As genealogists, we have a talent for collecting things. Records, photographs, notebooks, browser tabs, and the occasional mystery cable that surely belongs to something important. We also collect recommendations: a book mentioned during a webinar, a scanner someone demonstrated, or a headset that might make the next online meeting easier to hear.
Finding those recommendations again can be another research project entirely.
That’s one reason I’ve created an Amazon storefront for Family Tree Technology. It brings together books, reference guides, and technology that can support your family history research, all in one place.
And the timing is convenient. Today, October 6, is the first day of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, often called October Prime Day. The event runs through October 7 and features special offers for Prime members. If you’ve already been considering a research tool or workspace upgrade, this could be a useful time to compare prices.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you shop through my links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Family Tree Tech, so I can continue to provide content and advice about genealogy and tech.
What’s in the Storefront?
I’ve organized the storefront into three collections so you can browse according to what you need.
Recommended Books & Reference Guides includes resources from other authors. Some focus directly on genealogy, while others help build broader technology skills that we can apply to our research.
For example, Ethan Mollick’s Co-Intelligence offers an approachable way to think about working with AI. Drew Smith’s Organize Your Genealogy addresses something many of us understand all too well: having plenty of information but needing a better system for managing it. Spreadsheet books and quick-reference guides can also be helpful when you want to look up a technique without replaying an entire class.
Helpful Tech For Family Historians includes equipment such as flatbed scanners, overhead cameras, headsets, and multiport hubs. These tools serve different purposes, but they share a practical connection to how we research, learn, preserve, and share family history. Each recommendation is either something I own myself, or has gotten rave reviews from people I trust.
Great Gifts For Family Historians Natalie wasn’t a popular name when I was growing up, and I struggled to find myself on those racks of name keychains and bicycle plates. Similarly, there doesn’t seem to be many great gift ideas for genealogists beyond family tree fill-in books and artistic pedigree charts. So I’m excited to share some fun items that I have on my wish list. (That genealogy t-shirt is already in my closet!)
Start With the Research Task
Before choosing a new gadget, I suggest asking a simple question: “What am I trying to make easier?”
Perhaps you have a box of family photographs that you want to digitize. Maybe your laptop has too few ports for the accessories you use. Or perhaps you attend online webinars regularly and would appreciate a great pair of headphones.
Starting with the task helps you decide whether a product would be useful.
A flatbed scanner might be worth investigating for individual photographs and documents. An overhead camera could help you show a record or heirloom during an online conversation. A headset might improve your experience in a virtual class or society meeting.
You don’t need all of these things. You need the tools that fit the way you work.
A Good Deal Still Needs to Be a Good Fit
Sale events can make everything feel urgent. There’s a countdown clock, a percentage discount, and the suggestion that you should decide immediately.
Take a breath. Your ancestors have waited this long.
Before buying, check the exact model and its compatibility with your computer. A USB-C connection, for example, does not automatically mean every feature will work with every USB-C port. With scanners and cameras, check the supported operating systems and any software requirements.
For books, look at the edition and publication date. Technology changes quickly, and screenshots or menu instructions can become outdated. An older book may still offer excellent organizational advice, but it helps to know what you’re buying.
Also compare the final price, seller, and return policy. A large advertised discount doesn’t necessarily tell you whether the price is unusually good.
Note that not every item in my storefront will be discounted during Prime Big Deal Days. I’m recommending items that I know and trust, not just those that cost the least. And of course, prices and availability can change, so check the product page before purchasing.
Useful Beyond the Sale
The storefront is intended to be a resource beyond these two shopping days. You can return when you need a reference book, are planning a digitization project, or want to explore equipment connected to something we’ve discussed. I’ll be adding new items from time to time, as I come across them during my own work.
It can also serve as a starting point for a genealogy gift list. If someone asks what you’d like for the holidays, a useful book or carefully chosen research accessory might be easier to explain than “more time to work on my family tree.” That genealogy t-shirt is already on my own wish list!
Click here to browse the Family Tree Technology Amazon Storefront
Whether you browse today or save the link for later, I hope it helps you make thoughtful choices. The best addition to your genealogy workspace is something that helps you move your research forward, with a little less frustration and a little more confidence.