A Presidential Gift Guide for Homeschool Families

You've spent the fall immersed in presidential politics. What better way to commemorate all of your hard work than to give a presidential-themed gift?

My mom is a Christmas ornament fanatic. When I was growing up, she enouraged my budding interest in presidential politics by giving me White House ornaments. Each year, I look forward to digging those ornaments out of their boxes. I still place them front and center on my tree. 

If you're looking to give a presidential gift this Christmas, here are some ideas. (No affiliate links--just some things I've come across). 

1. Ornaments

Each year, the White House Historical Association puts out an ornament honoring the presidency. This year, they commemorate Herbert Hoover. The 2016 ornament is inspired by the fire trucks that responded to the 1929 Christmas Eve fire at the White House. 

The White House Historical Association is a non-profit educational organization. Founded in 1961 by Jacqueline Kennedy, their mission is to preserve the White House and its artifacts. I like to support them because they gave me a travel grant to do research in presidential libraries when I was a graduate student. I've started a collection of these ornaments for my daughter, beginning the year she was born. Past ornaments are also available. 

Happy about the Trump victory? I came across this ornament and this one on Amazon. 

2. Books

Our family gives lots of books at Christmastime. Here are a few presidential books I'd recommend:

Herbert Hoover: A Life (to accompany your ornament) 
Washington & Hamilton  (for those who love the founders)
​Christmas in the White House (a big and beautiful coffee table book)
A Christmas Tree in the White House (for little kids)

3. Trains

We are a train loving family too. Train gifts always feature prominently under our tree. How neat are these presidential boxcars from Lionel? Chances are, they have one commemorating your favorite president. 

May these gifts help your family never stop learning about the presidency. 

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