It’s time to begin thinking about what you will put in your children’s and grandchildren’s Easter baskets and what gifts you will give for first Communions, confirmations and other sacraments. Let’s not forget that Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and wedding season are also around the corner. Check out Our Sunday Visitor’s 2022 spring gift guide for a lineup of inspiring and delicious gifts that won’t disappoint.
Easter
Virgin Mary children’s tableware set
Designed by Erica Tighe Campbell, the Our Lady of Perpetual Flourishing Virgin Mary Children’s Tableware Set features Mary with a floral spring theme. The plate, bowl, cup, spoon and fork are made of bamboo fiber and BPA-free melamine.
Price: $30
Coupon: “OSV2022” for 20% off
Website: beaheart.com
Mississippi Abbey Irish mints
A minty, melt-in-your-mouth treat made by the contemplative nuns of Mississippi Abbey in Iowa, these Irish mints will make a delicious Easter treat for all the members of your family. The mints come in a gift box containing 36 pieces (10 ounces) of candy.
Price: $12.90
Website: monasterycandy.com
Kids’ Vegetable Garden Seed Collection
Give a gift that keeps giving. The Kids’ Vegetable Garden Seed Collection from St. Clare Heirloom Seeds comprises nine heirloom vegetable seeds: bean, beet, corn, lettuce, pumpkin, radish, pea and watermelon seeds to make a flourishing garden.
Price: $19.68
Website: stclareseeds.com
“The Wordless Weaver”
“The Wordless Weaver” by Claudia Cangilla McAdam offers a lovely story that introduces the Shroud of Turin to children ages 4 to 8 through a fictional story about a mute girl named Shira who weaves Christ’s burial cloth. Through the vibrant colors and patterns depicted by artist Caroline Baker Mazure and the excellent storytelling of the author, we see the weaver’s struggle, feel her love for Christ and rejoice in her healing.
Price: $16.95
Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com
Baptism gifts
Baby box of St. Gianna
Are you looking for a baptism gift that’s not run-of-the-mill? The Saint of the Month’s baby box of St. Gianna offers a collection of fun baby gifts, including a “Born to be a Saint” red onesies for girls or blue for boys, a matching pair of shoes, “baby” wall sign, large crib medal, baby Jesus plush doll, basket, washcloth, St. Gianna brochure, and a St. Gianna relic card.
Price: $40
Coupon: “OSV10” for 10% off all baby boxes and subscriptions
Website: saintofthemonth.com
Mary’s fiat velveteen plush blanket
Not your everyday baby blanket, this handmade, plush velveteen Mary’s Fiat blanket features the Catholic symbols for Mary and Jesus in pastel pinks, blues, greens and yellows on a white background. The blanket comes in three sizes.
Price: $29.99 (30-by-34 inches)
Website: etsy.com
First Communion
“I’m a Saint in the Making”
“You don’t have to be a grown-up to be a saint,” writes author Lisa Hendy in her book “I’m a Saint in the Making.” Hendy’s book, using the inspiration of ancient and modern saints, offers an inspiring and practical way for children ages 6 to 10 to aspire to sainthood. Weaved throughout “I’m a Saint in the Making” are interesting tidbits about famous saints and holy people on their journey to sainthood, as well as suggestions for living a virtuous life.
Price: $14.99 (softcover)
Website: paracletepress.com
“St. Bernadette Of Lourdes: The Girl Who Saw Mary” graphic novel
“St. Bernadette Of Lourdes: The Girl Who Saw Mary” by Ahn Jin-a offers a fresh and appealing re-telling of the life of St. Bernadette of Lourdes and how Our Lady appeared to her. Illustrated in Shoujo-Manga style, the graphic novel provides little snapshots of the pivotal events in the saint’s life: from the time she and her parents lived in an abandoned prison, to her visitation from the Blessed Mother, to her entering the convent and more. The graphic novel will especially appeal to children 9 to 11, but teens and adults will also enjoy reading this charming book.
