Top Genealogy Education Gifts – FamilyTreeDNA Gift Guide 2025

By: Courtney Eberhard

Explore genealogy courses and events that provide meaningful education for the family historian in your life.

Thoughtful gifts that support genealogy education can strengthen research skills, deepen DNA understanding, and open new pathways for discovery. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves traditional research, DNA testing, or conference-style learning, these curated genealogy learning experiences offer structured guidance from trusted instructors and organizations.

After supporting family history discovery for more than 25 years through tools like Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA, we’ve seen firsthand how the right educational guidance empowers more successful research—whether someone is just beginning or refining advanced techniques. We’ve identified courses and events that offer the strongest educational impact, with opportunities that help family historians learn, grow, and connect more deeply with their past.

Here are some of the top genealogy education gifts to consider this season.

Note: Some of the websites linked in this post are affiliate partners of FamilyTreeDNA. While we do not earn any commission from course or event sales, the retailer may receive a commission if you purchase a FamilyTreeDNA test through their links.

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NGS Courses | Pharos Tutors Courses | Your DNA Guide Courses | Events

Courses from the National Genealogical Society

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) offers some of the most trusted genealogy education programs available, blending expert instruction with practical research methods that help learners build strong, evidence-based skills.

These structured genealogy courses make thoughtful gifts for family historians who want guidance from a respected national institution as they grow their research abilities and explore new techniques.

The Foundations in Family History Course brings together three step-by-step genealogy courses that build strong research skills from the ground up. With flexible online modules, learners progress at their own pace while gaining confidence in finding, evaluating, and connecting historical records.

Best for:

Beginners or returning researchers who want a guided, self-paced introduction to core genealogy skills.

Why it made our list:

This bundle provides a strong introduction to genealogy by blending essential record skills with practical, step-by-step workflows. Its flexible, beginner-friendly format makes it a thoughtful gift for anyone hoping to understand their family history with greater clarity and confidence.

Key features:

• Structured multi-course program
• Flexible, self-paced learning
• Builds core research skills

Foundations 101: Drawing Up the Family Blueprint introduces new researchers to the essential first steps of genealogy. Through self-paced lessons, learners gather home sources, interview relatives, organize information, and create research plans—skills that build early confidence and prepare them for interpreting DNA matches or exploring historical records.

Best for:

Beginners who want clear guidance in starting family history research or DNA testers who need help building accurate family trees.

Why it made our list:

Foundations 101 teaches the core skills every family historian needs, from evaluating sources to organizing discoveries with purpose. It’s an encouraging starting point and a thoughtful gift for anyone learning to build a reliable tree before moving on to more advanced genealogy or DNA analysis.

Key features:

• Beginner-friendly research skills
• Practical planning techniques
• Flexible, self-paced format

Foundations 102: Laying the Foundation builds on the skills from 101 by introducing learners to the core records used to verify family lines and uncover meaningful details. Through self-paced lessons, students explore census schedules, vital records, newspapers, and cemetery sources while learning to analyze evidence and apply structured workflows with confidence.

Best for:

Learners who completed Foundations 101 and want to strengthen their research skills using essential genealogical records and guided practice.

Why it made our list:

This course teaches the record-analysis skills every family historian needs to move from basic interest to confident research. Its clear structure, real-world examples, and hands-on assignments make it an excellent mid-level learning gift for someone ready to verify ancestors and build stronger evidence-based conclusions.

Key features:

• Hands-on record analysis
• Real case study examples
• Essential genealogy sources

Foundations 103: Framing in the Family takes learners into more advanced territory, exploring the records and techniques needed to solve deeper genealogy questions. Through modules on probate files, religious records, published sources, repositories, and DNA basics, students learn to evaluate complex information and trace ancestors through less familiar record sets.

Best for:

Intermediate learners who completed Foundations 102 and want to explore advanced records and sharpen their skills for solving complex genealogy problems.

