I started this year’s Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide in October, but life has been so very full this year and it’s taken me until now to finish it up… Hopefully it will be helpful for any of you who, like me, are still trying to figure out and finalize Christmas gifts this year. This year’s gift guide isn’t quite as extensive as past years – you can find many many ideas in the archives from over the years – but my favorite part is always reading through my kids’ suggestions which are all included once again below!

I also don’t have as many giveaways for you this year – but you will find three amazing prize packages at the bottom of this post, including the ultimate Prize Package from Shining Light Dolls which was so generous of them!!! Be sure to scroll to the bottom and leave a comment to enter.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Additional affiliate links included.

New Finds for Christmas

• The Word Within: The Ark of the Covenant and Mary
• Embroidered Nativity Tree Skirt from Rifle Paper Co. – I splurged on this during an early sale and so glad I did! It is absolutely gorgeous under the tree.
• The Shepherd’s Coat – Also available directly from Word on Fire, right now there is a 20% off sale on all books and merchandise in their online store through January. If you spend $50, you will also receive a free copy of The Shepherd’s Coat.
• Christmas Carols Holiday Tea Towel (and the Nativity Tea Towel) – I love this whole line! I purchased a few of the towels to give as gifts, some of the gift bags and a set of the notecards too.
• Nativity set from West Coast Catholic – I’ve been admiring this one since it first came out last year!
• Christmas Carols Holiday Porcelain Mug – Some of the other mugs are darling too!
• Little Louie’s Christmas Miracle – This was written about the great-grandpa of friends of my kids! I’m looking forward to reading it. You can check out more about it over at Regina Magazine. The illustrations are gorgeous!
• The First Christmas Water Reveal and Floor Puzzle from Gather and Pray (Refer a Friend link) – Our little girls would love these! Also available on Etsy here and here.
• Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols from TAN Books will be included in this year’s O Antiphon Treats! Also available at Amazon here.

Our children have once again taken an active role in this year’s gift guide! I asked each of them to list nine gift ideas for me to share. Most of their suggestions are things they already own, with a few desired items included. Here are their answers:

Please note: Our children usually unwrap three gifts from my husband and I on Christmas morning. The kids also draw names on the first Sunday of Advent for Christkindl and end with a family Christkindl gift exchange. It’s always the first thing they want to do after our morning prayers (or morning Mass if we didn’t make it to the Midnight Mass) on Christmas Day! They also receive books on Epiphany (which often include many books that have been given to me to review, or school books for the next semester). The gift suggestions listed below have been received over a number of different years/occasions, handed down from older siblings, or on their wish list.

Captain’s Picks – Age 25

This list has become harder and harder to make as the things I want are things typically money can’t buy ie. time and memories with family and friends. After living nowhere near family or most of my friends, I can’t encourage others enough to take advantage of the opportunities you have to share with family and friends while you still can. Anyway, with that said, even though I now have an adult job that pays adult money and I’m able to buy most of the things I need, there are some things that would be fun to unwrap on Christmas! So let’s get into some of them that I’d recommend. 

• Calendars – I’ve put this on my list for the past few years now and I’m not ready to take it off yet 😂 but seriously they’re great! Whether they’re a day by day calendar or a month to month calendar.
• Books!! – Have been getting back into reading more books especially now that I don’t have to read for school. It’s a great way to slow down, put the phone away, and relax! Have started reading a varitey of books such as historical biographies (The Endurance or The Edmond Fitzgerald are on my list to read next) and books that have a movie adaptation of it, like the Hobbit/LOTR (which I got last Christmas), or The Count of Monte Christo which I would like to read sometime) 
• Water Bottle /stickers – Can never have too many water bottles! Hydration is key especially if you live in the desert! And receiving a fun water bottle or stickers of some of your favorite whatevers to customize your bottle is a great gift! This is what my sister gave me last Christmas! LET’S WANDER National Park Water Bottle with Waterproof Stickers
• Cookbooks/cooking utensils – I’ve always enjoyed cooking but since living on my own I’ve really been able to explore and try out new recipes! Not only is cooking well a great skill to have as it helps increase your menu but your future wife will be incredibly appreciative if you can whip up some incredible dishes! (Can’t speak from experience buuut if someone made me an amazing meal I’d be pretty stoked! 😂) Here is one option and here’s another if you’re looking for something a little more fun 👀
• Faith related gifts – You aren’t fully complete if you neglect your faith life and receiving a faith related gift helps with that! Last year I got the Ascension Bible (the one that goes along with the Bible in a year) and it’s been great! Also, some spiritual books, or even books on the lives of the Saints would be perfect as the saints are great inspirations for us to model our lives after. Looking forward to starting this advent book that my mom gave me as an early gift! 
• LEGO 👀 seems a bit childish I know but hear me out!  😂😅 I don’t think I’ve put this on my list for a while buuut with some of the sets that have been coming out in the past few years there are some amazing sets to have on display in your house or apartment! Not only that, they are 3D puzzles that take days to build and like I said are great display pieces once completed! 
• Can never go wrong with gifting someone one of their favorite movies with box of goodies/snacks! Whether your by yourself or a group of friends watching your favorite movies with a box of gifted goodies is a perfect match!
• Board games/card games! Can always bring them to friends and family gatherings if you’re looking for something that gets your competitive side going without needing to be too terribly active! May get an arm workout in if the game isn’t going your way and you decide to flip the table but I’ll let you figure that out! 😜😂
• A fun shirt or sweater is always a fun gift! Whether it embraces your nerdy side, nostalgic childhood side, or something a little more mature, adding something new to wear in your wardrobe is always exciting 😅

