The fiat of Mother Mary leads us on our path to Christmas Day. Her “Yes” amid the unknown is an example for us all to walk forward in trust. A child is worthy of celebration and the birth of the Christ child is worth such joy and exultation. It is with that same joy and anticipation that we walk through the season of Advent preparing our hearts and home for the Christmas season. In this preparation, may we ask Mother Mary to walk alongside us, revealing and encouraging us as we journey toward Christmas.
As this year’s list was curated, we realized the opportunity we had to use gift giving as a tool to evangelize and share love for Mother Mary. With this in mind, we are excited to present this Very Mary Christmas gift guide that includes some well-known Catholic shops and some new ones. It is the hope that this guide will help you share the beauty of the Catholic faith inside and outside your homes.
For the Home:
Kitchen Madonna:
Our Lady of Tenderness Plaque
House of Joppa has some lovely Catholic merchandise that always finds a spot on my Christmas shopping list. I love the idea of a Kitchen Madonna as I spend a great deal of time in my ministry of motherhood in my kitchen and images help anchor me in my faith. This plaque of Our Lady of Tenderness is a beautiful reminder of who we are called to be as mothers.
https://www.houseofjoppa.com/products/our-lady-of-tenderness-icon
Holy Family Heart Trio: Just Love Prints
Just Love Prints offers beautiful artwork in a style that invites you into a deeper examination of the story it is depicting. In this trio, which would hang beautifully over a prayer corner, my children ask me to remind them why is there a sword. What do the flowers mean on St Joseph’s heart? Artwork is a beautiful way to evangelize to ourselves, our family, and our friends.
https://justloveprints.com/products/holy-family-hearts-5×7-set?_pos=1&_sid=9023e103c&_ss=r
Marian Throw Pillows and Table Runner: Magnify the Ordinary
These throw pillows are a soft and lovely way to weave a love for Mama Mary throughout your home. Just as we decorate for seasonal holidays, I think it is equally lovely to decorate liturgically as a way to celebrate our Catholic identity. Imagine how fun it would be to take out your Marian pillow covers, tablecloths and tea towels for the feast days! What fun!
THROW PILLOWS:
Coupon Code: JUSTFORYOU23MA33
TABLE RUNNER:
Marian Tea Towels
Store Bio: At Firefly Wishes, we take great pride in creating personalized, handmade gifts that bring joy and a unique touch to every occasion. From our home studio, we design and handcraft a variety of items including handmade Christmas ornaments, Catholic gifts, home goods, apparel and more. Our Catholic line beautifully weaves faith and artistry, offering meaningful items that celebrate devotion and inspire spiritual growth. From hand-designed kitchen towels to personalized ornaments to inspirational T-shirts each product reflects a commitment to quality craftsmanship and heartfelt design. These pieces serve as thoughtful gifts for sacraments, housewarmings, or simply as everyday reminders of faith in the home. Designed with care in our studio, these items resonate deeply with those seeking to honor their Catholic faith in a personal, tangible way. Save 10% on our Catholic Gifts collection with promo code MARYGIFTS through December 31, 2024 website: www.firefly-wishes.com Order by December 15 for delivery by Christmas.
https://firefly-wishes.com/products/auspice-maria-kitchen-towel?_pos=2&_sid=2fb78f4a1&_ss=r
Books:
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary
As a Catholic, I have always loved exploring my Jewish roots. I love to celebrate some of the Jewish holidays and teach them to my children because they are my history too. It is with this same desire that I chose this book for the book portion of our guide. Brandt Pitre has the heart of a teacher as he writes. I think this would be a great gift to either give or put on your own wish list.
Our Lady of Charity:
How a Cuban Devotion to Mary Helped Me Grow in Faith and Love
Full Disclosure: I have had the privilege of sharing a meal with the author of this book and it was a beautiful experience. Maria Morera Johnson reflects her culture’s joyful and devout faith both in person and in her writing. One of my favorite things is learning more of Our Lady’s apparitions and Our Lady of Charity was new to me. This is an easy yet thought provoking read.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/our-lady-of-charity
Saint Monica and the Power of Persistent Prayer
This book is hands down one of my favorite books I have read. If you sat in my office, you would see the corners bent, pages written on, and the cover worn and that would not be my first copy! If you are a parent or know a parent who has struggled with watching their children travel a path that brought separation, suffering, illness, loss of faith and great sorrow, this book is a necessity in your prayer life. I have bought multiple copies of it and share it quite frequently. This would make a very thoughtful gift to someone you know needs some encouragement.
