Finding the perfect antiquity-themed Christmas Presents
As happens every year, I have been asked about relevant presents for young students who love history, Classics and the ancient world in general. Like you, I have asked myself again:
"What is the best Christmas gift for an 11 year old? Or a 14 year old? Or, even more tricky, what surprise gift can you give a 16 year old that they will actually like?"
For 2024, I have compiled my best 10 ideas in a handy list of Christmas gifts available in the UK – and some of them, also worldwide!
Read on if you want to bring a smile to the face of a teenager who loves literature, history, languages and archaeology.
This post contains affiliate links, which help me keep producing free resources at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but I only ever recommend products that I would use and believe are worthwhile.
These are my best gift ideas for buddying Classicists in no particular order:
A Classics-inspired board game
If you follow me, you will know I have a soft spot for table and board games. These days, there is an almost endless variety of classically inspired games. Here I give you just a couple of my favourite examples:
For Latin lovers:
Scrabble Lingua Latina: perfect for those moving on to A-Level Latin and with a love for words and strategy.
For Greek lovers:
Akrotiri: this is a fast-paced 2 people game that is ideal for those with an interest in the Aegean. Get ready for untrodden roads and Minoan temples!
The best thing about board games as Christmas Presents is that they can be played straightaway!
Or, to go around the world, you can go for the obvious choice, which is perfect for ages 10+ and can be played with up to 7 players: 7 Wonders
Finally, if you look around, you will also find plenty of top trumps sets themed around Greek mythology and ancient history in general.
2. A Classic Lego set:
A Lego set will tick quite a few boxes: they are fun, challenging yet relaxing and, perhaps unexpectedly, educational. Below are my favourite ones, but please feel free to browse and look around because new models are always coming out:
Favourite first: after watching the latest Indiana Jones movie, many young archaeologists will love discovering Indiana's previous adventures. What better introduction than one of the most memorable scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark?
A larger project: the Great Pyramid of Giza Lego set is ideal for any lover of Antiquity. There is also research to be done alongside, and it can turn into a decoration highlight quite easily afterwards. This would be the perfect bigger Christmas present to find under the tree.
An even larger project would be their Colosseum, but unfortunately, this is now retired. eheu!
3. A Membership
You can look at what's on offer in your local area. From archaeology clubs to art classes, bookworms will enjoy meeting like-minded children and having a space to express their love for the past and stories.
I you are in the UK, the ones below are difficult to beat:
English Heritage has a vast network of sites across the country, including highlights like Stonehenge and Lullingstone Villa. They arrange regular activities for members, and their venues are safe, inclusive and extremely well-managed.
You can also visit their online shop for the best history-themed presents.
The British Museum offers entry to all its exhibitions and plenty of discounts and member only events. And for the little ones, you cannot go wrong if you stay up to date to find out when the next sleepover takes place. Because, let us be honest, who does not want to sleep in the Egyptian gallery?!
4. A new book: perfect for stocking-fillers
It was not easy to narrow this one down, but here are some books that are reasonably new and I have enjoyed recently. I have arranged them by age, so please do not get the History of Rome in 21 Women for your 10 year old!
There are plenty of mythology books around, but Christina Balit's illustrations are an absolute stunner.
I know this is not new, but I really believe it should be top of the list for those looking for something that can be read both by chapter book age students and their adults.
Tiger, Tiger is a must read.
I am currently reading this book and I just cannot stop laughing. It is masterfully written, very informative and it will change your perspective when you think about Roman history. I highly recommend getting A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women to curious late teens.
4. A unique gift from an independent creator
I find great joy in supporting the creative work of independent artists. When it comes to clothes, illustration and even pottery, these stand out:
5. A virtual trip: Conqueror Challenges
For those who are into sports, the Conqueror Challenges are a really fun way to complement a training routine. I have personally completed a few, including Hadrian's Wall, and I can only recommend it. The medals are also very high quality and will look great on any bookshelf along with books on a similar topic. Here are my 3 favourite ones:
6. Playmobile
Playmobile has a range of options from really small stocking-fillers to some of the most impressive historically inspired toys out there. I found it really difficult to choose what to feature here, so I have gone for an example of each of the types:
Small: any of the mini-sets featuring Greek gods, gladiators or a particular Greek myth.
Medium: a set around a particular story, such as Odysseus and Circe or a Roman battleship.
Large: you can always go wild with the whole of Mount Olympus, which includes everything you will need to explore the attributes of the Greek gods.
7. Jewellery
There is a large amount of classically themed jewellery around. The British Museum, for example, sells pieces inspired by their artefacts, and so do other museums too. For something more unique, I highly recommend Plato's Fire, who regularly renews her collection and gives it a personal touch.
8. A course
You want to be careful with this one. Yes, a course is great, but NO please do not give a revision course - note that I am not even giving you a link here, as that is hardly a treat!
Courses that might be appealing are more like the ones below:
A language for leisure course - and here, I do highly recommend my Saturday Greek courses, or one of my Latin Taster classes. Please get in touch for a personalised voucher.
A craft course: just to give an example, you could get them a mosaic-making experience.
A museum-based course: the V&A and many other venues regularly offer courses in combination with their collection, such as life drawing or textile history.
10. Wings for the shoes
And, as it is becoming a classic, I could not think of a better recommendation to finish my list again this year than these cute wings that can be added to any shoes. It is guaranteed to excite Greek mythology fans of all ages and is a good one to keep in hand for mufty days. The example below is from Amazon, where there are several brands at very affordable prices and in a great variety of colours and shapes.
I think it is time to let your own imagination fly. Would you add anything to this list? Just get in touch and I will share it on my socials:
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