This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5 Catholic White Elephant Gift Ideas You Will Love

Catholic White Elephant Gift Ideas

I saw Amazon sent an email with “White Elephant” gift ideas and it made me think . . .

we could totally upscale this with gifts that spark faith and beautiful thoughts about God!

We can do so much better!

Forget Amazon’s suggestions, these Catholic gifts are so much better!

White elephant gift idea #1 – unique band-aids

One item Amazon had on it’s White Elephant Gift List was “bacon bandages”

– forget the bacon bandaids, give Jesus and Mary Bandages from Be a Heart!!! Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off!

Ironically, these Jesus Bandages, are also available on Amazon!

White elephant gift idea #2 – novelty socks

Another popular item listed are socks. Amazon suggest animal paw socks??? Forget those and . . .

DEFINITELY consider Sock Religious for your White Elephant gift! So many to choose from – guaranteed to give a smile and some intercessory prayer!

White Elephant gift idea #3 – funny mugs and other drinkware

Amazon’s suggestion – heat changing Gameboy mug.

Catholic alternative: Saint Michael pixel mug

Other drinkware options:

Stainless Steel Tumbler

not so Holy Water Tumbler from Sagely Sparrow – so funny!

Have a little fun while sharing your faith with this (not so) Holy Water tumbler. It makes a great funny gift for the fun-loving Catholic in your life. Fill it with iced tea, hot chocolate, your favorite adult beverage, or plain old (not holy) water.

Enjoy hot or cold drinks on the go with this stylish stainless steel tumbler! This reusable tumbler with a metal straw is a perfect combo for hot or cold drinks at any time of the day.

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumbler!

You can get a pink or purple Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumbler!

White Elephant Gift Idea #4 – Playing Cards

Amazon had quite a few differing playing card decks on their white elephant suggestion list.

Instead of Harry Potter or World’s Smallest DOS, give Catholic Family Crate playing cards! You can purchase these from Etsy or directly from Catholic Family Crate’s website.

Catholic Family Crate has quite a few card games that our popular in our home!

In fact, many White Elephant gift suggestions were games.

If you want to give a game that a little more unique, check out The Catholic Card Game by Board Catholic

The Catholic Card Game by Board Catholic

THE GAME FOR CATHOLIC ADULTS While other party games make you feel like you need Confession after playing and other Catholic products are either too childish or too academic, the Catholic Card Game provides clean entertainment without sacrificing quality or fun.It’s easy to play, relatable, and hilarious.

White Elephant Gift Idea #5 – a candle

Pax Rosa, a new Catholic Candle Company, has a variety of styles and scents!

You can choose one decorated with some art like the Holy Family hearts candle or

one with script, like the Wedding at Cana candle.

If you want MORE Catholic Gift Ideas, be sure to check out my latest posts:

The BEST Catholic Gifts to Give This Christmas

and

Dynamic Duos: These Catholic Gifts Go Great Together

Did you love the Sears or JC Penny catalog around Christmas when you were a kid? We created a Catholic Christmas Catalog to bring back those feelings of nostalgia while also inspiring you to give and ask for Catholic gifts this year!

Check it out: A Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

The post 5 Catholic White Elephant Gift Ideas You Will Love appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Some gifts were sent to me so that I could promote them – most of which I specifically asked for because I wanted to recommend them in this list – plus, there’s a giveaway which many listed have contributed to! All opinions are 100% mine!

There are so many AMAZING gift ideas this year! It was so hard to choose. So, since I do not want to overwhelm you, I’m keeping Bibles and Rosaries out of this list because I have two posts dedicated solely to those incredibly important – and forever BEST – Catholic Gifts.

If you are searching for a Bible – go here: 5 People on Your Gift List That Need a New Bible

If you are searching for a Rosary – go here: Not Your Grandma’s Rosaries

The Best Gifts for Catholic Men in 2023

The Hallow App – one of the best gifts to give this year!

This app has revolutionized prayer for the modern man and woman. It’s convenient, it’s relevant and completely accessible. I mean, even Mark Wahlberg likes it, so it’s gotta be a great man gift!

If you have a man on your list that doesn’t know what he wants, I highly suggest giving the Hallow app as a gift!

Catholic Coffee – this is a throwback from last year’s gift guide. My husband loves the coffee and the travel mug I had claimed as mine! Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% off.

Want to add some humor? This fun mug “Don’t make me have to go to confession” mug or this Saint Nick mug will do the trick!

Books from Ascension Press

As the head of the family, husbands and fathers might enjoy diving deeper into our rich faith and having references on hand when insightful questions are asked.

A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament by Jeff Cavins, Jeffrey Morrow, Biff Rocha and Andrew Swafford

• Now Catholics can be invigorated in the study of Scripture, connect with the story of God’s Chosen People, and uncover new meaning in the Old Testament’s narrative with A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament. This comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the Old Testament seeks to unveil the mysteries of Divine Revelation contained in the Old Testament and unlock the hidden details of this God-given text. With this Catholic guide, readers will no longer wonder how each of the Old Testament’s books contributes to the narrative of Scripture or struggle to understand its main characters, historical context, and literary forms. 
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition
• The Catechism contains the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith’s most foundational teachings applied to the modern day. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition makes the wisdom of this foundational document accessible through the Foundations of Faith color-coded approach. This award-winning, exclusive, specially designed edition clearly shows the ancient roots of the Faith and is the Catechism used with the chart-topping Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast. There has never been an edition of the Catechism so revolutionary for Catholics seeking to understand the teachings of the Catholic Faith.

All time classic: Candy made by the Trappistine’s. My dad says it “tastes heavenly”!

Sock Religious had fantastic gifts! This small business was started by a Catholic husband and is an overall great company. These gifts are practical and bring about a smile to those who receive it. I gave my brother the Saint Anthony ones because he is ALWAYS looking for his keys, phone, wallet . . . He appreciated them and wears them too!

The Best Gifts for Catholic Women in 2023

Let’s start with a few of my FAVORITE CATHOLIC THINGS!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirt and/or a Prayer Wine Chocolate tumbler!

I wear my PWC sweatshirts often – just because they are so comfortable! The other day I was wearing it food shopping and another customer looked at my shirt, read it out loud, smiled and said “LOVE IT” and then he said, “my wife would love that”. His smile was contagious. I saw him three isles later and he was still smiling and complimented my shirt again. I said, “always prayer first” and he said “AMEN”.

It put extra joy in my day!

The tumbler is great for BYO events! It’s also nice to have if you like to sit outside around a fire and have a glass of wine

My three “everyday” Catholic products are

my Miraculous Medal necklace from Telos Jewelry

and my belt bag from Be a Heart and

my earrings from 12th & Blossom!

I can honestly say I use and wear these daily!

My favorite new products are:

My brand new Rosary pouch from The Cozy Wife!!!

My rosaries have been haphazardly in my purses for years. I can not wait to give at least on Rosary a home in this adorable pouch (mine is purple with a rainbow on it)! Remember, if you want to gift someone a pouch and a Rosary, check out my Not Your Grandma’s Rosary post!

