27 Christmas gift ideas for history lovers
Need some inspiration for what to gift history-obsessed loved ones this Christmas? We’ve rounded up 20 of the best history presents on offer, from stocking fillers to big-ticket items
If you’re still looking for presents to put under the Christmas tree this year, we’ve compiled 27 of the best gifts on offer for history lovers. From presents tailored to Tudor aficionados to military history enthusiasts, there’s something here for everyone – and for every budget.
And, if you’re keen to add to your reading list over the festive period, check out our roundup of the best history books of 2023.
Stocking fillers
Historical desk calendar
We all ‘remember, remember the fifth of November’ – but what about the other 364 days of the year? Learn fascinating facts from years gone by with this informative and entertaining historical desk calendar.
Buy now from the calendar club
Roman rubber duck
Bring a splash of ancient history to bath time, with this duck decked out as a Roman soldier. To ensure historical accuracy, the costume was designed with the input of British Museum curators.
Buy now from the British Museum
Stonehenge socks
Featuring sheep grazing around the iconic structures of Stonehenge, this eye-catching sock design makes an excellent stocking stuffer for ancient history fans.
Tudor bookmarks
Don’t lose your head over these delightful bookmarks, dedicated to some of the most iconic figures of the Tudor court. Featuring eye-catching portraits as well as concise timelines, this bookmark bundle is sure to appeal to fans of Hilary Mantel or Philippa Gregory.
Writers mug
Do you know your Shelley from your Shakespeare? This charmingly illustrated mug celebrates some of history’s most iconic writers, and their beloved characters.
Viking rune wax seal set
To give your letters the Viking stamp of approval, invest in this wax seal kit featuring a variety of Norse-inspired designs, from the Tree of Life to Odin’s hammer.
Fashion & accessories
Spitfire jumper
After all, what better says Christmas than Santa in a spitfire? This recycled cotton jumper from Imperial War Museum will keep WW2 fans cosy this winter.
Ancient Greek horse necklace
This striking bronze pendant necklace is inspired by ancient Greek depictions of horses – creatures that were renowned as symbols of humanity’s skill at harnessing the power of animals.
Buy now from the British Museum
Anne Boleyn ‘B’ purse
Anne Boleyn’s initial pendant is one of the most iconic fashion choices in history – and is cleverly reimagined atop this sumptuous velvet purse.
Buy now from Historic Royal Palaces
Greek mythology pins
Dress like a god or goddess with these heavenly enamel accessories, inspired by the exploits of some of the iconic figures of ancient Greece such as Achilles and Athena.
Buy now from the Literary Emporium
Decorations & homeware
Elizabethan scented candle
Through this unique scented candle, created in collaboration with Tudor historian Joanne Paul, you can inhale the floral aromas of a private garden created in 1575 for the ‘Virgin Queen’ by her close favourite, Robert Dudley.
Roman skyline tealight holder
Marvel at the flickering shadows of the Colosseum and the Pantheon once you light this tealight holder, with a design inspired by some of the most iconic structures and stories of ancient Rome.
British monarchy tea towel
From William the Conqueror right up to King Charles III, this screen-printed cotton tea towel brings together all the men and women who have ruled over the nation since 1066. Featuring colourful illustrations, it also includes reigning dates for each monarch.
Buy now from Royal Museums Greenwich
4,000 years of history map
For big-picture historical thinkers, this map detailing 4,000 years of history around the world is a must-buy item.
Ammonite lamp
Light up your surroundings with this striking ammonite fossil lamp, designed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum. Intended to reflect the powerful history of the British coastline, this porcelain lamp is a welcome addition to any home.
Ancient Egyptian cat decoration
This felt decoration – inspired by a sacred ancient Egyptian bronze cat statue – would be the purr-fect addition to any Christmas tree.
Buy now from the British Museum
Henry VIII & six wives decorations
Stage a festive family reunion with a difference, with this splendid satin decoration set from Historic Royal Palace that reconnects Henry VIII and his six brides.
