Gift Ideas
50+ Best Gifts for History Buffs-The Complete Guide
Whether you have a favorite time period or know someone who likes history, we picked out the perfect gifts for history buffs.
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Now, I’m not a history buff, but there are so many fascinating tidbits throughout history that are great to highlight. I have a favorite time period, the 1970s of course, and various old-fashioned products I like, for example, typewriters and quill pens. Whether you have a favorite time period or know someone who likes history, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect gifts for history buffs in this list.
IN THIS POST
Art History Buffs
1. Gallery of ‘The Views of Ancient Rome’ Puzzle ($29.99)
Puzzles make great gifts, and they will be highly appreciated by any art history buff. It will definitely help if you know their favorite painting or artist. This one is of “The Views of Ancient Rome,” which is a beautiful painting. My favorite is a Monet puzzle, and “The Scream” is a great classic to gift as well!
2. ‘Cats in Art’ Notecard Box ($14.38)
For the lover of art, history, and cats, get them this cute “Cats in Art” notecard box. It has twenty cards and envelopes that have famous paintings reimagined with adorable cats. Honestly, this might be the best gift. You should just get this one.
3. Art that Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them ($24.49)
Books make great gifts, and this list has a lot of unique ones. This one is perfect for the art history buff who wants an opportunity to show off their knowledge of the classics.
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Masterpiece Paintings ($62.52)
There’s also this huge coffee table book with high-resolution pictures of 500 great paintings throughout history. This collection’s price is worth it, but there is also The Metropolitan Museum of Art Guide, which includes just as many gorgeous history photos.
5. Van Gogh Figurine ($29)
If your art history buff has everything, you could never go wrong with an adorable figurine. Van Gogh, with a removable ear, of course, comes with a mini easel and “Starry Night” with fun facts on it. Frida Kahlo is another great choice, complete with a monkey, a removable parrot, and a heart, along with an easel with facts as well. There are a couple of others, so browse for their favorite artist!
6. Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art ($15)
Foodies would love this, but history buffs would appreciate it much more. This modern art book lets you replicate art in the form of a cake, cookie, or other treats that inspired artists. If your history buff doesn’t have a sweet tooth, try A History of Food in 100 Recipes for a variety of food from ancient to modern times.
![Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art [A Baking Book]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41+ZTLbEZ2L._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
7. The Who, the What, and the When: 65 Artists Illustrate the Secret Sidekicks of History ($49)
An enjoyable book about the influences that various people had in famous artists’ lives. This will definitely be a great gift for history buffs that constantly want to know more about their favorite artists.
American History Buffs
8. The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem For The Country ($15.99)
After a historic year comes a great book by the youngest inaugural poet. Whether your history buff has watched it or not, they would love a copy of American history by the hand that wrote it.
9. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story ($14.52)
This is a different kind of history, seen through the eyes of a modern Native American family. This children’s book is best for the history buff’s bedtime story that includes various traditions through food. Make sure they have a snack before bed!
10. Martin Luther King Civil Rights March Photo ($12.95)
For those who love impactful and hopeful photos, this print would be a great addition to their home. This photo is a simple way to ensure your history buff is inspired every day.
11. They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America ($16.99)
History has many viewpoints, and it’s great to read them all. This book would be highly appreciated by the American history buff who wants a close recollection of a time before the New World.
12. We the People Earrings ($14.95)
And for the accessorizer, these earrings would be a great addition to their jewelry collection, and a great conversation starter. Or buy a classic Rosie the Riveter watch to show off who’s boss at any time of the day.
13. Alexander Hamilton ($14.99)
Whether your history buff watched Hamilton or loves him as much as Lin-Manuel Miranda does, this huge biography will leave no questions unanswered. This biography will have any reader in awe and appreciation.
14. WWII Poster Collage Puzzle ($17.99)
American history buffs love puzzles too! The World War II propaganda puzzle is a collage of posters that may bring back some memories and educate the younger generation on this era. There is also a “Votes for Women” edition that highlights the women that contributed to the suffrage movement in a beautiful, round puzzle.
15. Thomas Jefferson Puppet and Refrigerator Magnet ($8.99)
For the American History educator, these refrigerator magnets and puppets would be great to use in a classroom, or just to decorate the fridge. Various people include Benjamin Franklin, Malcolm X, Teddy Roosevelt, and Barack Obama.
