The Best DNA Test Kits for Holiday Gifting 2022

DNA test kits make perfect gifts for your favorite nerd. Whether that special someone is into sciencey stuff, history, or just random quirky things — we think they would love the idea.

At-home DNA testing is uniquely science-based. Testing companies analyze samples in laboratories for genetic material.

You get to learn some cool stuff, from your family history and long-lost ancestors, to how genetics influence your health and personality. 

(Check out our guide on home health test kits here.)

The best part? 

It gives you a convenient way to test your DNA. Your loved one can take samples from home. Since test results are digital, you won’t be adding to their stockpile of “big people” toys.

The Best DNA Kits for Gifting This Holiday Season

1. Best Overall DNA Test Kit — 23andMe
2. Best DNA Test for Finding Lost Relatives — AncestryDNA
3. Best DNA Kit for Family Ancestry — Living DNA

23andMe DNA Test — The Perfect Gift for the Holidays 2022

Being the first and largest company to offer at-home DNA testing, it is no wonder that it remains at the top of its game. 23andMe is the leading provider of DNA test kits.

Their tests can help you learn more about your ancestry, health, and some traits.

Pros

• FDA-approved DNA testing
• Offers autosomal DNA tests (more accurate)
• Provides mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) tests
• Health tests can identify 60+ health risks
• Traits test can give insight on 30+ traits
• Downloadable raw DNA data

Cons

• Does not give you the option to buy individual tests

23andMe DNA Test Holiday Gifts 2022

AncestryDNA — The Perfect Holiday Gift for Finding Relatives

The holiday season is not just about giving gifts. It is also a great time to connect with family. AncestryDNA can trace your family history and help you find potential relatives. 

The DNA testing service ties up with Ancestry.com, which is currently the world’s largest database. The AncestryDNA Network has about 15 million users.

It gives you access to over 16 million sequenced genomes, 100 million family trees, 11 billion ancestor profiles, and 20 billion historical records.

Pros

• Massive database gives you better chances of finding relatives
• Uses autosomal DNA testing to help you find close and distant relative
• Can test for 30+ traits (including nutrition and fitness)
• Can trace the origins of your last name
• Provides ethnicity estimates (percentage of DNA from ethnicities)
• You can buy the ancestry kit alone or together with the trait test
• Downloadable raw data and family trees

Cons

• Does not offer health tests
• No mtDNA and Y-DNA testing

AncestryDNA Test Holiday Gifts 2022

Living DNA — The Perfect Holiday Gift for Deep Ancestry

If you want to know more about your ancestors from either side of the family, Living DNA is the best option. It can trace up to 500 years of family history on your maternal and paternal lines.

LivingDNA also offers wellness tests. These tests provide information on your metabolism and how your body reacts to nutrition and exercise.

Pros

• Uses mtDNA, Y-DNA, and autosomal DNA for comprehensive testing
• Traces your maternal and paternal ancestry
• Can identify genes from African, British, and European ancestry
• Downloadable raw data
• Upload data from competitors, including 23andMe and AncestryDNA
• You can purchase tests individually or as a bundle
• Get free lifetime updates on ancestry

Cons

• Database is not that big compared to 23andMe and AncestryDNA
• Does not offer DNA matches for potential relatives

Living DNA Test Holiday Gifts 2022