You can find the lists from the last three years here, here and here, 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. Some of the items below have been featured in the past but they are still favorites.
Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of 25 PRIZES, from my generous sponsors here at Shower of Roses, with a combined value of over $1,800! Please keep these Catholic businesses in mind when shopping for gifts this Christmas season!
Note: All links to Amazon are affiliate links. If you choose to click any of the links, then add an item (any item!) to your cart and complete the purchase, I will receive a percentage. Thank you!
.: Fun New Finds for Advent and Christmas 2018 :.
- Drinking with St. Nick: Christmas Cocktails for Sinners and Saints from the author of Drinking with the Saints: The Sinner's Guide to a Holy Happy Hour - I don't drink but I enjoy reading these books!
- The Holy Family Nativity Play Set from Shining Light Dolls - Love the expecting Blessed Mother! Perfect for Advent!
- Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Graphic Novel - Also available directly from TAN.
- LEGO Advent Wreath - My boys have all the LEGO they would need to make this on their own, but fun idea!
- Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family - I have a treasured vintage out of print copy of this book and am so happy to see it back in print! I pre-ordered a copy of it to give my oldest daughter back in September... but I forgot to change the shipping address and it's sitting on my porch back in Oregon.
- My Jesse Tree Sticker Set - This looks fun!
- Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas - Haven't seen this in person yet but it looks great!
- Nativity Tea Light Candle Lantern - I bought this last Christmas but I don't think I ever shared it here on the blog.
- The Bible Story from St. Augustine Academy Press (Also available on Amazon here) - This would make an excellent addition to the Jesse Tree.
.: Some Favorite Advent and Christmas Music :.
** Some of these have unlimited free streaming included with Prime on Amazon! **
- Advent at Ephesus
- Adventus
- Legends of St. Nicholas
- Caroling at Ephesus
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Christmas with The Dominican Sisters of Mary
- Catholic Songs for Children - includes: Gather Round the Crib at Christmas and The Best Christmas Present of All
.: Favorites for the Feast of St. Nicholas :.
- St. Nicholas with Moveable Arms from Ostheimer - Plus Free Printable St. Nicholas gift Tags in the archives! You can find him from Bella Luna and The Wooden Wagon. This is another version.
- Saint Nicholas Cookie Stamp from Rycraft
- St. Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins - Review can be found here. Plus decorate your own St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins with this free printable.
- TruSweets Organic Candy Canes - One of our children is allergic to Red 40. Love that theses are made without food coloring! I bought a couple boxes from Thrive last year. If you don't have a Thrive membership, here's my referral link to save you 20%. You can also find them at Natural Grocers.
- The Bakers Dozen - and recipe for cookies in the archives! Unlike the candy canes, these were unfortunately not Red 40 free...
- St. Nicholas Shining Light Doll - picture from our snowy 2013 celebration!
- St. Nicholas Statue
- St. Nicholas Block from Almond Rod Toys
- The Miracle of St. Nicholas
.: Favorites for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe :.
- Mañanitas CD or MP3 from Casa Maria/Sister Servants
- Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Guadalupe Pop-Up Book - More pictures can be found here.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe from Prayer Pillowcases
- Cloak of Roses - Our Lady of Guadalupe from Regina Martryum Productions
- Our Lady of Guadalupe and Crown from The Little Habit - You can enter to win this below!
- The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas
- Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe DVD
- Our Lady of Guadalupe from Almond Rod Toys
- Our Lady of Guadalupe from Shining Light Dolls
We also love the Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle, if you can find it,
and we usually celebrate with an Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch or Dinner!
.: Favorites for Santa Lucia Day :.
- Santa Lucia Girl from Armadillo Dreams
- Baby Lucia Crown and Attendants Candle
- Lucia Morning in Sweden
- St. Lucia 8x10 Print from Sleightholm Folk Art
- Lucia Crown for Real Candles
- Lucia Mug with Song - Such a cute mug! It's no longer available from where I purchased it, but I just found it online here.