Why it made our list:

This course introduces the advanced research methods used by seasoned genealogists, making it a meaningful learning gift for someone ready to tackle tougher mysteries. Its focus on diverse record types, thoughtful evaluation, and introductory DNA concepts equips students to approach brick-wall challenges with clarity and confidence.

Key features:

• Advanced research techniques
• Wide range of record sets
• Intro to DNA concepts

Understanding and Using DNA Test Results teaches learners how to turn genetic data into meaningful insights. Through self-paced lessons, students explore autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA testing, learn key inheritance patterns, and practice interpreting matches across major testing companies, including FamilyTreeDNA’s tools.

Best for:

New or returning DNA testers who want clear, confidence-building guidance on reading results, interpreting matches, and using DNA in genealogy.

Why it made our list:

This course offers a practical foundation in genetic genealogy, helping learners understand test types, evaluate match data, and navigate essential tools. It’s an ideal gift for anyone who has taken—or plans to take—a DNA test and wants to make meaningful, well-supported discoveries about their family history.

Key features:

• DNA match interpretation skills
• Practical multi-company guidance
• Evidence-based research methods

Genealogy Courses from Pharos Tutors

Pharos Tutors specializes in expert-led genealogy education with a UK focus, offering live instruction, structured assignments, and interactive learning. With approachable instructors and practical modules, Pharos helps learners deepen their research foundation with confidence.

Their courses make excellent gifts for family historians who enjoy hands-on guidance, international research perspectives, and step-by-step skill building.

Foundations of Family History Part 1 is an approachable, self-paced introduction to researching ancestors in England and Wales. Through lessons on home sources, interviews, civil registration, and census records, learners build the core skills needed for reliable research and gain a strong foundation before advancing to deeper topics.

Best for:

Beginners who want a clear, structured introduction to English and Welsh genealogy and need confidence before moving to more advanced study.

Why it made our list:

This course teaches essential methods and record groups for English and Welsh research, making it a thoughtful gift for someone beginning their genealogy journey. Its guided lessons, practical exercises, and self-paced design help learners build strong habits that support future research and DNA interpretation.

Key features:

• Beginner-focused instruction
• Essential UK record sets
• Self-paced flexible format

Foundations of Family History Part 2 builds on the essential skills from Part 1 and introduces learners to parish registers, probate records, and death-related sources—key materials for anyone researching ancestors in England and Wales. With practical lessons on interpreting older record formats, solving research problems, and performing effective searches, this self-paced course helps family historians strengthen their methodology and verify information with confidence. It’s an ideal next step for learners who want to deepen their understanding of core UK record sets.

Best for:

Best for learners who have already completed Part 1 or have foundational experience researching ancestors in England and Wales

Why it made our list:

This course provides clear instruction on essential UK record collections, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone ready to expand beyond the basics. Its focus on interpreting older records, solving research problems, and verifying information helps learners build stronger, more accurate evidence-based family trees.

Key features:

• Essential UK historic records
• Practical problem-solving guidance
• Self-paced structured lessons

Demystifying DNA for Family Historians offers a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to genetic genealogy. Learners explore different DNA test types, how inheritance works, and how to interpret ethnicity estimates and matches with confidence. Real examples and guided exercises help students use DNA evidence alongside traditional research.

Best for:

Beginners who want an approachable, confidence-building introduction to using DNA testing alongside traditional genealogy research.

Why it made our list:

This course simplifies genetic genealogy while teaching practical skills for evaluating test types and understanding match data. It’s a thoughtful learning gift for anyone overwhelmed by DNA results or unsure how autosomal, Y-DNA, or mtDNA testing can support meaningful family history discoveries.

Key features:

• Beginner-friendly DNA concepts
• Practical match interpretation
• Clear test-type guidance

Advanced DNA Strategies with Autosomal DNA is designed for learners who already understand the basics of genetic genealogy and want to analyze their matches more effectively. This course explores advanced workflows—like clustering, chromosome painting, and targeted investigation—to help students tackle complex DNA questions with confidence.

