I live a short drive from the National Archives in Kew. Whilst I don’t get to research there as much as I’d like these days, it’s still a great place to explore for unusual Christmas gifts for the historian!

Trees

I couldn’t resist this suffragette decoration – it doesn’t go with my theme so it isn’t hanging on my tree (maybe next year I’ll go with red so that it can take pride of place).

There is also this purple ‘Deeds Not Words’ embroidered hanging decoration, in the colours of the Pankhurst’s WSPU. 

Or how about this gloriously coloured Tudor rose? £10.99

There’s quite a lot of choice if you are looking for historically themed decorations, such as those listed above. There’s also a King Harold in the style depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry £9.99, a medieval Knight £9.99, an Age of Exploration Hanging Globe £8.99 and beautifully embroidered silver and white swans, no doubt influenced by their resident swans.

Gifts

Continuing with the swan theme, there’s a beautiful selection of swan gifts: Jim Crumley’s The Company of Swans, a plush soft toy (£29.99) and a delicate silk scarf based on one of their archived documents. (£48.99)

Not surprisingly, in the centenary year of some women gaining the vote, there’s quite a suffragette collection, including an on-topic Christmas card, with books forming a large part of the display, along with the stocking fillers of pins, mugs and diaries. 

Suffragette selection

Suffragette Christmas cards and Votes for Women mug

A book fan in the green of the WSPU (£4.99)

Twentieth century women’s history selection

If maps are your thing, there’s plenty of choice with books, globes, a calendar and magnifying glasses filling a table, which to my eyes, looks very much like the masculine corner.

Exploration selection

WWII selection

If stationary is your thing, there’s a table full of fun! There are recycled pencil trinket boxes topped with cute cut-down pencils, calligraphy sets and a plethora of stationary needs for the historian.

Calligraphy selection

Recycled pencils Trinket box £5.50

And for those last minute stocking fillers . . .

Medieval Queen bottle opener £8.99

The royal line of succession in MAGNETS!

Photo’s Author’s own

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