https://osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/st-monica-and-the-power-of-persistent-prayer
America’s Mary/ Our Lady of Good Help
Marge Fenelon, the author of this book, is somewhat of a mentor for me when it comes to learning about our Blessed Mother. She has written countless books digging deeper into Marian theology and the relationships Mary wants to have with us. This is her first book about Our Lady of Good Help, our national shrine in Wisconsin. The story of Adelle is not a well-known one but one that encourages us to be steady in our vocation and trust in God’s plan.
https://osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/america-s-mary-the-story-of-our-lady-of-good-help
Marian Consecration for Children
This book is so charming and beautiful. I initially purchased it to do with my daughter but ended up reconsecrating myself with a more childlike faith. The stories used in each day’s reflection are classical and thought provoking. Trust me when I say this little book is a treasure worth sharing.
Take it to the Queen
Josephine Nobizzo has such a gift for telling stories. The illustrations almost make you feel as if you’re on a pilgrimage in Italy with their broad strokes and careful attention to detail. My family owns all of Nobizzo’s books (There is a trilogy of which this is one). In keeping with our gift guide theme, this story shares the role of Mother Mary as advocate and nurturer to her people in a lovely story. This would make a great gift from a grandparent, godparent, or aunt and uncle.
Apparel/Clothing
Marian World Tour Hoodie: Sock Religious
I love this sweatshirt because it invites a conversation. As a drama teacher, youth minister, teacher and speaker, I often have an audience and I enjoy wearing something that reflects who I am in an upbeat and modern way. This sweatshirt does that and more! I think it is a fantastic gift for the holidays!
Prince of Peace Pajamas: Holy Pals
Holy Pals is such a fun new company to showcase this year. Their pajamas are cozy, high quality and come in all sizes. Seriously, why not follow the trend of matching Christmas pajamas but with this festive Prince of Peace pattern? Perhaps a Christmas card sent out with faith-filled pajamas can share a subtle part of your story with those you are hoping to keep in touch with.
No Hood Like Sainthood: Millennial Me Designs
We have a reputation around our kids’ friends of being pretty punny. Whether it be carpooling or late-night drive-through runs, we love to represent our faith and our vocation in fun ways. This shirt is on my giving list for a couple friends who share the same joy of inviting conversation through what they wear. I also like that it has a modern feel that even my older kids might throw on with a pair of jeans.
Call your Mother: Millennial Me Designs
This shirt is so fun! It presents an opportunity to share our faith and gives a gentle reminder to those around us that our Blessed Mother is there waiting for us to reach out. She is our constant advocate! I imagine myself wearing this shirt and just arching my eyebrow and pointing to my shirt as my children catch me up on the events in their adult lives this holiday season. This is on my list for some friends whom I call “close as sisters.”
For the Kids
Call me Mama Board Book
This board book is made in the U.S. Written and illustrated by Kortnee Senn, it helps pass down the message that all Marian apparitions are still our Mama Mary no matter how she appears or what she is called. I think it also helps us share how thoughtful she is to appear in a way that her children understand. Suggested purchase by date is Dec. 14. Studio Senn books are 20% off, no coupon needed!
https://studiosenn.com/products/call-me-mama-book
Wooden Magnet Nativity Set
Shining Light Dolls has a mission to offer beautiful, affordable, faith-filled products that encourage play-based learning and family catechesis. They do this through unique books, toys, games, dolls, and plushies that help foster a sense of Jesus’ presence in every aspect of our lives, as well as the prayers of the saints, cheering us on. Coupon Code: NEW10 to receive 10% off your first order. Expires at the end of the year. Christmas Order Deadline: Due to high order volumes and shipping times that can be slower, please order by the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) to ensure arrival before Christmas.
https://shininglightdolls.com/collections/magnet-sets/products/christmas-nativity-wooden-magnet-set
Make your Own Rosary Kit
I recently had a conversation with one of my sons about the importance of learning through creating. When I saw this DIY Rosary kit, I smiled and thought of how meaningful it would be for a young child to make his or her own rosary to pray with. Being considerate of the child’s age of course, I think this would be a wonderful gift to give.
