Top Ten Gifts for Historical Reenactors

Is someone on your gift list living in the past? Historical reenacting is a very popular hobby and enthusiasts bring to life much more than just the Civil War era. Today, you’ll find reenactors or living history buffs, men and women,  who focus on times including the ancient Roman era all the way through the Viet Nam war. Some of the more poplular eras are the Civil War, Old West, Lewis & Clark era, Medieval Celtic or Viking European and the Dark Ages.  Each era will have specific limitations; you wouldn’t find a Colt 44 revolver in a Renaissance era encampment, so you will need to give some thought and maybe even do a little research before gift shopping for your history lover. Don’t let the limitations frighten you, shopping for the unusual and challenging items these folks need is interesting and scoring just the right gift is a badge of honor for any true gift giver.

1. The Historical Yellow Pages 

Salvatore’s Historical Yellow Pages is the ultimate product guide for reenactors of all eras. Available in both online and hard copy.


2. Newsletters and magazines

For up to date information on events, products and lifestyle articles, a magazine subscription is a thoughtful gift. 

For the Renaissance era, Renaissance Magazine can’t be beat. It’s a full color, slick magazine devoted to lifestyle articles, event listings, product reviews and other ways of bringing the Renaissance to life. Published since 1996, this magazine is the perfect general gift for your middle ages history lover.

Colonial and early Celtic reenactors will appreciate the Smoke and Fire News. This 48 page monthly publication focuses on living history events, battles, fairs and rendezvous all over the United States and Canada. Event listings even include museum events and exhibitions. Time eras include Medieval, Scottish, Colonial & Revolutionary War,, French & Indian War, Fur Trader Rendezvous, Civil War, Old American West, and Native American historical times.