The Cozy Wife’s shop should win an award for “best stocking stuffer ideas” for Catholics this year! Those keychains and stickers, plus the Rosary pouches and the cozies – yes please!!!

A new book! I highly recommend giving Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You

I am diving in and taking notes right now. I’m learning so much. I highly recommend this book to women who have young daughters. There’s a ton of “styles” out there now that do not reflect the immense beauty God created in each young woman. This book will help when conversations arise that involve modesty and simply making the best decisions, without compromising each individual’s unique identity.

More ideas for women:

Catholic Candle from Pax Rosa

Choose Joy Mug from His Girl Sunday/ Liturgy Market

Sock Religious “no show” socks.

Jewelry from Telos Art! I not only wear it, but I like to gift it too Use code AMY10

The Hallow App! Women LOVE this app. I starting using it about a month ago. Not only do I use it for my own prayer and learning, but my daughter loves listening to the Saint Stories for kids that are also on this app! When she was home sick and I was working around the house, she was so content and peaceful listening and learning about the Saints!

The Best Gifts For Catholic Teens and College Students

For teen girls, think cozy! A blanket, a hot cocoa or coffee mug and a book!!

A blanket and a book are a great gift combo! I found Catholic blankets that teens will love at BlessedBeGodBoutique!!

Since this age can be a challenge with all things, faith is not always their favorite thing. So, I’ve kept that in mind with these gift ideas.

One book I suggest is a new YA novel written by Catholic Author Ginny Kochis. Although she is Catholic, this novel, Blink and We’ll Miss It, is categorized as “clean and wholesome romance”.

“Blink and We’ll Miss It is a poignant, swoon-worthy novel about finding the strength to forgive, the courage to move forward, and the vulnerability to fall in love.”

Just picture your favorite teen all cuddled up in a blanket with a prayer on it, holding her Catholic mug and reading a book that is good for her soul! Love it!

Simple yet faithful sweatshirt! This be not afraid sweatshirt has the right dose of faith for a teen!

Fun Catholic gifts under $25 dollars:

Catholic keychains, these from The Cozy Wife are my first recommendation!

Catholic Friendship bracelets from Refuge Rosaries (know any Taylor Swift fans???)

Saint Andrew Bracelet from House of Love and Laughter. I love this bracelet for two reasons – one, it’s so pretty and two, it may teach the teen about the Christmas novena – which encourages them to pray every day in Advent!

Catholic Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

A Saint Benedict Crucifix

Last year, my friend’s teen son specifically asked for a crucifix necklace to wear around his neck. This year, when I asked for gift suggestions for teen boys, another friend stated:

“My teen boy says a cross necklace, bc every guy wants a chain!“

This seems to be a welcome gift to young men. I chose to highlight the Saint Benedict Crucifix because it also includes a St. Benedict medal!

If you’d like to see another option, check out Studded Silver Crucifix, also available from Telos.

For teen boys, Voyage Comics is definitely a great store to grab a few things from! Not only do they have comics (and artists that have worked for Marvel), but they also have a section called Voyage Classics, non-fiction books, apparel and more!

Mind Quiet Heart Open Adoration Companion for Teens

My friend Holly wrote this and I think it’s awesome! One reviewer shared on Amazon:

My teen son loves the look of this adoration companion. He appreciates the examen as well as the thought provoking pages that help him focus on Jesus while he’s in His presence. Bonus is that it’s not “girly” but can be enjoyed and used by either males or females. It’s a great value for what you get!

Add this fidget pen for extra fun!

Sock Religious is a great gift!

The Best Gifts for Catholic Kids

For older boys:

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys and this pen!!

I am so delighted to share that this book is climbing the charts over on Amazon. Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is close to being in the Top 100 in several categories, which include Children’s Inspirational Books and Children’s Christian Prayer Books!

I wrote this book with boy’s interests in mind. Lots of crossing out instead of circling; a graffiti wall activity; making a plan (instead of writing a list); plus spiritual warfare and spiritual exercises that involve sports. PLUS, you can totally level-up your journal gift with this Upgrade Fidget Pen!

My 11 year old LOVES Voyage Comics! Highly recommend perusing their website and ordering a few things. Totally affordable, definitely a great gift!!!

For older girls (the tween years):

A blanket and a Be Yourself Journal!!! In a world that is sending so many confusing messages, the Be Yourself Journal invites girls to explore their identity with hope and joy! They learn what it means to know, love and serve the Lord and how that is an incredibly rewarding adventure!

The book has plenty of places to color, a “prayer style” quiz, letters from Saints and even a two-page spread where girls can “design a prayer room”. There are some pages that are “just for fun” and others that will help navigate feelings and develop a prayer life. I just talked to an older teen yesterday and she told me when she got the Be Yourself Journal – around the age of 11 – she “used her journal every day!!”

I think the perfect blanket to pair with this journal would be the Fruits of the Spirit blanket by Blessed Be God Boutique!

And the just released Catholic Friendship bracelets from Refuge Rosaries (know any Taylor Swift fans???)

For both boys and girls (ages 3 to 7)

My 6 year old twins love playing with Saintly Heart’s alphabet puzzle! Especially my 6-year old boy!

My daughter loves playing with blocks, and Saintly Heart’s Saint blocks are her favorite! (We add them in to our wooden block collection and it really does increase the fun!!!)

All 3 of my children enjoy playing Catholic Family Crate’s card games and really enjoy their Pray By Sticker Books! Shop Catholic Family Crate for joint family gifts or that child on your list that loves games and the “paint by sticker” activity books!

Sock Religious kid socks! I’m so excited to give my daughter the Saint Therese’ ones this year. Both my sons already have several pairs!

Shining Light dolls – this store just keeps getting bigger and better!

Our twins love doing the puzzles, my older son loves the wooden Mass kit, the rag dolls and re-usable sticker activity books are just a few of the incredible toys you’ll find at Shining Light Dolls!

I bought my niece a plush Jesus doll from Shining Light Dolls and her sister kept taking it. My brother ended up ordering her sister one because it was loved by both of them so much!!!

Their new Advent Wreath for kids is AMAZING! They also have play Saint candles!!

My 6-year-old daughter just came in and gave me another idea (she pointed to this beautiful necklace and said “I want this!!!”. She loves jewelry and keychains. This 12th & Blossom necklace is lovely and since she seems to have a bond with the Little Flower, I might just get it for her!

Books!

Books are such great gifts for kids. My children LOVE being read to and it really can spark some beautiful conversations.

A few months ago, my daughter told me “The Night the Saints Saved Christmas” was her “favorite Saint book”. For my son (and me, let’s be honest hahaha) I just bought the new Saintly Creatures: 14 Tales of Animals and Their Holy Companions book published by Word on Fire.

