Top Ten Christmas Gift Ideas for Catholic Priests

When the holidays arrive, many faithful parishioners find themselves at a loss when selecting a gift for their parish priest. Many Catholics have a desire to give their favorite priest or pastor a gift but the question often arises - what in the world do you give a Catholic priest? The answer may be much simpler than it seems.

The top ten gift ideas for Catholic priests are all easy to find items, all simple things that will be most appreciated by a man of the cloth. After all, underneath that Roman Collar, he's as human as anyone else with the same basic wants, needs, and desires!

Since a priest has made a decision to give his life in service for the Lord Jesus Christ, religious items are a sure gift item. Things like a new rosary, a special item ordered from The Holy Land, a Catholic themed book, religious artwork, a scapular, religious video or even a religious medal (such as a St. Michael medallion) are all options that are almost certain to please any priest.

Another choice is to select a special food item. Everywhere from supermarkets to discount retailers to specialty retailers offer special food gift ideas during the holiday season so it won't be hard to find something special. Whether opting for a fresh fruit basket, a selection of nuts, or a special baked item, something tasty is always appreciated. Other ideas might include something from Hickory Farms, found in most malls or online or something truly unique like fruitcakes baked by Missouri monks or European style sausages.

Or, in a twist on something food related, consider baking something just for that priest who is also a friend. Home baked breads, cookies, homemade fudge, a special cake, or a dessert from an ethnic cookbook collection might be the very taste of home that a priest might enjoy.

Personal toiletries are another idea. A favorite cologne or after shave fragrance might be just the thing for the priest who likes to smell nice. Specialty soaps, soap on a rope, bath or shower products or even a special collection of items might be just the ticket for that favorite man of the cloth.

Since most priests are well educated and intelligent individuals, a subscription to a secular magazine might be a welcome gift. Choose from things like "Our Sunday Visitor" or "The St. Anthony Messenger". Or, consider something from the broad public spectrum like a news magazine (Time, Newsweek, USA Today) or something that goes along with a favorite interest like fishing or travel.

Books might be another great gift idea, whether it's best selling novels written by fellow priest Andrew Greeley or armchair travel guides or classic fiction. Most priests will enjoy a delightful novel to settle into the rectory armchair to read during a quiet time.

Priests enjoy dining out just as much as anyone else so a gift card to a favorite local restaurant or a book of dining coupons might be something that he will enjoy. Whether his dining tastes run toward seafood or Italian or Mexican or Thai, most restaurants today offer special gift cards or vouchers that can be redeemed for a special meal in the future. Give him a break from his own cooking or rectory food with a special gift of dining out!

Some priests enjoy movies so a nice movie pass or gift card to a local movie theater might be another great gift idea that will be enjoyed very much. Or, if local theater groups put on live performances, tickets to an upcoming play or concert might be something worth providing as a gift.

Vestments can be quite expensive but if a family or parish group pools together, they could purchase that special pastor or priest a new set of vestments for ordinary time or for special Holy observances.

Last but far from least, the tenth gift idea for a Catholic priest is a gift card at a local retailer or a gift of cash. Cards could be from Target or K-Mart or Wal-Mart or Sears or any major retail store. Such a gift allows the priest to buy what he wants or needs - anything from music CD's to new clothing or an appliance that he craves but lacks the funds to buy.

Gifts for Catholic parishioners to offer to the parish priest are many and simple to provide a little appreciation for the years of commitment to parish matters and a lifetime of service!