Around this time of year the questions start pouring into my inbox from other mothers who are looking for gift ideas and book suggestions. I always enjoy sharing about my “fun finds” each Advent and our ever growing book collection as we begin to prepare for Christmas!
Earlier this year I put together a list with 100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas {Plus a Basketful of Giveaways!} and I thought I would do the same for Christmas! I decided to gather some of our favorite gifts from over the years into one (ginormous!) post. Almost everything listed below are things we have either purchased for our family or have been given over the years, with some new additions for this year and a few things on my “wish list.”
Before I get started, could I ask you all for a little favor? Last Monday my mom received the results from her recent MRI. They found a 1.4 cm Acoustic Neuroma tumor. It is a rare benign (non-canerous) growth that develops on the eighth cranial nerve, leading from the inner ear to the brain. Her doctor has recommended that she travel to San Francisco or Portland sometime soon to have it removed. She is looking into her options now. Could you please offer a prayer for her? Thank you!
Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of 31 PRIZES, from my generous sponsors here at Shower of Roses, with a combined value of over $1,200!
Note: Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
.: Advent – Preparing for Christmas :.
- Advent Candle Set (makes one set) – Here is another option we have used in the past, ‘Make Your Own’ Beeswax Advent Taper Candle Kit, which makes 3 complete sets.
- The Jesse Box (I’ve blogged a little about this here.)
- Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Figures
- Mauve Pearl St. Andrew Chaplet from Mary Devotions
- Music for Advent Including: Advent at Ephesus, Adventus (Tracks 1-5 for the First Week of Advent), and Legends of Nicholas.
- St. Andrew Christmas Novena Bracelet in Bronze from Loreto Rosaries (on my wish list)
- Rustic Wooden Jesse Tree Ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures (We use these beautiful ornaments in addition to our Felt Jesse Tree. You can find my No-Sew Picture Tutorial here.)
- Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar
- 100% Beeswax Advent Taper Candles (Our candles from The Cloister Shoppe have sold out for this year. Other options include: Toadily Handmade Beeswax Candles, Honey Candles, or these from Big Dipper Wax Works. I’ll be using these pillar candles in pink and purple for our large wreath. If you are looking for less expensive candles, these might be a good option.
- Saint Nicholas Statue
- Saint Nicholas Gold Coin Soaps from Saintly Soaps
- Saint Nicholas from Shining Light Dolls
- PLAYMOBIL Christmas Parade Set (or the St. Nicholas and Christmas Angel Play Set)
- Saint Nicholas by Naturally Catholic
- St. Nicholas from Tiny Saints
- St. Nick Goat’s Milk Soap
- DIY: St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins
- Saint Blessing Blocks from Almond Rod Toys
- The Baker’s Dozen: A St. Nicholas Tale (I blogged about the book and our cookies here.)
- St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas (coffee table style book)
- The Legend of St. Nicholas by Demi
- The Legend of St. Nicholas by Anselm Grun
- Saint Nicholas & the Nine Gold Coins
- Nicholas of Myra: Giver of Many Gifts
- Saint Nicholas and the Mouse of Myra (comic book style)
- Kersti and Saint Nicholas by Hilda Van Stockum (chapter book, originally published in 1940)
- Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa DVD (also available from Catholic Child)
- Hand Painted Wooden Saint Lucy from Catholic Folk Toys (custom orders available – Tammy’s hand painted saint dolls were the very first I ever saw online many years ago and inspired me to paint my Alphabet of Saints – I’m so happy that she is painting again! I love her dolls!)
- Lucia Saint of Light
- St. Lucy from Naturally Catholic
- Saint Lucy from Tiny Saints
- Saint Lucia Christmas Postcards from Audrey Eclectic
- Starboy Hat and Star Set
- Saint Lucy Articulated Paper Doll in Color from Stella Marigold Art
- Lucia Pewter Ornament
- Saint Lucia Dress & Wreath from The Little Habit
- Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Cloak of Roses – Our Lady of Guadalupe from Regina Martryum Productions
- Our Lady of Guadalupe and Crown from The Little Habit
- Mañanitas CD or MP3 from Casa Maria/Sister Servants
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle
- Our Lady of Guadalupe from Prayer Pillowcases
- Our Lady of Guadalupe from Shining Light Dolls
- Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe DVD
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Pop-Up Book – We also really love The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas.
- Christmas Mosaic (read more about Christmas Mosaic and find the featured book list here)
- Bambinelli Sunday
- Bethlehem (Catholic Edition)
- Mary’s Song
- The Miracle of St. Nicholas
- Katy’s Christmas Gift (peek inside the book here)
- Manger (peek inside the book here)
- Song of the Stars
- The Nativity
- Who Is Coming To Our House?
