Hi Reader,

I got a call recently from my daughter who's already planning her Christmas shopping. She's way ahead of me, but it got me thinking about my own holiday list—and helping you with yours, too.

Let's be honest: shopping for genealogists is tricky.What we really want are answers about our ancestors! We're particular about our tools, skeptical of gimmicks, and we've probably already bought the obvious things ourselves. (And yes, I've been known to do some strategic "self-gifting" during this season. Why not? The sales are coming!)

So whether you're shopping for someone else or building your own wish list, here's what's actually worth the investment.

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📚 COMING NOVEMBER 11

YOUR GENEALOGY SHOPPING GUIDE

After 15+ years and literally thousands of dollars spent on genealogy tools, subscriptions, and services, I've learned what actually moves your research forward—and what just drains your bank account.

I've made the expensive mistakes so you don't have to. I've kept subscriptions I never used, paid full price for tools that went on sale weeks later, and bought software that promised breakthroughs but delivered dust collectors.

Next Tuesday, I'm opening up my actual research toolkit. Not the aspirational version where I use every tool perfectly. The real one—showing you the free foundations I start with, the paid tools that justify their cost, and the strategic regrets that cost me hundreds of dollars.

If you're thinking about investing in genealogy tools during Black Friday (or any time), this guide will save you serious money and research frustration.

🎁HELPFUL GIFT IDEAS

3 GENEALOGY GIFTS THAT ACTUALLY GET USED

While you're waiting for Monday's complete guide, here are three items that have earned permanent spots in my research life—and make thought and useful gifts for any family historian:

Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography by Douglas Keister

This sits on my bookshelf within arm's reach for a reason. Cemetery research reveals so much more than dates when you understand the symbolism carved into stones. Every time I visit a cemetery for research, this guide comes with me.

How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records: A Genealogist's Guide by Sunny Morton and Harold Henderson

Church records have saved my research more times than I can count, especially when tracking down my brick wall ancestors. This guide breaks down what records are available for major Christian denominations before 1900 and, more importantly, where to find them. Another resource that's earned its spot on my shelf.

TRIPPED Travel Gear Tech Bag Organizer

Here's the practical gift every genealogist (and non-genealogist!) needs but doesn't think to buy themselves: a good tech organizer. We have so many cords—phone chargers, external hard drives, scanning equipment cables, tablet chargers. This small electronics pouch keeps everything organized whether I'm traveling to archives or just moving between my desk and living room research sessions.

💡 GENEALOGY TIP

YOUR ONE HOLIDAY QUESTION

Speaking of upcoming family gatherings—here's the single most valuable question you can ask relatives this Thanksgiving:

"What's one thing about [deceased relative's name] that you wish more people knew?"

This question works because it:

• Focuses on a specific person (not overwhelming)
• Asks for stories, not facts
• Invites the kinds of personal details that never make it into records
• Opens doors to follow-up conversations naturally

The stories you capture at holiday gatherings often become the most treasured parts of your family history. They're the context that brings those names and dates to life.

Pro tip: Ask permission to record the conversation on your phone. Most people say yes, and you'll be grateful you have their voice and words preserved exactly as they shared them.

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📚 MARK YOUR CALENDARS

HERE'S WHAT'S COMING

Tuesday, November 11: My complete genealogy shopping guide drops. I'm sharing the free and paid tools that have earned coveted spots in my toolkit—plus a Black Friday shopping framework so you know exactly how to decide what sale is right for you!

November 23rd: I'll be releasing a YouTube video: "Black Friday for Genealogists: The Tools I Can't Live Without + How to Shop Smart." Perfect timing to help you navigate the biggest sales of the year.

Whether you're shopping for others or treating yourself this season (no judgment—I do both!), I want to make sure your money goes toward tools that actually help your research.

Happy researching,
Lisa

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.​
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Lisa Lisson Genealogy Researcher, Author & Speaker