Buy now from Historic Royal Palaces
Cutty Sark decoration
This embroidered decoration of the Cutty Sark – a Victorian tea clipper that was famed for its speed – is sure to sail onto Christmas lists of naval history fans.
Buy now from Royal Museums Greenwich
Family history
Personal coat of arms
If you’re keen to dig into your own roots, this deep dive into your surname is a perfect way to start. You’ll receive a print chronicling the adventures of some of those who have held your family name over the centuries, as well as a personalised family crest.
History of your house
If you know someone whose Victorian terrace or medieval cottage is their pride and joy, you can share the history of their home with this thoughtful gift. Including the exploits of former residents and the history of the nearby area, the research is attractively presented in a newspaper-style print.
Buy now from Not On The Highstreet
Subscriptions
Historical fiction book box subscription
Treat a bookworm in your life with this box of four carefully chosen historical fiction titles, delivered straight to their home. You can surprise them with a one-off delivery – or, if you’d like to keep the Christmas spirit going, you can choose a monthly subscription.
BBC History Magazine & HistoryExtra subscription
Elevate your holiday season or surprise a loved one with a subscription to BBC History Magazine and receive a signed copy of a book of your choice worth up to £30*.
Get David Mitchell’s UNRULY and explore how England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits. Or opt for Mary Beard's Emperor of Rome, where Beard asks: What power did emperors actually have? Was the Roman palace really so bloodstained?
And if those aren’t your cup of tea, we also have other books on offer too: view more books and offer details.
Plus, as a magazine subscriber, you'll also unlock FREE MEMBERSHIP to historyextra.com, your ultimate online resource for history enthusiasts. Dive into thousands of features, snag special edition magazines, and indulge in the HistoryExtra podcast without any annoying ads. We will also send you a specially created monthly email with what’s coming in your next issue and subscriber treats!
Historical recipes subscription
Do you like to dine like George Washington? With this unique subscription service bringing replicas of handwritten recipes from times gone by to your doorstep, you can recreate some of the meals beloved by key historical figures.
Food and drink
Crusader tankard
Sup in style with this tankard inspired by the helmet of a mighty Crusading warrior. Featuring a chainmail handle and fearsome painted faceplate, it’s sure to get people talking at the dinner table.
Buy now from Historic Royal Palaces
Boston Tea Party sampler
2023 marks 250 years since an American mob dumped 46 tonnes of tea into Boston harbour – and now, you can conjure up the taste of this momentous episode by brewing five teas beloved by colonialists, such as bohea and congou.
Luxury
Spitfire propeller pen
Military history buffs can hold a piece of history, with this pen fashioned from WW2 Spitfire propeller blades. Accompanied with a certificate of authenticity, this big-ticket gift would be a lifelong treasure.
Natural History Museum LEGO set
If a trip to London to visit the Natural History Museum isn’t on the cards this festive period, you can bring the institution to you. Featuring displays such as a dinosaur skeleton and replica solar system, this new 4,000-piece set from LEGO promises hours of entertainment.
*New UK customers only. Offer ends 21st December 2023. Pay £39.99 every 13 issues. Offer via Direct Debit and Continuous Credit Card. Continuous Credit Card payments will auto-renew. Cancel at any time. Choice of book is subject to availability and while stocks last; we reserve the right to fulfil all subsequent orders with a product of equal value. Please allow up to four weeks for delivery.
Authors
A former BBC History Magazine section editor, Rhiannon has long been fascinated by history and continues to write for HistoryExtra.com. She has appeared on the award-winning HistoryExtra podcast, interviewing experts on a variety of subjects, from Lucy Worsley discussing Agatha Christie to Sir Ranulph Fiennes on the perils of polar exploration
Get exclusive access to Ruth Goodman’s six-week Academy course on Victorian Life, featuring two live Q&As + a book of your choice when you subscribe to BBC History Magazine