- Stable in Bethlehem: A Countdown to Christmas
- One Night In Bethlehem (A Touch-And-Feel Book)
- Who’s Hiding? A Christmas Lift-The-Flap Book
- The Saving Name of God the Son
- Christmas in the Manger
- My First Pictures of Christmas (you can also find the new Christmas! by same author here.)
- Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
- God Bless Our Christmas
- Heaven on Earth Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
- Stained Glass Jigsaw Puzzle (500 pieces)
- Stained Glass Window Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) – similar to this one in the archives.
- Stained Glass Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
- Holy Family Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
- Stained Glass Holy Night Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) – new for this year!
- Glorious Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) – more pictures in the archives.
- Forest Nativity Shaped Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) – new for this year!
- “A Christmas Angel” Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
- Little People Nativity
- Nativity Puzzle by Flipzels (a new gift for our soon-to-be four year old!)
- Playmobil Nativity (we have an older style)
- Wooden Nativity Blocks from Almond Rod Toys
- A Child Is Born from Naturally Catholic (new for this year! So beautiful!)
- Hand Painted Wood Peg Doll Nativity from Make the Scene
- Kurt Adler 10.5-Inch Hand-Carved Child’s 1st Nativity Set
- Schleich Nativity (No longer made, but worth searching ebay.)
- Wooden Nativity Scene from Armadillo Dreams (Pictured in the archives: Roses for Baby Jesus)
- Saint Joseph from Shining Light Dolls
- Mary & Joseph Journey to Bethlehem from In the Loft
- Mary, Blessed Mother from Tiny Saints (SAVE 20% with coupon code ROSES20)
- Holy Family Soft Saint Doll Set from Trendzilly
- Holy Family Set – Zelie Dolls from Family Cloister Learning Center
- Nativity Soft Dolls from Baby Steps to Jesus
- Saint Michael the Archangel from Baby Steps to Jesus
- Saint Therese Felt Saint Doll from Sanctus Stitches (I love the Saint Lucia too!)
- Saints ‘N Stitches Pillow Doll from Waltzing Matilda Makes…
- Cathedral
- St. Peter’s Basilica 3D Puzzle
- Scattergories – Catholic Edition
- Catholic By The Number
- Saint Memory Game (You can also make your own Saint Joseph Memory Match Playing Cards with Printables in the Archives!)
- Lord of History Card Game
- Church Windows
- ‘Tis the Season, Christmas Trivia (A friend gave us this last year and we enjoyed trying to answer all the questions!)
- Catholic Trivia: Traditional Version
- Stratego Original
- Ticket to Ride (I’m considering ordering the Nordic version as a Christmas gift!)
- The Settlers of Catan and Expansion Sets (See our Settlers of Catan Birthday Party here.)
- Axis & Allies 1942
- Monopoly: The Classic Edition
- Say Anything
- Guess Who? (Patron Saints Edition!)
- Bird Bingo
- Bug Bingo
- Christmas Coloring Book
- The Childhood of Jesus Coloring Book from Holy Heroes
- The Holy Imitation Series: Eucharistic Adoration, Life of Jesus, Mother of God, Holy Name of Jesus, Choirs of Angels, and Communion of Saints.
- Crayon Rocks in a Red Velvet Bag
- Nativity Stained Glass Coloring Book
- Branch and Twig Colored Pencils
- Coloring Book About Christmas (available at Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
- Saints of Christmas Activity Book
- Nativity Sticker Activity Book
- White Infinity Veil from Robin Nest Lane
- Embroidered Scapular from Mary Devotions
- Hand Embroidered/Sewn Scapulars and Medals from StellaMarigoldArt
- Miraculous Medal Necklace from Blessed Beans Boutique
- Crocheted Wool Rosary Roses from The Fig and Thimble
- Ave Maria Crown Earrings from Gail’s Designs
- Madonna and Child Tapestry Rosary Pouch or Nativity of Jesus Rosary Pouch(many additional designs available including: Sacred Heart with Immaculate Heart, Crucifixion, and more)
- Infant of Prague Rosary from Loreto Rosaries
- Sheet Music Beaded Bracelet from Art Angel Gallery
- Enesco Pillars Advent Wreath 5-piece Set
- Heritage Lace Silent Night Runner (or Silent Night Table Cover and Mantle Scarf)
- Joseph’s Studio by Roman Holy Family Triptych Figurine
- 18″ Madonna and Child Statue
- Infant Jesus in Manger (still looking for the link – I purchased from Catholic Child)
- Christmas in Harvard Square
- Oplatki Wafers (I blogged more about these here.)