Best for:

Intermediate DNA testers who want to strengthen their autosomal analysis skills and use advanced tools to solve more complex genealogy questions.

Why it made our list:

This course teaches the advanced strategies used by experienced genetic genealogists, making it a meaningful gift for someone ready to move past the basics. Its emphasis on organization, clustering, and multi-platform analysis helps learners gain deeper insights from their autosomal results and approach tough mysteries with clarity.

Key features:

• Advanced autosomal tools
• Practical match workflows
• Hands-on research exercises

Tracing Living Relatives teaches learners how to identify and locate family members in recent generations—an essential skill for DNA testers, probate researchers, and those hoping to reconnect with extended family. Through step-by-step lessons, students explore modern records, historical sources, and practical strategies for verifying and contacting living relatives.

Best for:

Researchers who want to trace descendants, connect DNA matches to living relatives, or build out modern branches of their family tree.

Why it made our list:

This course provides practical techniques for locating people using both historical records and modern online sources, making it a valuable learning gift for complex research situations. Its clear framework supports adoptee research, probate needs, and efforts to strengthen contemporary family connections.

Key features:

• Step-by-step contact strategies
• Modern & historical sources
• Case-based relationship proofing

Mastering Census Records for Family and Local History teaches learners how to interpret the rich details found in English and Welsh census schedules. Through clear instruction and practical examples, students learn to locate entries, analyze households, resolve missing ancestors, and use supporting records to place families within a meaningful historical context.

Best for:

Researchers who want to understand English and Welsh census records more effectively and place ancestors within a broader historical backdrop.

Why it made our list:

Census schedules are foundational sources, and this course shows learners how to interpret them with confidence and nuance. Its emphasis on analysis, problem-solving, and historical context makes it a thoughtful learning gift for anyone exploring English or Welsh ancestry and wanting richer insight from census data.

Key features:

• Effective census search skills
• Historical context guidance
• Practical record interpretation

Climbing Trees – Inspiring Children with Family History is a creative, hands-on course that helps adults share genealogy with kids ages 7–11. Through fun projects, storytelling ideas, and simple research activities, learners discover practical ways to make family history engaging and relatable while encouraging curiosity and learning skills.

Best for:

Parents, grandparents, or genealogists who want to introduce children to family history in a fun, age-appropriate, and meaningful way.

Why it made our list:

This course turns genealogy into an interactive experience kids can genuinely enjoy, making it a thoughtful gift for family historians eager to share their passion. Its project-based approach fosters creativity, connection, and storytelling, helping children engage with their heritage in memorable and meaningful ways.

Key features:

• Kid-friendly family history projects
• Storytelling and research activities
• Creative ways to share discoveries

DNA Education with Your DNA Guide

Your DNA Guide—created by genetic genealogy educator Diahan Southard—offers approachable, results-focused DNA education designed to help learners understand and apply their test results.

These courses make high-impact genealogy education gifts for family historians who want to interpret matches more effectively, explore their paternal or maternal lines, or turn confusing DNA data into meaningful discoveries.

The Family Finder Tour is an on-demand, step-by-step guide that helps learners confidently navigate their autosomal DNA results at FamilyTreeDNA. With short videos, interactive exercises, and a printable workbook, students explore ethnicity estimates, interpret DNA matches, and practice using essential Family Finder tools.

Best for:

New testers who want a simple, structured walkthrough of their Family Finder results and need guidance understanding their matches.

Why it made our list:

This tour offers clear, approachable instruction that helps learners move from confusion to confidence when exploring autosomal DNA. With practical examples, guided exercises, and six months of access, it’s an affordable and thoughtful gift for anyone ready to make meaningful discoveries from their test results.

Key features:

• Beginner-friendly video lessons
• Interactive workbook + resources
• Practical match navigation skills

Finding Living Relatives teaches learners how to identify unknown DNA matches and determine how they fit into a family tree. Through expert-led lessons, hands-on exercises, and real case studies, students explore proven strategies for interpreting match lists, using modern records, and approaching potential relatives with confidence and care.

