they love museums. And this is a great way for them to feel like the curator of their very own museum (that’ll hopefully spare you).

This great mini personal natural history museum is particularly good if they like, well, natural history. It comes with 33 different artifacts, from Egyptian mummy wrap to dinosaur dung. There’s no better representation of the earth’s history than this!

Click here to check prices and reviews.


Spear Point Arrowhead Knife

America has a history that far outstrips the country’s foundation. And, unfortunately, this kind of thing is often glossed over and forgotten. However, there are some folks who love it, and this is the kind of gift they would absolutely adore.

This great spear point arrowhead knife is sure to be appreciated by anyone interested in Native American culture. It comes mounted on a wooden board, ready to be displayed.

Click here to check prices and reviews.

Photo via PlantationAntiques on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Antique Decorative Camera Bookends

What history lover doesn’t have a book collection? It’s pretty much a pre-requisite that anyone serious about learning this kind of thing probably has devoted a fair amount of time to reading and compiling a collection of (arduous) books.

That’s what makes these antique decorative camera bookends so great—they’re a piece of history to bookend the source of their history knowledge. These original black Argus C3 cameras look great and are perfect for anyone who loves all things vintage.

Click here to check prices and reviews. 

Photo via LightAndTimeArt on Etsy. Click here to browse their shop!

Hopefully our list helped you find the gift for history lovers you were looking for!

We’re convinced that we’ve given you a great and varied list of the absolute best history lovers’ presents available. But, if somehow we didn’t find exactly what you were looking for, hopefully we at least pointed you in the right direction!

We understand this isn’t a decision you want to make lightly. And, more importantly, we understand that history has a habit of repeating itself. So, for your sake, it’s important to set a good precedent here—because you don’t want to fall into a cycle.

Leave a Comment