Around this time of year the questions start pouring into my inbox from other mothers who are looking for gift ideas and book suggestions. I always enjoy sharing about my "fun finds" each Advent and our ever growing book collection as we begin to prepare for Christmas!
Earlier this year I put together a list with 100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas {Plus a Basketful of Giveaways!} and I thought I would do the same for Christmas! I decided to gather some of our favorite gifts from over the years into one (ginormous!) post. Almost everything listed below are things we have either purchased for our family or have been given over the years, with some new additions for this year and a few things on my "wish list."
Before I get started, could I ask you all for a little favor? Last Monday my mom received the results from her recent MRI. They found a 1.4 cm Acoustic Neuroma tumor. It is a rare benign (non-canerous) growth that develops on the eighth cranial nerve, leading from the inner ear to the brain. Her doctor has recommended that she travel to San Francisco or Portland sometime soon to have it removed. She is looking into her options now. Could you please offer a prayer for her? Thank you!
Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of 31 PRIZES, from my generous sponsors here at Shower of Roses, with a combined value of over $1,200!
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. We are so grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you!
.: Advent - Preparing for Christmas :.
Advent Candle Set (makes one set - also available from Catholic Child!) - Here is another option we have used in the past, 'Make Your Own' Beeswax Advent Taper Candle Kit, which makes 3 complete sets.
The Jesse Box (I've blogged a little about this here.)
Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Figures
Mauve Pearl St. Andrew Chaplet from Mary Devotions
Music for Advent Including: Advent at Ephesus, Adventus (Tracks 1-5 for the First Week of Advent), and Legends of Nicholas.
St. Andrew Christmas Novena Bracelet in Bronze from Loreto Rosaries (on my wish list)
Rustic Wooden Jesse Tree Ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures (We use these beautiful ornaments in addition to our Felt Jesse Tree. You can find my No-Sew Picture Tutorial here.)
Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar
100% Beeswax Advent Taper Candles (Our candles from The Cloister Shoppe have sold out for this year. Other options include: Toadily Handmade Beeswax Candles, Honey Candles, or these from Big Dipper Wax Works. I'll be using these pillar candles in pink and purple for our large wreath. If you are looking for less expensive candles, these might be a good option.
.: Saints of Advent - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas:.
Saint Nicholas Statue
Saint Nicholas Gold Coin Soaps from Saintly Soaps
Saint Nicholas from Shining Light Dolls
PLAYMOBIL Christmas Parade Set (or the St. Nicholas and Christmas Angel Play Set)
Saint Nicholas by Naturally Catholic
St. Nicholas from Tiny Saints
St. Nick Goat's Milk Soap
DIY: St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins
Saint Blessing Blocks from Almond Rod Toys
The Baker's Dozen: A St. Nicholas Tale (I blogged about the book and our cookies here.)
St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas (coffee table style book)
The Legend of St. Nicholas by Demi
The Legend of St. Nicholas by Anselm Grun
Saint Nicholas & the Nine Gold Coins
Nicholas of Myra: Giver of Many Gifts
Saint Nicholas and the Mouse of Myra (comic book style)
Kersti and Saint Nicholas by Hilda Van Stockum (chapter book, originally published in 1940)
Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa DVD (also available from Catholic Child)
Scroll through all of our past St. Nicholas posts here.
.: Saints of Advent - Santa Lucia :.
Hand Painted Wooden Saint Lucy from Catholic Folk Toys (custom orders available - Tammy's hand painted saint dolls were the very first I ever saw online many years ago and inspired me to paint my Alphabet of Saints - I'm so happy that she is painting again! I love her dolls!)
Lucia Saint of Light
St. Lucy from Naturally Catholic
Saint Lucy from Tiny Saints
Saint Lucia Christmas Postcards from Audrey Eclectic
Starboy Hat and Star Set
Saint Lucy Articulated Paper Doll in Color from Stella Marigold Art
Lucia Pewter Ornament
Saint Lucia Dress & Wreath from The Little Habit
Scroll through all of our past St. Lucy posts here.
