The season of giving is upon us! We know you’re lighting your Advent wreath, following our digital Advent Calendar, and in an overall Advent frame of mind. But if you’re also starting to make your Christmas shopping (or wish) list, here are a few thoughtful suggestions. If you don’t find that special something here, take a look at our guides from 2017 and 2016 for more ideas.
For the bookworm:
If your friend’s New Year’s resolution is to save more time for daily reflection, gift them a subscription to Magnificat or a copy of “Sacred Space” a prayer book by the Irish Jesuits filled with daily Scripture, prayer, and reflection. For those who are always thinking about the big question, “what am I called to do?”, consider a copy of “Your One Wild and Precious Life,” a series of reflections on vocation and what it means to seek a full life.
For younger readers, check out “Little People: Big Dreams — Mother Teresa” which invites kids to discover now-Saint Teresa’s life and message of love and charity. And you might recognize the author of “The Advent of Christmas.” Singer Matt Maher’s first-ever children’s book aims to help kids understand the true spirit and meaning of the birth of Christ.
For the kiddos:
Teach the little Catholics in your life about the Christmas story with a Fisher Price Nativity set (complete with a light-up star that plays “Away in a Manger”). Or, explain what’s happening in Church on Sundays with the “Father Leopold Celebrates Mass” LEGO set, which comes complete with all the pieces to build an altar, tabernacle, and more… plus seasonal vestments! And kids (and some Busted Halo editors) love adorning their jackets and backpacks with these Tiny Saints charms.
For the stylish one:
Brick House in the City is a woman-owned business that offers bold and beautiful faith-focused tees forwomen and children (and who doesn’t need something adorable for the newest cradle Catholic in their life?) Similarly, Grace and Grit Design Co offers stylish clothing, joyful home decor and lifestyle products for the devoted woman. Guys might gravitate toward the sleek styles of Totally Catholic Tees, which feature original artwork from the husband-and-wife team behind the organization.
For the jewelry-lover:
There’s no shortage of unique religious jewelry out there, and some of our fans’ current favorites are from My Saint My Hero and Anima Jewelry. And check out Rugged Rosaries if you’re in the market for a new set of Rosary beads (or if you’re clumsy… the paracord sets are virtually indestructible!)
For the faith-filled foodie:
If food is the way to your loved one’s heart, check out NunBetter chocolates (yes, we love nun puns, too), which are handcrafted by the The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Syracuse, New York. Headed to a friend’s dinner party? Next time you pick up a bottle of wine, adorn it with a festive and funny wine monk cover for your favorite Catholic comedian. More serious bunch? Gift the host this beautiful Tree of Life trivet from Serrv, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting global poverty through fair and ethical trade with artisans.
For the home:
There are so many beautiful nativities to be found; the crocheted Christmas nativity from Servv is one of our favorites, and proceeds benefits disadvantaged women and ethnic minorities in southern Vietnam. The colorful Christmas ornaments from CID Solidarity Crafts, which are handmade and support local artists in El Salvador, are a great way to celebrate the recent canonization of Saint Oscar Romero. Design lovers will fall for the unique prints, calligraphy, and gold-leaf designs from Be A Heart, which offers hand-lettered wall prints and greeting cards. Soaps and lotions are always put to good use, so check out Holy Aromas, bath products handmade by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania Ohio.
For teachers:
Think outside the box when it comes to saying a special “thank you” for all the work that your Catholic school teachers do to educate and form your little ones. A beautiful Saint Francis tote can add some style and inspiration to transporting those yet-to-be-graded homework assignments. These engraved saint pencils from CatholicCurio will bring some help from the Archangels throughout the day’s tasks. A beautiful wall calendar can help remind his or her class to keep an attitude of gratitude, and this prayer board would make for a lovely and interactive classroom display. Need more inspo? See the “foodie” bullet above!
For your secret santa:
If you’re looking for something fun, faithful, and a little quirky, pick up this engraved stainless steel holy water flask for on-the-go blessings! Does your friend love sending handwritten letters? These “modern Catholic personalities” postcards will be a welcome arrival in any mailbox. Is your secret santa a coffee or beer aficionado? Order an inspiring hand-painted mug from Fawnly prints, or a fun St. Brigid pint glass.
For when you’d like to make a donation instead:
There are so many worthy organizations in need of extra support, and making a donation in somebody’s name is always a heartwarming gesture. For an extra special touch, see if the NGO can write a letter of thanks to the person in whose name the donation was made. Some of our favorite organizations this year are Mary’s Meals, who provides meals to underprivileged children across the globe, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley which runs a humanitarian respite center for refugees, and Catholic Relief Services, where you can choose to gift everything from medical supplies to a flock of chickens to families in need.