Ranger’s Picks – Age 23

• Tears of the Left Bourbon – Nothing beats good bourbon and know that with every sip a liberal had a second of sadness.
• Hockey Visor – Definitely not for younger competitive leagues but in the old man beer leagues I’m playing in can afford to look cool without loosing any teeth
• Milwaukee Tools – Electrical requires so many tools, thankfully as an apprentice you don’t need them all but it’s nice to be able to build up to it over time
• Tool Belt – Can’t build a tool collection without somewhere to keep them
• Neuschwanstein LEGO Castle – “For the kids” – Kevin from Home Alone 😂 No matter how old I grow or how gruff and blue collar I get I’ll never get tired of legos, especially when it’s this beautiful castle that has a lot of significance to an architecture nerd like me
• Headphones – For the gym seshes
• Gym Clothes (Three Nails. Sportswear with a Purpose) – For the gym seshes
• Thermos – My job means lots of hard work with some very early mornings, so coffee and something to keep it warm
• Liturgy of the Hours – It’s such a beautiful way to pray, and having the books and getting off the screen during prayer is very nice to do (Mom note: I suggested waiting for the revised set which should be released in 2027)

Twinkle Toes’ Picks – Age 22

• Fit Bit Charge 6 – Being able to track my steps and sleep each day has been amazing! It helps me know when I need to get moving – especially if I’ve been sitting at my computer working for too long. Keeping the goal of 10,000 steps a day is challenging! But it’s good to keep a record of just how much I’ve moved/when I could work more on it. Another feature I love is the notification: instead of picking up my phone every time I get a text, I can just glance at my watch to see if it’s important, work-related, or something I can respond to later. Perfect for anyone who wants to stay active, organized, and a little more present. 
• Ugg Slippers (Mom note: She has knock-offs from Walmart) – My forever go-to when I want cozy. These are the softest, warmest slippers I’ve ever had. Perfect for anyone who loves comfort with a touch of luxe.
• Catholic Jewelry – They are just meaningful, simple pieces you can wear daily as a gentle reminder of your faith. Whether it’s a saint necklace, chaplet bracelet, or any sort of Catholic earrings, Catholic jewelry really does make such a thoughtful gift.  Love this Opal Cross Necklace and this Petite Miraculous Medal & Crucifix Necklace.
• Warmie – A friend gifted this to me for my birthday this year, and my inner child was thrilled! It’s a weighted plush that turns into a heat pack when microwaved, and the real lavender scent is so calming. Perfect for headaches, stress, or cramps. Check out all the options here.
• Star of Bethlehem Rosary – I’ve learned to love the rosary so much this last year especially after reading Champions of the Rosary (listed in last year’s gift guide). This rosary has gone with me everywhere this year. Whether it’s on a trip, at church, or at work, there’s so much peace and comfort with having a rosary with you and the ability to say it as a gift to Our Lady. West Coast Catholic does an amazing job with making a rosary that is simple yet so elegant. 
• Salt and Light by Sami Perfume – For anyone who’s sensitive to fragrance (or have a family member who is) these perfumes are perfect! I don’t even own one yet, but after hearing about this company and smelling them myself, I love them. While searching for a perfume that doesn’t bother my mom (she’s extremely senstive), I kept hearing sooo many praises about Salt and Light by Sami. Her focus is to give toxic free options for perfumes, colognes, and candles which made for an amazing clean-beauty option. A sweet friend of mine let me try hers one day to try out and it smelled wonderful. It was soft, clean, and not overpowered at all. It also seemed to not to bother my mom which was a WIN.  (Save 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSES)
• Clothes of any sort – You can never go wrong with giving girls a piece of clothing. I really have loved an American Eagle Sweater that was given to me last Christmas. 