.: Saints of Advent - Our Lady of Guadalupe :.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Cloak of Roses - Our Lady of Guadalupe from Regina Martryum Productions
Our Lady of Guadalupe and Crown from The Little Habit
Mañanitas CD from Casa Maria/Sister Servants
Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle
Our Lady of Guadalupe from Prayer Pillowcases
Our Lady of Guadalupe from Shining Light Dolls
Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe DVD
Our Lady of Guadalupe Pop-Up Book - We also really love The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas.
Scroll through all our past Our Lady of Guadalupe posts here.
.: Christmas Picture Books :.
Christmas Mosaic (read more about Christmas Mosaic and find the featured book list here)
Bambinelli Sunday
Bethlehem (Catholic Edition)
Mary's Song
The Miracle of St. Nicholas
Katy's Christmas Gift (peek inside the book here)
Manger (peek inside the book here)
Song of the Stars
The Nativity
Cranberry Christmas
The Nutcracker
An Irish Night Before Christmas (see a couple inside pictures here)
Snowmen at Christmas
The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher (blog post here)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
Christmas in the Trenches
Mortimer's Christmas Manger
.: Christmas Board Books :.
Who Is Coming To Our House?
Stable in Bethlehem: A Countdown to Christmas
One Night In Bethlehem (A Touch-And-Feel Book)
Who's Hiding? A Christmas Lift-The-Flap Book
The Saving Name of God the Son
Christmas in the Manger
My First Pictures of Christmas (you can also find the new Christmas! by same author here.)
Little Blue Truck's Christmas
God Bless Our Christmas
You can find our complete collection of Advent & Christmas Books, the links to all of our book lists, and the list of books our children will receive this year in the archives.
.: Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles :.
These are some of the puzzles our family has worked on in the past, plus a couple new ones for this year. I was also considering this 500 piece First Prayers Puzzle for my younger children.
Heaven on Earth Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
Stained Glass Jigsaw Puzzle (500 pieces)
Stained Glass Window Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) - similar to this one in the archives.
Stained Glass Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
Holy Family Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
Stained Glass Holy Night Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) - new for this year!
Glorious Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) - more pictures in the archives.
Forest Nativity Shaped Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces) - new for this year!
"A Christmas Angel" Jigsaw Puzzle (1,000 pieces)
.: Nativity Sets for Children :.
These are some of the nativity sets our family has collected over the years.
Little People Nativity
Nativity Puzzle by Flipzels (a new gift for our soon-to-be four year old!)
Playmobil Nativity (we have an older style)
Wooden Nativity Blocks from Almond Rod Toys
A Child Is Born from Naturally Catholic (new for this year! So beautiful!)
Hand Painted Wood Peg Doll Nativity from Make the Scene
Kurt Adler 10.5-Inch Hand-Carved Child's 1st Nativity Set
Schleich Nativity (No longer made, but worth searching ebay.)
Wooden Nativity Scene from Armadillo Dreams (Pictured in the archives: Roses for Baby Jesus)
.: The Holy Family and More Saint Dolls :.
We don't own all of these, just Bud's favorite Saints 'N Stitches doll in the last picture, but numbers one, three, and seven are going to arrive sometime next month!
Saint Joseph from Shining Light Dolls
Mary & Joseph Journey to Bethlehem from In the Loft
Mary, Blessed Mother from Tiny Saints (SAVE 20% with coupon code ROSES20)
Holy Family Soft Saint Doll Set from Trendzilly
Holy Family Set - Zelie Dolls from Family Cloister Learning Center
Nativity Soft Dolls from Baby Steps to Jesus
Saint Michael the Archangel from Baby Steps to Jesus
Saint Therese Felt Saint Doll from Sanctus Stitches (I love the Saint Lucia too!)
Saints 'N Stitches Pillow Doll from Waltzing Matilda Makes…
.: Family Game Night :.
Cathedral
St. Peter's Basilica 3D Puzzle
Scattergories - Catholic Edition
Catholic By The Number
Saint Memory Game (You can also make your own Saint Joseph Memory Match Playing Cards with Printables in the Archives!)