I have also had my eye on this one:

The Mass and the Manger: My Interactive Christmas Story by Jennifer Sharpe

• This creative Christmas story is designed to guide children ages 6–10 in discovering the profound meaning of Christmas and its connection to the Mass. Beautiful text and pictures tell the story of the first Christmas while full-page flaps unfold a parallel story as a boy and his younger sister meet Jesus in the Eucharist at midnight Mass on Christmas. By interacting with the flaps, children will discover the parallels of the nativity story and the Mass, and enter deeper into Christmas. Featuring rhyming text, vibrant illustrations, and full-page, open-out flaps, this book helps parents make Christmas spiritually meaningful for children.

Catholic Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

Shining Light Dolls has teethers, wooden toys, dolls and more!

The Little Rose Shop introduced the “Where is Jesus Quiet Book” and I thing it’s the most adorable fabric book I have ever seen!

A Nativity Set from Saintly Heart or a simple Crucifix from Rough to Rustic are also great baby and toddler gifts!

More gift ideas here: The Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

A Marian Spinner form Studio Senn

 Marian spinners let children discover Mary in a unique and tactile way. Maybe they want Mary to have a beautiful crown, holding baby Jesus, with an angel beneath her feet? Or angels surrounding her, in a fancy dress, and clouds holding her up? All these aspects of Mary work together to create our Blessed Mother.

Please note, older children will “borrow” this toy from time to time!

Studio Senn also came out with a Catholic Seek and Find Book this year!

More gift ideas here: The Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

Enter the GIVEAWAY!!!

ONE PERSON WILL WIN:

A chrism candle from Pax Rosa

A blanket from Blessed Be God Boutique

3 Books from Ascension Press: The Mass and the Manger, Theology of Style and A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament

Stickers from The Cozy Wife

Several gifts from Shining Light Dolls

A pair of earrings from 12th & Blossom

A card game and a bag from Catholic Family Crate

and MORE!!! (let me surprise you!!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post The BEST Catholic Gifts to Give in 2023 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Ascension Great Adventure Bible and the OSV Blessed is She Catholic Notetaking Bible were both given to me in exchange for an honest review, as was a free trial of the Hallow app.

When my husband and I got married, we received many gifts.

Most of them, were monetary.

But one gift was a Bible.

The white Catholic Bible we were given on our wedding day was from Matt’s Aunt Betty Ann.

Aunt Betty Ann is often known by another title. That title is Sister Betty Ann, IHM.

I have no relatives that chose the religious life. Matt having an Aunt that is a religious sister is such a blessing.

I have to be honest, when I first opened that gift – the Bible – I thought:

“That’s sweet. Her vow of poverty limits her on how much she can give, but this is such a kind gift”.

17 years later I realize that gift was of far more value than I realized back then.

This Bible has been our only Bible for most of our marriage!

5 People on Your Gift List that need a New Bible

1. A Gift for the engaged couple or newlyweds

What dawned on me lately is if we only have a Bible because Matt’s Aunt is a religious sister and she gave us one for our wedding gift – how many Catholic couples and families DO NOT have a Bible!???

I mean, I had another Bible when we got married – but that was my Bible from my sophomore year of high school.

I went to a Catholic High School and we were required to have a Bible that year for Religion class.

And once again, it dawns on me . . .

How many Catholics have not gone to Catholic school? How many went to Catholic school but were never required to have their own copy of a Bible?

So, this year, before I write another Catholic Christmas Gift Guide, I want to STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to buy someone a Catholic Bible for Christmas this year.

The one Aunt Betty Anne gave Matt and I is the New American Bible Saint Joseph Edition

It has served us well

in the past few years, some other great options have been published.

2. A Gift for the new convert to Catholicism or the couple you know where one is Catholic, the other is a non-Catholic

Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible

I was given a copy of this Bible last year in exchange for an honest review.

It’s fantastic.

I love that it goes along with the Bible in a Year Podcast and there are really so many reasons to like this version.

It’s great for a couple. It’s a great gift for a man or woman.

My neighbor and good friend has a copy of Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible and she just converted to Catholicism!

I think the Bible in a Year podcast helped her on her journey home to the Catholic Church.

It’s a sad reality that some Catholics are not as familiar with Sacred Scripture as other Christians. This does not have to be! The Bible in a Year podcast and great publications, like the Great Adventure Bible, makes knowledge of Scripture very accessable and attainable.

3. The gift for a couple that just got their baby or toddler Baptized

I actually gifted a copy of Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible to my sister and her husband when they had their two children Baptized this past year.

I called her up after to explain my reasoning (as you read above) and she told me they actually only had a New Testament, so this gift was something that they did not have . . . and on my end, I felt like it was truly appreciated.

In young families, there may be quite a few Children’s Bibles. .. . they probably don’t need another one of those. Give the adults a gift that will grow with the children and the family!

4. A Gift for your Christian Sister, Mom or Girlfriend

Another Bible I am loving lately is the Blessed is She Catholic Notetaking Bible published by OSV.

This is a beautiful book to give to a woman – no matter what age!

Many parishes have started Bible study programs, and this Bible allows the woman to not confiscate the family Bible each time she leaves to go to a meeting or do her independent studying.

This Bible is a great Eucharistic Adoration companion.

For middle aged women, or older, this idea that it’s okay to color, write and draw in your Bible is a little new. For many of us, writing or coloring in our Bibles was not encouraged. This new found freedom could be quite a blessing to a loved one!

5. A Gift for Your Catholic Christian Dad, Husband and Brother

And, on a side note, here’s a funny story.

One year, for Christmas, I bought my father a Bible.

My dad had modeled the faith for me growing up, but I although I often saw him with Rosaries and always wearing a Miraculous Medal, I wondered if he owned a Bible.

So I was pretty excited about this great gift idea I had for him.

I gave it to him. He looked at it. He told me that it was really nice.

Then, he broke it to me:

It wasn’t a Catholic Bible. It was then that I learned not all Bibles were the same.

I think I might have been 20 years old. This was news to me – King James Bible – not the same as a Catholic Bible.

Still, I think a Bible was a good gift for him.

But think about it – the men in your life . . . when is the last time someone gave them a Bible?

There are options now that may have not been available or necessary years ago.

Large print Bibles for the older crowd that can not read the small print so easily.

Apps like Hallow that have a virtual option may open a door to Christ simply because it will literally be at his fingertips (yes, you can give Hallow as a gift!!!).

Don’t be afraid to give one person a Bible this year!

Share that it is something you appreciate having in your home, or share a personal story about how you came about owning your own Bible.

You can do this!

Do you have a Bible? Was it a gift or something you bought for yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

And don’t forget to share and Pin this post!

The post 5 People on Your Gift List that need a New Bible appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Two Speakers in the Philadelphia Archdiocese are not just bringing refreshing, incredible talks to events, but also holy experiences.

You can find speakers all over the globe by going to Catholicinfluencers.com!

Kate Capato: Sacred Presentations that bring Truth Through Beauty

Book a presentation with Kate Capato, owner of Visual Grace, here!