• Paddle Board – I bought myself a paddle board earlier this summer have loved every moment with it. It’s such.a fun way to enjoy the water, stay active, and get outdoors. I love also bringing my JBL speaker (also on last year’s gift guide) too out with me when I paddle board since it’s waterproof! 
• The Last Bookshop in London – My sister, mom, and I have been doing a 52-book reading challenge this year (which I’m behind on so this month will be mostly reading when I’m not working/wedding planning haha) so we have read a lot of books this year! The Last Bookshop in London has been one of my absolute favorites this year. It’s a heartfelt historical novel full of courage, hope, and the magic of books. If you love World War II historical fictions with a hint of romance. This book is perfect. 
• BONUS: A Catholic’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Spouse with 101 Simple Questions – Such an amazing book to go through, whether you’re in a relationship or not. My fiancé and I went through this book while we were dating to ensure that we agreed on all the important points. If we didn’t, it was a good opportunity to discuss why we had different opinions. It has questions for every aspect that can be affected by marriage. What is marriage? What is the role of the husband and wife? What do you think of spankings? What do you think of Novus Ordo, SSPX, FSSP? Etc. It’s also very important even while your single to go through these questions to know what YOUR opinions are because I’ll be honest, some of the questions in there, I had never thought about. I also had a married friend ask me to send her a copy so that she and her husband could go through it for fun. All around, a must read.

Chiquita’s Picks – Age 20

• Golden Nectar Nest Perfume (or the sample variety package) – 10/10, would recommend! My big brother gifted me the sample package last Christmas and I ended up LOVING this perfume specifically! But since everyone has their own preferences and tastes, the sample package is a great way to try some scents out and see what speaks to you. 🙂
• Reading Journal (with aesthetic markers!) – My reading journal is my whole personality 😭😭 this was another gift from last Christmas and it’s perfect for either an avid reader or someone looking to read more! I love the layout, and am on track to fill it out by the end of the year… sooo it seems like I’ll be needing another one soon… *cough* *cough* 👀  BBy the way. aesthetic markers to go with are a must!! 🤌🤌 I use the Zebra pastel markers for both homework and my reading journal.
• Green Corduroy American Eagle Pants – I wear these all the time! They are super cute and I absolutely love the color!! It’s hard to find good pants that are both stylish and comfortable while still being modest, but these are great! 🌟🌟🌟 
• Make Up Bag – Great quality and lots of space!! It’s where I keep all my makeup stuff and nail supplies/polishes 🙂
• Travel Set (Carry-On and Mini Weekender in Olive from Beis, or there are these that look similar and less expensive) – I can fit so much clothes in these bad boys 😎 never has traveling been easier nor more stylish 💅✨ they also match the corduroy pants quite nicely indeed 😁  
• Birkenstocks – Great shoes. Would recommend. … 👍  (I tried to find a Birkenstock emoji… I couldn’t 😞)
• Oversized Beach Towel – An item so vital, thou’d sooner forget thy trousers than leave it behind on thy jaunts seashore bound!
• Ukelele (and Macrame hangar) – I couldn’t bring my ukelele with me to school this last semester and never had I had a more joyless, unmusical experience in my life!! Just kidding… that’s a gross exaggeration… but anyways, I miss it and it would be a great Christmas present!!
• Hallow Prayer App ⁃ Yeah so… if you are an obsessive reader of my mom’s blog, you’d know that last year I promised Mom a PowerPoint presentation as a way to show how Hallow benefits our family and how the Hallow Family Subscription is a prudent and wise investment… you would also know that I have not yet done that… BUT THE POINT STILL STANDS!! Hallow is a GREAT way to incorporate prayer into your and your family’s day to day life!! 10/10! 🌟🌟🌟 (They are currently offering a free three month trial.)

