Christmas Gift Card Ideas for Catholic Sisters

What do you get someone who has taken a vow of poverty? This is a conundrum each year for many gift givers who happen to have a Catholic Sister on their Christmas list. It can be very hard to find the perfect gift for one so devoted God that they have given up many worldly goods. While some people might feel that gift cards are an impersonal gift, a Catholic Sister will likely embrace receiving one as a gift. As someone who shops for a Catholic Sister each year for birthday, Christmas and other occasions, here are a few gift card gift ideas to keep in mind.

Buying gift cards for Catholic Sisters can be the perfect gift

Brick and mortar gift cards to large department stores such as Sears or J.C. Penney can be a good gift idea for a Catholic Sister. The Sister that I shop for owns clothes that are not a habit. She has street clothes that she wears from time to time for travel or other outings. Gift cards to standard stores give her the chance to buy nice clothes to wear when she is not wearing her habit.

Another idea to consider are gift cards to restaurants. Is there a favorite local restaurant that she might enjoy? Though eating together as a community is certainly something that Sisters strive for, there are times that they must eat when they are not at home. Sometimes, they like to dine out for special occasions. Gifting a Catholic Sister with a gift card to Olive Garden if you know that she loves Italian food or Red Lobster if you know she longs for King Crab also lets her know that you have chosen her gift card with her dining preferences in mind.

What about a gas card? Gas is expensive and the Sister on your Christmas list may appreciate a pre-paid gas card to help cover the cost of traveling to see friends or family. Though they do tend to stay close to home, Sisters are not tethered to their convent. Just as we might go home for the holidays, a Sister might too. Select a gas card from a well-known and prevalent gas station chain in her area to ensure that she will be able to use it.

Other Christmas gift card ideas for Catholic Sisters

Gift cards to book stores are great for Catholic Sisters who teach, Starbucks can be a thoughtful gift for a Sister who loves coffee, and an iTunes gift card can be a good choice for a music loving Sister. For community gifts, a Dunkin Donuts gift card might provide a special treat for the community, and a gift certificate to a local florist will brighten their home with flowers.

Another gift card option to consider is that of a pre-paid branded credit card. Sisters tend not to carry around a Visa, Master Card or Discover card in their wallets. They don't have credit like you or me. Getting them pre-paid, branded card means that they can use it online for purchases or at a local store to buy something that they need. Also a well-received gift card is one for Amazon.com because it opens up a world of possibilities for her to order something she or her community needs.

Sources:
Personal experience buying gifts for a Catholic Sister