- Saint Lucia Dress & Wreath from The Little Habit (also pictured are the discontinued American Girl doll outfits and accessories as well. I found them on eBay years ago.)
- Lucia Cookie Stamp from Rycraft
- NEW this year: Saint Lucy from Shining Light Dolls
I couldn't fit everything above! Here are some more great items to check out:
.: Favorite Advent and Christmas Puzzles :.
Our family loves putting together puzzles during Advent and Christmas.
Here are some past favorites that are still available to purchase:
Here are some past favorites that are still available to purchase:
- The Invitation (Noah's Ark - perfect for with Jesse Tree) - more pictures in the archives
- All Will Adore Him Jigsaw Puzzle - similar to this one in the archives
- Glorious Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle - more pictures in the archives
- Stained Glass Holy Night Jigsaw Puzzle
- Forest Nativity Shaped Jigsaw Puzzle
- Holy Family Jigsaw Puzzle
- Heaven on Earth Jigsaw Puzzle
- Stained Glass Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle
- Midnight Mass
.: Favorite Nativity Sets :.
These are some of the nativity sets our family has collected over the years.
- Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Figures
- Playmobil Nativity (we have an older style)
- Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar
- Mary on Donkey and Joseph Walking
- Wooden 5-Piece Nativity scene Puzzle
- Ostheimer MINI Nativity - I purchased some of the pieces during a sale last year and plan to add a few more to our collection this year.
- Childrens Nativity Blocks Starter Set and Deluxe Wooden Nativity Set from Almond Rod Toy
- Ostheimer Nativity Set Full Size - This was a gift last year and I look forward to adding to the collection one or two pieces at a time. Available from Bella Luna.
- A Child Is Born, Three Kings, and Shepherds and Sheep from Naturally Catholic
Brand new Nativity Set from Shining Light Dolls - I think this will become a favorite too!
As I mentioned above, our children helped again with this year's "Christmas Gift Ideas" post. I had them each list nine gift ideas for me to share with you all. Here are their answers:
Please note: In addition to their stockings, our children usually unwrap three gifts from my husband and I on Christmas morning - something they need, something they want, and one other gift which is usually faith based. We 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 a stack of books either on Christmas or Epiphany. The gifts listed below have been received over a number of different years/occasions.
.: Captain's Picks - Age 18 :.
- The Shadow of His Wings: The True Story of Fr. Gereon Goldmann, OFM - Still a favorite.
- Gift Cards - Like food/snacks, gift cards are always a great gift for teens.
- St. Maximilian Kolbe Quote Mug
- T-Shirts (He got this Prancing Pony T-Shirt in his Easter Basket this year.)
- Liturgy of the Hours
- Fun Ties: He loves his Star Wars Line Drawing Tie and Irish Flag Tie
- Star Wars Catch Phrase - Played at friend's home. Very fun!
- MacBook with Captain America Shield Decal
- Chips and Playing Cards Poker - Hearth And Hand
.: Ranger's Picks - Age 16 :.
- Wish List: LEGO Creator Expert Downtown Diner - The Detective's Office is definitely his favorite out of all the Modular sets, but this one is at the top of his wishlist. He also loves Architecture and Creator sets.
- Spikeball - We don't own this the boys had a blast playing it with their soccer team in Oregon! My mom let me know that she is planning on giving it to them this year! shhhh!
- 7 Wonders - A bit of a learning curve to play, but fun!
- Video Drone AP - This gift from Uncle Brian and Aunt Meagan last Christmas was a hit!
- Ranger's Apprentice Books and The Brotherband Chronicles (Always a suggestion from one of my boys... He'll be receiving the brand new release of The Red Fox Clan. Shhhh!)
- Sushi Go! - The Pick and Pass Card Game
- Wish List: MacBook (Our oldest son received one for his 18th birthday last summer. Our 16 year old is a senior this year too and we'll most likely get him one for his 17th birthday or as a graduation gift. Can't believe they will both be headed to college next year!)
