Holiday 2015: A guide to gifts for everyone on your list, religious or not

(RNS) Presents for people across the spectrum of faiths ... and no faith.

(RNS1-nov26) The Religion News Service 2013 holiday gift guide logo. For use with RNS-HOLIDAY-GUIDE, transmitted on November 26, 2013, RNS photo
(RNS1-nov26) The Religion News Service 2013 holiday gift guide logo. For use with RNS-HOLIDAY-GUIDE, transmitted on November 26, 2013, RNS photo

The Religion News Service holiday gift guide logo. Religion News Service graphic

(RNS) The Bible says it’s more blessed to give than to receive.

But to give … what?


This holiday shopping season, Religion News Service offers our third annual gift guide, with suggestions for everyone on your list — from Aunt Patty who collects crucifixes to your cousin who converted to Islam. Christmas gifts abound, but we’ve also got plenty for Hanukkah, which begins on the night of Dec. 6 this year.

And with the rise of the “nones,” we don’t forget secular souls either.

So whether you’re in the market for a simple stocking stuffer or want to make an ostentatious display of generosity, here are this year’s offerings — gifts that respect religion, and have a little fun with it too.

Pope Francis nail art. Who are we to judge? (Minx Nail Art, $20.85, zazzle.com) Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Pope Francis nail art. Who are we to judge? (Minx Nail Art, $20.85, zazzle.com) Photo courtesy of Zazzle

MAKE A POINT: Pope Francis nail art. Who are we to judge? (Minx Nail Art, $20.85, zazzle.com)

Video courtesy of Washington National Cathedral via YouTube

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:  Pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland. Washington National Cathedral Dean Gary Hall leads a trip to this center of Celtic Christianity. Iona is a place, he says, “where the veil between heaven and earth is thin.” (April 28-May 8, 2016; $2,995 per person, plus travel and other costs, details at cathedral.org)

Godless Heathen teddy bear.CAN’T BEAR RELIGION? Godless heathen teddy bear. Just don’t bring him to church. ($19.99, cafepress.com) 

Ugly Hanukkah sweater.

Ugly Hanukkah sweater

OY TO THE WORLD: Ugly Hanukkah sweaters. Why should Christians get all the unsightly holiday apparel? ($64.95, amazon.com) 

Holiday fun stamp. No need to choose between the Virgin Mary stamp and the menorah stamp; this real U.S. postage stamp has both holidays covered. ($25.35 per sheet of 20, zazzle.com) Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Holiday fun stamp. No need to choose between the Virgin Mary stamp and the menorah stamp; this real U.S. postage stamp has both holidays covered. ($25.35 per sheet of 20, zazzle.com) Photo courtesy of Zazzle

YOU’VE GOT INTERFAITH MAIL: Holiday fun stamp. No need to choose between the Virgin Mary stamp and the menorah stamp; this real U.S. postage stamp has both holidays covered. ($25.35 per sheet of 20, zazzle.com) 

Apple Learning Holy Quran.

Apple Learning Holy Quran

SMART ISLAMIC FRUIT: Quran-teaching apple. This handheld toy chants holy Islamic verses to preschoolers and young elementary school children. ($13.99, amazon.com)

NOT ANOTHER CHRISTMAS ALBUM: A Maccabeats Hanukkah. Yeshiva University’s a cappella group, which has played Carnegie Hall and the White House, just released its first Hanukkah album. ($11.99, jewishjukebox.com)


 

Ronald Reagan saint ornament.

The Ronald Reagan Byzantine icon tree ornament, for the old-school Republicans on your list ($30, Etsy.com)

THE GIPPER ON YOUR TREE: Ronald Reagan Byzantine icon tree ornament. For the old-school Republicans on your list. ($30, etsy.com)

Musical Popemobile.

Musical popemobile

CAR OF THE YEAR: Musical popemobile replica. Plays Handel’s “Hallelujah.”($105, giftswithlove.com) 

Custom Holiday Wine Bottle Labels. Photo courtesy of SweetLex

Custom holiday wine bottle labels. Photo courtesy of SweetLex

PERSONALIZED HOLIDAY SPIRITS: Wine bottle labels. Design your own, such as “Merry Christmas, Grandpa. Please share this with Grandma.”($30, etsy.com)

Mystic Monk coffee.

Mystic Monk coffee. Roasted by Carmelite monks in northern Wyoming. Try the “Midnight Vigils Blend.”

RELIGIOUS ROASTERS: Mystic Monks Coffee. Created by Carmelite monks in northern Wyoming. Try the “Midnight Vigils Blend.” ($15.99, St. Meinrad Archabbey) 

A KITCHEN GADGET THEY DEFINITELY DON’T HAVE: Buddha Face Chocolate Mold. Would Buddha prefer milk or dark? ($24.10, JB Prince) 

Ganesh and the Little Mouse book.

“Ganesh and the Little Mouse” book

HINDU CHILDREN’S LIT: “Ganesh and the Little Mouse” picture book. A modern take on a Hindu classic. ($19.95, bharatbabies.com) 


PREHISTORIC PJs: Menorah-saurus pajamas. For little Jewish dinosaur enthusiasts. ($10, gymboree.com) 

Pocket prayer mat with compass.

Pocket prayer mat with compass

NO NEED TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS: Pocket prayer mat with compass. Unfolds to a full-sized mat. Compass on pouch helps worshippers pray toward Mecca. ($4.50, mymodefa.com) 

Gift Guide

Blessed T-shirt

TESTIMONY: Blessed T-shirt. One grateful word, emblazoned across your chest. ($15, etsy.com)  

"Fighting God" by David Silverman. Photo courtesy of St. Martin's Press

“Fighting God” by David Silverman. Photo courtesy of St. Martin’s Press

SECULAR SCHOLARSHIP: “Fighting God.” David Silverman’s new atheist manifesto. ($16.45, jet.com)

LM/ END MARKOE

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