16. African American Wall Art Décor ($18.95)
African American Wall Art Decor - Historic Jazz Music, Black History Photo Set - Gift for Music Fan, Musician - Black Culture - Iconic Home Decoration Pictures17. Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights ($39.99)
If your American history buff doesn’t have a full print of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, are they even a real American history buff?
18. Novelty President Socks ($13.99)
If they are a real history buff, then they should be rewarded with these fun novelty socks. They include the Founding Fathers as well as JFK, Abraham Lincoln, and Queen Elizabeth… for reasons I am not too sure of. But these socks would be a great conversation starter at any event.
19. Presidential Slogan Mug ($15.95)
This slogan mug is a great gift for those who love presidential speeches and phrases. The all-around witty messages will definitely be a huge favorite. This includes 29 campaign slogans with both liberal and conservative quotes.
20. SR-71 Blackbird Model Airplane ($6.95)
For those who love model airplanes, this classic SR-17 Blackbird is sure to be treasured. It is easy to assemble and doesn’t need tools to build it. Great for those who already love model airplanes or for anyone looking for a new hobby!
World History Buffs
21. LEGO Architecture Great Wall of China ($199.99)
Maybe Legos are a better building hobby. These are great for the world history buff who loves architecture. So much can be learned by the structures of Sydney or Dubai.
22. Histomap of World Ancient Civilizations Timeline ($48.21)
So much has happened throughout history that it’s hard to keep track sometimes. This histomap is a great tool for those who want to know what happened all over the world at any given time.
23. 1000 Events That Shaped the World ($74)
This is a great book for anybody, but it’s a special gift for history buffs that love world impacts. Much like the histomap, it shows events happening at the same time, so it will be a great read. This includes tidbits, like how the bow and arrow were developed around 5,000 years before pottery. Mind-blowing!
24. A History of the World in 6 Glasses ($9.99)
This book only goes through six drinks, but it similarly shows their impact on the world. It describes six eras and how they expanded civilizations and birthed cities. Interesting what a drink could do!
25. History of the World Board Game ($33)
History nerds will appreciate this game more than others, but it is still enjoyable for everyone. It’s all based on strategy, so watch out if you’re competitive!
26. Chronology – The Game Where You Make History ($19.99)
Here is another popular game for those who think they remember dates well. Challenge yourself and others at guessing who or what came first. For example, do you know which came first: the invention of mayonnaise or decaffeinated coffee?
Ancient/Vintage History Buffs
27. Vintage Tapestry of Old Aged Map of the World ($19.95)
Tapestries are amazing because they can be wall décor or a fancy throw. This one is of old maps of the world, and it could be hung in the living room or the office. This fabric will bring any room together, especially if there are many books!
28. Tokyo Vintage Map Poster ($34.97)
This poster with a vintage map of Tokyo may be their flavor. If they’re a traveler, get a couple of posters with their favorite cities. I know they would appreciate it!
29. YTC Aztec Eagle Warrior Figurine ($32)
I think the Aztecs were my favorite ancient civilization. This figurine of a skeleton eagle warrior would be a great gift, along with these coasters of gods and warriors and a figurine head of Emperor Montezuma.
30. Tutankhamun Sarcophagus With Mummy Figurine ($16.99)
My sister has this sarcophagus and mummy figurine. I was creeped out at first, but she loves it, so I know ancient Egyptian lovers would enjoy this. It’s honestly adorable.
31. The Great Pyramid of Khufu Sculpture ($32.99)
My sister also has this sculpture, and it is great for holding little rings or as a centerpiece. I don’t know why she didn’t buy multiple and create a little model of Egypt. Maybe you can suggest the idea to your history buff!
32. Aristotle and Homer Bust Bookends ($69.99)
Bookends are my favorite library accessory, and I think these are great. They are very sturdy and will complete your shelves.
33. Viking Drinking Horn Mug ($48.87)
If you’re looking for man cave gifts that really raise the bar, this is a fantastic idea. Clearly, every man cave needs a Viking drinking horn.
It’s awesome looking and will have everyone talking about it and it even looks just as cool as a display piece!
