Charcuterie board with lid, $35: Filed under “where has this been all my life?” This sustainable bamboo board has two sides: one that’s a chopping board and another with six compartments for building beautiful charcuterie boards, snack trays, or veggie platters. It comes with a snap-locking lid to keep everything fresh. Choose from several shapes and sizes.
Checkered ceramic mugs (set of 4), $35: Cheerful, artsy mugs with a handmade vibe will brighten up their mornings.
Living the Seasons book (hardcover), $29: The subtitle “Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith Throughout the Year” captures this book’s accessible ideas for crafts, activities, traditions, and other simple ways to participate in the liturgical seasons. The illustrations and photographs are simply beautiful.
Custom art: Commission me to create an original piece of their patron saint, wedding church, school, first home, or other significant place.
Pecan handle scissors, $13: These scissors are making the case for pretty tools; a lovely, useful gift is one that everyone appreciates.
Nativity set, $99: This beautiful, minimalist nativity set is not just a gift; it will become a cherished tradition and fits with any aesthetic. (It’s also one of my favorite gifts to give for weddings and showers.) You can also choose other sets or collect individual pieces here. Here’s a 12-piece mini version under $35.
French press, $40: This press will be a gift they’re still hanging onto 20 years later: it makes excellent coffee, keeps it hot for hours, and is impeccably constructed (we have two). You could pair it with some excellent coffee beans from Mystic Monk, French Truck, or Seven Weeks.
Toups and Company organic skincare products: I love everything I’ve tried from this small, family-operated skincare company. Favorites that I subscribe to and use daily include this frankincense tallow balm, tinted lip balm, and the mineral makeup. Organic, high-quality, and high-functioning products make great gifts for anyone with skin. You can also give gift sets and sample sets. (Pro tip: They usually run really good sales around the holidays, so keep checking their website.)
Banana bread in pretty pan, $18 or pie in pretty plate, $27: Give the pure delight of homemade breads or pies in a beautiful dish that they can use for years to come. This is an excellent pie cookbook if you’d like to pair it with your gift.
Popcorn/ maker, $20: We have used and loved this silicone popcorn maker for more than ten years. It pops perfect fluffy pieces without oil in your microwave. When you’re done, swish it clean and collapse it for space-saving storage. We even bring it on vacation! Pair with some upgraded Amish popcorn kernels.
Pretty tablecloth (55x120), $30: We have several of these magic tablecloths that look and feel far more expensive than they are, plus clean up like a dream. Choose from multiple sizes and designs. (Pro tip: These tablecloths are so affordable that I collected a matching set of several varying sizes so my holiday buffet surfaces can all coordinate.)
Candle warmer, $30: This pretty piece uses heat instead of fire to diffuse fragrance from candles. Place any candle on its tray and enjoy the fragrance without the soot and risk of an open flame. If you want to pair this with a great candle, I can’t rave enough about our favorite Corda Candles.
Word on Fire Bible Volume I: The Gospels (soft cover), $28: According to its publisher, this volume was designed “to appeal not just to Christians, but also to nonbelievers and searchers.” It features gorgeous artwork alongside commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, Church Fathers, saints, mystics, artists, and scholars. Instant heirloom. There’s also a hardcover edition. We loved receiving this as a gift from friends a few years ago.
Essential oil diffuser, $28: I love this diffuser’s minimalist design, excellent sillage, and all natural oil (no fragrance-triggered headaches). It’s also made in the USA and comes in several fragrance options. We keep a few of these tucked around the house and apartment.
Catholic Geaux Bag, $20: Give them this portable collection of essential sacramentals to take wherever they roam and roost. This set comes from our dear friends' non-profit and includes essentials like a crucifix, holy water, blessed salt, a brown scapular, and more.
Set of reusable bags (10), $20: If you’re skeptical about bags as a gift, let me assure you how often they’ll reach for these, and how much more pleasant these colorful, well-made bags are to use than old plastic grocery bags. It’s the gift of a simple upgrade.
Amazon Prime subscription: This annual subscription is the gift that keeps giving! Members have access to seemingly infinite video and music streaming options, countless free Kindle books, fast and free shipping, and other special offers. There are also special rates for young adults and students.
A note about Amazon
These links connect mostly to products sold on Amazon. This is not the only place you can buy most of these items, but I set it up this way because of Amazon's ubiquity (everyone I know already has a Prime account). You can also try finding the items you like at other retailers, local shops, or even use these ideas as a springboard to create gifts.
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