Lord of History Card Game
Church Windows
'Tis the Season, Christmas Trivia (A friend gave us this last year and we enjoyed trying to answer all the questions!)
Catholic Trivia: Traditional Version
I asked each person in our family to share one favorite. Here's the list:
Stratego Original
Ticket to Ride (I'm considering ordering the Nordic version as a Christmas gift!)
The Settlers of Catan and Expansion Sets (See our Settlers of Catan Birthday Party here.)
Axis & Allies 1942
Monopoly: The Classic Edition
Say Anything
Guess Who? (Patron Saints Edition!)
Bird Bingo
Bug Bingo
.: Christmas Activity and Coloring Books :.
Christmas Coloring Book
The Childhood of Jesus Coloring Book from Holy Heroes
The Holy Imitation Series: Eucharistic Adoration, Life of Jesus, Mother of God, Holy Name of Jesus, Choirs of Angels, and Communion of Saints.
Crayon Rocks in a Red Velvet Bag
Nativity Stained Glass Coloring Book
Branch and Twig Colored Pencils
Coloring Book About Christmas (available at Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
Saints of Christmas Activity Book
Nativity Sticker Activity Book
.: Scapulars, Veils, Rosaries and More :.
White Infinity Veil from Robin Nest Lane
Embroidered Scapular from Mary Devotions
Hand Embroidered/Sewn Scapulars and Medals from StellaMarigoldArt
Miraculous Medal Necklace from Blessed Beans Boutique
Crocheted Wool Rosary Roses from The Fig and Thimble
Ave Maria Crown Earrings from Gail's Designs
Madonna and Child Tapestry Rosary Pouch or Nativity of Jesus Rosary Pouch(many additional designs available including: Sacred Heart with Immaculate Heart, Crucifixion, and more)
Infant of Prague Rosary from Loreto Rosaries
Sheet Music Beaded Bracelet from Art Angel Gallery
.: Christmas Decorations and More :.
Enesco Pillars Advent Wreath 5-piece Set
Heritage Lace Silent Night Runner (or Silent Night Table Cover and Mantle Scarf)
Joseph's Studio by Roman Holy Family Triptych Figurine
18" Madonna and Child Statue
Infant Jesus in Manger (still looking for the link - I purchased from Catholic Child)
Christmas in Harvard Square
Oplatki Wafers (I blogged more about these here.)
Nativity Ornaments including this Holy Family with Baby Jesus
Nativity Set Cookie Cutters (or from Catholic Child!)
.: Favorite Gifts for Little Catholics :.
Baptism Set from Our Father's House (pictures of my son using his set here)
White Vestment Set from Interior Castle Goods
Miniature Mass Kit from Our Father's House
Monk Rag Doll: Brother Hubert from Jacob's Toy Box and Books
Wooden Mass Kit from Almond Rod Toys
Priest Rag Doll: Father Martin with Vestments from Jacob's Toy Box and Books
Saint Francis of Assisi from Shining Light Dolls
Child Size Priest Vestments from Jacob's Toy Box and Books
Hand Painted Wooden Saints from Catholic Folk Toys
Saint Therese the Little Flower Costume from Our Coats of Many Colors (Princess costumes are great gifts too. This is one of my girls favorites!)
Subscription to St. Mary's Messenger
Saint Habits and Accessories from The Little Habit
Immaculate Heart and Sacred Heart Cross Stitch Patterns
Saints 'N Stitches Embroidery Kits from Waltzing Matilda Makes… (LOVE these! One of my daughters also has the Klutz Tiny Stitches book, which I've seen them referencing lately when practicing their embroidery. I think I might get Doodle Stitching for them this year, along with some new embroidery kits and some sewing supplies.)
Nativity Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern
I haven't ordered this St. Therese Doll doll or seen it in person, but it might be a great alternative to other 18" dolls!
Marian Grotto Craft Kits from Catholic Child
Zelie Dolls (these are so beautiful, but they do need to be ordered in advance)
.: Favorite Toys for Little Boys and Girls :.