Best for:

DNA testers who want guided, practical strategies for identifying mystery matches and locating living relatives using modern records.

Why it made our list:

This course teaches the clear, step-by-step methods used by professional researchers, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone navigating unknown relatives. With expert examples, practical exercises, and communication guidance, it helps learners approach sensitive situations with clarity, skill, and confidence.

Key features:

• Practical match identification tips
• Modern record search strategies
• Respectful contact techniques

The mtDNA for Genealogy Course offers a clear, approachable introduction to mitochondrial DNA and how it reveals maternal-line ancestry. Through short lessons, guided exercises, and hands-on simulations, learners explore mtDNA inheritance, haplogroups, match interpretation, and how to use tools like FamilyTreeDNA’s mtDNA Discover™ haplogroup reports with confidence.

Best for:

Learners who want to understand their mtDNA results and explore maternal-line ancestry with clarity and confidence.

Why it made our list:

This course provides one of the clearest explanations of mtDNA testing available, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone curious about their maternal heritage—especially when paired with an mtDNA test. Its practical approach helps learners explore haplogroups, evaluate matches, and understand when mtDNA can support broader research goals.

Key features:

• Maternal-line inheritance basics
• Guided mtDNA match analysis
• Discover reports walkthrough

The Y-DNA for Genealogy Course teaches learners how to turn paternal-line DNA results into meaningful insights using a clear, step-by-step framework. Through guided lessons, case studies, and two tailored learning paths for Y-STR tests and Big Y-700, students learn to interpret patterns, build a genetic family tree, and translate their results into actionable next steps.

Best for:

Learners who want structured guidance to understand their Y-DNA results and use paternal-line evidence with clarity and confidence.

Why it made our list:

This course provides one of the most practical and empowering walk-throughs of Y-DNA analysis available, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone exploring paternal-line ancestry—especially when paired with a Y-DNA or Big Y-700 test. Its clear, actionable framework helps learners move from overwhelm to confident genealogical discovery.

Key features:

• Guided paternal-line workflows
• STR and Big Y-700 learning paths
• Build a genetic family tree

The Shared Matches of Matches Course teaches learners how to use one of the most powerful tools in DNA analysis to organize match lists and identify meaningful connections. Through clear, step-by-step instruction, students learn to analyze clusters, spot patterns across platforms, and use structured methods to pinpoint high-value relatives for their research.

Best for:

DNA testers who want an advanced, practical strategy for organizing match lists and identifying high-value relatives across platforms.

Why it made our list:

This course transforms a confusing, time-consuming part of DNA analysis into a clear, efficient process learners can reuse anytime. It’s a thoughtful gift for genealogists who love problem-solving and want a straightforward way to make faster, more confident discoveries from their DNA results.

Key features:

• Cross-platform match clustering
• Step-by-step research workflow
• Efficient brick-wall strategies

The Solve Your Family Mysteries with Confidence DNA Workshop is a live, hands-on experience that teaches learners how to use DNA evidence to verify their tree, identify key matches, and solve long-standing questions. Through guided lessons, case studies, and practical exercises, students learn to analyze shared matches, use essential tools, and create a clear, actionable research plan.

Best for:

DNA testers who want immersive, expert-led instruction to solve family mysteries and turn their match lists into confident, actionable insights.

Why it made our list:

This workshop offers the most comprehensive, high-touch DNA learning experience from Your DNA Guide, blending expert coaching with real application. Its proven SPIN method helps learners move from overwhelmed to empowered, making it a standout gift for dedicated genealogists ready to break through major research challenges.

Key features:

• Live expert-led instruction
• Hands-on case study practice
• Personalized research strategies

Genealogy Conferences & Research Events

From world-class conferences to immersive research trips, these genealogy education experiences offer powerful opportunities to learn from experts, build new skills, and connect with the family history community.