- North Face Men's Inlux Insulated Jacket - found this on clearance last year and it's now his favorite. Basically clothing is always a hit with my teens!
- Taylor Made Spider Putter - He saved up and bought this putter for himself last golf season.
.: Twinkle Toes' Picks - Age 15 :.
- Emily Books: Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, and Emily's Quest
- St. Joan of Arc T-Shirt from Catholic T-Shirt Club - The boys enjoyed this subscription for awhile and then I changed it to a size S subscription for the girls to build up their collection of Catholic T-Shirts. Such a fun club!
- Floral Coffee Mug
- Little Secrets All Natural Chocolate Candy
- Montana Emu Ranch Lip Balm - Finally something that works!
- Wish List: When Calls the Heart Christmas Special and Complete Season 5 - She already has and loves When Calls the Heart Year 4 DVDs (She has the Collector's Editions of Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, and Season 4.
- Coach Satchel - Watch for sales on this... I paid less than $100.
- Long Sleeve Floral Casual Swing Pleated T-Shirt Dress with Pockets
- Custom Book Blanket from Sweet Sequels with all of her favorites!
.: Chiquita's Picks - Age 13 :.
- St. Philomena Outfit for 18" Doll from The Little Habit
- The Green Ember Books
- Into the Wardrobe Book Blanket from Sweet Sequels
- Wingspan Optics Spectator 8X32 Compact Binoculars for Bird Watching
- Hand-embroidered Scapular from StellaMarigoldArt - She and her sister received these years ago and after wearing them daily (including camping/swimming in them during the summer) they are starting to wear out.
- Kipling Sebastian Crossbody Bag
- Lisieux Nail Polish
- Kindle Paperwhite with Leather Case and Vera Bradley E-Reader Sleeve in Northern Lights to match her Backpack (great sales directly from Vera Bradley)
- St. Clare of Assisi Quote Mug (from this year's Easter Basket)
.: Snuggles' Picks - Age 11 :.
- Mines of Moria: We Dwarf the Competition T-Shirt (to go along with his favorite book: The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition)
- The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, The Monster in the Hollows, The Warden and the Wolf King
- Sting Sword
- Snap Circuits Extreme (All the Snap Circuits sets are great!)
- Custom Hobbit/Lord of the Rings Book Blanket from Sweet Sequels
- LEGO Creator Sets and City Sets (On his last birthday he loved the LEGO Pickup and Caravan from Grandpa and Grandma.)
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Game
- Singtrix Party Bundle Karaoke System
- Flag Football (I am not sure what set my husband picked out from Dick's last Christmas, but the Flag Football has been a hit with all the kids this past year.)
.: Rose's Picks - Age 8 :.
- St. Joan of Arc Paper Dolls - available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts
- Lunch Basket with Liner from Bella Luna Toys
- Ostheimer Goose Girl with Geese - I purchased them from The Wooden Wagon
- Jellycat Twinkle Bunny
- Little House on the Prairie Audio CDs
- Adventures of Nathaniel B. Oakes and Never Squeeze a Honeybee! The Continuing Adventure of Nathaniel B. Oakes
- Little Women Blanket from Sweet Sequels
- Calico Critters - These have been favorites for many years and are always on the list of favorites for all the girls. She loves her Kangaroo family!
- Pride and Prejudice Seek and Find
.: Bud's Picks - Age 6 :.
In addition to our collection of Lincoln Logs, Playmobil, Thomas Wooden Railway, and LEGO, here are some more favorite toys that Bud loves and I would buy again... He still LOVES his Red Fox too!
- "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas..." - Last Christmas he got a Hippopotamus and this year the Baby Hippo is at the top of his wish list. Ostheimer Noah's Ark, Figures, and Animals have been past gifts and they are played with daily. I plan to add the Baby Hippo to his collection this year and maybe a few others. Like all handcrafted wooden toys, these are an investment, but they are so beautiful and definitely heirloom quality. I always watch for sales from Bella Luna Toys and The Wooden Wagon.
