The gift-giving tradition goes back to the Nativity, a few days after Christ was born. The three wise men followed the bright Star of Bethlehem to meet baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Known as King Balthasar (from Arabia), King Melchior (from Persia), and King Gaspar (from India), they brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and recognized Him as the Son of God.
“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother; and they knelt and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)
Today, we give gifts to our loved ones in imitation of the wise men, showing our love and gratitude for others. As you discern gift-giving this season, remember that praying for someone is always a beautiful and thoughtful gift we can give to others.
Gifts for everyone
The Gift of Prayer: Hallow
With 10,000+ prayers, meditations, and learning courses in the app for all ages, Hallow has something for everyone. Consider giving Hallow to your friends and family as an early gift to support them in prayer this Advent by purchasing a 3-month or one-year (virtual) Hallow gift card!
The Chosen: Seasons 1-3 on DVD
The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ. At Hallow, we are blessed to partner with Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in The Chosen. Seasons 1-3 of The Chosen on DVD are great gifts for anyone seeking to learn more about Jesus, ahead of the release of Season 4 in early 2024!
The Catechism from Ascension
Check out Ascension’s edition of The Catechism of the Catholic Church for the theologically curious friends and family in your life. This is a great companion for those planning to listen to The Catechism In A Year! In this podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz helps us live out our faith in daily life.
The Bible from Word on Fire
There are two volumes of the Word on Fire Bible. The first volume illuminates the Gospels with commentary from Bishop Barron, the Church Fathers, and various saints, theologians, and scholars. The second volume illuminates Acts, Letters, and Revelation. Consider purchasing one of the volumes or both for a friend or family member this Advent season.
Apparel from Catholic Concepts
From Pope Francis to St. Thérèse of Lisieux to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sock Religious of Catholic Concepts has the perfect pair of socks for everyone in your life from the littles to the grands! You can also check out their new States of Faith line, featuring all 50 States, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, outlined in the Rosary on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more.
Coffee from Religious Roast
Elevate someone’s morning coffee this Advent with coffee inspired by the saints! For the adventurer in your life, you can buy the St. John Paul II medium roast, or the Our Lady of Carmel sweet caramel roast for a sweet friend! Check out all the “saintly coffee” Religious Roast has to offer this Advent season!
Benedictine Bracelet from My Saint My Hero
You can never go wrong with the Classic Benedictine Bracelet from My Saint My Hero! These blessing bracelets come in a wide variety of colors and feature the icon of St. Benedict and the Benedictine cross, a symbol of divine protection. This is a great gift symbolizing God’s love and protection.
90-Day Planner from Monk Manual
The Monk Manual 90-Day Planner is a “daily system designed for peaceful being and purposeful doing” inspired by the daily life of monks. This is a great gift for anyone, especially for those going through a life transition or seeking to live intentionally.
Daily Formation Notepad from Reform Wellness
Reform Wellness seeks to integrate both the body and soul when it comes to health. This Daily Formation Notepad is a great gift for someone in your life who enjoys the health & wellness space and looks to grow in daily (w)holiness.
Support Small Catholic Businesses on Etsy
Consider supporting small Catholic shops and artists on Etsy this Advent and Christmas! From mugs to jewelry to stickers to Christmas cards, you’ll find something beautiful for everyone on your list. Among many others, check out Gratia Design Co. (Christmas card pictured), Mourning Dove Co., Stump of Jesse, and the Little Rose Shop!
Catholic tee shirts
Who doesn’t love a comfy t-shirt? Grab a stylish tee with a Catholic message from Totally Catholic Tees, which has been in business for more than 30 years and remains dedicated to spreading the Gospel through apparel.
A Hallow x Ghirelli Rosary
Artwork by the talented Hallow design team showcases St. Teresa of Avila in the centerpiece of this rosary from Ghirelli®️ in partnership with Hallow. The crucifix is inspired by Matthew 11:28 and is finished in antique silver. It’s a beautiful prayer companion!
Gifts for the home
Advent Wreath & Candles from Be A Heart
As an Advent or “early Christmas” gift, consider this beautiful Advent Wreath, Candles & Matches Bundle from Be A Heart. This is a perfect, liturgically-minded gift for close friends and family members. It would look beautiful on a dining table or entryway table for everyone to approach the Light this season.
Jesse Tree Window Clings from Studio Senn
In line with the theme of Advent Pray25, we love these Jesse Tree Window Clings that trace the coming of Jesus through time. The Jesse Tree begins on December 1st and concludes on Christmas Eve. This is a great gift for families with young children to help them understand the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah!
Home Decor from from Meyer Market Designs
Popular Catholic Etsy shop MeyerMarketDesigns offers a wide range of Catholic items with beautiful Catholic imagery and messages. Their saints pillow is especially beautiful, but they also offer stuffed dolls, garden flags, ornaments, notepads and more. You’ll be sure to find something for your home that can inspire your faith this holiday season.
Annunciation Print from Santa Clara Design
This Annunciation Print from Santa Clara Design is a thoughtful gift for anyone in your life. It reminds us of Mary’s fiat — her powerful “yes” to God when the Angel Gabriel came to her. Consider framing this beautiful print and giving it to a neighbor, friend, or family member this season.
Cooking with the Saints Cookbook from Sophia Press
The Cooking with the Saints cookbook from Sophia Press is such a fun gift for your friends and family who love to cook! This cookbook includes traditional dishes from the home countries and communities of saints, as well as special saint feast day cookie recipes. This is a gift that will keep on giving throughout the liturgical year.
