Gift-giving is embedded in our Catholic faith. The magi bring the newborn Jesus gifts to honour him as king. St. Nicholas is famous for giving away his possessions as gifts to others. During the Offering of the Gifts at Mass, we present bread, wine, and the collection basket, knowing that God can transform them into something miraculous.
When gift-giving becomes disordered, we obsess over price tags and possessions, fueled by the idea that happiness derives from having ‘more.’ The truth is fulfillment comes only from Christ. Even the little creations that bring us joy—food, music, games, art—are just glimpses of the Creator.
In its proper context, gift-giving is a way to say to another, “I see you and I love you.” It requires sacrifice: time, thought, effort, and sometimes money. It calls us to consider the uniqueness of each person and honour them using the gifts God has given us.
Christmas is the most popular example of gift-giving. While the holiday has become over-focused on consumerism, we can help re-order it by using gift-giving as an intentional way to share the love of Christ.
We’ve put together a “Catholic Gift Guide” highlighting Canadian brands or brands available through Canadian stores. These brands strive to share Christ in creative ways and infuse faith into all parts of our lives. We want to celebrate their creativity and help you find new ideas for your Christmas gifts.
Click on the item images to learn more about them.
Happy Saint Art Prints
“With the Happy Saints [art], I endeavor to show people that striving for Heaven is not all gloom, doom, and frowns – it is an exciting adventure, which ALL the Saints partook of with enthusiasm in their actions and smiles on their faces!” (happysaintart.com)
Happy Saint Art prints are a perfect way to show kids that sainthood is bursting with joy! There are dozens of saints to choose from, including Canadian saints like St. Andre Besette and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. While the website is in English, you can order prints without the names, making them accessible for all languages.
January Jane Saint Polaroids
Ever find it hard to remember that saints were ordinary people? January Jane’s Saint Polaroids help remind us of the humanity of the saints. Each polaroid has an actual photo of a modern saint with a bio on the back.
The Little Rose Shop Swaddle
Snag an amazing Catholic swaddle from Canadian shops like A Humble Home or Modern Catholic Goods. One of our favourites is the Guadalupe Stars swaddle. It’s the perfect gift to wrap a new arrival in Mary’s mantle and love.
Catholic Christian Outreach
The Good News is at the heart of Catholic Christian Outreach’s movement. Keep warm this winter and remind people of the hope that the Gospel brings.
NET Canada
Inspired by NET’s founding verse, this t-shirt is a reminder of our universal call to mission: We are called to be fishers of men!
The back of this navy shirt features a fun fish design with the words: “I will make you fishers of men” – Matthew 4:19. The front of the shirt has the beautiful NET Canada logo!
Fiat Lux
Based in Ottawa and run by a Catholic family, Fiat Lux offers their services in the creation of personalized Catholic merchandise. A pre-made or custom design can be transferred on anything from t-shirts to bags to mugs. Fiat Lux strives to offer fun ways to witness to the Catholic faith and inspire confidence in the proclamation of the Gospel.
Friends in High Places Luggage Tag
Bl Pier Giorgio’s famous line “Verso L’Alto”, “To the Heights”, is the perfect motto for a friend who basically lives at the climbing gym. Friends in High Places, a Canadian brand, has an awesome luggage tag featuring the phrase.
Drinking With Your Saints
Know someone who’s always looking to try new drinks? Why not mix their love of mixology with a love for the saints! “Drinking with Your Patron Saints: The Sinner’s Guide to Honoring Namesakes and Protectors” pairs amazing recipes with patron saints. As the description puts it: “There’s a patron saint for everything. And Michael Foley has a drink for every patron saint.”
Friends in High Places Totes
With the disappearance of plastic grocery bags, tote bags are a great alternative for someone who’s on-the-go. We love this Talitha Koum canvas tote bag from Friends in High Places. “Talitha Koum” is spoken by Jesus in Mark 5:41 when he raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead. It means “Little Girl, Arise”.
The Little Rosary Shop
Founded after a powerful experience of the rosary led a family to conversion, The Little Rosary Shop offers beautiful handmade rosaries at affordable prices. This Canadian small business is based out of Toronto, and each rosary has both a unique design and a story behind its inspiration.
We especially love the “Little Salt” rosary, which takes its name from Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?” It’s a reminder to keep the “flavour” of our faith in every part of our lives.
Light of Eden Jewelry
These dainty Source & Summit earrings from Light of Eden are designed to look like a monstrance. They’re a subtle reminder of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. The Light of Eden brand is the creation of Modern Catholic Goods, an online store operating out of Ontario.
Princesses of Heaven Illustrated Storybook
“Princesses of Heaven” is a picture book for young girls exploring the lives of amazing saints: St. Joan of Arc, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Narcisa de Jesus, St. Lucy Yi Zhenmei, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Created by Fabiola Garza, a Disney illustrator, this beautiful book presents each saint as a princess in heaven, sharing their incredible stories of faith, hope, and love.
Sock Religious
Sock Religious offers Catholic socks that make for perfect stocking stuffers. This set of Advent wreath socks is a favourite, as are the Easter Vigil socks. Sunrise Marian, an online Catholic store operating out of Ontario, offers a wide selection from Sock Religious, including tons of saint socks. It’s the best way to get the brand without having to order from the US.
Seek & Find Series
If you’ve ever brought a toddler to Mass, you know it can be tough to keep them occupied. The “Seek-and-Find” book series is great for keeping busy minds focused on Jesus while at Mass. The amazing illustrations engage kids while introducing them to bible stories from the Old and New Testament. They even have a special Christmas edition!
