Given my Dutch and Scottish ancestry, my frugal ways should come as no surprise. Whenever I buy a genealogy book or CD that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg, I feel good. If I end up using the item a lot and really get my money's worth, I feel supremely satisfied.

Whatever your roots and genealogy budget, you're bound to be looking for the best values, too. So here's a selection of CD-ROMs, maps and other items that provide an outstanding value for the price. Shopping from this list will give you a lot of bang for the buck—and would make your most thrifty ancestors proud.

• CD-ROMs
• Maps
• Online Databases
• Scrapbooking & Preservation Supplies