https://beaheart.com/products/rosary-making-kits?variant=40603414003800
Hail Mary Pillowcase
I love little seeds planted of faith around our home, especially in our kids’ rooms. From a crucifix on the wall to a holy water font by the light switch, these decorative sacramentals become meaningful reminders of our faith in our daily living. Any tangible little reminder is always a win for me and this pillowcase is great for either son or daughter. I might roll mine up, tie it with a ribbon, and place them in a stocking!
https://thelittleroseshop.com/products/hail-mary-prayer-pillowcase?_pos=19&_sid=da216944b&_ss=r
Rosary Mass Quiet Book
If I were being very truthful, I would say I need my own copy of this as I am a cheat sheet girl with my mysteries. Perhaps it is the eight kids, or the very fact that I do not have the best memory, I love this book. I love that young children can follow along and we can even give them opportunities to teach us!
https://thelittleroseshop.com/products/rosary-quiet-book?_pos=48&_sid=da216944b&_ss=r
Father Leopold Says Mass Lego Kit
Domestic Church Supply Company offers a line of Catholic-themed LEGO sets that utilize genuine LEGO bricks. Their flagship product, Fr. Leopold Celebrates Mass, is a complete Mass set! They also have a Fr. John Hears Confessions set where you build a confessional, complete with lights that actually light up, and an advent wreath set. Order by Dec. 16 for delivery by Christmas. PS: This brings back so many memories of my kids playing Mass. Now they can create it with Legos! I think this is a really creative way to evangelize our younger population and teach them that our faith can be fun! I see them using their other Lego pieces to add a Virgin Mary prayer altar and a St. Joseph side altar, or perhaps even a stained glass window. The list can go on and on!
Be Yourself Journal
“Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire!” — St Catherine of Siena. Those words are at the heart of Be Yourself! A Journal for Catholic Girls, which is designed to help girls explore their identity and purpose in life. Packed with gorgeous, full-color line art, quizzes, journaling questions, and inspirational quotes from the Catechism and Scripture, the Be Yourself! journal leads girls to discover that they are beautifully and wonderfully made … and that they have a unique, God-given mission and purpose in the world. Ages 9 and up. I know my tween daughter uses a journal as a way to organize all the thoughts she is bouncing around in her head. I think this journal will help! As a mother, my role is to be an advocate for her as she grows and help her develop strategies to cope with all the thoughts and experiences she will have as she matures. This journal looks like a lovely way to walk beside her.
https://prayerwinechocolate.com/product/be-yourself-a-journal-for-catholic-girls/
For the Ladies
Mother & Home ‘Marian Antiphon’ scarf
Elevate your Advent attire or accessories with the exclusive Mother & Home “Marian Antiphon” scarf collection! The first antiphon scarf release is Alma Redemptoris Mater, the Marian hymn traditionally sung at the end of every Catholic mass from Advent to the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas). The stylish 22″ multi-use scarf was designed in collaboration with Catholic artist Jamie Redpath. It is rich in symbolism featuring flowers with deeply theological significance: The Christmas rose, which is a purple in color rose, the dainty white Star of Bethlehem flowers, and Our Lady’s Bedstraw, a flower always yellow and gold. This bandana-style scarf can be worn as a bandana, headband, ponytail, Mass covering, neck scarf, or to elevate a handbag or diaper bag! Great as a gift or when you’d like to add a “pop” to your wardrobe. Use CATHOLICTIMES15 to get 15% off sitewide now through Dec. 18. Shipping to all countries, free over $150.
www.motherandhomemarket.co
Pocket Chaplet: Fount of Grace
This decade rosary is handmade and exquisite. I love the blue Marian colors and rosettes that intertwine each bead. Both the cross and the medal that shows our lady cradling baby Jesus in her arms have an antique flair. This would be a collectible piece that would be a very special gift.
https://fountofgrace.com/products/aquamarine-one-decade-rosary?_pos=3&_sid=15099ac7e&_ss=r
Scalloped Miraculous Medal Necklace
I love vintage Catholic jewelry. It is both stylish and a way for me to feel connected to my faith. This miraculous medal comes on a beautiful chain and is a conversation piece in its design. A side note, it is also pretty sturdy in comparison to many miraculous medals I have had over the years.
https://telosartshop.com/necklaces/scalloped-miraculous-medal
Lourdes Wallet
This trendy yet functional wristlet has such fun fabric options from Stella Maris to Guadalupe, Mama Mary is represented in it all. I like the many pockets it offers and also think it would be a great addition to a stocking.