Scout’s Picks – Age 18

• Compass Quest Wooden AirPod Case – I was so excited when Mom bought this for me! Protects my AirPods while looking fresh at the same time. All my friends like it; would highly recommend.
• LEGO The Shire – “There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something.” – J.R.R. Tolkien … But I’ll make the search easier for all of you by recommending this peak Lego set 😉
• Dulia Saints Hats – I don’t wear any other hats besides these, so I would highly recommend! Big favorites of mine.
• Philips Norelco Electric Razor – This baddie changed my life! Shaves smoothly without cutting your face up, so better for your skin. Simple to use, quick to shave, easy to clean (it comes with some handy little cleaning pods), and the battery lasts a long time and only takes a little while to charge. Would highly recommend.
• Tolkien Illustrated Classics: The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion – These are illustrated with Tolkien’s own drawings, sketches, maps, and artwork. I love the feel of these books and they look sensational on the bookshelf 🤌🤌
• Stuff Every College Student Should Know – Every college student should know this stuff so if you have a college student this stuff is something you should get for your college student to know this stuff 🤪
• Ozark Trail Men’s Puffer Slippers (last year’s style – similar to these or these) – I wear these EVERYWHERE (except the gym/fieldhouse, the icy streets of Bismarck, and the shower, tehe). So comfy, so cozy, would recommend 😮‍💨
• St. Michael Leather Bracelet – I love my Saint Michael wristband. I gotta say, it’s a good conversation starter, because I always end up debating with people (who haven’t seen me wear it before) about whether it’s a wristband, bracelet, or wrist belt. Some people have thought it was a watch strap/band 😂 But I love it, I wear it almost everywhere.
• JBL Speaker (lots of options here) – Always smart to have a speaker handy when you get the tingle to turn on some tunes 🔊

Rose’s Picks – Age 15

• Mary Queen of Heaven Clay Earrings – These Mary earrings! Like umm SO cute! I love them cuz they’re holy and super stylish. They definitely make any outfit 💯
• Little Women: Deluxe Painted Edition – I am so in love with this book! Also, the style of painted edition books!!! They’re just too adorable! 😍  I gave one of my friends the Frankenstein edition for her birthday, and she loved it (at least  that’s what I heard at least)! Mom got me this one for St. Nicholas Day…oh I mean St Nick gave me this 😉 I didn’t have my own copy of Little Women before, I’m so excited to read it again. Plus, it’s just the cutest on the bookshelf! 
• Kitsch Heatless Hair Curlers – My hair is literally the thinnest ever, and I’ve never been able to really curl it (curling irons just don’t work for some reason 🧐). I had pretty much given up hope… until my mom found these heatless hair curlers! 🥳 There are a lot of options out there, but I’ve found that this one works best for me. Now I can actually switch up my hair style! 😊
• Rose in Bloom Wax Seal Stamp Kit with Medieval Initial Seal and Wine Red Wax – This letter seal set is actually so nice! I write letters to a lot of my friends (yes, I am old fashioned lol), but it’s always so fun to receive a letter in the mail from someone. These seals make a letter soo much more aesthetic 😍
• Scrapbook Photo Album 10×10 and Paint Pens – Ok ok sooo! I started scrapbooking for the first time, and it has officially become my new favorite thing! I love flipping through the pages and seeing all the things we did and fun memories from the year. It feels so much more meaningful than looking at pics on your phone! 📱<📔
• AirPods Pro 2 (She purchased these herself with some of her summer job earnings.) – I literally use these AirPods all the time. I used them a lot on those early bus rides for golf tournaments. You’d never think (well maybe you would lol, but I sure didn’t lol) that buses are soo loud! There’s basically no hope of falling back asleep at 4 a.m. I’m so thankful these are noise cancelling! 😴  They’re also amazing when you wanna focus 💯
• Antique St. Therese Gemstone Rosary – St. Therese is probably my favorite saint (is it bad to have favorites? 🤔), and this rosary is so beautiful 🌹 I love that each Our Father bead has a medal and a rose bead, it makes it feel so special ❤️ 
• Karaoke Machine – Ok, I literally sing ALL the time! My fam is probably so sick of hearing me all day lol. I don’t know… singing just makes me happy 😊 One of my friends had a birthday party and we did karaoke  🎤  and ever since then I have been wanting to get one like this… 👀 👀 
• Kiss imPRESS Holiday Press On Nails – So I am sooo bad at painting my nails. Trust me… it’s not pretty 😂  But with these press-on nails (I’m not a huge fan of the glue-on ones), you can have your nails done in no time. And there are so many different options, you can easily find the perfect style for you! 💅 😊

