Editor’s note: Our 2022 Catholic Gift Guide will be live on November 14!
Advent: a time of praying, waiting, and giving. To help you with the first two, check out our Advent Calendar. For the third, we’ve once again compiled a list of unique and spiritual Catholic-themed gifts for the whole family. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our creative gift ideas from 2020, 2019, and 2018, too!
For the faithful foodie:
If their first steps of each day are towards the coffee machine, get them this variety coffee box (with saint-themed coffees!) and pair it with this “offer it up” mug. For the late-night beverage aficionado, this patron of brewers pint glass might be more their speed. If the way to their heart is through baked goods, buy them some sweet or salty treats from the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand Monastery Gift Shop. (Who wouldn’t love some prayerful pretzels?)
For the devoted journaler:
If they’re a planner aficionado and saint-lover, they’re sure to love this beautiful prayer journal or a personalized Paper Sunday scripture journal. For your loved one who listens to the “Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz,” look no further than the companion Bible in a Year Notebook!
For the one practicing spiritual self-care:
Know someone who could use a little rest and relaxation? Look no further than this Monastery Creations self-care box from the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Peace and All Good lotions and soaps are not only good for relaxing, but they’re also good for the community. They are handcrafted by the Franciscan Peacemakers Social Enterprise, an organization that houses, employs, and cares for women in recovery from drug addiction and/or sexual exploitation.
Help the candle-lover relax with saint-themed candles from Corda Candles. Did you know you could get a “Michael the Archangel” sandalwood and incense-scented candle? It would be the perfect complement to an evening meditation using the Hallow Catholic prayer app.
For the Marthas and Marys in your life:
There’s no shortage of unique religious jewelry out there, but we think your loved one would love this jewel-encrusted Redeemed Cross necklace from The Little Catholic. And, you can remind your loved one every day that God is greater with this minimalist bracelet from Saint and Stone.
For the woman looking for empowering book recommendations, check out “You Are Enough,” by CatholicMom.com manager Danielle Bean. These stories of women from the Bible will remind her of her worth as a daughter of God. For the woman with things to carry and a Catholic message to spread, this “We Are Connected” tote from Be the Bridge is perfect!
For the Peters and Pauls in your life:
If he’s in need of some cufflinks for his shirts now that he’s back in the office or attending a formal event again, check out these Benedictine Cross cufflinks: This cross is the strongest symbol of protection in the world, so he can wear armor even while sporting a tux. If your loved one is a bit less formal (and loves puns), pick up an Ore Moose leather Rosary pouch — it’s a gift that will last forever to symbolize your love for them. In this Year of St. Joseph, there’s no better time to gift the man in your life a book of meditations about the life of the father of Jesus. And who wouldn’t love one of these Totally Catholic tees, like a St. Maximilian Kolbe shirt or St. Joseph, Terror of Demons tee?
For the little saints:
Babies need Mama Mary, too — and while most Rosaries are a choking hazard, these Silicone Baby Rosaries from Chews Life are meant to be chewed! They come in a dozen colors and in decade form. Teach a child about the reason for the season with Paulist Press’ “Little Owl in the Big City,” a charming tale about the owl who came to New York City last Christmas hidden in the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. And, if your little one is finding it hard to pay attention at Mass, pick up the Quiet Mass Book. Kids can read a cloth church-shaped book with beautiful pictures while they sit (quietly!) in their pews.
If you’re in need of a gift for a whole family, check out the Catholic Family Crate, which helps them creatively prepare for the Advent season and offers a subscription for monthly boxes. (Use promo code BUSTEDHALO to get 20% off the 1st month of a subscription OR 20% of anything in the store. Offer ends Dec. 24, 2021.)
For your local priest:
If Father Joe always uses marathon metaphors in his homilies or Father Dan rushes out to the gym after Daily Mass, we have the perfect gift for him: Athleric, a stretchy athletic shirt made specifically for priests, collar included! For something customizable (and hilarious), surprise him with his very own priest bobblehead. Just send in a photo of him or use their preset eye, hair, and skin colors. Looking for a simple way to show your gratitude? A thoughtful note, gift card, or homemade meal will surely be appreciated.
For the one who is cultivating beauty at home:
Got a Catholic “Friends” fan in your life? Gift them this Pax Beloved wall print (or one of many others) to decorate their walls with a group of the best friends of all: the saints! You can gift this nesting Nativity set to your minimalist loved one. Bonus: the figurines are hollow, so opening each one can be an Advent or Christmas surprise! And any loved one who wants their home to reflect their faith will love this watercolor Sacred Heart print, Immaculate Heart font, or other decor items from House of Joppa. Finally, amp up the coziness in your home with this Busted Halo blanket from our very own shop!
For when giving is more important than getting:
Advent and Christmas are a time of giving to others, so what better way to celebrate the reason for the season than by making a donation in someone’s name? The Catholic Mobilizing Network advocates for ending the use of the death penalty and transforming the U.S. criminal justice system. Donating to Jesuit Refugee Service will help people fleeing or displaced from their homes to heal, learn, and determine their futures. Purchasing Basic Medicine or Clean Water for Cross Catholic Outreach will directly impact the lives of people in developing countries, providing them with necessities.
We hope you’re fully inspired with great Catholic ideas for your loved ones! And since we’re helping you get a head start on your shopping by publishing our guide earlier than ever, you’ll (hopefully) have time to write your Christmas cards with illustrated stationery from Gratia Design and wrap everything you buy in this angelic gift wrap from Be a Heart!
