No-stress guide to Catholic Christmas shopping

For many, getting to the store has become more difficult due to COVID-19, but no need to stress. Our Sunday Visitor has several inspiring gift suggestions to foster the faith of every member of the family. Gift selections include a print of Mother and Child that reminds us of the loving relationship between the Blessed Mother and Jesus, and a mask that tells people about your belief in the Eucharist. There’s also an eye-catching Marian consecration book for families with youngsters and much more. Christmas shopping has never been easier.

GIFTS FOR WOMEN

Mary Blue and Pearl Earrings

Pearls and Swarovski crystal embellish these reversible dangling earrings featuring a Marian image on one side and Christ holding the cross on the flip side.

Price: $36

Website: rosaryhabit.com

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Mary and Jesus Print

Artist Bernadette Carstensen’s striking painting of Mother Mary and the Child Jesus shows a playful side to Our Lord that’s endearing. The image is printed on high quality archival 60lb matte paper. Half of the print proceeds go to Little Flower Showers — a ministry supporting women facing crisis pregnancies.

Price: $25 (8.5″ x 11″)

Website: bernadettecarstensen.com

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“Songs of My People: The Complete Collection” sang by Venerable Sister Thea Bowman

“Songs of My People: The Complete Collection,” sung by Venerable Sister Thea Bowman (1937-90), is a gospel music collection recorded 40 years ago that remains relevant today. A convert to Catholicism, Sister Thea was the first black woman to enter the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A teacher for many years, Sister Thea is known for her holiness, lively personality, music and standing for civil rights.

Price: $19.95 (digital download)

Website: paulinestore.com

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“Silent Angel”

From internationally bestselling author and essayist Antonia Arslan, “The Silent Angel” traces how two courageous women saved the Book of Moush from being defiled by the Turks. Based on a true story, the novella shines a light on the little spoken of massacre of Christians during the Armenian Genocide, which took place during the 20th century. The poetically-written story follows five survivors who flee from the Turks. On their journey to safety, they find a large, ancient illuminated manuscript called the Book of Moush. Refusing to leave the sacred book behind, two heroic women carry the manuscript, torn into two halves, on their backs (the holy book was reputed to weigh 70-pounds).

Price: $14.95 (softcover)

Website: ignatius.com

GIFTS FOR GRANDPARENTS

Holy Land Mosaic Plate

This beautiful mosaic plate’s design emulates the Loaves and Fishes mosaic on the floor near the altar of the Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha. Made on the West Bank by Christians, the ceramic plate features shades of blue along with pure hues of yellow, red, green, black and white.

Price: $15-$30

Website: abbey-of-the-genesee-store-on-square.square.site

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Comforting Mother Mary and Comfort Cross

Two of the best-sellers at the Abbey of the Genesee are the Comforting Mother Mary and Comfort Cross made from smooth olive wood. Both Mary and cross fit perfectly in one’s hand and are especially appreciated by people who can’t pray the Rosary because of arthritis. “People purchase them for older relatives to hold,” said Minh Huynh from the Genesee Abbey Store. “A doctor purchased three for himself during the peak of the COVID pandemic and nuns get them for sisters in the infirmary. Nurses also buy them to give to coworkers and patients. I had a young woman purchase eight Comforting Mother Mary for her family members because her grandmother used to hold one.”

Price: Mary $10.99; Cross $4.99

Website: abbey-of-the-genesee-store-on-square.square.site

GIFTS FOR TEENS

1972 Rhinestone Pin

A conversation starter, the 1972 Rhinestone Pin — intended to honor the lives of 60 million children — makes a statement. This custom-casted pin from Culture of Life 1972 looks to 1972 because it’s “the last year we enjoyed a culture of life in the U.S.A.,” says the company. The following year ushered in legalized abortion.

Price: $35 (1/2″ x 1 1/2″)

Website: col1972.com

Saint of the Month Subscription Box

Help your teen learn more about the life and deep faith of popular saints with a thoughtfully curated Saint of the Month subscription. Each subscription features a t-shirt (male and female sizes), and the monthly boxes come with a selection of prettily wrapped surprises and a brochure with four goal suggestions to foster holiness. Subscribe for a one-month, 3-months, 6-months or a monthly box for the entire year.

Price: $31.99-$360 (shipping included)

Website: saintofthemonth.com

“Believe” Mask

Teens will appreciate a mask that makes a statement and benefits other teens who design and help sew the cotton masks. All proceeds from the masks go to El Padrecito Ministries youth projects in Guadalupe, California.

Price: $12.99

Website: store.elpadrecito.com

“Ignatius Note-Taking and Journaling Bible”

Encourage your teens to delve deeper into the Bible with the impressive “Ignatius Note-Taking and Journaling Bible” (RSV). This Bible has two-inch margins on each page of the biblical text that leave ample room for writing one’s thoughts or even drawing. The sacred text has a black, leather-style cover with an elastic page-saver. In the back of the Bible, there are 16 pages of color maps of the Middle East, Holy Land, the Roman Empire and more salvation history locations. This Bible would also make an excellent present for seminarians and priests.

Price: $39.95 (hardcover, 6.25″ x 7.25″)

Website: ignatius.com

BIG KID GIFTS

“Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys”

“Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys” by Amy Brooks offers older, grade-school-aged boys a way to get to know themselves and God better. This journal, which includes room for writing and drawing, delves into questions about God, such as “Who is God?” and “Who are the saints, and why should I get to know them?” It also asks thoughtful questions, including “How can I be happy?” and “What is my personal mission from God?”