34. ‘If Anyone Khan, Genghis Khan’ Mug ($19.99)
I love anything that is punny, and this mug is by far one of my favorites.
35. Disappearing Dino Mug ($14.95)
If you like a little dark humor, this disappearing dinosaur mug is your cup of tea. The dinos disappear when hot liquid is in the mug and they turn into skeletons. Poor dinos.
36. Miniature Chinese-Style Ancient Town ($77.99)
This is another gift for history buffs that also love architecture or building things. This highly detailed miniature Chinese town is great for those who are into the everyday life of ancient times. It also has an adorable music box!
Entertainment History Buffs
37. Daytona NASCAR Stadium Poster ($59.99)
Sports posters are great for those who love historical sports moments. Get them this Daytona Speedway poster or a poster of the evolution of baseball.
38. The Encyclopedia of Punk ($32.99)
If your history buff is a music aficionado, get them the Encyclopedia of Punk. Whether they like punk or not, it is probably the best book that illustrates its movement. If not, 1000 Record Covers is a great little book with a huge variety of covers. It’s my favorite music collection.
![1000 Record Covers[1000 RECORD COVERS][Hardcover]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516rFaJeLwL._SX283_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
39. The Complete Front Pages 1851-2009 ($16)
This very interesting book is a fascinating choice for those who are interested in what the media was like before social media. This collection by the New York Times lets you see the evolution of journalistic reporting.
40. Calligraphy Pens Set ($32.99)
You should’ve seen this coming. Quill pens are my favorite old-school object, and this kit even has wax so you can seal your handwritten letters. If that’s too much, there is another set of just quill and ink, but the wax is worth the trouble; I promise!
41. I Love It When You Talk Retro ($23.99)
This is my favorite book on this list. It’s perfect for those of you who love old lingo and retro terms. In this book, you will learn various words and what their origins are. Some came from very old radio shows that no longer exist, and the word “doofus” came from Popeye. Ya dig?
General History Buffs
42. Funko Pop! Albert Einstein ($10.99)
Whether your person likes Funko Pops or not, these are cute ones to decorate their office with. There are Pops of all kinds, so if your person does not particularly love Albert Einstein or Benjamin Franklin, there are many others that will make great gifts for history buffs.
43. David Sculpture Display ($12.99)
We love a multipurpose object. This David sculpture can be a desk decoration, pen holder, or makeup holder. There is also a Julius Caesar desk accessory where you can stab, I mean, place pencils in his back.
44. Mistakes That Worked ($10.57)
This book is a great gag gift for your history buff.It is for children, but it would still be a great option for others since it is informative. These stories make great trivia facts too!
45. The Greatest Stories Never Told: 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy ($12.69)
And for the adult version, this book describes various events and includes maps, drawings, and photographs. You’ll be dragged into this book just like late-night Wikipedia reads. There is also an edition specific to music stories if that’s your preference.
46. A Gleefully Grim Chronicle of Misfortune, Mayhem, and Misery for Every Day of the Year ($12.99)
For other kinds of stories, like lost fortunes, misfortunes, and lots of bad luck, try this Bad Days in History book. Did you know that there was an Apple investor who pulled out in 1977 and missed out on billions of dollars? Oof.
47. Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit ($18.99)
48. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind ($17.89)
This is a hugely popular book about the history of creation and evolution. It’s great for those who love human history and development.
49. 2021 This Day In History Daily Calendar ($14.99)
This daily calendar is a fantastic choice for those who constantly need a dose of history. Trivia fans would love this as well. There is also Children of the Days, which is a daily factoid collection that speaks on history from a personal recollection and a history we don’t always hear about.
50. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women ($16.10)
A gorgeous collection for young readers, this book explores a group of women from all over history that will inspire generations. You’ll want to purchase the collection after you see this!
51. Tree of Life Biology Chart ($7.99)
Finally, this tree of life may spark a deep memory for some, if we have all had the same science classes. This is great for a classroom, or just to have various life conversations over.
I hope this list helped you find something for your favorite history buff. I know I have a couple of things to purchase for myself! It seems that staying historically aware can have a positive influence on the future. So get out there and get one of these gifts for your favorite history buff!
That’s a wrap. This post was all about gifts for history buffs. Are you one? Let us know in the comments. Also, share the love on social media.
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