R|M Gift-Giving Guide 2018
During Advent, we pause to reflect on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. Some of us celebrate with candle lighting or special readings. Others serve in new places or send gifts abroad to unknown recipients. Many sing songs, decorate their homes, or partake in old family traditions. There are many ways to focus our hearts’ attention and to celebrate the birth of our Savior. And for many of us, that also includes giving one another gifts.
God is the ultimate gift-giver. He gave us his most beloved Son, so that those who trust in him could be reconciled to God and live in eternal joy. He has lavished us with love! So when we grab a cup of hot chocolate, plop next to a warm fire, and write out our gifts list, we can reflect his image as gift-givers. He takes delight in giving good gifts to us, which is why we find delight in giving the perfect gift for those we love.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite gift ideas below to help you start planning your lists. There are gifts for your mom, sister-in-law, and best friend; for your husband, nephew, and the new baby; and for people in your community, like pastors, teachers, delivery drivers, and neighbors. It isn’t the amount of money spent or the number of gifts purchased that matters. Instead, it’s an opportunity to be intentional, sharing the gospel as we reflect God’s love by joyfully giving to one another.
For Her
ESV Story of Redemption Bible: A Journey through the Unfolding Promises of God - Crossway
“You Don’t Have to be Blooming to be Growing” Brass Cuff - Gracelaced
VERB - Romans 12:12 Necklace - Dear Mushka
Word Before World Journal - Well Watered Women Co.
Love Made Complete Scripture Print - SaltStains
Pink Linen Scripture Memory Journal - Daily Grace Co.
Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul - Hannah Anderson
Bible Pen Set - The Daily Grace Co.
Sing a New Song: A Woman's Guide to the Psalms - Lydia Brownback
2018 Yearly Prayer Journal - Val Marie Paper
For Him
ESV Men’s Devotional Bible - Crossway
A Little Book on the Christian Life - John Calvin
Dwell App - Bible Reading App
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional - Paul David Tripp
Micron Pen Set - Great for Journaling & Taking notes in Bible
Men’s Prayer Journal - Val Marie Paper
The Soul in Paraphrase: A Treasury of Classic Devotional Poems - Leland Ryken
Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work - Timothy Keller
The Valley of Vision - Arthur Bennett
The Pilgrim’s Progress - John Bunyan
For Babies & Toddlers
1. First Bible Basics, Psalms of Praise, Let There Be Light, From Eden to Bethlehem - Danielle Hitchen
2. Fisher Price Little People Noah’s Ark
3. Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd Jones
4. Jesus Loves Me - Words Worth Noting
5. ABCs of the Attributes of God - Tiny Theologians
6. God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World - Irene Sun
7. The Christmas Star From Afar
For Children
ESV Children’s Bible - Crossway
Getty Kids Hymnal - Keith and Kristyn Getty
I Will Praise You Art Journal - Kids Read Truth
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Write the Word for Kids - Cultivate What Matters
Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids - David Murray
Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress - Oliver Hunkin
Bible Infographics for Kids: Giants, Ninja Skills, a Talking Donkey, and What's the Deal with the Tabernacle? - Harvest House Publishers
Lord’s Prayer Interactive Cards - Tiny Theologians
This Is the Christmas Story: A Kids Read Truth Story & Scripture Book - Kids Reads Truth
For Community ($20 or less)
Micah 6:8 Print - True Cotton
A Little Book on the Christian Life - John Calvin
“Pray” Sticky Note Set - Shiloh Collection
Daily He Leads Me Bible Study Notepad - The Daily Grace Co.
Garden of Truth - Ruth Chou Simons
Courage, Dear Heart Print - Andrea Howey
New Mercies Tea Towel - The Daily Grace Co.
Prayer Journal - Val Marie Paper
Handmade Card - Grab some paint or crayons and write a kind note!
Tags + Jars - Great to grab and fill with hot chocolate mix, candy, coffee beans, or fun popcorn for your neighbors!
Looking to go beyond your immediate community? Here are a few ideas! You can give financially, donate your time, and bring your kiddos along to serve with you!
Local Church
Operation Christmas Child - Fill a Shoebox!
Compassion Gifts - Compassion International
Local Birth/Women’s Clinic