For the men
Marian Hoodie
My boys love a good dark hoodie. My husband has a tradition of taking my boys out to coffee or lunch, sometimes a long walk where they dig deep and catch up. Their dress is casual, often weekend ease, and I love that this sweatshirt gives that understated yet out loud representation of being boldly Catholic. This is a solid choice for the grandpas, fathers and sons in our families.
https://sanctusco.com/collections/hoodies/products/mary-unisex-hoodie
St. Benedict Bracelet
Bracelet wearing has become a trend and I am all for it when it becomes another tool to share our Catholic identity. This St. Benedict bracelet gives my mother’s heart a moment of peace as I ask for his protection over them. This bracelet will find its way into one of my family member’s stockings this year.
https://telosartshop.com/unisex-jewelry/leather-st-benedict-bracelet
Leather Bible Cover
I have spent a lot of time on the Oremoose website just fascinated by their product line of leather Bible covers. This is not my usual thing as gifts, but these are of such high quality and I love the cross stitching on the front. This feels very masculine yet personalized. Coupon Code: CATHOLICTIMES15 for 15% off. Deadline this year is Dec. 15.
https://www.oremoose.com/bible-covers/p/grizzly-bear-bible-cover-cl696
Holy Family Necklace for Men
Many of my boys have various versions of a scapular that they have worn over time. I love this Holy Family Medal as it calls them back into the notion of family. If I gifted this to one of my sons, I would remind him that he is part of a large Holy Family and this little holy family here in our home and that just as St. Joseph and Mother Mary cared and loved Jesus, when you wear this, remember that you too are held and loved and cared for by us all. This is a great gift to give to young teenage boys as it reminds them of their place in the family.
https://telosartshop.com/unisex-jewelry/holy-family
Hospitality
Christmas Ornament
Meyer Market Designs is your go-to shop for Catholic gifts and meaningful home decor. This is a cute ornament with all the saints to give alongside a nice bag of Mystic Monk coffee beans or a lovely bottle of wine. A great reminder that we have a family of saints in heaven praying for us! Use coupon code 10OFF for 10% off of your purchase from Meyer Market Designs!
Mary the Immaculate Conception: Fragrance Free Candle
Candle lighting is part of my prayer routine, but I am pretty particular with my scents. I love sipping my tea in the morning, lighting my candle and asking each of our saint friends to intercede for my family. I love Corda candles! Each unique scent is directly inspired by saints and the faith, and custom blended in house. As you burn the candle and enjoy the scent, there’s a tangible, concrete connection to the holy men and women who have gone before us. There are so many scents and candles to explore, including ones inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Joan of Arc. Orders $75+ ship for free plus everyone can receive 15% off their entire order with code CATHOLICTIMES now through Dec. 31.
Stocking Stuffers
Hair Headbands
There are so many of these beautiful Marian headbands at Brick House in the City. They make fantastic stocking stuffers! The fabric is sturdy and the colors fresh and modern.
Mothers’ Manual: Prayers and Advice for Catholic Mothers
Early on in my mothering, I was given this book and I kept it nearby for quiet moments of prayer; whether I was nursing a baby, in between appointments, or sitting in the chapel for some time with Jesus. This book brought me great comfort. It’s funny it has resurfaced in a time when I find myself sitting in between sports or dance practices, theater auditions and taekwondo. Its wisdom is timeless. It would make a lovely gift for the mothers in your life.
Visitation Socks (though do consider the rosary
and Marian monogram ones as well!)
Sock Religious is well known for their liturgical socks as well as creative Catholic apparel. The Visitation is my favorite mystery to reflect upon and these socks are a fun reminder as well as a fantastic way to evangelize! They have a whole assortment that can help you fill every stocking!
https://sockreligious.com/products/visitation-adult-socks?variant=39270337970247
Magnificat Prayer Card
I love putting a prayer card in my kids’ stockings or St. Nick shoes. The Magnificat is a reminder of how we are called to live out our everyday fiat for the Lord. My kids have these on their lockers, bulletin boards and I’ve even seen one on the dash of a car on occasion.
https://abundanceofgrace.com/products/magnificat-prayer-card?variant=41450371645615