(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.
MAKE A POINT: Pope Francis nail art. Who are we to judge? (Minx Nail Art, $20.85, zazzle.com)
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)
CAN’T BEAR RELIGION? Godless heathen teddy bear. Just don’t bring him to church. ($19.99, cafepress.com)
OY TO THE WORLD: Ugly Hanukkah sweaters. Why should Christians get all the unsightly holiday apparel? ($64.95, amazon.com)
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)
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)
THE GIPPER ON YOUR TREE: Ronald Reagan Byzantine icon tree ornament. For the old-school Republicans on your list. ($30, etsy.com)
CAR OF THE YEAR: Musical popemobile replica. Plays Handel’s “Hallelujah.”($105, giftswithlove.com)
PERSONALIZED HOLIDAY SPIRITS: Wine bottle labels. Design your own, such as “Merry Christmas, Grandpa. Please share this with Grandma.”($30, etsy.com)
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)
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)
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)
TESTIMONY: Blessed T-shirt. One grateful word, emblazoned across your chest. ($15, etsy.com)
SECULAR SCHOLARSHIP: “Fighting God.” David Silverman’s new atheist manifesto. ($16.45, jet.com)
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