Taking to heart the concept of leading with beauty, Kate Capato brings a unique event with original paintings and collaborates with husband with live music to share the truths of our faith. It is powerful to see the Holy Spirit working through beauty! 

These are not your typical talks!

Kate’s talks include an immersive experience, an in depth explanation of the language of beauty, instruction about how God communicates with us and a total new way to pray using Visio Divna (a way of listening to God through art).

*** Book an event with Kate Capato here****

Each event is rooted in Church teaching and includes:

• time of Eucharistic focused prayer
• Live music
• original Sacred Art

Amy Brooks: Prayer Journaling Workshops, Confirmation Retreats and the Prayer Wine Chocolate Experience

“Amy’s contributions to the planning and execution of our Confirmation Candidate Retreat resulted in a spiritually enriching and very enjoyable Retreat Day for our seventh through ninth grade youth. Amy is gifted with creative genius and an energetic, joyful personality, which is captivating to both youth and adults.
I strongly recommend Amy as I am certain she will plan an excellent, unforgettable Retreat experience for you!“

–Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM 

The Power of Prayer and Prayer Journaling: a talk and experience for Catholic Adults

When I hit rock bottom, prayer journaling saved me.

Well, it was one of the things that saved me. I felt so alone. So sad. I wondered if God heard me. Reaching out to Him on paper made His love, His “realness” more real to me.

When there is no one around – Our Lord is still there. Writing Jesus letters in a notebook made my relationship more tangible.

I share the power of prayer with others now. Years later I witnessed an absolute miracle. God showed me that He does indeed hear our prayers.

Starting with this Spiritual Adoption Miracle, I assure others that God does hear what we say to Him in the silence of our hearts, in our persistent prayers and in our daily lives.

When I was in my mid-twenties, I often felt like I had nothing to look forward too

Then, a few friends and I would get together on Thursday nights – and during our small gathering, we would pray a Rosary.

I now had something to look forward to. I not only had friends coming over to give my loneliness a retrieve, but our prayer intentions and group Rosary gave me HOPE!

Hope is an incredible gift. Praying with others is so powerful. It’s also incredibly comforting.

These gatherings were the origin of Prayer Wine Chocolate. I share that with anyone and everyone who will listen.

After I share stories of hope and faith – and even some laughs, I help people start their own prayer journals.

Book a call with me here!

We can discuss a Live event, a virtual one or I can help you plan your own event!

Confirmation Retreats with Amy Brooks

Whether you need a DIY Guide or your are looking for a Keynote Speaker, I can help!

Today, more than ever, our children are searching for their identity.

Each of us are made in the image of God. God made every person unique and unrepeatable.

His plans for every single soul are incredible, meaningful and spectacular.

My books, Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys are made for the age where your children are growing into adulthood. It’s a confusing time – it has always been a confusing stage of life. Our children are witnessing more confusion and mixed messages than we could have imagined.

Our Lord has a clear message to them and I am here simply to be His mic – maybe His bullhorn.

I would love to visit your parish and speak to both the students and their parents!

If you would like help planning a retreat – take a look at my digital guides:

From God’s Plan to Your Plan: a Bible Study for Boys

and the Be Yourself: Journal Club Guide

These guides give you the freedom and flexibility to plan more than one event – or the inspiration to choose activities and reflections for a one day retreat.

Where can I find more Catholic Speakers?

There are incredible Catholics sharing inspirational stories all over the U.S. and beyond.

Find Catholic Speakers and more over at catholicinfluencers.com

The post Catholic Speakers Bring Experiences as well as Inspiration to Your Parish appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This essay was published in the 1932-33 Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School’s Chronicle Magazine. William Gould (my paternal Grandfather) was an editor and wrote this essay.

The Irony of the Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross presents in its background, one of those peculiar ironies which God, in His Providence, has permitted in order to confound that detestable vice of pride.

The events which led to the finding of the Cross are, for the most part, commonplace enough, but the climax has resulted in one of the most pronounced rejections of selfish ambition that the world ever witnessed.

Helena, a poor innkeeper’s daughter marries an officer of Rome

This climax had its root in the obscure hills of Bithynia, where Constantius Chlorus, an officer of Imperial Rome, first beheld Helena, the poor innkeeper’s daughter. The modest and fair Helena won the affection of the Stoic, yet proud general and he made her his wife. The years which immediately followed were happy ones for the noble Roman and his peasant wife. Then came the birth of their son, Constantine, who was fated to turn the bloody tide of Roman persecution which was threatening the dissolution of an already degenerated state. Both mother and father watched with equal pride the maturing years of their only son.

Proud Ambition Stifles Love

We next behold this happy trio under circumstances that are less consoling. The Empire had been divided. The emperor, Maximian had offered that part of the Empire, which comprised of Britain, Spain and Gaul to Constantius Chlorus, but with characteristic enterprise he had made the marriage of Theodora, his daughter, to Chlorus a necessary condition for acquiring this high position. Proud ambition stifled Chlorus’ love for his wife and the governor divorced her, much to the grief of his son, who could not bear the slight cast upon the mother, whom he passionately loved. Helena again receded into the shadows, shadows deeper than those cast by her native Bithynian hills.

Constantine: a devoted son and military hero

But her devoted son, Constantine, was meanwhile gaining great military fame and was rapidly rising to the head of the Empire.

Then one day, in the midst of a fierce battle, a luminous sign, a cross flashed across the heavens before the dazed vision of the Emperor Constantine and the instant lightning etched above the apparition these mystic words:

“In Hoc Signo Vinces”

The Eagle had won its last battle and the Cross had won its first. The mighty emperor confided his secret vision to his peasant mother and sowed the first seed of a sanctity that was to live forever. The pagan Helena who had held herself in obscurity, emerged into the new-born Empire, a Christian.

Then she, too, was blessed in a dream with the happy vision of the cross and was commissioned to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where where she should find the true Cross.

Saint Helena art by Heather Sleightholm, this image can be purchased in her Etsy shop: Sleightholmfolk

Despite her years she promptly set out on her tedious journey and realized the fulfillment of her vision. After a long sojourn in and about the Holy Land she returned home and died in her son’s arms. She was buried with pompous ceremony and laid in state among the greatest figures of that world ruling Empire.

But herein lies the contrast. Helena, the poor peasant girl who was brought out of obscurity into high station as the wife of one of the nobles of the Empire, is rejected and cast into obscurity again by the pride of her husband.

But through the respect and devotion of her son she is again raised to the pinnacle of fame in Empire and finally rests in the Vatican as one of the greatest saints of the early Church.

But the bones of Constantius Chlorus are last remembered as resting at York in a small Church, of the pre-Reformation period, bearing the name of his saintly spouse. There he rested obliterated by the deserved praises of his wife and a fitting example of humiliated pride.

Did Saint Helena “stalk” my grandfather?

Sometimes, the Saints find us and intercede for us. I’ve experienced this myself with Our Lady of Guadalupe (read about that here) and have heard quite a few other people share similar stories where people have felt “stalked” by a Saint.

