The patience of the genealogist is something to admire. They undertake years of careful research, type it all up, add in the many preserved precious family photos collected from aunts and uncles near and far, and print it all out to share with others. So how do you reward this kind of dedication from which the entire family reaps the rewards?

Christmas is here, so why not consider gifts of a genealogical persuasion. But what do you get a genealogist, you ask? What about a subscription to an online database for more researching, or perhaps some updated software for keeping the research organized? The list can go on and on.

A more far-fetched idea might be to look into DNA research that is now widely available to family historians, or just individuals curious about what might turn up from a simple swab of the cheek. There are a number of online services that offer DNA tracing for those who want to dig deeper into genetic genealogy.                                                                            
If something more practical is what you had in mind, consider a digital camera or scanner, two tools that any genealogist would be happy to have. Preservation materials that are acid-free and archival-safe, are also highly desirable.

Whatever you decide to place under the tree for the genealogist in your family, you and future generations will be sure to benefit.