Monday, December 5, 2022

Let's go Christmas Shopping!

Hello and blessed Advent dear friends!

I'm always attracted to the small Catholic businesses at this time of year whether I'm shopping for others or making a wishlist for myself.  Of course, I find tons of great products I would love for myself but alas my budget is tight so I'll put a couple things on my wishlist and dream about the rest.  But I thought it might be fun to share my most favorite gift ideas with you!!  The Catholic mom, Jessica, over at Shower of Roses puts together a drool-worthy Sleighful of Gift Ideas and Giveaway every year on her blog with tons of great gift ideas for the whole family!!  But since I'm a few years older than her oldest daughter, I've always found there could be more recommendations for "older" Catholic young women.  So think of this list as the ultimate gift guide for that 20-30-year-old Catholic young woman in your life!!  Or maybe you are that young woman and need inspiration for your wishlist and friends' gifts!  Well, look no further and enjoy this festive and faithful gift list!

(This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support of Catholic small businesses!)


  1. Traditional Catholic Planners
First up on my list are calendar planners! I've been a fan of the Happy Planner designs and layouts for years after being gifted one in 2018. But just like many other secular artistic businesses, The Happy Planner includes gay pride and other woke concepts in their products so I'm looking to make the switch to a traditional Catholic calendar planner. I've been pretty spoiled by the layout and customizability of the Happy Planners so I have high expectations when searching for alternatives. Here are four of the absolute favorites that I found!



(Pictured above clockwise starting top left:)

        This one is my top favorite so far with plenty of room, a simple yet elegant design, and extra goodies such as a dinner planner and Sacraments tracker!

        This purse-sized planner includes both Traditional and NO calendar feasts so you'll never miss anything yet there's still plenty of room for your own plans and personalized touch.

        A gorgeous option with the stunning artwork you may have seen in the Illustrated Liturgical Year Calendars also from Sophia.  This full-color planner is also a great portable size with room for all your plans alongside lots of Catholic richness.

        A classic Catholic planner with all the liturgical info you need including traditional feasts, vestment colors, and days of fasting and abstinence.  There's also room for notes and sketches!

Ps. If you've already got a classic calendar or planner for this year, I highly recommend these Feast Day Stickers from Mourning Dove Co. on Etsy.  My parents gifted them to me last year and I absolutely loved them.  The minis fit in my Happy Planner perfectly allowing ample space for other plans in the date boxes.


2. Missals

Every Traditional Catholic needs a hand missal!!  Here are some of the best and most affordable missals I've found and like!


(Pictured above in order of ascending price clockwise:)

        This is the pre-1955 missal that is chock full of prayers, images, and propers for Mass!  The most economical option out there for just $40!

2. 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal from Angelus Press
        This missal is simple and easy to follow with all the basics (and more) you'll need!  Check out the link for a full description of all this missal has to offer!

3. Father Lasance - The New Roman Missal from Daughters of Mary Press
        I believe this one is a fan favorite!  You can't go wrong with Father Lasance, the beloved author of "The Catholic Girls Guide."  

        Although this missal does not include all that the others above have to offer, this is the one I've had for years and it's still my favorite.  Easy to read text, plenty of illustrations to keep you on track with your progress in the order of the Mass, and all the basic prayers and propers in English you need!


3. Catholic Spirituality Books



1. Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. from Fraternity Publications
        Full of beautiful daily meditations on Catholic life and the Saints!  This is at the top of my wishlist this year!

2. The Catholic Girl's Guide by Fr. Lasance from Angelus Press
        This book is small yet mighty with a plethora of wisdom and prayers for young girls from the tween years even up through their adulthood.  I have a hand-me-down copy that I use all the time and take almost everywhere with me because it fits in my purse.  Good for both meditative reading and prayer.  It is a wealth of spiritual nourishment that you can use for years to come!

        A newer addition to my spiritual armory, this prayer book is a must for all lovers of the Little Flower, the little way, and all things Carmelite in general!  There are excerpts of St. Thérèse's writings along with prayers to her, composed by her, and for all the special Carmelite devotions.  It is my new favorite prayer book!

        A wonderful and easy read about the origin of the devotion to the Holy Face and the Golden Arrow prayer that Our Lord Himself revealed to a Carmelite nun.  A beautiful and inspiring read.


4. Catholic Apparel


(Pictured clockwise starting at top left:)




        I know this one is more of a fall-themed shirt but I just love the concept so much!

5. Christmas Decor


(Pictured from top left clockwise:)

        All of their products are gorgeous!  Check them out!

        Also tons of other great gifts from this shop on Etsy!

        Such a gorgeous ornament and there are also Holy Family and Sacred Heart ornaments as well!

        We get our Advent candles from these Dominican nuns!



There are so many other gift ideas such as rosaries, jewelry, art, statues, craft supplies, and music; the list is endless!  All you have to do is search "Catholic Christmas" on Etsy to find lots of great and festive ideas!  Also, I have lots of ideas saved to this board on my Pinterest!  I hope you found this list helpful for starting your own wishlist or shopping for that special Catholic young woman in your life!


Wishing you a blessed Advent and happy Christmas shopping!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

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