Price: $14.95 (softcover)
Website: paulinestore.com
“Carlo Acutis: God’s Computer Genius”
“Carlo Acutis: God’s Computer Genius” by Labrecque Ellen provides a glimpse into the life of teen saint Carlo Acutis. Carlo looked like every other boy on the outside, and he blended well with his peers. However, his family and teacher, Sister Miranda, noticed something special about him. As a young boy, Carlos loved visiting churches and going to Mass even though his parents were Catholic in name only. It was his Polish nanny, Beata, who told him about God. As he grew older, Carlo showed his holiness in deeds, including helping his peers become holy and creating a website about Eucharistic miracles. “Carlo Acutis: God’s Computer Genius” offers a wealth of information about St. Carlo that’s engaging and easy to read for ages 8 to 11.
Price: $21.95 (hardcover)
Website: paulinestore.com
Holy Matrimony
“The Catholic Wedding Planner”
Give a Catholic bride-to-be “The Catholic Wedding Planner” to help her plan her wedding and prepare her heart for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. In addition to providing wedding checklists and worksheets, the book covers learning about the Sacrament of Matrimony; managing your wedding budget; planning the liturgy, music and reception; building your wedding party and guest list; preparing to start a new life with your spouse; and much more.
Price: $29.95 (softcover)
Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com
“Our Lady Undoer of Knots” Bible
Every couple should own a beautiful Bible that their family will hand down to generations to come. Our Lady Undoer of Knots graces the cover of this NAB-RE Bible, serving as a reminder to couples to turn to Our Lady when their lives get knotted. The “Our Lady Undoer of Knots” Bible includes a family register page, full-color maps, a calendar for the Sunday and daily Mass readings, and Catholic prayers along with the New and Old Testament.
Price: $79.95 (soft, imitation leather cover)
Coupon: “OSVGIFT” for one-time 15% off (until June 15, 2022)
Website: catholiccompany.com
Confirmation, ordination and RCIA gifts
Hand-carved crucifix
This stunning hand-carved, solid wood crucifix makes a lasting gift for a confirmandi, a newly ordained priest, or for someone entering the Church. Carved in Ukraine, the ornate cross offers a realistic portrayal of Christ with a detailed carving of the St. Benedict medal behind his head.
Price: $55 and up (shipping takes 10-25 business days from Ukraine to the U.S.)
Website: etsy.com
Catholic religious beeswax candles
A trio of pure yellow beeswax pillar candles with religious motifs including the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christ on the Cross, and the Holy Family make a special gift to mark an important day in the life of a young or new Catholic. Each handmade candle is approximately 4-by-2 inches and offers a sootless burn compared to commercial candles.
Price: $25.75
Coupon: “OSVAD” for one free gift per customer.
Website: etsy.com
“Chiara Lubich: Love Conquers All” DVD
An engaging Italian film about Chiara Lubich (1920-2008), “Chiara Lubich: Love Conquers All” tells the story of Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement. The young teacher’s life in Trent, Italy, suddenly changes when Allied forces drop bombs on her city. Amid the violence of the Second World War, Chiara hears God’s call to become a lay consecrated woman — something unheard of at that time. Through the study of Scripture, Chiara realizes that she must become the hands and feet for Christ to help the poor and rebuild people’s faith in humanity. However, she doesn’t achieve her calling without resistance and suffering.
Price: $19.95 (in Italian with English subtitles, or an English dubbed track)
Website: ignatius.com
“The World of Marian Apparitions”
Organized by year and location, “The World of Marian Apparitions” by Wincenty Laszewski chronicles Marian apparitions and private visions from 1884-2014. Beautifully illustrated with art and photographs, the coffee table book begins with a map of the apparition locations and a graph depicting when the most apparitions occurred. In addition to the most well-known apparitions are numerous lesser-known apparition stories of Mary’s visit to saints and mystics, including Adrienne von Speyr. A Catholic convert, Dr. von Speyr had her first vision of the Blessed Virgin while still a Protestant; she was 15-year-old when Our Lady appeared to her. According to “The World of Marian Apparitions,” von Speyr said, “I had never seen such beauty.”
