Gifts for Young Historians

Finding gifts for children can be a challenge—especially if you’re hoping for something that sparks curiosity rather than ending up at the bottom of the toy box. At Samson Historical, we’ve always believed that history comes alive when it’s touched, played with, and explored. For kids, that hands-on magic is even more powerful. Here are a few of our family favorites.

1) Antique Clay Marbles – Simple, sturdy, and endlessly entertaining, clay marbles were a favorite pastime for children throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Each hand-formed marble carries the rustic charm of period toys, with natural variations that make every set unique. Perfect for camp games, stockings, or introducing young historians to historic play, these marbles offer a small but delightful glimpse into the lives of children from centuries past. Pick up a leather drawstring bag ($6 - $10) for safekeeping! $25 before sale

2. Books - Our family loves to give and receive books over the holidays. The day after Christmas is spent on the couch with leftovers and a new book. We have added several hardback picture books for elementary age students over people like Thomas Jefferson, Prudence Wright, and Deborah Sampson.  We also carry a collection of the Who Was books ($5.99) for young readers. $18.99 before sale

3. Christopher Ludwick Gingerbread Cookie – If you’re looking for a holiday treat that goes beyond candy canes and chocolate, this gingerbread cookie offers something truly special. Made using reproductions of Christopher Ludwick’s 18th-century molds, it lets children experience the same sweet tradition enjoyed by Continental soldiers during the Revolution. Each cookie comes boxed with a short, kid-friendly history of Ludwick—America’s “Gingerbread Baker”—making it both a delicious and easy way to spark curiosity. It’s a simple, memorable gift for young historians, perfect for tucking into a stocking or pairing with a winter storytime. $18 holdiay special

4. Shoes & Stockings - Practical, warm, and historically appropriate, this pairing makes an excellent Christmas gift for young reenactors. Our children’s buckle shoes are crafted from sturdy leather and come with brass buckles, designed to withstand camp life and everyday dress-up. Paired with our cozy stockings ($12)- soft, durable, and ideal for winter weather—they create a complete cold-season ensemble that parents appreciate and kids can comfortably wear all day. With our special replacement program to help with quickly growing feet, this thoughtful duo is a gift that’s both useful and enduring. $95 before sale

5. Winter Cloaks & Capes - Each cloak and cape is made from a dense high quality wool to keep the water and chill away. For the young ladies we offer a blue wool or red wool hooded cloak with silk ties, just like mom's. For the young gentlemen we have a child sized caped black wool cloak, a smaller version of our men's black cloak. This fastens with a durable hook and eye to stand up to adventures. All three options come in sizes XS through XL. The forgiving sizing makes these a worry free gift they can use for a long time. $100 - $175 before sale.