Bud’s Picks – Age 13

• Save America Hail Mary Hoodie – Past gift that he loves and wears often.
• Rollerblade Kids’ Microblade Adjustable Inline Skates
• Lord of the Rings Mug – This was a birthday gift last year for his “Two Towers” birthday.
• WISH LIST ITEM: The Lord of The Rings: Balrog Book Nook (The Sherlock Holmes Book Nook is really cool too!) – LEGO are always a hit! Lord of the Rings sets (of course!), Medieval/Castle sets, some Pirate sets, and Jurassic World (not necessarily the newer options) are his favorites!
• NHL Street Hockey Goalie Shooting Target to go with his Mylec Steel Junior Hockey Goal for Indoor + Outdoor (52” x 43”) – He received this target from his Kris Kringle last year!
• Sherlock Holmes Collection: Deluxe Boxed Set – “It was GOOD! My favorite book in the series was The Hound of the Baskervilles.”
• 4″ Mexican Cristero Fighter Vinyl Sticker for on his Yeti Water Bottle
• Timberland Leather Wallet – Nice and simple wallet for carrying his student ID and spending money.
• Dr. Squash Soap – Seems to make one of the boys’ lists every year. Last year’s Limited Edition the One Ring Rinse was a hit! The Star Wars Soap Collections are a good deal too.

Grace’s Picks – Age 8

• St. Brigid Rag Doll – The girls have a bunch of these sweet rag dolls. (SAVE 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG)
• LEGO Bluey’s Beach & Family Car Trip – Little sister has Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe and they are both really wishing for Bluey’s Family House.
• Calico Critters Hamburger Stand – Anything Calico Critter is always a hit!
• Mary Meyer Blizzard Snowman – Such a cozy little sleepy time companion.
• Bike Basket – A birthday gift from Grandma along with a cute strawberry bell.
• Ruizu Panda MP3 Player – I load it up with audio books for her to listen to.
• Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Books 1-4 – Birthday gift this past summer from her Hawaiian/ Nanea Mitchell: An American Girl Birthday Party this past summer, because Nanea loved Nancy Drew.
• Saints Around the World for Little Ones Collection – Gift last Christmas.
• PairPear Wooden Toy Cash Register – Gift from her Kris Kringle last Christmas!

Joy’s Picks – Age 6

• LEGO Playground Fun with Bluey and Chloe and LEGO Santa’s Delivery Truck
• Pink Princess Cookbook – My girls have been pouring over their older sisters collection of Barbara Beery cookbooks all day! I had forgotten about these till an online friend asked for cookbook suggestions for a little girl. Others in the collection include: Fairies Cookbook, Pink Princess Tea Parties, Pink Ponies Cookbook, Pink Princess Parties Cookbook.
• Nativity Family Rag Dolls (SAVE 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG)
• Cover Your Cookies Card Game
• Double-sided Advent to Christmas Wooden Wreath Set – Back in stock this year! The girls already have it pulled out in their bedroom for this Advent. (SAVE 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG)
• Smocked Dress –
• Calico Critters Ice Cream Van –
• Hugs and Cuddles™ Calming 18″ Weighted 2.5 lbs. Plush Labrador, Soft Sensory Companion –
• Rag Dolls from Shining Light Dolls – She has the Holy Family and a number of the saint and Marian dolls including Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Good Help. The girls have been finding them tucked into their stockings each year! 

Favorite Wooden Toys

This list doesn’t change much from year to year but links are updated where necessary:

