A Catholic Christmas gift that means something is one the person keeps wearing: a Guadalupe medal for mom, a San Judas for the brother looking for work, a cross for the godparents. Here are ideas by person, by occasion (Nochebuena, gift exchange, posada, Three Kings) and by price.
For mom (and your wife)
A Virgen de Guadalupe medal is the most common Christmas gift from a daughter to her mother, and for good reason: it is the mother's protection, for a mother. If she already has her Virgencita, give her a new chain for it, or a Virgin Mary medal with a heart or pearls, more dressed up. And if she is the one who prays for everyone, a rosary, so that for once somebody gives something to her.
For men: dad or your husband
Big medal, thick chain. A San Judas Tadeo on a 60 cm cuban or rope chain, or a cross or crucifix to wear outside the shirt. If he is going through something hard (work, health, a debt), San Judas is the one. Read what the San Judas medal means and when to wear it.
For abuela
Give her what she already knows, but new: her Guadalupe on a classic oval medal, a bead rosary for her night prayers, or a St. Benedict medal for the front door. And the note she will keep: "So she takes care of you the way you took care of all of us."
For your partner
A medal between partners is not a ring: it means "I've got you." Two matching medals, one each, or a San Judas ID bracelet.
For your godparents (padrinos)
Christmas is when you thank your padrinos de bautizo, de comunión or de boda. Give them something to wear: the medal of their godchild's saint, a St. Benedict medal or a cross, with a note from the godchild.
For teens and teachers
For a teenager, a small medal on a fine chain they can wear to school, or a bracelet; for a confirmation, the medal of the saint they chose. For a teacher or a catechist, a car rosary or a St. Benedict crucifix: useful, under $35 and easy to keep.
For the gift exchange and the posada
The problem with a gift exchange is the price cap and the fact that nobody wants another mug. A religious medal or bracelet at $20 to $30 fits almost any exchange, and people keep it. Ideas that work for him, her or anyone:
- $20 exchange: a San Judas figure in green enamel on a rope chain or a St. Benedict crucifix with multicolor stones.
- $30 exchange: anything in gifts under $35: Guadalupe medals, bracelets, chains.
- Office posada: a car rosary for the rear-view mirror works for anyone who drives.
When the gifts are given
- Posadas (December 16 to 24): gift exchanges with friends and coworkers.
- Nochebuena (December 24): family gifts, after dinner and at midnight.
- Three Kings Day (January 6): the children's gift, and in many homes one more for the adults.
- December 12: if you are giving a Virgen de Guadalupe, some people prefer to give it on her day rather than at Christmas. Read what to give for December 12.
Prices and shipping
Our medals, chains and bracelets run $17 to $50, in gold-plated brass (oro laminado). We ship from California within 48 hours, and shipping is free on U.S. orders of $49 or more. See every idea in the gifts collection and the Catholic gift calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Catholic Christmas gift for mom?
A Virgen de Guadalupe or Virgin Mary medal, which is the mother's protection for a mother, or a rosary for the one who prays for everybody. If she already wears a medal, a new chain for it.
What do you give your abuela for Christmas?
Something she already knows, but new: her Virgen de Guadalupe on a classic oval medal, a bead rosary for her night prayers, or a St. Benedict medal for the front door. And a note she will keep.
What do you give your godparents (padrinos) for Christmas?
Something they will wear: the medal of their godchild's saint, a St. Benedict medal or a cross. With a note from the godchild, even if they cannot write yet.
Is it okay to give religious jewelry to someone who isn't very religious?
Yes, if they come from a Catholic family. A Guadalupe or San Judas medal reads as love and protection, not as a sermon. It is not recommended for someone with no connection to the faith at all.
When do Mexican families exchange Christmas gifts?
On Nochebuena, December 24, after dinner and at midnight. Many families give one more gift on January 6, Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes), especially to children.