Thoughtful, mission-minded Catholic gifts that plant seeds of faith
We’ve all been there: we want to offer a gift that encourages someone’s faith—but we don’t want it to feel forced, cheesy, or overly “churchy.”
At Burning Hearts, we're not here to sell stuff. We're here to help you live your mission to share the Good News fruitfully through intentional, Spirit-led evangelization. And we know you're not here to shop; you’re here to love people well.
We’re not just handing you a shopping list; we’re inviting you to love someone well, with purpose and intention. A small, thoughtful gift can do more than we expect: open a door, spark a conversation, or remind someone they’re not alone.
Evangelize Through Gift Giving?
Yes! Evangelization isn’t just about preaching. It’s about presence, listening, and love. A well-chosen faith-based gift can be:
- A first invitation to consider the Catholic faith
- A sign of encouragement for someone on the journey
- A reminder that they are not alone
Jesus often used tangible, physical things—water, oil, bread, wine—as a way to show God's presence and invite people into relationship. A gift, chosen prayerfully and personally, can do something similar: create a moment of encounter. It’s not about converting someone on the spot. It’s about creating space for grace to move.
“Every gesture of willingness, every gratuitous act, every forgiveness given in advance, every effort patiently accepted, is a way to prepare a place where God can dwell,”
—Pope Leo XIV (Weekly Audience Aug 6 2025)
Want to reflect before you give? Use our Examination of Conscience for Evangelizers to ensure your efforts come from a heart attuned to Christ.
Below, you’ll find 10 unique Catholic gift ideas—each paired with our thoughts about how each one could gently support someone’s faith journey.
1. The Garden Curtain and the Cross Book
For awakening spiritual curiosity
This beautifully illustrated picture book (and the others in the Tales that Tell The Truth Series) explains salvation history in a way that’s accessible and theologically rich. It's a simple yet profound proclamation of God's Love and Jesus' redemption appropriate for children. These are excellent First Communion gifts or Catholic baptism gift ideas that help children (and the adults who read to them!) encounter the Gospel story. Order on Amazon.
2. Catholic Beard Balm
For building trust and starting conversations
Looking for Catholic gifts for men that are actually cool? This one tops the list. Catholic Beard Balm combines humor and holiness, sparking curiosity with saint-inspired scents and bio cards. One of our favorites is the Chrism scent—who doesn't love that smell? Great for RCIA sponsors, Confirmation gifts for men, or Father's Day gifts. Shop Now.
3. Pink Salt Riot Jewelry, Stickers, Accessories, Prayer Cards, and More!
For inviting joy and affirmation
Pink Salt Riot was founded to meet the needs of Christians who want to live their faith with joy, beauty, and boldness. Their wearable prayers, minimalist designs, and meaningful messages are intentionally created to spark conversations and offer encouragement. This brand is especially great for teens, goddaughters, or young adults exploring faith—and who might roll their eyes at overly churchy gifts but still crave something that feels honest and personal. Shop Now (with a $10 discount for new customers!)
4. Baritus Catholic Art & Apparel
For engaging modern seekers
This one’s for the edgy, nerdy, and theology-loving young adults in your life. Baritus Catholic offers striking Catholic graphic tees, stickers, prayer cards, and art prints that blend iconographic beauty with boldness. Their designs feature saints, sacred symbols, and Scripture in ways that speak to creatives, anime lovers, D&D players, and theology buffs alike. Perfect for Gen Z Catholics who love design with substance. View their Shop on Etsy.
5. Sensory Prayer Gifts
For reinforcing openness to grace
Prayer isn’t just spoken—it’s felt, seen, and experienced. Gifts that engage the senses can help someone become more open to the grace already at work in their life. These small things can become anchors—focal points for prayer and reminders to pause and let God in.
- A hand-poured candle from Lumiere de Bougie—a local artisan we love. Their candles are perfect for slowing down, setting the tone for prayer, and inviting peace into someone’s space.