• Fagus Wooden Trucks and Vehicles  – German crafted and made of solid Beechwood. We have been collecting for awhile and have the Limited Edition Red Fire Engine, Jeep, Snow Plow add on, Container Tipper Truck, Front End Loader, Conveyor Belt, and the Excavator, Tractors and Trailers. My little girls love them even more than their older brother did when they were younger! Look for them in the US at The Wooden Wagon and Nova Natural. We don’t have the brand new limited edition tractor but love it! 😍
• Grimms Spiel und Holz Wooden Toys and Gluckskafer Wooden Building Blocks – Grimm’s Counting Rainbow (similar to this) with Grimm’s Natural Semicircles Building Sets is a favorite. Pictured here is the Gluckskafer Wooden Building Blocks Church with Tray.
• Ostheimer Toys – Collectible hand carved figures made in Germany and finished with non-toxic stains and finished with natural oils. Collections include: Family Figures, Fairy Tale Characters, Farm Animals, Woodland Animals, Zoo Animals, and landscape pieces, such as Trees, Fences, Ponds, Grass and much more!  We have been collecting these for years now. They have gotten hard to come by the past couple years (frequently out of stock everywhere in the US) and have really increased in price, but we still love them.  You can find them in the US at the same stores as the Fagus Vehicles above. (Here are lookalikes from an Etsy shop in the US) **This year the cute new Koalas will be tucked in a little girls stocking! I was happy to see she had also mentioned them in her letter to Baby Jesus and St. Nick too. Perfect!
• (NEW) Mini Catholic Kitchen from Shining Light Dolls – Excited to gift these to our little girls this year! They already received the St. Lucia Buns from St. Nicholas with the feast of St. Lucy coming up! (Save an extra 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG
• Lincoln Logs – So classic! So fun for the whole family.
• Grapat Sorting Toys – I bought a couple of these for Easter Baskets and planning to add more in this year’s stockings and next year’s Easter Baskets. Our little girls love them!  They are also great for using along with their Fagus Dump Truck, Trailers and Conveyor Belt.
• Interlocking Blocks – I keep a basket of these (2 or 3 sets of 92) in a basket in our living room and they are played with daily! I’ve blogged more about these here.
• Wooden Mass Kit and Baptism Set from Shining Light Dolls – Save an extra 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG
• Musical Llama Wooden Instrument – My babies are now 6 and 8 but this still gets played with!

Additional favorites that aren’t currently pictured this year:

• Melissa & Doug Medieval Folding Castle – We bought this over ten years ago and it’s still a favorite. We have (and LOVE the Princess Castle too- it was the first one I purchased of the two) but unfortunately it’s not currently available. Also, wood toys have at least doubled in price… Back then I paid around $50 for each! They have been played with by all of our children and are still getting played with frequently! We also have the Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse.
• Saint Blocks from Almond Rod Toys 
• Thomas the Train Wooden Train Track, Buildings and Trains 
• Wooden Peg Dolls – Perfect for painting dolls as gifts for younger siblings! 😉

Baby Gifts

A few ideas with some help from one of my baby sisters – who just had her 4th in 4 years! 😅

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Minky Blanket from House of Joppa
• Wooden Nativity Set from Bannor Toys
• Huggy Hymns Musical Plush Toy Puppy Dog with various Hymn options – A gift from my youngest brother to my sister’s newest baby. She says it’s really cute!
• Summa Theologiae for Babies: Prima Pars from TAN Books (Also available at Amazon here.)
• Roses Blooming Swaddle from January Jane Shop – Where was this when I had babies?! 😍 Save 10% with coupon code: LXZ-NTU27UL (or clicking here)
• The Song of Zechariah and Magnificat Bundle from Word on Fire, right now there is a 20% off sale on all books and merchandise in their online store through January.
• Pier Giorgio Rosary and other Rosaries from Chews Life
• Born to be a Saint onesie from Fount of Threads
• Catholic All Saints Blanket – A gift I purchased for one of our new nephews.

