12 Gifts for History Buffs
History informs our understanding of the world, both past and present. Some of the most dedicated travelers may happen to identify as history buffs. Since 1973, Moon Travel Guides has led, informed, and inspired travelers, so scroll on for a list of recommendations on books and more.
1. A Good Book
There’s nothing better to quench your thirst for knowledge.
2. A Mug
History comes to life with this remarkable Disappearing Wives of Henry VIII Mug, featuring images of King Henry and all six of his wives that change when you pour in any hot beverage.
3. Letters from American History
For anyone who appreciates getting mail, Letterjoy’s subscription services sends you rare and interesting letters from historical figures, unearthed from archives and libraries around the world. Send someone you love a letter from Amelia Earhart or Teddy Roosevelt!
4. A Board Game
In Chronology, players place historical events in chronological order. What came first, the invention of mayonnaise or decaffeinated coffee? Compete with your friends to find out who the real history buff is.
5. A Puzzle
Welcome to our favorite museum, the herstory museum. As this lovely illustrated puzzle proclaims, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” Can you spot the famous women figures throughout history?
6. A Page-a-Day calendar
The New York Times Headlines in History Page-A-Day® Calendar 2025 features remarkable stories and historical events pulled from the New York Times archives, perfect for either brushing up on history or acing your local pub quiz night!
7. A Matsumoto Hoji Print
Matsumoto Hoji was a Japanese artist active during the late 1700s. Buy a print of his infamous woodblock frog from Sugar & Canvas. The original hangs today at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
8. A LEGO® Architecture Kit
Comprised of a whopping 2022 pieces, LEGO® Taj Mahal doesn’t quite match up to the architectural marvel of the original—but it sure comes close.
9. A Feather Quill Dip Pen
This feather quill set is all old-world charm and handmade in Italy. Choose from three colors of ink and six different nib styles for the ultimate letter writing companion.
10. Hamilton: The Revolution
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary as its subject, the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States. Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B, and the best traditions of theater, this once-in-a-generation show broadens the sound of Broadway, reveals the storytelling power of rap, and claims our country’s origins for a diverse new generation.
Hamilton: The Revolution gives readers an unprecedented view of both revolutions, from the only two writers able to provide it. Miranda, along with Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages — “since before this was even a show,” according to Miranda — traces its development from an improbable performance at the White House to its landmark opening night on Broadway six years later. In addition, Miranda has written more than 200 funny, revealing footnotes for his award-winning libretto, the full text of which is published here.
Their account features photos by the renowned Frank Ockenfels and veteran Broadway photographer, Joan Marcus; exclusive looks at notebooks and emails; interviews with Questlove, Stephen Sondheim, leading political commentators, and more than 50 people involved with the production; and multiple appearances by President Obama himself. The book does more than tell the surprising story of how a Broadway musical became a national phenomenon: It demonstrates that America has always been renewed by the brash upstarts and brilliant outsiders, the men and women who don’t throw away their shot.
11. A Book for Space Geeks
In the wake of World War II, with America ascendant and the Soviet Union devastated by the conflict, the Space Race should have been over before it started. But the underdog Soviets scored a series of victories–starting with the 1957 launch of Sputnik and continuing in the years following–that seemed to achieve the impossible. It was proof, it seemed, that the USSR had manpower and collective will that went beyond America’s material advantages. They had asserted themselves as a world power.
But in The Wrong Stuff, John Strausbaugh tells a different story. These achievements were amazing, yes, but they were also PR victories as much as scientific ones. The world saw a Potemkin spaceport; the internal facts were much sloppier, less impressive, more dysfunctional. The Soviet supply chain was a disaster, and many of its machines barely worked. The cosmonauts aboard its iconic launch of the Vostok 1 rocket had to go on a special diet, and take off their space suits, just to fit inside without causing a failure. Soviet scientists, under intense government pressure, had essentially made their rocket out of spit and band aids, and hurried to hide their work as soon as their worldwide demonstration was complete.
With a witty eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, John Strausbaugh takes us behind the Iron Curtain, and shows just how little there was to find there.
12. A Framed Map
This framed San Francisco map is made from High Density EVA foam, precision cut using the latest laser technology. Choose from a variety of maps including London, New York City, and many more.
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