- A pocket-sized vial of holy water with a meaningful prayer card
- A handmade wooden holding cross or comfort crucifix
- A mini icon from Telos Art—small enough for a bedside table or desk, beautiful enough to stir the heart
Catholics are no strangers to the power of physical signs. Sacramentals like water, oil, candles, and medals don’t just decorate our spaces—they point to deeper truths. Learn how to evangelize using sacramentals and why these gifts matter.
6. A Kerygma Card
For introducing the Gospel invitation
One of the simplest ways to evangelize? Share the Good News. A handwritten card with a short version of the kerygma—paired with a journal, coffee blend, or book—can gently lead someone from curiosity to openness. You might also include a copy of the beautifully designed Word on Fire Gospels—a rich and accessible way to put the words of Jesus directly into someone’s hands.
“There is no true evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the kingdom and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, are not proclaimed.”
—Evangelii Nuntiandi 22 (Kerygma Resource)
7. Catholic Coloring Books or Journals
For nurturing early openness
Faith-based coloring books and Catholic prayer journals are great ways to help children and teens encounter Scripture and saints. But they're not just for kids! Creative reflection tools like these can help all ages pray with their hands, slow down, and let their imagination meet the sacred. Choose a version that fits the recipient’s interests and season of life—bonus points if you add a few colored pencils or gel pens. These can make excellent sacramental prep gifts, Easter basket fillers, or retreat companions.
Want to introduce prayer to kids in a way that connects? Explore our reflection on praying with children to pair with your gift.
8. Adoration Survival Kit
For strengthening intentional discipleship
Build a prayer kit with Catholic essentials—Rosary, journal, bookmarks, and a devotional. We especially love the Lectio Divina Journal from Into the Deep—a gentle, beautiful tool to guide reflective prayer and encourage honest conversation with God. Ideal for teens in Confirmation, RCIA candidates, or anyone deepening their spiritual life.
9. Personalized Patron Saint Gifts
For deepening personal connection to holiness
Instead of a generic name saint image, consider giving a holy card, medal, or framed prayer to a patron saint with particular relevance to the recipient’s life circumstances. A St. Peregrine medal for someone undergoing cancer treatment, a St. Joseph prayer card for a father, or an Our Lady of Sorrows image for someone who is grieving can serve as a powerful spiritual companion. For something wearable and deeply personal, we love the Telos Art Patron Saint Necklaces. They're simple, beautiful, and open the door to questions and conversations about faith.
10. Custom “Love Language” Gift
For affirming how someone best receives love
Some people feel most loved not through words or time—but through a thoughtful, tangible gift. If you’ve ever had someone say “you remembered that?” when you hand them something small but meaningful, you know the impact this kind of gift can have.
When someone’s love language is receiving gifts, a simple, well-chosen item can say what words can’t. It can whisper, “You are seen. You are known. You are loved.”
Use our Love Language Resources to discern with intention—not just generosity.
I once gave a friend a small journal with a quote on the cover that she’d mentioned months earlier in passing. She was going through a hard time, and I honestly didn’t know what to say. I felt kind of awkward—was this enough? Should I include a card? A book? Something holier?
Later, she told me it felt like God had remembered her—through me. I hadn’t preached, shared a verse, or even prayed aloud with her. That tiny gift became the thing that broke through.
I learned that when you give with intention, rooted in prayer and guided by the Spirit, even the smallest offering can help facilitate an encouter with Jesus. Don’t underestimate how God might use your generosity!
Start with one small step. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a gift chosen with prayer, you never know how God might work through your offering.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to take that next step in evangelizing with intention, here are a few of our most popular tools to help you do just that:
- Download the Unpacking Your Story Guide to learn how to witness with words.
- Use our Love Language Reflection Guide to discern how to love people where they are.
- Explore how sacramentals evangelize and grow more confident in using physical signs of grace.
- Take the Discipleship Check-In to reflect on your own journey and growth.