- Nativity Ornaments including this Holy Family with Baby Jesus
- Nativity Set Cookie Cutters (or from Catholic Child!)
- Baptism Set from Our Father’s House (pictures of my son using his set here)
- White Vestment Set from Interior Castle Goods
- Miniature Mass Kit from Our Father’s House
- Monk Rag Doll: Brother Hubert from Jacob’s Toy Box and Books
- Wooden Mass Kit from Almond Rod Toys
- Priest Rag Doll: Father Martin with Vestments from Jacob’s Toy Box and Books
- Saint Francis of Assisi from Shining Light Dolls
- Child Size Priest Vestments from Jacob’s Toy Box and Books
- Hand Painted Wooden Saints from Catholic Folk Toys
- Saint Therese the Little Flower Costume from Our Coats of Many Colors (Princess costumes are great gifts too. This is one of my girls favorites!)
- Subscription to St. Mary’s Messenger
- Saint Habits and Accessories from The Little Habit
- Immaculate Heart and Sacred Heart Cross Stitch Patterns
- Saints ‘N Stitches Embroidery Kits from Waltzing Matilda Makes… (LOVE these! One of my daughters also has the Klutz Tiny Stitches book, which I’ve seen them referencing lately when practicing their embroidery. I think I might get Doodle Stitching for them this year, along with some new embroidery kits and some sewing supplies.)
- Nativity Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern
- I haven’t ordered this St. Therese Doll doll or seen it in person, but it might be a great alternative to other 18″ dolls!
- Marian Grotto Craft Kits from Catholic Child
- Zelie Dolls (these are so beautiful, but they do need to be ordered in advance)
- Schleich Portable Barn with Accessories with Schleich Animals
- Wheely Bug Cow, Small and Large
- Castle Block Set
- Leather Swords and Shields from Made by Alejandro
- Melissa & Doug Deluxe Folding Medieval Castle
- Wooden Shield and Sword from Frost Lane
- Tug Bowl Kid’s Dinner Set (not exactly a toy, but definitely a favorite!)
- Tree Finger Puppet (and our whole collection of Folkmanis puppets!)
- Large Elements Set (I blogged more about these here.)
- Tree Trunk Fairy Home
- Children’s Tin Tea Set and Retro Pink Play Kitchen (not pictured, we have an older version)
- Calico Critters
- Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Wooden Doll House
- Melissa & Doug Castle and Castle Furniture
- Wooden Doll Stroller from Nova Natural
- Play Silks in a Variety of Colors
- Corolle Babicorolle Dolls (we also LOVE these Pink and Red Kathe Kruse Dolls)
- Grimm’s “Little Flower” Wooden Puzzle Stacker
- Perplexus Original and Epic
- Deluxe Hockey Goal Set
- LEGO Architecture Sets including Trevi Fountain
- The Art of the Hobbit, Letters From Father Christmas, A Dictionary of Tolkien (I’ve ordered Frodo’s Journey to give one of them this Christmas.)
- Metal Earth Model Sets (Note: These are challenging to assemble. My 13 year old loves them, but our 15 year old isn’t a fan.)
- The Brotherband Chronicles and Ranger’s Apprentice Books (including the new release: The Tournament at Gorlan (Ranger’s Apprentice: The Early Years)
- LEGO Creator Sets including Mountain Hut
- Risk (We have the Lord of the Rings Middle Earth Conquest Edition)
- Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones and Bose Mini BlueTooth Speaker (The boys love the prizes they won from the 2015 NPLTW Contest! The earphones have been so great for our oldest son, who has auditory processing challenges and listens to lots audio books. They were the perfect prize for him!)
- 12 Days Card Game
- 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures (find our 12 Days of Christmas Dinner Party here.)
- 12 Days of Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle (more pictures in the archives)
- Three Wise Men Tumbler Candle from The Cloister Shoppe
- Three Kings Gifts The Original Gifts of Christmas Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Deluxe Box, Set of 3
- Playmobil Three Wise Kings
- The 12 Days of Christmas: The Story Behind A Favorite Christmas Song
- 12 Days of Christmas Cupcake Favor Kit (pair with a pretty apron and baking supplies!)
