The season of giving is upon us, and if you need a little inspiration for meaningful gifts to give this Christmas, look no further than Busted Halo’s Catholic gift guide! From inspiring art to gifts that give back, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
For the friend with a sweet tooth:
Divine Chocolate’s fair-trade chocolate bars, hot chocolate, and Christmas candy treats are tasty stocking stuffers that support the lives of 85,000 farmer members of the co-op in Ghana that supplies Divine’s cocoa. ($3.99-$38.99)
For the design lover:
Looking for an inspiring new piece of home decor? Look no further than the beautiful watercolor and calligraphy designs from JustLovePrints, which feature Catholic quotes and verses on a background of creative designs. Customized orders are also available. ($15)
For the friend you join in prayer:
A handmade rosary is a beautiful way to support the prayer lives of your family and friends. If this colorful set isn’t your style, there are plenty of artists on Etsy who create unique designs sure to make for a memorable gift. ($26.99)
For the person who can’t pick a favorite saint:
What’s one way to channel the spirit of the saints wherever you go? With a Tiny Saint! With nearly 100 different saints to choose from, these adorable miniature keychain charms are sure to be a hit for kids and adults alike. ($5)
For the foodie:
If you are short on time to do your own Christmas baking this year, let Trappist monks who have been doing it for more than 60 years help you out! Delicious breads, biscotti, jams, and more from Monks’ Specialty Bakery make the perfect treat for anyone on your Christmas list. ($7.99-$59.99)
For the creative soul:
Hop on the adult coloring books train and give a gift that will help others engage their faith through color, creativity, and prayer with “At Play in God’s Creation: An Illuminating Coloring Book.” Coloring helps us achieve a more meditative state and can open us up to deeper connection with God — and our inner artist. Add a nice set of colored pencils to complete this thoughtful gift. ($16 on Amazon)
For the world traveler:
A nativity is a memorable gift for adults and children alike. These handmade nativities from around the world caught our eye. Made in places like Peru, Vietnam, and the West Bank, each is a unique representation of the Christmas Story, and every purchase from Ten Thousand Villages supports artisans and communities in the developing world. ($18-$225)
For the friend who says “make a donation instead”:
For about $1/day with CARITAS, you can provide financial assistance for the health, education, and general welfare of orphaned and disadvantaged children in countries like Haiti, Nigeria, and Uganda. The gift of sponsorship gives a child access to the empowerment that comes from education and the opportunity to have a better life. ($30/month)
Similarly, gifts from the Catholic Relief Services Gift Catalog help improve the lives of poor children and families around the world in the long term. You can improve health through vaccines, mosquito nets, and prenatal care, or support food and farming with a gift of fertilizer, honey bees, and animals. Explore the catalog for many more gifts that give hope. ($20+)
For the little ones in your life:
In “Dear Pope Francis,” the Pope’s first book for children, he personally responds to 30 questions from children from all over the world. From the funny to the serious, the pope’s kind words in response to the worries and wonders of kids are sure to have a lasting impact on your little one. ($18.95 from Loyola Press)
For the home cook:
Many of us sit down to say grace before a meal, but keeping your many blessings in mind during the meal preparation can be more of a challenge. Every time you use the “All Things Bright and Good” cutting board, consider all things bright and good in your life, and give thanks. ($24.95)
For the subscription box fan:
Subscription boxes have been the rage for a while now, but this curated collection of Catholic items puts a bit more intention behind the concept of a monthly gift. The Little Catholic Box contains a variety of faith-focused products, from books and CDs, to jewelry, art, and products created by a number of religious orders. ($29.99/month)
For the class clown:
Laughter is a part of our faith, so consider spreading some holy humor with a funny Catholic gift, like this “Holy Toast” Virgin Mary stamper. It’s a breakfast miracle! ($5.25)