In addition to our collection of Lincoln Logs, Playmobil, Thomas Wooden Railway, and LEGO, here are some more favorite toys that I would buy again...
Schleich Portable Barn with Accessories with Schleich Animals
Wheely Bug Cow, Small and Large
Castle Block Set
Leather Swords and Shields from Made by Alejandro
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Folding Medieval Castle
Wooden Shield and Sword from Frost Lane
Tug Bowl Kid's Dinner Set (not exactly a toy, but definitely a favorite!)
Tree Finger Puppet (and our whole collection of Folkmanis puppets!)
Large Elements Set (I blogged more about these here.)
Tree Trunk Fairy Home
Children's Tin Tea Set and Retro Pink Play Kitchen (not pictured, we have an older version)
Calico Critters
Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Wooden Doll House
Melissa & Doug Castle and Castle Furniture
Wooden Doll Stroller from Nova Natural
Play Silks in a Variety of Colors
Corolle Babicorolle Dolls
Grimm's "Little Flower" Wooden Puzzle Stacker
.: A Few of our Teens Favorites :.
According to my 15 and 13 year old sons, these are some of their favorites...
Perplexus Original and Epic
Deluxe Hockey Goal Set
LEGO Architecture Sets including Trevi Fountain
The Art of the Hobbit, Letters From Father Christmas, A Dictionary of Tolkien (I've ordered Frodo's Journey to give one of them this Christmas.)
Metal Earth Model Sets (Note: These are challenging to assemble. My 13 year old loves them, but our 15 year old isn't a fan.)
The Brotherband Chronicles and Ranger's Apprentice Books (including the new release: The Tournament at Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice: The Early Years)
LEGO Creator Sets including Mountain Hut
Risk (We have the Lord of the Rings Middle Earth Conquest Edition)
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones and Bose Mini BlueTooth Speaker (The boys love the prizes they won from the 2015 NPLTW Contest! The earphones have been so great for our oldest son, who has auditory processing challenges and listens to lots audio books. They were the perfect prize for him!)
.: Twelve Days of Christmas :.
12 Days Card Game
12 Days of Christmas Ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures (find our 12 Days of Christmas Dinner Party here.)
12 Days of Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle (more pictures in the archives)
Three Wise Men Tumbler Candle from The Cloister Shoppe
Three Kings Gifts The Original Gifts of Christmas Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Deluxe Box, Set of 3
Playmobil Three Wise Kings
The 12 Days of Christmas: The Story Behind A Favorite Christmas Song
12 Days of Christmas Cupcake Favor Kit (pair with a pretty apron and baking supplies!)
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long
.: 2016 Catholic Calendars & Planners :.
Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy 2016 Calendar (TAN)
2016 Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter Liturgical Calendar (FSSP - Extraordinary Form)
2016 Catholic Calendar - 10th Anniversary Edition, Queen of Heaven (Saints Galore)
2016 Saints Calendar & 16 Month Planner (TAN)
2016 Liturgical Wall Calendar (Michele Quigley)
2016 Catholic Daily Planner™ (Michele Quigley)
Mary and the Saints 2016 Wall Calendar (TAN)
The Life of Our Lord 2016 Wall Calendar
The Angels 2016 Wall Calendar (TAN)
.: A Sleighful of Giveaways :.
There will be one winner for each of the following 31 PRIZES with a COMBINED VALUE OF OVER $1,200!
These all make great gifts too:
Prize #1 - Complete Set of all 20 Catholic Treasure Box Books sponsored by TAN Homeschool (value $80.00, $100 when purchased individually!)
Prize #2 - Deluxe Wooden Christmas Blocks - 15 Piece Set sponsored by Almond Rod Toys (value $65.00)
Prize #3 - St. Nicholas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph, Our Lady of Częstochowa and The Virgin Mary Around the World! A Pilgrimage of Faith sponsored by Shining Light Dolls (value $61.95)
Prize #4 - <a href="http://www.catholicchapelveils.com/ladies-veils/206570780/traditional-catholic-pure-white-infinity-veil-chapel-veil-mantilla-ladies-latin-mass-scarf-shorter-length/" target