- The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long
- Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy 2016 Calendar (TAN)
- 2016 Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter Liturgical Calendar (FSSP – Extraordinary Form)
- 2016 Catholic Calendar – 10th Anniversary Edition, Queen of Heaven (Saints Galore)
- 2016 Saints Calendar & 16 Month Planner (TAN)
- 2016 Liturgical Wall Calendar (Michele Quigley)
- 2016 Catholic Daily Planner™ (Michele Quigley)
- Mary and the Saints 2016 Wall Calendar (TAN)
- The Life of Our Lord 2016 Wall Calendar
- The Angels 2016 Wall Calendar (TAN)
These all make great gifts too:
Prize #1 – Complete Set of all 20 Catholic Treasure Box Books sponsored by TAN Homeschool (value $80.00, $100 when purchased individually!)
Prize #2 – Deluxe Wooden Christmas Blocks – 15 Piece Set sponsored by Almond Rod Toys (value $65.00)
Prize #3 – St. Nicholas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph, Our Lady of Częstochowa and The Virgin Mary Around the World! A Pilgrimage of Faith sponsored by Shining Light Dolls (value $61.95)
Prize #4 – Infinity Veil and Girls Veil with Headband sponsored by Robin Nest Lane (combined value – $59.50)
Prize #5 – Set of Four Books sponsored by St. Augustine Academy Press (Includes: The Voyage of the PAX, The Cave by the Beech Fork, The Sheriff of the Beech Fork, and The Little Children’s Prayer Book with NEW COVER! – some of these are also available at Amazon here, here, and here – value $58.60)
Prize #6 – Jesus & Mary Earrings sponsored by Gail’s Designs (Amazonite Stones, Solid Bronze Earrings with Brass Filigree Bead Caps – value $55.00)
Prize #7 – Set of Three Pendant Necklaces sponsored by Art Angel Gallery (Includes: value $52.00)
Prize #8 – Our Lady of Guadalupe Package sponsored by Catholic Child (Includes: value $50.80)
Prize #9 – Poor Clare Habit and Monstrance sponsored by The Little Habit (value $50.00)
Prize #10 – Red Priest Vestment sponsored by Interior Castle Goods (value $50.00)
Prize #11- Ten Tiny Saints of the winner’s choice sponsored by Tiny Saints (value $50.00)
Prize #12 and Prize #13 – $50 Gift Certificate sponsored by Regina Martyrum Productions (two winners, value $50.00 each)
Prize #14 – My Catholic Faith Audio on USB Flash Drive sponsored by My Catholic Faith (Instant Download value $49.95 – As an added BONUS for the giveaway, the winner will receive a USB Flash Drive with all the audio files already loaded onto the Drive!)
Prize #15 – Brother Hubert Doll, A Sister Marie Story: Saint Philomena, Help! and A Sister Marie Story: Saint John Bosco and the Dog sponsored by Jacob’s Toy Box and Books (value $47.98)
Prize #16 – “My Jesus” Personalized Crucifix and Personalized Bell Ornament sponsored by Naturally Catholic (value $43.00)
Prize #17 – Hand Painted Saint Louis Martin and Saint Zelie Martin sponsored by Catholic Folk Toys (value $40.00)
Prize #18 – Two Personalized Pillowcases from Prayer Pillowcases (winner chooses styles, free personalization included – value $39.90)
Prize #19 – Sacraments, Rites of Faith and CHRISTmas Carols Ornaments Set sponsored by Jesse Tree Treasures (value $39.90)
Prize #20 – St. Nicholas Soft Doll sponsored by Baby Steps to Jesus (value $35.00)
Prizes #21 – Advent at Ephesus & Christmas in Harvard Square sponsored by De Montfort Music (value $24.88)
Prize #22 – Set of FIVE Miracle of Life Coloring Books sponsored by Culture of Life Studies (value $24.75)
(Didn’t respond to emails… Runner up has been contacted!)
Prize #23 – Saint Nicholas Hand Embroidered Saints ‘N Stitches Pillow Doll sponsored by Waltzing Matilda Makes… (value $24.00)
Prize #24 – Bringing Advent Home sponsored by William Gil (value $20.00)
Prize #25 – The Paradise Project sponsored by author Suzie Andres (value $18.95)
Prize #26 – Saint Magnus, The Last Viking sponsored by author Susan Peek (value $15.95 – You can also enter her giveaway for two more copies here!)
Prize #27 and Prize #28 – Teaching from Rest, A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace sponsored by Sacred Heart Books and Gifts (two winners, value $12.95 each)
Prize #29 and Prize #30 – The Rosary in Song CD sponsored by acclaimed mezzo soprano Valerie Nicolosi (two winners, value $12.00 each)
Prize #31 – Blue Madonna Christmas Post Cards sponsored by Audrey Eclectic Folk Art (value $10.00)
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