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It’s a unique and deeply personal gift that reveals where we come from, the lives of our ancestors, and the stories that shape our present.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful and meaningful present, gifting a professionally researched family tree could be the perfect way to honour your loved one’s heritage and bring a sense of wonder to the holiday season.
Here’s how to gift a family tree that’s as accurate as it is heartfelt.
1. Choose a Professional Genealogist
A professionally researched family tree ensures accuracy, depth, and the expertise to uncover fascinating family histories. While some people attempt to build family trees on their own, a skilled genealogist has access to extensive records and resources, including birth and marriage records, census data, immigration logs, and even international archives.
When choosing a professional, look for:
Experience and Credentials: Professional genealogists are often members of respected organisations, such as the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) or the Society of Genealogists in the UK. These memberships show a commitment to quality and ethics in genealogical research.
Specialisations: Some genealogists specialise in certain regions or historical periods, which can be helpful if your family has roots in specific countries or eras.
Client Testimonials and Reviews: Look for feedback from past clients. A good genealogist will have testimonials that highlight their dedication, thoroughness, and insight.
2. Set Your Research Goals
Different family trees can focus on various aspects of family history, so consider what your loved one might appreciate the most:
Direct Lineage: A family tree tracing a single line, often through paternal or maternal ancestors, is ideal if your loved one is interested in a specific surname or heritage line.
Full Family Tree: This option branches out widely, exploring both maternal and paternal sides and including multiple generations. It’s a comprehensive way to see the full family history.
Themed Research: Some genealogists offer specific types of research, such as military records, immigration history, or even DNA analysis to reveal ancestral origins.
Deciding on a focus helps your genealogist plan their research and uncover details that will be especially meaningful to the recipient.
3. Plan for Time
A quality family tree requires time and patience. For an in-depth research project, it’s ideal to start planning several months in advance. Genealogists need time to review records, investigate archives, and sometimes request documents from foreign institutions. While some basic family trees can be completed in a few weeks, a detailed multi-generational research project may take longer.
If you’re gifting the tree for Christmas and are working on a tight timeline, consider giving a “preview” gift. Present your loved one with a beautifully designed certificate or a booklet outlining the initial findings, with the promise of a complete family tree once research is finished. This approach adds excitement and anticipation, making the eventual family tree reveal even more special.
4. Consider Additional Services
Many genealogists offer additional services to enrich the family tree gift:
Family History Books: Some genealogists compile their findings into a beautifully bound family history book, complete with historical context, images, and even maps of ancestral homelands.
Digital Family Trees: A digital version can be accessed and shared easily, especially if family members live in different locations. Many genealogists provide options for digital, interactive family trees that include photographs, stories, and documents.
DNA Testing: Pairing genealogical research with DNA testing can offer even more insights, revealing ethnic origins and even connecting with distant relatives. If your recipient is open to it, consider adding a DNA test kit from a reputable company like AncestryDNA or 23andMe.
5. Add Personalised Elements
A family tree is not just about dates and names; it’s about bringing family history to life. Here are some ways to personalise the gift and make it meaningful:
Stories and Anecdotes: If the genealogist uncovers stories about specific ancestors—perhaps a family member who served in the war or one who emigrated from another country—include these details to add depth.
Old Photographs: If you have any old family photographs, consider integrating them into the family tree presentation. Many genealogists can enhance or restore photographs, adding a lovely visual dimension.
Historical Context: Including historical context, such as what life was like in an ancestor’s homeland or the historical events they lived through, adds richness to their story. This context can deepen the appreciation of their lives and times.
6. Select a Presentation Style
The final presentation of the family tree is what your loved one will treasure and perhaps display for years to come. Here are some popular ways to present a family tree:
Framed Family Tree: For a traditional and elegant option, have the family tree printed on high-quality paper and framed. Many genealogists offer artistic options with custom designs and hand-drawn elements.
Ancestral Book: A professionally bound family history book makes a wonderful keepsake. This option is ideal if you’re including in-depth stories, photographs, and maps, as it becomes an heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
Digital Presentation: Some genealogists create digital family trees with interactive features, allowing family members to explore various branches, stories, and historical documents. This is a modern approach that can be easily shared with other family members, especially those living abroad.
7. Consider Future Updates
Family trees are often living projects, with new family members born and new information sometimes discovered. A gift that keeps on growing is a wonderful way to honour family ties over time. Some genealogists offer update services or subscriptions that allow for ongoing research, making this a gift that can evolve as more information surfaces.
8. Surprise with a Reveal Gathering
One wonderful way to give this gift is by organising a family gathering or Christmas event to unveil the family tree. Whether it’s in person or virtual, the reveal can be a moment of shared joy and reflection. Consider hosting a “family heritage” night where everyone can view the family tree, share stories, and reflect on the newly discovered details. A gathering gives your loved one the joy of seeing others connect with the family tree as well, making the gift a celebration of family as a whole.
9. Emphasise the Legacy of Family
A professionally researched family tree is more than a gift; it’s a legacy. It connects the recipient not only to their ancestors but to the generations that will follow, inspiring a sense of pride and continuity. This Christmas, gifting a family tree is an invitation for your loved one to reflect on the journey of their family, to honour the past, and to cherish the bonds that tie us all together.
Final Thoughts: A Gift That Lasts
The gift of a professionally researched family tree is a journey through time, a bridge to the past, and a celebration of family roots. Whether it’s a framed family tree, a bound ancestral book, or a digital record of lineage, this gift offers a deep and lasting impact. This Christmas, give the gift of heritage, connection, and wonder—a family tree that tells the story of where they come from and the legacy they carry forward.
With each branch and every story uncovered, your loved one will have a treasured gift that resonates far beyond the festive season, creating a legacy to pass down for years to come.