Gifts for American History Lovers Under $50: A Guide That Isn't Another Biography

The short answer: skip the 800 page biography they may already own. The best gifts for history lovers connect to a story they can share, which is why every candle we make comes with a story card about the moment in early American history that inspired it. Everything in the main list below is under $50. Here is our guide, organized by the history lover in your life.

Why history lovers are hard to shop for

You know the person. They read the plaque at every monument. They have opinions about Hamilton, the musical and the man. The problem is that most history gifts fall into two bins: books they already own, or souvenirs that end up in a drawer.

The gift that works is one that lives in their home, gets used, and gives them a story to tell when someone asks about it. That is the entire idea behind our candles.

For the Revolutionary War buff: 1783

The year the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolution and a new nation exhaled. Cloves, cardamom, amber, and a hint of smoke. 1783 Signature Candle is $24. The story card does the explaining; they will do the elaborating.

For the reader: Wheatley

Our bestseller honors Phillis Wheatley, the first African American to publish a book of poetry. The fragrance is bright citrus and tropical fruit, orange, mango, grapefruit, and peach over cedar, as vibrant as her words. Wheatley Signature Candle is $24. Pair it with her poetry collection for a two part gift.

Want the story first? Wheatley, the Poet Behind Our Bestseller.

For the hometown proud Virginian: King Street

For anyone who loves Old Town Alexandria, or misses it. Named for the main artery of one of America's most intact 18th century port towns. King Street Signature Candle, $24.

For the naval history reader: Yorktown

Sea salt, jasmine, and lemon, named for a Virginia tobacco port whose most famous moment was settled offshore rather than on land. Yorktown Signature Candle, $24. The story is here: Yorktown, the Town the Sea Decided.

For the one who wants a bigger gesture: the Hearth Candles

Three wicks in a wood dough bowl, built to scent an entire room. Yorktown Hearth and Ona Judge Hearth are $44, still under the fifty dollar line and considerably more of a centerpiece.

For the person who has everything: the Heirloom Collection

If you are willing to go slightly over, this is the move. Every candle in the Heirloom Collection is $56 and poured into a blue and white bowl inspired by the pieces prized in 18th century Virginia homes, designed to be washed out and kept when the candle is done: a catchall, a fruit bowl, a planter. The candle is the gift; the bowl is the keepsake. Full story: The Blue and White Bowl.

For stockings, hostesses, and teachers

Our Signature Candles carry the same scents and story cards at $24: the right size for a hostess gift, a teacher, or a thank you that says more than a gift card. The Long Reach Matches at $6 make a good add-on, and the Keeper's Candle Care Kit pairs with any candle.

Still stuck? A gift card hands the decision back.

The free shipping math

Orders over $65 ship free. In practice:

• Three Signature candles ($72) ship free and handle three gifts at once.
• One Hearth ($44) plus one Signature ($24) = $68, ships free, covers two people.
• One Heirloom ($56) plus one Signature ($24) = $80, ships free, covers the two hardest people on your list.

Frequently asked questions

What is a story card? A card included with every candle describing the moment in early American history that inspired the scent. It turns the candle into a conversation.

Are these candles made in America? Yes. Every candle is hand poured in small batches with a natural soy and coconut wax blend and cotton, lead-free wicks.

Keep reading

More stories: What Did Colonial Alexandria Actually Smell Like?, Ona Judge, the Woman Who Said No, and The Blue and White Bowl.