Since I have the privilege of seeing this essay written by a teenager in the early 20th century and know how his life followed until his death in 1992 – it’s remarkable to see how this Saint would have taken a special interest in my Grandpop.

Saint Helena is the patron of saint of difficult marriages and divorced people.

In a time when divorce was rare, my Grandfather was familiar with it in a way most of his peers were not. His father and mother divorced when he was 10 years old. I was told that he could have attended Saint Joseph’s University – he was offered a full scholarship. But, since he lived with his mother he was considered the man of the house and had to choose employment over education. The need for financial security was exasperated since these years were during the Great Depression.

Ironically, I think years later his parents ended up getting back together.

Perhaps knowing that Saint Helena was the patron of divorced people caught his interest since his own parents, who he loved very much, were divorced.

However, my grandfather wrote this essay about eight years before he met his wife, Helen Rose.

The year this essay was written, my Grandmother, Helen, was an eighth grade student in Saint Helena’s School in Philadelphia.

William and Helen were married in September of 1942, right before my grandfather was deployed to serve in Germany in what is known in history as World War II.

Much like her son Constantine, my grandfather saw the terror of war up close. I remember him telling me: “war is hell”.

Years later some of his grandchildren, myself being one, would also attend Saint Helena’s School.

I had a special fondness for my Grandpop Gould. Unfortunately he passed away when I was a sophomore in high school. He was the first grandparent I lost.

I can’t help but smile when I think – maybe my inclination to reflect upon our faith through writing is something that comes in part, from him.

Do you like Prayer Wine and Chocolate? Support this blog and shop!

The post The Irony of the Cross: an Essay about Saint Helena written in 1933 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Divine Delights: Unveiling the Best Catholic Etsy Shops

I love that I can shop from talented Catholics all over the world from the comfort of my own home.

I am often awed by what these men and women are creating!

Here are some of my absolute FAVORITE Catholic Etsy shops!!!

Catholic Etsy shops for stickers and fun gifts:

Just Love Prints

Looking for Catholic Stickers, grab a bundle from this fun shop! This is the place to grab Catholic temporary tattoos and stationary gifts for teachers and employees too!

Sweet Little Ones

Take your time and peruse the apparel, stickers, magnets and more!

Stump of Jesse

I LOVE this shop and have gotten t-shirts for my friend and her daughter there, stickers and washi tape for me and – trust me, go browse – it’s a fun one!

Catholic Etsy shops for Home Decor and More

Small Things Great Love

This shop makes me want to hang a Wall Rosary in my home. The styles are modern and beautiful! I also love the Rosaries in this shop as well as the stickers!

Catholic Blankets

Three of my favorite Catholic blankets available on Etsy are from PetiteFleurCatholic;

The Little Rose Shop and Stump of Jesse

Both of these shops have fun, soft and attractive Catholic blankets.

Furnished by Frassati

Every home should have at least one crucifix. This one wowed me.

Elegant and Inspiring Candles

Pax Rosa Candles

Modern Saint Candles that are prayerfully poured. I especially love that there is a Wedding at Cana candle! There are two different and distinct styles – both elegant and beautiful.

Catholic Etsy Shops for Men

Baritus Catholic

I highly recommend this shop when you are searching for a gift for a boy or teenager.

This shop is definitely a place to visit for Confirmation gifts and for teachers!

PetiteFleurCatholic

Don’t be fooled by the flowery name – this shop has an incredible beer stein I’ve been eyeing up for my husband for over a year now! Plus, some masculine tees and more!

Rugged Rosaries

This is my go to shop when I am buying a boy or a man a Rosary. Our family favorite is the WWI Battle Bead Rosary.

See more gifts for Catholic men here.

Catholic Mugs and More

The Little Rose Shop

I have at least one mug from this shop and it’s my favorite mug! This shop also sells a darling baby book that is interactive – but they sell out FAST! You’ll love looking at this shop, trust me!

BlessedBeGodBoutique

This darling shop has blankets, bags, mugs, washi tape and more! I could pick a few things for myself here

Rakstar Designs

I love the lemon mug and bought it for my sister. My other favorite is the pretty floral mug

With a Joyful Heart

With a Joyful Heart’s Campfire mugs sell out so quickly during Christmas shopping season! This shop also has awesome sweatshirts and stickers.

Catholic Wedding Gift from Etsy

Della Madonna Rosaries

The Something Blue Rosary is perfect for that special bride (and it will become a family heirloom when she hands it down to her daughter!) Look at all Della’s blue rosaries for this exquisite gift!

Della Madonna’s Signature Collection will help you find a gift for any man or woman on your list.

Top Ten Catholic Etsy Shops

Small Things Great Love

Catholic Wall Rosaries, Rosaries, stickers and more . . .

PetiteFleurCatholic

Catholic tees, gifts for men, blankets and more

Just Love Prints

Catholic stickers, temporary tattoos, gifts for children and more

Sweet Little Ones

Catholic stickers, Catholic inspired prints, window clings, Catholic tees and more

Della Madonna Rosaries

Heirloom Rosaries and more

The Little Rose Shop

Catholic mugs, blankets, children’s gifts and more

Baritus Catholic

Masculing and modern Catholic art, Catholic stickers and Catholic posters

Stump of Jesse

Catholic stickers, washi tape, shirts, blankets and more

Rugged Rosaries

Masculine rosaries and more

BlessedBeGodBoutique

Catholic bags, mugs, tees, stickers and more

Furnished by Frassati

Crosses and Crucifixes

With a Joyful Heart

Catholic Campfire mugs, stickers, car decals, sweatshirts and more

Pax Rosa Candles

Modern Saint Candles that are prayerfully poured

Would you like more Catholic gift ideas?

The post Divine Delights: Unveiling the Best Catholic Etsy Shops appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Mother’s Day Gifts (2023)

I’ve had my eyes on some Catholic gifts for quite some time now.

The truth is, many of us love to give Catholic gifts because we see how valuable, relevant and beautiful they are.

We see that they are not only fun to receive, but also prompt us to pray more often and help us feel closer to the Lord at times.

So, if you want to give your friend, your daughter or your mom (or your wife) a gift she will truly treasure, here are some amazing ideas!!!

Some of the products listed have been sent to me for an honest review. Others, I simply bought myself because all of them are just that lovely!

Give Your Mom a New Bible

Let’s take a moment to Praise the Lord that us Catholics are truly reading the Bible lately!

The Bible in a Year Podcast, ministries like Walking with Purpose and prayer journals like the Stay Connected Series have re-ignited a love for Sacred Scripture and it is simply beautiful!

Ascension Press, creator of The Bible in a Year Podcast, has an incredible option with The Great Adventure Catholic Bible*. This is the Bible Father Mike uses in each episode of the Bible in a Year podcast.

The narrative approach gives the big picture of salvation history and shows how everything ties together. The color-coded tools make it easy to read and easy to remember.

