G2G: Give the gift of DNA for Christmas

Question

Wondering what to get for a parent or grandparent?  Get them a DNA test!

As I had begun to look for cousins and other relations I learned that the farther you can go back in time with your DNA tests, the better chance you have make DNA connections.  Sadly all of my grandparents have passed - had I known this I would have ordered tests for all of them.

The parents are still alive so this year they're getting DNA tests for Christmas.  I think it will be interesting for them to see what their predicted ethnicity is, what cousins they may match to, etc., etc.

If you're not sure what to get a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, consider giving them a DNA test.  Your research will love you some day.

Comments

So perfect SJ.      Most will actually enjoy the adventure with us.

Answer 1

Thanks, SJ for this post - a great reminder to help everyone's research along the trail. I, too, have no more of the older generation to test - I am the older generation on my maternal side.  Thank goodness I was able to test one paternal aunt who is now over 100 years old. This month I have sent Y-DNA kits to two of the younger males in my paternal line. That was a Christmas present to myself!!

Comments

Thank you SJ for the best answer star! I appreciate it.

Answer 2

And if you don't have parents or grandparents available, consider siblings or cousins.  Roberta Estes recently (December 11) wrote a blog about how to select the people whose tests will be the most useful:

https://dna-explained.com/2019/12/11/are-you-dna-testing-the-right-people/

Answer 3

Thanks for reminding us! Hew doesn't know it yet, but my dad's getting a kit this Christmas.

Answer 4

For people giving DNA tests as gifts, there was a post yesterday (Dec. 15) by Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist, suggesting some guidelines for obtaining informed consent for the use(s) you intend to make of the information:

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2019/12/15/forming-consent/