Jessica’s Picks – Gifts for Women

• Saint Polaroids and Ora Pro Nobis Vintage Wooden Clipboard from January Jane Shop – I recently purchase the Wooden Clipboard to use with my collection of Saint Polaroids and love it! Save 10% with coupon code: LXZ-NTU27UL (or clicking here)
• Feast Faith Flourish: Holistic Wellness in Light of Eternity (or from Amazon here) – (For a limited time get 35% off qualifying orders over $25 at Sophia Institure Press with code XMAS35)
• Well Read Mom Membership – “Do You Offer Gift Memberships?” Yes, we would love to help you gift a membership to someone! You can purchase a gift membership through our store. Just include her name and full contact information in the note section, and we will activate her membership. We will send her an email letting her know she has been enrolled in Well-Read Mom.
• The Codebreakers Series by Roseanna White – I probably should have read Shadows Over England first (also excellent!). A good friend of mine introduced me to this author and I love her books!
• Roses Blooming Tea Towels from January Jane Shop – Couldn’t resist ordering a set of these when they were recently released to add to my collection. So pretty! Save 10% with coupon code: LXZ-NTU27UL (or clicking here)
• Stanley All Day Madeleine Backpack – My sister-in-law had this on our trip to Kauai (my brother took a few of the girls and I as my “Christmas bonus” – best Christmas gift ever!) last January and I loved it so I purchased it during a great sale. We use it for packing our co-op lunch each week.
• Bonavita Pour Over Coffee Maker – Finally got rid of my Keurig (really hated using all that plastic and also wondering what it was doing to my health- I have enough autoimmune issues already!) and this was the replacement. I love it! … However, if you do use a Keurig, these All Saints Coffee Pods are fun to try out all the flavors. I’ve switched to Whole Bean now. Padre Pio Espresso Roast is my fave but the St. Therese roast is perfect if you are looking for something light and Sleeping St. Joseph for decaf!
• Birkenstocks – I never owned a pair of Birkenstocks until after my leg surgeries, but they have been the best shoes as I continue recovering. I lived in my Black Arizona Big Buckles over the past couple summers and now my favorites are my Shearling Lined Buckleys I wear whenever I am home (huge change for “no shoes in the house!” me) for the extra support. They are definitely helping, along with continuing PT, to avoid the next two surgeries (opposite leg) my doctor is recommending…
• Annie Ruth Lip Butter – I discovered this at a “Favorite Things” party this fall and it quickly became one of my favorite things. Made without color dyes, synthetic preservatives, grains, soy, alcohol or water… It’s amazing! I have the Peppermint and want to order to Coffee.

Gifts for Men

Note: Sean sent me a few of these links, but the rest are gifts my daughter and I picked out for him!

• Praying Monk Organic Coffee Beans – I picked this up at our local grocery store! I’ve also gotten him the Smoke Jumper and Moose Drool before too. Such fun blends!
• Solitude and Silence: The Cloister of the Heart or from Amazon here – With his brother entering the Discalced Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel this month, this looks like a perfect gift.
• Blessed Miguel Pro Hat from Dulia Saints – A gift he received last Christmas. A blog reader first showed me these and I immediately ordered a few for my guys. They are awesome!
• Sacred Wine: The Holy History and Heritage of Catholic Vintners – Another gift he’ll be receiving this year. I received a review copy and it’s so cool! I’ll probably pair it with a bottle of wine.
• Chaste Heart of St. Joseph or St. Benedict Mugs from Oremus Home Goods – Love these! Would go along great with the Praying Monk coffee! (Those were Etsy links, you can also visit their website here.)
• The World of Jesus’ Apparitions – “A fascinating, richly illustrated journey through Christ’s appearances across history—from Scripture to modern times.” (For a limited time get 35% off qualifying orders over $25 at Sophia Institure Press with code XMAS35)
• The Guardian Cologne – Note: He doesn’t have this, yet! But will be getting it from our oldest daughter this Christmas! You can read her reviews of this company’s products up and why she choose it for him… Poor guy hasn’t been able to wear his favorite colognes without triggering allergic responses and migraines for me due to some of my health challenges. (Save 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSES)
• Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith or from Amazon here – This one is on his wish list and one of the links he sent me.
• Handmade Wooden Rosary, Terror of Demons from The Catholic Woodworker – Wish list item… One of these years I definitely want to buy it for him.
• Mr. Heater Portable Buddy – This is one he suggested, but I filled up the collage and ran out of room… It’s cold where we live! Would be nice for out in the shop, etc.

Christmas Puzzles

Every Advent we set up a card table and the puzzles come out! This year we put together two 1000 piece puzzles (The Annunciation and The Visitation) the first couple days of Advent, while we still had Thanksgiving company. Then it was back to school to finish the semester strong (and catch up on chores!) but our third puzzle was opened today, after St. Nick left us A Dala Winter! I suspect it will be finished before the end of the weekend. I watch for sales and stock up when I find them. Here are some of the puzzles we added to our collection this year and last year that haven’t made it onto the blog yet:

• Paris Christmas (new)
• Woodland Christmas (new)
• A Dala Winter – Gift from St. Nicholas this year!
• Christmas Kitchen (new)
• Santa Lucia – Last year’s gift on St. Nicholas Day! 😍
• Holiday Tree – Assembled last Advent.
• Swedish Holiday Kitchen – This year’s St. Lucia Day surprise! Also available on Amazon here.
• ABC’s of Christmas – Assembled last Advent.
• Christmas Night – Assembled last Advent.

