25 must-have gift ideas for the history buff in your life to fit your pocket
On the hunt for the perfect gift for the history-loving people in your life? Then you’ve come to the right place. We have a range of books, trinkets, experiences and more to recommend you. Regardless of how deep your pockets go, you’ll find something here to make them smile when they unwrap their presents this year. And, of course, you could always consider a subscription to your favourite history magazine as an option… Find the latest deals at MagazinesDirect.com.
Under £15
Rosetta Stone Chocolates
You can eat a little bit of history with these fun milk chocolate treats. Shaped like the famous Rosetta Stone, they are exclusive to the British Museum.
A Dictionary of Naval Slang by Gerald O’Driscoll
This repackaged printing of a 1943 compendium of Royal Navy terms is ideal for the maritime historian in your circle, especially if they have a good sense of humour.
Cleopatra’s Curse: Escape Room Game
Enjoy all the challenges of an escape room in the comfort of your home with this history-themed puzzle game. Suitable for one or more players ages 12 and up, it will test your logical mind and demand quick thinking.
The Jane Austen Insult Guide for Well-Bred Women: Serving Tea with a Side Of Scorn by Emily Reed
In polite society you need to be careful about how you throw shade. Thankfully, Jane Austen offers plenty of examples of how a sharp wit can be turned on those you need to put down a peg or two, as this hilarious book proves.
Bastet Cat Soft Toy
A perfect gift for the cat-worshipping Egyptologist in your life, this wonderfully detailed plush of Bastet is 20cm x 15cm in size. It may not help in contacting Ra, but you can cuddle up with it pretty well.
Cutty Sark Brass Star Decoration
Made from reclaimed brass from the Cutty Sark itself (from its restoration in 2006-2012), this is a wonderful piece of history to present as a gift. In fact, Royal Museums Greenwich has a collection of brass items to pick from including more decorations and jewellery.
£16 to £25
Shakespeare 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
This 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle features depictions of some of the Bard’s most beloved works. From Romeo & Juliet to Macbeth, this is a beautifully illustrated puzzle that should prove to be a real challenge.
Leonardo da Vinci Mini Catapult Kit
We love a wooden puzzle construction kit and this is a pretty fun one. It’s a recreation of a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Even this small version can allegedly send projectiles up to 10 metres! Suitable for ages eight and up.
Kings & Queens of England Bone China Mug
This wonderfully illustrated mug features every king and queen of England from 1066 to the present. There are some amusing little references in the illustrations too for you to enjoy.
The Book of the Dead in 1000 Pieces: An Ancient Egyptian Jigsaw Puzzle
This gorgeously illustrated jigsaw puzzle featuring recreations of scenes from the Book of the Dead includes a fold-out guide to the Ancient Egyptian document.
Tower of London Axe Mug
This tall mug pays tribute to the iconic Tower of London and some of its dark history in one ceramic form. We really love the details in the design and the overall form.
The Lost Mary: Rediscovering the Mother of Jesus by James D Tabor
What do we really know about the mother of Jesus? Can we trace her history? And after her miraculous birth, is there any indication of what she did next? Celebrated historian James D Tabor offers his expert insight in this fascinating book.
Lindau Gospels Lined Notebook
Styled after the famous Lindau Gospels, produced in Salzburg between 750 and 800 CE, this notebook is ideal for someone looking to add a little extra majesty to their note-taking.
Henry VIII Knight’s armour apron
Become the undisputed king of the kitchen with this snazzy little number. This design is inspired by the 1540 set of armour made for Henry VIII on display at the Tower of London.
Elizabeth I Collectable Figure
This very fun miniature of Elizabeth I is ideal for the Tudor historian who needs a splash of fun and colour on their bookshelf. There are a bunch of other fun designs available too, including Shakespeare, Elizabeth II and Frida Kahlo.
The Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold
Following the success of her previous book, The Five, Rubenhold delivers and page-turning new book that is equal parts history and true crime investigation. Learn about the women who brought a notorious murderer to justice.
An Accidental History of Tudor England by Steven Gunn and Tomasz Gromelski
Get a look at a different side of Tudor life in this book that uses coroners’ reports from the era to paint a picture of England outside of the royal courts and palaces of the country.
£30 to £50
Cat Tales: A History by Jerry Moore
The ideal book of history for any cat lover, track the improbable relationship between feline and human, from the ancient world to now. How did we go from fearsome wild cats to purring pets?
Repast: The Story of Food by Jenny Linford
Through objects found in the British Museum, Linford takes you on a tour of eating, cooking, drinking and more in this fascinating book. From street foods to banquets, there’s so much to learn.
Roman Shield Tankard
Bringing together classic designs of a Roman shield and gladius, but arranged into classic tankard, this is a wonderful find. We particularly like the armoured handle design.
The Library of Lost Maps by James Cheshire
From great discoveries to terrible atrocities, maps are responsible for more than you might think. This book, based on an overlooked archive of incredible maps, brings history and cartography together in a wonderful way.
Anno 117: Pax Romana (From 13 November 2025)
This new strategy game is the eighth instalment of the Anno series and puts the future of the Roman Empire in your hands. Build new cities, expand your influence through diplomacy, trade and military might, and much more. Available on PC, PS5 and Xbox.
Over £50
Christmas Jumper, Socks & Bauble Gift Set
A one-stop bit of shopping for the military history fan in your life, this fun bundle includes a jumper, socks and bauble all featuring a festive design. A very nice little package.
National Trust Membership
When someone tells you they have too much ‘stuff’ already to tell you what they want as a gift, then a National Trust membership seems like a smart move. It offers access to all sorts of historical houses, castles, free parking and more.
Chalke History Festival Early Bird Tickets
Rather buying a gift for now, how about something to look forward to in the New Year? Chalke History Festival tickets are available already with early bird discounts (as well as additional concessions for students) and it’s always a fun time.
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