If she already has a few bibles, get her the Catechism of the Catholic Church from Ascension Press!

Catholic mugs and wine tumblers are great gifts!

I’m super excited to recommend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumblers this year!

I went to an event last weekend that was BYO and I loved seeing how many women had brought wine tumblers with them instead of using plastic cups.

Personally, in the warmer months, I prefer white and rose’ over reds. This wine tumbler is ideal because it will keep those wines cold while you chat with your friends!

You can get both Pink and Purple wine tumblers – fill them with chocolates and add a bottle of wine for the perfect Prayer Wine Chocolate gift!

For my afternoon tea, I am loving my Catholic Coffee travel mug! Seriously, this keeps my tea hot when I’m on the go and it truly brings me joy! Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% so they know you heard about it from me!

Give your wife, friend and daughter beautiful Catholic Jewelry

Wearing Catholic jewelry is an incredible gift for two reasons.

Women are encouraged to dress up for many events (especially Mass) and wearing Catholic jewelry is a constant reminder to pray unceasingly, but is also a subtle way to evangelize.

The absolute best gift to give her is a Telos Quarterly Subscription Box!! Don’t worry if you are shopping last minute – she’ll get this gift in the mail and think of you several times this year!

Another idea is to gift her the Telos Trove Gift Box!!!

Featuring FIVE unique pieces from the Telos Art Collection! The Trove Box is valued at over $125, available for just $100.

Keep all the goodies for yourself or share with those you love. A great gift for teachers, birthdays, or Mother’s Day.

Lift up her heart by giving Inspiration Reading and Books

When I was down about life, I enjoyed reading uplifting stories from books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. The truth is, moms worry about things – and people. This fact makes me love the idea of giving a book like Amazing Grace for Mothers*.

Here’s the book’s description from Ascension:

Amazing Grace for Mothers will lift your heart and send your spirit soaring. You will laugh, you will cry, but most of all you will refresh your mothering through stories of love, inspiration, miracles, and God’s amazing grace. This collection of 101 stories will bring you the warmth and support of other women, all dedicated to the same glorious role – motherhood.

Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday* by Danielle Bean is another great book to give this year. My good friend, Katie, is becoming Catholic on Pentecost and she told me that this is a book has been wanting to read! Katie is a mom of three – 2 of her children are teenagers.

Catholic Candles are Hot Gifts this Year!

Whether the woman you’re shopping for is a devout Catholic – or you are hoping to rekindle faith in your loved ones, Catholic candles are great gifts!

And for those who, like me, love prayer, wine and chocolate – I’m excited to share this Wedding at Cana candle!!!

There are a few other scents I have my eye on in the Pax Rosa Candle shop, check them out and see if you or your loved one would really be fired up to pray by one of these gifts!

I gifted myself some Corda candles earlier this year – I love that they do fundraisers!!!

Catholic Moms both need and want clothing and apparel!

I truly love my navy blue Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirt and my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie!

For the warmer months, the navy looks great with white pants! Take a look at all the options for colors!

For the hoodie, I have the black, but I’m looking at the light grey as more of a summer months color (for those chilly nights and when the air is really cranked up)!

Don’t forget, all moms need socks! Love the ankle socks (no show) from Sock Religious!

Catholic Moms love Catholic Home Decor

On my list is something very close to home . . . a sacred art painting that my son modeled for!!! I would love to have a print of this beautiful painting, matted and framed in my home!

Cena (Holy Family Gyclee Print)

What an absolute honor it was for our family – especially our son – to be invited to model as Jesus in this Holy Family painting!

Cena is a museum quality print of a reflection of the the simple moments of the Holy Family. St Joseph teaches the Christ Child about the passover, foreshadowing what is to come as they sit around the table peacefully together.

The artist and creator behind Visual Grace is Kate Capato. She describes herself as a Missionary of Beauty. She paints for Jesus, her first love and the One our hearts truly ache for . . .

See more of her art at visualgrace.org

If you want to browse more Catholic Home Goods browse this post: Catholic Home Goods that are Beautiful.

Did you like any of the gifts you saw here? Share this post and leave a comment!

God Bless You!!

*books with asterisks were sent to me from Ascension in the hopes to be listed in this gift guide!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Mother’s Day Gifts (2023) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are some ideas to use this Lent.

Watch The Chosen.

Yes, watch a television show, about Jesus.

As a former competitive athlete and former coach, I suggest a warm-up before we really stretch our legs so to speak.

This is not a difficult task. In fact, once you watch about 3 or 4 episodes, you’ll want to binge! And to that I say this – go for it, BINGE JESUS!

Maybe you are already watching it. Maybe you’ve watched each episode more than once already. If that’s you, skip to the next suggestion.

If you have not watched all the episodes of The Chosen, I highly recommend to designating one night a week this Lent to watch.

Commit to a Daily Morning Prayer Routine

Lent has three pillars: Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving. When you give up a set time of sleep each night to wake up early to pray, you are embracing two of these pillars.

Give 15 minutes to God first thing in the morning.

What time do you normally wake up during the week? This Lent, wake up 15 minutes earlier

Set your alarm and sacrifice 15 minutes of sleep.

Before you even get out of bed, say these words, “Thank you God”. Then . . .

Read the Bible for 15 minutes.

Prayer Journal.

Read a holy book and prayer journal.

Make 15 minutes all about you and God.

Not sure how to start? Give this a quick look: How to Start a Prayer Journal in 3 Easy Steps

You may have already downloaded my 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent. If you haven’t grab those to get you started. If you would like more ideas and prompts, I created this for you!

40 (MORE) Prayer Journal Prompts

Embrace the Sacraments More – Much More

Especially these two: The Eucharist and Reconciliation

Remember that warm-up- watch a TV Show – this is what it was warming up for . . .

Challenge yourself to go to Confession this weekend. Then dare yourself to go again the next weekend. Then dare yourself to go one more time within the same month.

Do you go to Mass on Sundays – in person? Are you still going virtually? Stop going virtually on Sunday. It became a habit for many during Covid . . . it’s time to go back into the building.

Perhaps you go to Mass on Sunday – but could you go during the week too?

Do you go to daily Mass? Could you add some Eucharistic Adoration time? Could you go to Mass earlier and pray the Rosary in Church?

Whatever you currently do – add one or two more things per month or maybe even per week.

Give yourself to God in a way that involves getting out of your house and into His house.

Almsgiving – make it personal

There’s a thing I’ve seen people talk about called “40 bags in 40 days” and it sounds great. I personally fill up bags to donate pretty frequently – but, it’s not personal.

Almsgiving can be putting money in a poor box or writing a check to a school or charity – and those things are good.

But this Lent, I’m challenging you to make it much more personal.

Do you know a widow? Could you invite him or her over for dinner? Could you mail them a card and maybe even a gift?

Do you know a family struggling with Catholic School tuition, and all the fees that go with music lesson, sports and extra-curricular activities? Perhaps you could offer to pay for soccer or the next month of piano lessons. Tell the person that this is how you want to give alms this Lent.

