Seven Gifts for Map-Lovers

These seven gifts for map-lovers are perfect for your budding cartographer, trivia-crazed family, or roommate who is desperate to travel again.

Maps hold a certain appeal for me, and we have several variations around our house. Our homeschool room has a world map and a country map hanging on the wall and a light-up globe of the constellations nearby. Our guest room has a navy print of nautical patterns. And, I own all of the books recommended in this post.

7 Gift Ideas

1. Color Map Mugs – Color all-at-once or as you explore new places. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee in these one-of-a-kind mugs while you plan your next adventure or read your latest novel.
2. Politics of Place Trilogy by Tim Marshall – Three books that explore the intersection of world geography and politics. The first book, Prisoners of Geography, is my favorite and argues that ten maps can explain everything about the world. The other two are really interesting as well though: A Flag Worth Dying For and The Age of Walls.
3. Tablecloth Coloring Map – Embrace your child-at-heart and color a country or a lake while dinner is cooking. A good family activity or an ongoing art project through the winter months.
4. State Map Print – Show some state pride. If the person on your list lives in the United States, then pick their state of significance and send them one of these colorful prints detailing the historic and cultural contributions of their state.
5. Word Teasers World Geography Trivia Cards – 150 questions to test your knowledge about the world. Get the answer and then read other facts on the cards to expand your understanding further. Plus! This cube of cards is travel-size so you can take it with you or keep it in your car. If you can’t go anywhere, schedule a zoom call with friends or family to test your brainpower together (and maybe even make your travel bucket list while you’re at it!).
6. Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds by Ian Wright – I happened upon this book at our local library and my girls and I perused it for a few days. A year or so later I purchased it from our local independent bookstore, and we review it regularly. My youngest takes it out frequently and compares data – what is the size of California’s economy compared to other countries (yes, countries), what countries are home to the most deadliest creatures, and what religions are growing in what countries. Plus maps cover political alliances, crime statistics, cultural factors, and even the use of different electrical plugs the world over. As with any book relying on data-driven information though, remember that it was published in 2019 so the information will change and shift. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic book to have on your shelf or give as a gift. Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds contains loads of information, beautiful illustrations, and thought-provoking visuals that are appealing to all ages.
7. Earth Puzzle – Puzzles are one of the best ways to appreciate the geography of our planet. You don’t truly appreciate how much water is on Earth until you try connecting the blue pieces! Photographs from NASA inspired the puzzle design. The pieces have unusual shapes, including 16 that look like animals. Did I mention no edges? It may be the most difficult puzzle under 500 pieces that you ever gift to someone.

There’s your list with a little something for everyone – kids, family, friends, colleagues, or anyone who appreciates a good geography gift. The hardest part of putting together this list was not ordering one of everything for myself!

What about you? Do you have a favorite map-related gift to give? Or, do you have a favorite that you’ve received in the past?