- Franklin Sports NHL Mini Hockey Goal Set of 2
- Fagus Tipper Truck (Available Fagus Toys from Amazon and The Wooden Wagon)
- Interlocking Wooden Blocks from Nova Natural ... "Can I play with these now?! You can make all sorts of stuff with them!"
- The Biggest Bear ... "It's awesome."
- Cash Register from Nova Natural ... "It dings and it has real paper!"
- Red Fox - This one was on last year's list, but he still loves his Wild Republic Red Fox from his godparents. All of the Wild Republic stuffed animals are great.
- St. Thomas Becket Soft Linen Doll - I bought this last year and forgot to give it to him. It will be one of his gifts this year.
- Sequence for Kids ... "Most of the games we play are boring.... but this one IS NOT!"
.: Grace's Picks - Age 1 :.
- Extra Large 12-Piece Rainbow Tunnel
- Hape Mr. Tambourine Kid's Wooden Instrument
- Ostheimer Wooden Animals - She loves these too and will often be seen carrying around the Mama and Baby Giraffes. They are her favorite.
- 100% Pro-Life Onesie and Jellycat Stuffed Animals - She has this Bashful Bunny in Tulip Pink and Cream, Lamb, Black and White Cat, and Fuddlewuddle Monkey
- Baby Baby Signing Time
- All Natural Tnee's Tee from her Wild One Birthday - Available direct on their website.
- Idaho State Wooden Baby Rattle from Bannor Toys - I got her the Oregon Rattle last year (with Black and Orange Beads - Go Beavs!) and now we need to get her the Idaho Rattle too!
- Shining Light Dolls
- Hydro Flask Sippy
- She still loves her Rosary from Chews Life too!
.: A Few of My Favorite Things :.
- Morning Offering Mug
- Vintage Pearl and Crystal Miraculous Medal Earrings from Gail's Designs
- Blessed Be God Prayer Book and my Hand Embroidered Scapulars from StellaMarigoldArt
- Nordic Ware Bundt Pans
- Catholic Aprons from Catholic Cuisine
- Peppermint Foot Cream from The Cloister Shop
.: 2019 Catholic Calendars and Planners :.
- 2019 Traditional Latin Mass Calendar from FSSP (Extraordinary Form)
- 2019 Catholic Calendar from Saints Galore (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2019 A Nun's Life Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2019 Saints Calendar and 16 Month Daily Planner from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form -My husband and I both use this every year!)
- The Catholic Daily Planner™ from Michele Quigley (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- Blessed Is She 2019 Calendar YEARLY Planner (Ordinary Form)
- 2019 The Life of Our Lord Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2019 Defending Christendom Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2019 Mary and the Saints Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
.: A Sleighful of Giveaways :.
There will be one winner for each of the following 25 PRIZES from many of my generous sponsors here at Shower of Roses with a COMBINED VALUE OF OVER $1,800!!!