Are you lonely and feeling left out? Ask God to point you in the direction whose heart aches more . . . and pour out love in their direction. Make it weird.

And if you are the one struggling – this may be how God is calling you – give away your pride and allow another Christian to do this act of love for you.

It’s hard. It’s definitely humbling. But maybe you are allowing God into a heart by being the recipient.

Think of a way to give to someone directly. Make eye contact. Stay for a conversation. Tell a joke. Tell them about a time when someone helped you.

Make almsgiving personal this Lent.

Stations of the Cross

According to Catholic.org:

“The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day. Specific prayers are recited, then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.“

Praying the Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent is a good way to increase prayer time and develop a better appreciate of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Children can participate in the Stations of the Cross as well. Saintly Heart has just started taking pre-orders for a Stations of the Cross kit that can be used at home and is perfect for little hands!

The post Catholic Lent Ideas for Busy Christians appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Up for a dare?

I dare you to give a Catholic gift to at least 5 people you are shopping for this year!

Let’s really keep Christ in Christmas.

Let’s put our money where are hearts are – in gifts that will bring our loved ones closer to Christ through prayer!

Catholic Gifts for Men

A Modern Bible

The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press

My husband has a Bible because his Aunt Betty Ann, who happens to be a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, gave us one for a wedding gift.

Chances are, your husband, dad or brother hasn’t owned a Bible since – maybe high school? Get him this Bible that goes along with the amazing Bible in a Year podcast.

A Masculine Rosary

A WWI Battle Beads Rosary by Rugged Rosaries

My husband and son both have a set of these and really like them.

A Catholic French Press and Catholic Coffee

My husband loves God and coffee. I am so excited to give him some gifts from Catholic Coffee for Christmas this year!

(If you purchase from them, use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE and get 15%off!)

Catholic Coffee’s branding and products are just spot on when it comes to the modern Catholic man.

The Catholic Coffee logo is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s simple, beautiful and inspiring.

Each coffee flavor is named after a Saint and the artwork that represents each Saint is extremely impressive.

I am super excited to gift my husband The French Press!

I shared a gift set from this company on Facebook, and my friend’s husband told his wife that he wants one of the gift sets for Christmas!!!

Catholic Coffee has mugs, coffee inspired by different Saints and now – K-cups too! This gift (or gifts) will make those Catholic men in your life jolly this Christmas!

Catholic Mugs

In Catholicism the pint the pipe and the cross can all come together – G.K. Chesterton 

Catholic gifts for men can be really fun!

The G.K. Chesterton Stein Mug is a unique, masculine and honestly cool Catholic gift!

Give it with some beer and treats made by monks to make this gift “super-Catholic”!

The G.K. Chesterton Stein Mug is a brand new gift idea here this year and I love it!!!

Catholic Coffee has several mugs that will please your caffeine enthusiast!

Don’t forget to use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% off!

Would you like to see more Catholic Gift ideas for men? Check out Catholic Gifts for Men (2022)

Catholic Gifts for Women

Catholic Accessories

This silk Catholic Scarf from Studio Senn is lovely! I’ve been wearing mine tied on my purse (inspired by a catalog cover) and I just love it! It has been such a conversation piece too. The Pelican in Piety scarf combines the sacred symbol of a Pelican with fun florals to create a bold and beautiful statement piece!

I’ve been wearing my scarf by having it tied to my purse!

Catholic Mugs and Coffee too!

I love coffee – and I pick the same mugs to drink it from over and over again every morning. I love tall Coffee Mugs! I have two (yes 2) from The Little Rose Shop!

I highly recommend giving the Morning Offering Coffee Cup to a woman you love this Christmas!

I honestly love The Little Rose Shop! There are so many cute mugs, soft and beautiful Catholic blankets, Catholic tees and more! Trust me, you’ve got to go check out this shop!

And don’t forget to give some Coffee from Catholic Coffee too!

use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE and get 15%off!)

Catholic Tea

Do you have women on your list that are more interested in enjoying a hot cup of tea than a coffee? This just in — Sacred Heart Tea!!!

I am just loving how Our Lord’s Sacred Heart keeps showing up on this gift guide!!!

Lots of options – including black tea, green tea, organic, herbal and more! This is a new shop for me and I’m loving this option! Not everyone is a coffee drinker – for the Tea Sipping Catholics – check out Sacred Heart Tea!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirt and Wine Tumbler

Yes, these products just hit my own shop and I am so excited! I shared the wine tumblers on Facebook and one friend said, “I feel like this is about time!” Haha! Long overdue!

Get one for you and one for a friend this year! For the wine tumblers, two colors are available (purple and rose’ pink).

I love my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie (mine is black) – probably because of the pocket in the front – perfect for my cell phone!

I also have a few Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirts and I wear them often! I love comfy clothes.

If you have a friend who loves being Catholic, but really doesn’t enjoy wine – here’s an alternative sweatshirt: States of Faith by Catholic Concepts

Add NO SHOW SOCKS from Sock Religious!!! I love my Padre Pio ones and I can’t wait to get more! My favorites are the Come Holy Spirit and Saint Joan of Arc pairs!

Catholic Jewelry

A Miraculous Medal Necklace (like this one from Boho Handmaids)

Stud earrings from 12th and Blossom

Our friends at Telos Art are offering a special sale right now.

Highly recommended: One or two necklaces from this shop! The cameos are making a huge impression this year!

Best gift award: The Quarterly Subscription Box

I don’t think I need to write words here – just go look at it . . . I think you’ll agree!

Today through Sunday, November 27 all orders receive an automatic 15% discount.

Orders $150+ also automatically receive free First Class shipping.

Telos Art Jewelry is beautiful, definitely browse the pieces and gift a few!

A Catholic Planner

I’ve been using the Catholic Mothers Planner for a couple years now and this year – I wrote a reflection in the 2023 Catholic Mothers Planner

A Journaling Kit

If the woman you are shopping for loves to prayer journal or bible journal, definitely get her some gifts from Open Journey!

Open Journey, a branch of Ingrid Art Studio, features faith and inspirational art, creative Bible journaling and Bible study kits and devotionals.

A Plan to Pray Together More!

I hear women often saying they wish they had “more Catholic friends”. Nurture the friendships you have and watch the joy of Christ spread to others! Gift a friend a How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide and make a commitment to make praying together a regular event! Add a wine tumbler and a Rosary to make this the best gift ever!

More ideas for women? Check out: 5 Simple Gifts Catholic Women Love

Catholic Gifts for Children

A Play Nativity Set

The best way to keep Christ in Christmas with children is to give them toys about the true event! Both Shining Light Dolls and Saintly Heart have toy Nativity Sets!

The Shining Light Dolls Nativity Set (use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off) is so cute and conforms to all ASTM standards for toy safety. It’s perfect for children as young as 18 months but will be enjoyed for years into childhood!