Price: $19.95 (softcover)

Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com

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Sew-a-Saint Doll

“In creating this Sew-a-Saint of St. Mother Josephine Bakhita, I focused on several iconic images of her for both inspiration and historical accuracy,” says pattern designer Jen Frost. “Her face, long and narrow, is captured with a hint of the calm smile she carried with her. On her head is her iconic wrap, immediately identifying this amazing woman. In detail hangs, around her neck, a gold necklace of Our Lady of Sorrows.”

Each beginner-friendly doll kit can either be sewn by hand or machine. With 18 saint designs to choose from, the doll patterns come with instructions printed on the backside of the fabric. A finished doll measures approximately 15″.

Price: $16

Website: faithandfabricdesign.com

Benedict Flameless LED Prayer Candle

This flameless St. Benedict candle is perfect for a child’s home altar or as a night light. St. Benedict of Nursia is known for offering protection — something consoling to a child who’s afraid of the dark. The candle features an image of St. Benedict and a quote from the saint on the front. On the back, there is an image of the Medal of St. Benedict along with a prayer.

Price: $9.95

Website: monasterygreetings.com

LITTLE TYKE GIFTS

Tiny Saints Soft Bead Rosary

New from Tiny Saints, is their soft-beaded rosaries. The first rosary in the series features turquoise and yellow beads with a rose motif on the Blessed Mother “medal” and the risen Christ on the cross.

Price: $15

Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com

Halo Friend’s St. Michael Doll

Both boys and girls will love cuddling with this soft, hand-made St. Michael Doll. Made with plush material, the doll is detailed with a sword, shield and armor.

Price: $35

Website: etsy.com

“Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children”

Children will love getting to know the Blessed Mother through kid-friendly meditations and eye-catching illustrations found in the “Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children.” Written by Coleen Pressprich and illustrated by Rebecca Gorzynska, the book offers a simplified way to introduce little ones making a 33-day Marian consecration. In the pages, you’ll see vivid illustrations of the Virgin Mary alongside meditations and thought-provoking questions. The back of the book contains information for parents to help them answer their children’s questions.

Price: $18.95 (softcover)

Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com

GIFTS FOR MEN

Artza Holy Land Boxes

Give a man in your life a taste of the Holy Land with Artza Holy Land Boxes. Each of the boxes comes with seven to nine goods, such as handmade soap, specialty food and ceramics — many of them made by Christian artists and artisans. The Holy Land Boxes provide “an experience that brings the Land of the Bible to life while supporting the people who call this place home,” says Artza, which means “towards the Land” in Hebrew.

Price: $74.99-$339.99 depending on the subscription

Website: artzabox.com

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St. Joseph Wood and Knotted Cord Rosary

Men will especially appreciate this sturdy wood-beaded rosary featuring a sleeping St. Joseph medal, Miraculous medal and an unusual crucifix depicting God the Father holding up Christ.

Price: $18

Website: totallycatholicfundraising.com

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“The Chosen,” Season One DVD

“The Chosen” is a riveting portrayal of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. Distributed by VidAngel Studios, the multi-season television series stars Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie (Jesus) and provides a first-rate depiction of the pivotal stories of Christ’s life. Award-winning, “The Chosen” boasts as the largest crowdfunded TV series of all time, and the second season of the show is underway.

Price: $29.99

Website: https://www.angel.com/watch/the-chosen

HOSTESS AND TEACHER GIFTS

Here are gift suggestions that can stand alone or be packed together into a gift basket for a favorite teacher, boss, or teacher. They also make great stocking stuffers!

“Fatima” DVD

Released to DVD on Oct. 27, “Fatima” offers a realistic retelling of the Marian apparition in Fátima, Portugal. Unlike previous Fátima movies, this film shows the young seers’ humanity, and it uncovers the scope of their suffering. In 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children — 10-year-old Lucia de Santos and her two cousins, 9-year-old Francisco and 6-year-old Jacinta Marto. The story unfolds through Sister Lucia’s memories, and we see how the children, particularly Lucia, faced rejection when they refused to deny the truth. This inspiring film makes a fitting gift for everyone on your Christmas shopping list.

Price: $14.96

Website: amazon.com

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Glory and Shine Lotion

Glory and Shine Lotion is my favorite face and body lotions because it smells fantastic and gentle. Their lotions are made with organic oils, including extra virgin olive oil, virgin avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea. Instead of perfume, the fragrance comes from essential oils. As an added benefit, the lotion also has Lourdes water in it. The creams come in frankincense, lavender, lime, orange and other scents.

Price: $15.99 (16 oz)

Website: gloryandshine.com

Advent Icon Cup

This ceramic coffee cup features iconography of the Holy Family by artist Cindi Duft. The perfect gift to remind someone — all year long — the meaning of Christmas.

Price: $21.99 (11oz), 26.99 (15oz)

Website: catholicmugs.co

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Nutcracker “Sweet” Popcorn

Not sure what to give to your children’s teachers? Give them crunchy, Christmas caramel popcorn drizzled with chocolate from the Steubenville Popcorn Company.

Price: $9.95 (2-quarts)

Website: monasterygreetings.com

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Alleluia Notecards

Exclusively from OSV, these pretty, watercolor Alleluia notecards are blank inside and come with white envelopes. The set includes 25 3.5″ x 5″ cards.

Price: $12.95

Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com

Created For Love Sticker

The Created For Love Sticker, designed by artist Marie Heimann reads, “She gives of her best everywhere adding a touch of generosity, tenderness, and joy of life.” The sticker makes a great gift for female teachers or as a stocking stuffer for moms and daughters.

Price: $4.95

Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com

Lori Hadacek Chaplin writes from Idaho.