Prize #1 - Chews Life Rosary featuring brand new Miraculous Medal designed by Providential Co, A Little One Chews Life Decade Rosary, Lupita Mama Necklace, and Our Lady of Loreto Rosary Bracelet sponsored by Chews Life. Winner will be free to mix and match colors! (value $125, including s/h)
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SAVE 15% off any product through Dec. 31, 2018
with coupon code: XMASROSE
with coupon code: XMASROSE
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Prize #5 - Set of Six Audiobook CD Sets Including A Christmas Carol, The Adventures of Buster Bear, Angel Food Series: For Heaven’s Sake, Anne of Green Gables, Just Stories: The Kind That Never Grow Old and Tales Of King Arthur And The Round Table sponsored by St. Clare Audio (value $94.70)
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Prize #7 - Floressa Complete Set including: Small Flexi Clip, Bobby Pins, Earrings and a Necklace sponsored by Christine at Lilla Rose (value $90.00)
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Prizes #8 - Scapular Kit, Miraculous Medal Necklace, Rosary, Rosary Bracelet, and Hand Painted Rosary Box (these last three items are all one of a kind and can be found in shop when available) sponsored by Saong Jai (value $83.00)
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Prize #9 -Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection sponsored by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds (value $79.99)
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Prize #10 - Catholic Nursery Rhymes, A Child's Garden of Religion Stories, Wonder Stories of God's People, Heroes of God's Church and A Child's True Story of Jesus sponsored by St. Augustine Academy Press (value $79.05)
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Shower of Roses readers can always save 15% off the first 3 months of their subscription with coupon code: SHOWEROFROSES15
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Shower of Roses readers can always save 20% off their entire order using the code: ROSES20
Prize #11 - 1 year subscription to The Wanderlust Catholic! Each month, your family will receive a hand-lettered and illustrated letter exploring a Catholic treasure! (value $72.00)
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Prize #12 - Set of two 100% Pro-Life Sweatshirts (you choose color and size) sponsored by Culture of Life Studies Program (value $70.00)
Shower of Roses readers can always save 20% off their entire order using the code: ROSES20
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Prize #13 - SaintCards: Mega Set (Base Set + Doctors Expansion + Holy Helpers Expansion) sponsored by Saint Cards (value $69.99)
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Prize #14 - Little Girls Christmas Nativity Print Cotton Raglan Top with Ruffle Capris sponsored by Paradise Jewelry and Natalie the Nativity Angel sponsored by Trendzilly (value $63.00)
Use Coupon Code: ROSES15 to save 15% at Paradise Jewelry
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Prize #16 - Set of 4 Faith-filled teen novels including The Perfect Blindside, An Unexpected Role, Where You Lead and Secrets: Visible and Invisible from author Leslea Wahl (value $58.52)
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Prize #17 - Our Lady of Guadalupe Outfit, 18" Catholic Doll Clothes with Our Lady of Guadalupe Crown sponsored by The Little Habit (value $56.50)
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Prize #18 - 4 Color-Me Prayer Pillowcase designs: Prince of Peace, Happy Birthday Jesus Nativity, The 3 Kings with Scripture & Prayer and Jesus is the Reason Nativity. Your family can color their way through advent while keeping hearts set on the Reason for the Season! Use your favorite fabric pens or paint to complete these limited edition Christmas Prayer Pillowcases sponsored by Joseph & Leane at PrayerPillowcases.com (value $55.00)
Free Personalization on any pillowcase now through December 5th, 2018 with coupon code: NameMe18
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Prize #19 - A Visit from St. Nicholas, Forest Lucia and Woodland Madonna 8x10 prints sponsored by Sleightholm Folk Art (value $54.00)
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Prize #20 - Saints and Festivals, Bobby in Movieland, Cupid of Campion and Character Calendar sponsored by St. Augustine Academy Press (value $53.60)
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Prize #21 - St. Therese Rose Earrings and St. Francis Bird Earrings sponsored by Gail's Designs (value $53.00)
with coupon code: MARY18
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Prize #22 - Set of 5 Blessed Mother Bows: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Knock, Our Lady of the Rosary, and Miraculous Medal sponsored by Hair Bows 4 Life (value $50.00)
Free Shipping and 20% off on any order over $15 using code: Roses2018
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Prize #23 - Jesse Tree One of Everything, Bible Characters Stickers, and Saint Stickers sponsored by My Catholic Kids ($50.00)
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Prize #24 and Prize #25 - $50 Gift Certificate sponsored by Regina Martyrum Productions (two winners, value $50.00 each)
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Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Here are the links to all of our book lists, our 2018 Advent Book Basket and the list of books our children will receive this year on the feast of St. Nicholas.
Links for Advent Planning from the Archives
Links for Advent Planning from the Archives