My 10 year old son put the Saintly Heart Nativity Set on his Christmas wish list!

These play Nativity sets will sell out! Please do not wait to order them!

Toys from Shining Light Dolls

When I was 11 years old the one toy I wanted for Christmas was a soft, stuffed bear. I still remember how happy I was to get that! So, if your daughter is growing out of the toy stage – help her hang on a little more with a Shining Light Doll plush. They are so cute! And these presents really are enjoyed by little girls of all ages.

For the little ones, definitely check out the new wooden toys which include Saint George and a dragon and Saint Justine and a Unicorn!

Comic Books from Voyage Comics

This shop serves boys to men! The mission of Voyage Comics is to create exceptional entertainment, informed by Catholic values, that inspires people to live a heroic life. Through our products, we seek to advance the truth, beauty and goodness found in powerful stories.

Wooden Play Sets and Catholic Bath Toys from Saintly Heart

Saintly Heart makes toys and gifts for children of all ages! Teethers for babies, wooden toys for toddlers, pre-schoolers and elementary aged kids that love to use their imagination!

I have bought several of these toys as gifts and they are so loved by the children and their parents! Definitely grab some and have fun giving them!

Don’t forget to add some fun socks! My 10 year old, after looking through the “A Very Catholic Christmas Catalog” listed several pairs! His wish list included the Nativity Socks and the Saint Benedict socks. We love Sock Religious!

Catholic Gifts for Tweens and Teens

If your child has been asking for a smart phone or Apple Watch – I have a great alternative for you.

The Gabb Watch or Smart Phone!

Gabb Phones have an innovative spam filter for texting, no internet browser, no social media apps, no app store, and no games.

Kids are protected from falling prey to sexual predators, stumbling on explicit content, being victims of cyberbullying, or becoming screen addicted.

This is a gift your older child will love – and that you will feel more comfortable giving.

Gabb is currently running a great offer – a free device with a 2-year contract PLUS a free accessory with each device!

Catholic Books that make Fantastic Gifts

Voyage Comics, Ascension Press and Our Sunday Visitor all produce amazing books for Catholics of all ages.

The Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Girls continues to impress and delight!

A recent review from Amazon gave it another 5 STARS and reads:

“I got this journal for my niece. When I looked through the pages I was blown away by the beautiful artwork, the varied faith activities, and just how fun it looked. My niece is going to love this so much. It is the best Christmas gift she will get. It will help her in her faith formation, get her to be more introspective, and best of all keep her off the hours of TV. I love this. Definitely will be back for more products.“

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys has also received some recent positive reviews. One customer stated on Amazon:

“Simply beautiful and inspiring. Beautifully achieved. I want to give one to every young man I know. “

Still want more gift ideas? Download A Very Catholic Christmas Gift Guide!

Book suggestions for younger Catholic girls: Women Doctors of the Church and Molly McBride and the Party Invitation.

For Boys ages 8 and up: Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys; The Great Adventure Kids Catholic Bible Chronicles and Donuts After Mass: a Tale of Walking with Jesus

For younger boys: My First Interactive Mass Book, Holy Mysteries: 12 Investigations into Extraordinary Cases and My Catholic Picture Bible.

Enter the Giveaway and you could win:

A Plush Doll from Shining Light Dolls

A comic book from Voyage Comics

A silk scarf from Studio Senn

Saint Nicholas coffee from Catholic Coffee

A Coffee mug from The Little Rose Shop

A Catholic Mothers Planner from Ascension Press

My First Interactive Mass Book by Jennifer Sharpe from Ascension Press

A pair of socks from Sock Religious

A How To Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide (Digital)

A beautiful piece of Catholic jewelry

Tea from Sacred Heart Tea

Saint Wine Charms from Madonna Rose

Surprise gifts from a Catholic Etsy shop and more!

The post The Best Catholic Christmas Gifts to Give in 2022 (Gift Guide and Giveaway!) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What do Catholic women really want?

Yes, we definitely want prayers! We so appreciate prayers! We also enjoy time praying and socializing together (which is why I’m organizing another Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat and making it possible for women everywhere to host their own Retreats)!

But . . . we also like gifts that help us stay close to God and find joy in the little things!

Here are a few ideas the next time you are shopping for a Catholic friend!

Catholic Mugs . . .Big Catholic Mugs

I love the little things!

I especially love Catholic mugs! They have to big on the bigger size though (15 ounces please!).

This Morning Offering Mug is definitely on my wish list!

Also, this watercolor Hail Mary mug . . .

Both of these mugs are from The Little Rose Shop – which has quite a few awesome mugs I recommend you check out!

Pretty and Practical Catholic Apparel

I’ve had my eyes on Sock Religous’ NO SHOW socks for a while now. I think my top three favorites are the Saint Joan of Arc socks, *****Padre Pio socks**** (color is perfect for Fall- YES PLEASE) and then I think it’s a tie between the Come Holy Spirit Socks and the St. Patrick ones! I love a practical gift that adds faith and fun!

Catholic Tees and Sweatshirts

I love the look of this shirt and the Saint quote on it: The World is Thy Ship Not Thy Home Tee made by Petite Fleur Studios. I can totally picture wearing this under an open flannel in the Fall! I also love the white sweatshirt version of this tee!

I’m also loving Sweet Little Ones long sleeve tee and short sleeve tee quoting Saint Catherine Laboure with “We must see God in everyone”!

Catholic Jewelry

I always wear a Miraculous Medal necklace. This practice started shortly after I started this blog! I researched the Miraculous Medal for a post, and discovered how incredible graces are given to those who wear this medal around your neck (here’s the post from years ago: Why I Wear a Miraculous Medal)

It can be fun to change up this necklace once in a while – and if I’m being perfectly honest, my younger children often contribute to me changing it up. My necklace often gets pulled – sometimes yanked – off my neck.

So, I’m thinking this beaded one is so pretty and would be a beautiful piece to have to wear! I’d definitely want those cute pink earrings with it too :).

I need a new jewelry box. Since I don’t wear a ton of accessories, this jewelry box leatherette from Telos has caught my eye. I love the blush color option.

Catholic Earrings

Although I am not really a big jewelry person, I have found a new love for earrings. Here are a few Catholic earrings I would love to wear from Pink Salt Riot:

Fantastically You Lace Earrings in Evergreen

Peacock Fan Tassel Earrings

Peridot Druzy Earrings and all the druzy earrings! Plus those butterfly wing earrings – so many great choices!!!

More Catholic Gifts for Women

I could list my favorites all day! I hope you’ll remember these next time a special woman in your life has a birthday or on a day you just want to say, “I’m thinking of you – and God loves you”!

Corda Candles

Catholic Phone Cases

Catholic zipper pouches/ make-up bags

Catholic bags

What would you add? Tell me in the comments – it won’t be long before I’m gathering ideas for Christmas gift guides! Help me stay in the loop – what Catholic gifts do you LOVE?

Don’t forget to plan time to pray with friends!

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