Candles from Saint Candles
The St. Padre Pio Candle is a collaboration between Saint Candles and our team at Hallow. This candle is inspired by Padre Pio with scents of rose, geranium, and other flowers. This is a beautiful gift for anyone in your life! You can also check out the Nativity and St. Nicholas candles from Saint Candles.
Wood Carvings of the Last Supper and more
Blestart offers immaculate wood carvings done by Christians living in the Holy Land, supporting a small population of people “who want to live in peace and support their families with a centuries-old trade and way of life.” The finished products are showstopping pieces that will sanctify your home.
The Nativity Candle from Stella Maris & Co.
Stella Maris (Latin for “Star of the Sea,” a reference to Mary’s title as Our Lady, Star of the Sea) produced, produced by Theology of Home, are wonderful set of candles, none more seasonally appropriate than the Nativity candle, which has been described as “Christmas in a jar” and offers a fragrant scent of fir, orange and vanilla. Pair it with a beautiful set of matches for just $1 more.
Gifts for families
The Catholic Card Game
The Catholic Card Game is a prompt-and-answer style game with all questions related to the Catholic and its traditions. This is both a fun and educational gift for both families and adults.
Holy Family Ornament from The Catholic Company
This Holy Family Glass Ornament is an affordable and thoughtful gift for families this Advent. While it makes for a great gift for neighbors or family friends, this ornament is a great gift for individuals as well!
Membership to Catholic Family Crate
Catholic Family Crate puts together new crates or “boxes” each month with crafts and other learning materials for families to pass on the faith and its traditions to kids. You can purchase a monthly or annual membership to Catholic Family Crate. This is a great gift for families with young kids.
Hallow Family Plan
Did you know that Hallow has a family plan? Consider upgrading your personal Hallow subscription so your family can pray together on the app (up to 6 members). Learn more about the Hallow Family Plan!
Mary on the Mantel
If your little ones are intrigued by Elf on the Shelf, they’ll love Mary on the Mantel from Be a Heart. Create a new Advent tradition and help your children prepare for the arrival of baby Jesus.
Family Pajamas
Thanks to Holy Pals Pajamas, your whole squad can match with style PJs showcasing Christian themes. It’s a fun way to help teach the faith to little ones, with designs inspired by both the Old and New Testaments.
Rosaries
Rosaries are a great gift for friends and family of all ages, and there really are styles out there for everyone! Check out some of these beautiful Rosaries:
House of Joppa Olive Wood Rosary
ChewsLife Silicon rosaries for little ones
Catholic Woodworker Handmade Wooden Pocket Rosary
West Coast Catholic Wedding at Cana Rosary
AromaRosary Hallow Rosary & Oil Blend
Gifts for her
For the organized woman, check out Blessed Is She’s 2024 Liturgical Calendar, Be A Heart’s 2024 Liturgical Calendar, and Simplicity & Productivity Co’s 90-Day Life of Purpose planner.
Gift the stylish woman the St. Bernadette Silk Scarf from Litany NYC.
For the woman whose jewelry is a reminder of her faith, consider the Mystical Rose Ring from The Little Catholic, the Stella Maris Rosary Bracelet from Chews Life, or the Clothed with the Sun Necklace from Saint and Stone.
The woman always reading or interested in femininity & faith; consider gifting her the Reader’s or All Access Pass to FemCatholic or the book Reveal the Gift by Lisa Cotter (Ascension Press).
Gifts for him
If you’re looking to give a stylish gift this season, check out this St. Raphael Pocket Square for men from Litany NYC.
Offering “self-care products with a Catholic purpose,” Glory and Shine makes lotions, soaps and lip balms, but might be most famous for their highly regarded beard balms.
For the men in your life who love the Rosary, check out this beautiful Natural Wooden Rosary from Rugged Rosaries and this sleek Rosary Card from Everyday Prayer Co.
For a man interested in spiritual growth, consider gifting him a subscription to Exodus 90, a program and community for men ready to “live different.”
You can also consider the book Drinking with the Saints from The Catholic Company and this St. Benedict Monastery Candle from The Catholic Shop for men in your life!
If he loves coffee or tea, check out these inspiring St. Josemaría Escrivá mugs from Annunciation Designs.
Gifts for kids
For the really littles, we love these Silicon Baby Rosaries from Chews Life, the Nativity Christmas pajamas from Be A Heart, and the Nativity Playset from Saintly Heart.
The Saint Dolls from Shining Light Dolls are a great gift for toddlers.
Books from Emily Wilson Ministries are another great option. Stella the Brave, for children ages 4-8, is new for 2023
For the older kids, check out this Sprout Journal for Kids from Monk Manual, the book Brilliant! 28 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People.
Gifts for readers
For the book lovers and theology readers in your life, consider gifting:
- The Flannery O’Connor Collection (Word on Fire)
- Liturgy of the Hours Subscription (Word on Fire)
- Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (Ascension Press)
- The 12-Book Classics Set (TAN)
In lieu of gifts
If purchasing gifts isn’t possible for you this season, remember that you can always serve in honor of someone or pray for them — those are gifts, too! Here are a few gifts that cost nothing or close to nothing for your friends and family this Advent and Christmas:
- Light a candle at Mass for someone and call them to let them know.
- Make a homemade Christmas card and handwrite a letter; receiving a handwritten note in this digital age can mean so much to someone!
- Say a Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet in honor of someone and let them know you prayed for them.
- Offer to watch a friend or family member’s children one day or evening during this busy season.
- Do something nice for a neighbor, like taking out the trash, raking leaves, or clearing snow out of their driveway.