They make memorable gifts for family historians who love hands-on learning, live workshops, and the chance to explore research in new environments—whether through in-person events or hybrid opportunities.

RootsTech is the world’s largest genealogy conference, offering three days of classes, expert sessions, workshops, and a massive expo hall filled with top vendors—including FamilyTreeDNA. Held in Salt Lake City with both in-person and virtual options, it’s the ultimate educational experience for anyone passionate about family history.

Best for:

Genealogists of any experience level who want an immersive, high-energy learning experience with classes, experts, vendors, and community.

Why it made our list:

RootsTech is the gold standard of genealogy education, offering unmatched access to classes, experts, and global communities. Your family historian may already attend virtually each year—so gifting an in-person pass lets them experience the energy, inspiration, and discovery firsthand.

Key features:

• Three full days of classes
• Massive expo hall experience
• Unique networking with top genealogists

The RQG Conference 2026 offers a full day of expert-led genealogy education in Birmingham, featuring keynote presentations on historical research and advanced methodological topics. With sessions led by leading scholars and professionals, this in-person event provides a rich, focused learning experience for serious family historians.

Best for:

Genealogists in the UK or Europe—or anyone eager to study advanced research topics in an immersive, professional, in-person setting.

Why it made our list:

This conference delivers high-quality, research-driven education led by respected genealogists, historians, and academic experts. It’s a meaningful gift for family historians who want to deepen their skills, explore methodological topics, and learn in a focused environment with fellow professionals and enthusiasts.

Key features:

• Full day of expert sessions
• UK-based professional education
• Networking with qualified genealogists

The FamilySearch Library Research Trip is a week-long, guided genealogy experience in Salt Lake City, offering personalized support from Ancestor Seekers consultants and full access to the world’s largest genealogical library. With lodging, shuttles, and expert help included, it’s a premium research getaway for family historians of any skill level.

Best for:

Family historians who dream of an immersive research trip and would love expert guidance, dedicated library time, and a true genealogy getaway.

Why it made our list:

This trip offers a rare, all-inclusive research experience—perfect for gifting someone who has always wanted focused time at the FamilySearch Library. With consultants available daily, curated support, and lodging included, it turns a lifelong genealogy wish into a meaningful, memorable week of discovery.

Key features:

• All-inclusive research experience
• Daily expert consultant support
• Six nights of included lodging

The NGS 2026 Family History Conference brings genealogists together in Fort Wayne, Indiana—home to the world-class Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library. With sessions led by top researchers and immediate access to one of the nation’s best research facilities, this in-person event delivers an inspiring blend of education, community, and hands-on discovery.

Best for:

Genealogists who want a skill-building conference experience paired with direct access to one of the country’s premier genealogy libraries.
Tip: Registration typically opens in December—perfect timing to tuck conference tickets into a stocking or holiday card.

Why it made our list:

NGS offers exceptional programming each year, but the 2026 conference is especially meaningful as it commemorates America’s 250th. It’s a thoughtful gift for family historians who want top-tier education, close-knit community, and the rare convenience of researching directly at the renowned Genealogy Center.

Key features:

• Premier U.S. genealogy conference
• Access to world-class research library
• Skill-building sessions & community

Genealogy education is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give—because it lasts long after the holidays are over. Whether your family historian prefers structured courses, expert-led workshops, or conference-style inspiration, these educational experiences help them sharpen their skills, explore new tools, and deepen their connection to the past.

If you’re looking for a gift that lasts far beyond the season, education is a beautiful place to start.

About the Author

Courtney Eberhard

Senior Marketing Specialist for FamilyTreeDNA
Courtney is driven by a profound passion for genealogy, fueled by her personal journey as an adoptee with roots in the LDS church. Through research with FamilyTreeDNA, she has also been able to uncover her son’s father’s indigenous roots in Mexico and provide context for his origins.

In her spare time, she finds joy in connecting with her family and friends during cookouts, cheering for the Houston Astros, and cherishing her role as a dedicated full-time parent.