Guys can be notoriously hard to shop for, making Father’s Day a particularly challenging time for gift-givers. We don’t want to leave poor old Dad hanging with a rushed, last-minute gift he’ll never use, but sometimes his personal interests can feel a bit obscure — especially if he’s a so-called “history buff.”

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If wars, landmarks, maps and archives are your dad’s thing, then you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best Father’s Day gifts for dads who can’t get enough of the past. They include some can’t-miss historical books, puzzles, museum merch and even a historical Legos set. Pick one up now so you’re ready to go on his big day.

1. 1861: The Lost Peace by Jay Winik

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If your dad is a Civil War buff, then he's going to love sinking his teeth into this account of the weeks leading up to the start of the war. This book is surprisingly gripping and gives readers a look at President Lincoln's mindset, the lengths he and his cabinet went to avoid war and introduces new readers to the many ways these leaders attempted to keep peace. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jay Winik, 1861: The Lost Peace is surprisingly timely and is sure to give even the most avid Civil War buffs new material to think about. 

Get it in hardcover from Amazon for $32.

2. A sophisticated fountain pen

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A genuine fountain pen will make your dad feel like he's stepping into the past every time he has to jot something down. This Scriveiner pen is available in a few different colors and features a luxurious silhouette made with black lacquer, brass and a gold plated finish. It comes with a converter and two cartridges, along with a Schmidt nib that dispenses ink effortlessly.

Get it from Amazon for $43.99+ (available in four styles and nine colors).

3. An interactive baseball history mug

Uncommon Goods

This mug is two gifts for the price of one. It features a QR code hidden in the design that reveals what happened on that day in baseball history, providing your dad with a year's worth of daily fascinating facts. The artwork alone is delightful and will make his morning coffee feel a little more topical.

Get it from Uncommon Goods for $28.

4. A Met Museum logo cap

The Met Store

History lovers have long enjoyed wandering The Metropolitan Museum of Art's hallowed halls, and this cap is as stylish as it is a great representation of this famous museum and all the historical wonders it holds. 

Get it from The Met Store for $28 (available in three colors).

5. Make Good the Promises: Reclaiming Reconstruction and Its Legacies by Kinshasha Holman Conwill and Paul Gardullo

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Make Good The Promises is the companion volume to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture's 2021 exhibit of the same name. Authored by Kinshasha Holman Conwill and Paul Gardullo, It includes a foreword by historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eric Foner and a preface by former museum director and historian Spencer Crew. It's an in-depth look at the Reconstruction period post-Civil War and weaves the story of Black Americans' fight for equality and justice.

Get it in hardcover from Amazon for $9.95.

6. A banned books puzzle

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This 500-piece puzzle is perfect for both history and literary lovers. It showcases over 65 different books that have been banned at one point in time, including many by historically underrepresented authors. It's as fun as it is educational and, best of all, a portion of the proceeds are donated to PEN America. 

Get it from Amazon for $18.95.

7. Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut's Journey by Fred Haise and Bill Moore

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As the lunar module pilot for Apollo 13 space mission, Fred Haise offers an incredible firsthand account of this challenging and dangerous journey and how the crew made it back to Earth. His autobiography a fascinating look at an extraordinary life and a poignant moment in history that your dad is sure to find engrossing. 

Get it in hardcover from Amazon for $22.14.

8. A jigsaw puzzle featuring World War II aircrafts

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This 1,000-piece puzzle is adorned with images and facts about the various aircraft that were used during World War II, making it an ideal gift for the dad who can't stop talking about D-Day. It's made with recyclable materials and vegetable-based inks and reviewers note that it's a fun challenge and makes a great gift for people of all ages.

Get it from Amazon for $17.09.

9. A map of the US rail system from 1921

Etsy / OldMapTravelersStore

Available in a range of different sizes, this reproduction railroad map that was originally published in 1921 is the perfect wall art for your dad's space. It features cool geographical details alongside the railroad lines like the various stations, towns, steamship lines and more. It's a stylish decorative touch that is perfect for someone who loves American history and the railway system. 

Get it from OldMapTravelersStore on Etsy for $19+ (available in six sizes).

10. A birthday date book of New York Times front pages

The New York Times Store

If your dad is an avid reader of the New York Times, then he'll flip out over this instant-heirloom book. It showcases the front pages from the day he was born, followed by the front pages from every birthday the recipient has celebrated since. The book itself is gorgeous, made with a super soft leather cover and customized with the recipient's name and birthdate stamped in silver foil. It's an incredibly elegant, timeless and thoughtful gift. 

Get it from the New York Times Store for $125+ (available in two colors and with personalization options).

11. A set of four coasters featuring moments in American history

Uncommon Goods

If your dad loves a cocktail as much as he loves historical facts, then you've got to get him this set of four marble coasters. Each one is emblazoned with a different historical document, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Civil Rights Act. 

Get them from Uncommon Goods for $60.

12. A historical timechart based on an 1890 design

Amazon

This revised and updated wall chart follows the entirety of human history, detailing global events via text and illustration. The time stream continues right up to the present day and includes maps and charts with a startling amount of information on various rulers and dynasties, presidents and royalty. Your dad will love poring over the pages of this book, which reviewers say is a great gift for those who are interested in history.

Get it in hardcover from Amazon for $100.

13. A Taj Mahal collectible LEGO set

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Combine your dad's love of history, architecture and Lego with this intricate 2,022-piece LEGO model of the Taj Mahal. It is incredibly detailed, featuring a crypt, a central chamber with two cenotaphs, iwans, main dome, four chhatris and four minarets. It also has a removable chamber so you can look at the crypt below. This is not for casual fans, but will be a great gift that the whole family can enjoy.

Get it from Amazon for $119.99.

14. The Gilded Stage: A Social History of Opera by Daniel Snowman

Amazon

Does your dad happen to be a fan of opera or classical music in general? If so, The Gilded Stage: A Social History of Opera by Daniel Snowman will be right up his alley. It chronicles the social history of opera, from its roots during the Renaissance through recent history. Reviewers say that it's dense, well-researched and fascinating.

Get it in paperback from Amazon for $43.90.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.