I'm not going to lie; I had a great time choosing Christmas gifts for young adults because all of these gift ideas are things that I would want for myself, or things that I would give to my friends. You'll find statement gifts, beautiful gifts, fun gifts, and gifts specifically for gals and guys. I hope you find this list helpful and that it inspires you to buy that great Christmas gift for your special young adult Catholic.
Gifts for Young Adult Women
Gals with an artistic flare will go gaga for Paperblanks' Autumn Symphony journal. As a bonus, it's made of acid-free, sustainable forest paper and 100% recycled binder boards. For the busy person, Paperblanks also sells high quality planners in a variety of styles. $19.95 from LoveNotebooks.com
This pretty, Tye Dye Painted Scarf made of 100% silk will dress any tee up, and I'm pretty sure it will be any girl's go-to accessory. This scarf is made in India and, it's fair trade. $34 from Equal Exchange.
You could wear these stunning Verdigris Long Leaf Earrings with everything. Handmade in Italy of solid brass and silver with a green-blue patina. They're at the top of my Christmas list. $34 from Etsy.com.
Sometimes it's hard to be a classy young women. Help her out by purchasing Radiant Awakening. It's a special issue, 60 page issue of Radiant Magazine and it tackles issues of the Catholic Church, as well as culture, style, and beauty. Features articles written by Lila Rose, Sarah Swafford, and Chrystalina Evert. $10 from TheCatholicCompany.com.
Gifts For Guys & Gals
Ever wanted to wear your favorite book? Litograph uses the text of a classic book to create a design. Each high quality t-shirt or tote bag is hand pressed in Cambridge, MA. Unisex shirts are $34 and Totes are $29 from
Rolo: Travel Roll-up Bag is perfect for that friend who is always on the go. Place up to four days worth of clothing into high quality mesh compartments and then roll it up into a compact tube. $49.99 from RoloTravel.com.
Remind wandering friends and family where there heart is with The Home T. This high quality unisex t-shirt is made in the United States. Sweatshirts are also available. $30 from TheHomeT.Com.
Want salsa with homegrown cilantro? Then give the gift that keeps on growing. The Garden-in-a-Can Gift Set has four ready-to-grow cans that includes organic seeds, nutrient rich soil, and moisture-balancing biochar—all pre-blended for easy windowsill gardening. Just plant, water, and grow! (varieties: basil, cilantro, sage, and mint). $23.99 for 4-pack or $5.99 each from BackToTheRoots.com
Insulated travel mug. This fluted tumbler has a vacuum seal and double wall insulation so your coffee or hot chocolate stays warm. And it comes with a spill-proof lid. Seriously. It fits in most car cup holders and comes in chestnut, red and stainless. $22.99 (16oz) from Zak.com.
Organic All-Natural Soapstone Griddle. The SPARQ Soapstone Griddle is a natural, non-stick, energy-saving way to a better tasting food. Unlike a gas or electric griddle, the stone griddle absorbs energy and distributes it evenly in the form heat for faster cooking food. The griddle comes with a smooth side that is best for cooking pizza or pancakes and a grooved side for grilling of steaks and chicken. $119.95, from SparqHome.com.
Religious Gifts
Each chapter of Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly has captivating stories and thought-provoking questions that invites Catholics to reexamine their relationship with Jesus. FREE from DynamicCatholic.Com
Little Book of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Fr. Rauol Plus helps Catholics to grow closer to Christ through a deeper understanding of His mother. Fr. Plus moves past the modern stereotypes about Mary, so we can more fully encounter the most remarkable women ever to have lived.
Handmade by a Catholic college student named Shaylynn, Matte Green Pearl Rosary is both a work of art and a reminder to say our Rosary. Made of Swarovski crystal beads. $50 from Etsy.com.
Gifts For Young Adult Men
Do you have a friend that is a huge sports fan? Make their year by buying them a Personalized Jersey with their name on the back. I know a few guys (and gals) that would love to feel like they are on the roster of their favorite team! Starts at $100 from Majestic.com
Do you want to smell like the pope? Seriously. The Pope's Cologne is an unusual gift; it's made by following the private formula of Pope Pius IX, using the same essential oils that his perfumers would have used 150 years ago. $29.95 from MonasteryGreetings.com.
Valiant is a magazine that encourages men to greatness. Their motto is "Act Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly. Be what you were created for," which is based on Micah 6:8. Features interviews with male leaders in the Catholic Church, such as NFL player Philip Rivers, Mark Hart, and Jason Evert. Purchase this single 62 page issue for $10 from the TheCatholicCompany.com.
I don't drink beer. But if I did, I would definitely drink beer brewed by Trappist Monks. Chimay Trappist Ale Gift Set is Monastery Greeting's most popular beer and the proceeds go to support the monks and their charities. It's basically the most Catholic alcohol you can get. $29.95 from MonasteryGreetings.com.
Men get mixed signals about what it means to be a man. Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers sets the record straight by showing what it means to be an authentic Catholic man, and how Catholic male spirituality is different. $15.26 from Ignatius.com.
Things to Do
Life is busy and sometimes we lose track of each other. Make a point to schedule a game night for the Christmas season. I know my friends and I are never quite as happy as when we're playing card games or board games. A couple of our favorites are Rook and Settlers of Catan.
Get a group of friends together and work at a food kitchen. The best gifts are the gifts that we give—and the time spent with people we love is always memorable.
Don't assume everyone has a place to go for Christmas. Make sure you ask people how they're spending their Christmas. If you find out they don't have a place to go, invite them over to your house. There's nothing worse than being alone at Christmastime.