Price: $39.95 (hardcover)
Coupon: “Marian25” for 25% off (for this title only)
Website: sophiainstitute.com
Coraggio passport wallet
Designed by Coraggio, this genuine leather passport wallet features famous inspirational quotes by saints. Choose from Pope St. John Paul II, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure”; Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, “We must never just exist but live”; or St. Ignatius of Loyola, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — For the Greater Glory of God.” The wallet has a passport pocket and two credit card pockets and measures 7.25-inches wide when opened by 5.5-inches tall. Choose from chocolate brown or stone.
Price: $58
Website: catholictothemax.com
Mother’s Day
Seven Sorrows chaplet
An OSV exclusive, the Seven Sorrows chaplet offers a beautiful way to meditate on the Blessed Mother’s suffering — a devotion that dates to the 14th century. Hand-crafted by Grant and Celeste Louvier, founders of Born Again Rosaries, the chaplet features Italian-made silver oxidized medals and blue and purple dyed tiger’s eye beads. The chaplet comes with a blue velvet pouch and instructions.
Price: $49.95
Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com
“Monuments, Marvels, and Miracles: A Traveler’s Guide to Catholic America”
For moms and grandmas who have the traveling bug, “Monuments, Marvels, and Miracles” by Marion Amberg offers a guide to each state’s Catholic churches and shrines and artifacts. Perfect for planning pilgrimages, the guide includes interesting details, addresses, websites for the locations and some photos.
Price: $27.95
Website: osvcatholicbookstore.com
“Hail Mary Full of Grace” garden flag
Give mom or grandma a Marian Garden Flag to look over her garden. The waterproof, double-sided flag from Gratia Design Co. features a 12.5-by-18-inch image of Mother and Child with the words, “Hail Mary full of grace.”
Price: $19
Website: gratiadesignco.com
Faith and Fabric designs
Faith and Fabric offer custom fabric with religious designs for quilting moms and grandmas. Choose from patterns featuring the Sacred Heart, the Blessed Mother and many other saints, including St. Martin de Torres and St. Joan of Arc.
Price: $13-$23
Coupon: “FIAT” for 10% off
Website: faithandfabricdesign.com
Father’s Day
Catholic coffee gift set
For the coffee-loving dad in your life, give him this premium gift set of coffee featuring four roasts: St. Thérèse of Lisieux Light Roast, St. Joan of Arc French Roast, St. Michael Dark Roast and Padre Pio Espresso Roast. Each coffee features artwork of the saint on the package and arrives in a gift box.
Price: $62.95 (4 12-ounce bags of either whole bean or ground)
Coupon: “OSVGIFT” for one-time 15% off (until June 15, 2022)
Website: catholiccoffee.com
St. Joseph rosary
Handmade by The Catholic Woodworker, this black and green-beaded rosary is strung with brown camo paracord and features a striking bronze three-way Pardon Crucifix, which includes the Miraculous and St. Benedict medals. Dad will feel proud to carry this masculine rosary.
Price: $55
Website: etsy.com
Peanut Brother
Does your dad or grandpa love peanut butter? Give them handmade Peanut Brother made by monks from Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Their Peanut Brother is made with simple and pure ingredients, and they come in three flavors: Peanut Brother Original Grind, Peanut Brother Simply Smooth or Peanut Brother Heavenly Honey.
Price: $8.99-$9.99 (16 ounces)
Coupon: “SPRINGB3G1” (Buy three Jars of Peanut Brother, get one free through March 2022.)
Website: smagiftshop.com
Lori Hadacek Chaplin writes from Idaho.
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An estimated 820 million people do not have enough to eat, and this problem has only grown worse since the pandemic. Through Cross Catholic Outreach, you can give the gift of Vitafood to families in need. The Vitafood rice or lentil-based meal packets are scientifically designed to restore health to malnourished families and children.