2026 Catholic Calendars and Planners

• 2026 Saints Calendar and 16 Month Daily Planner from TAN Books (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form -My husband and I have used this for longer than I can remember.) Also on Amazon here. There is also the 2026 Angels Wall Calendar, Life of Our Lord Calendar, Mary and the Saints Calendar and from TAN Books (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form) – Also on Amazon here, here and here.
• Gather and Pray Liturgical Planner (or purchase from website with this link for $10 off for new accounts)
• 2026 JMJ 12-MONTH DAILY PLANNER from TAN Books – Also on Amazon here.
• AGNUS DEI CALENDAR & 12-MONTH PLANNER 2026 from TAN Books – This looks great! Also on Amazon here.
• Grace Upon Grace 2026 Calendar Year Planner
• William Bouguereau Catholic Calendar –
• Large Desk Calendar from Elizabeth Clare – I recently brought this home from a Favorite Things party and it’s awesome. I also love her Simply Catholic Planner (You can see it pictured in my post on Our Curriculum + How we Homeschool High School.)
• The Saintmaker Subscription from Sophia Institute Press
• The Illustrated Liturgical Year Calendar Subscription – Receive four 18×24 fully colored and illustrated liturgical calendar posters each quarter! – Our family has been using these since they first came out and they are amazing!

Here are the links to all of our book lists, our 2025 Advent Book Basket and the list of books our children received this year on the feast of St. Nicholas.

Shower of Roses Christmas Giveaway

This year I’m giving away 3 AWESOME PRIZES!

There will be 3 winners – one for each prize package.  You have more than one way to earn entries so you could possibly win more than one prize! Thank you so much to these generous businesses for sponsoring the annual Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide Giveaway! Please consider supporting their businesses with your Christmas Shopping this year.

US Residents only please due to shipping costs.

The Ultimate Shining Light Dolls Prize Package!

Prize #1 –  Shining Light Dolls Ultimate Prize Package ($500+ Value)

• Wooden Mini Catholic Kitchen Bundle – Includes: St. Lucia Buns, Rosca De Reyes Epiphany King Cake, Fat Tuesday Paczki, Lenten Friday Fish Fry, Hot Cross Buns and Holy Saturday Easter Basket
• Wooden Mass Kit Playset
• Wooden Baptism Playset
• Double-sided Advent to Christmas Wooden Wreath Set
• Wooden Novena Tracker
• 5 Gem Art Kit – Includes: St. Joseph, Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus, Sacred Heart and Guardian Angel
• Saints and Symbols Alphabet Floor Puzzle
• The Holy Family Nativity Playset
• The Nativity Mini Puzzle
• Mysteries of the Rosary Water Reveal Cards

SAVE 10% at Shining Light Dolls with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG

Artza Box Prize Package

Prize #2 – One seasonal Artza Box. Experience the Holy Land. Delivered from Israel to your door! ($84.99 Value)

I really love the concept of this box! I was blessed to receive a sample box, pictured below. I know my mom and oldest son, who both took pilgrimages to the Holy Land would really love it too! Our 13 year old just did a Geography presentation on Jerusalem at co-op a couple weeks ago and used some of his older brother’s photos.

Every season, receive hand-crafted gifts, flavors, and stories from the Holy Land – connecting you to Jesus and supporting the people of Israel.

“With every Artza box that you will receive, we promise to give you and your loved ones a taste of this incredible Land. We will introduce you to its people, and take you on a journey on the path that Jesus walked. From the comforts of your home in America, we will deliver a little piece of what makes the Holy Land so special and bring the places we read about in the Bible to life.” Read more about the Artza Box story here.

St. Paul Center Old & New Series Prize Package

Prize #3 – Includes the complete Old & New Series including the BRAND NEW The Word Within: The Ark of the Covenant and Mary from St. Paul Center ($49.95 Value) – Also available on Amazon here and here.

These are some of my absolute favorite Catholic children’s picture books with beautiful and inspiring illustrations to go along with the biblical typography.

I have another giveaway for a second complete set here.

Shower of Roses Gift Guide Giveaway

Click here if you are on the home page to get to comment box.

You can also find my lists from the last ten years here (2024), here (2023), here (2022), here (2021), here (2020), here (2019), here (2018), here (2017), here (2016) and here (2015)  as well as even more Catholic gift ideas listed in my past Easter posts as well: 100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas and Easter Symbols: Catholic Gift Ideas.