I have often found myself in a quandary when it comes to giving gifts to babies at their baptisms. I want to give something meaningful that encourages faith, but often the items I find in the sacramental section of a Catholic store or Google search leave me dissatisfied. Any particular item I stumble upon is usually either too sentimental, seems cheaply made, or honestly, is just plain boring.
After some trial and error, and many minutes spent exploring different Catholic shops, I have found several wonderful family-owned businesses that provide quality items for sacramental occasions. Not only are these gifts interesting, well-made, age-appropriate and meaningful, but you get to support people who are trying to live out the graces of their own baptism. Take a look at these five shops (in no particular order), and happy browsing!
These patron saint wooden blocks are perfect toys for babies to grasp at now and then as they grow into using them for imaginative play in a year or two. Shop owner Lindsay offers many saints to choose from, and even has larger sets for the mysteries of the Rosary or the twelve apostles or the Stations of the Cross. The blocks are small but sturdy and hold up to wear and tear. On the back of each saint block is a quote and a little bit about the holy man or woman represented. The little cotton gift bag that the blocks come in is a lovely bonus gift in itself.
This family owned and run company offers a wonderful collection of books and toys, including engaging audio books about saints called Glory Stories. Their collection of Catholic children’s books is impressive, and includes some great board books like this one about times that visitors from Heaven have come to earth (the Annunciation, Divine Mercy, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Our Lady of Fatima) and this one introducing littles to Scripture, and this one that uses little rhymes to introduce children to the liturgical colors used at Mass.
Erica, the store owner, offers Mary and Joseph dolls and swaddle blankets and muslin quilts that make for thoughtful and practical gifts for babies. Each doll is thoughtfully designed and even includes a little meditation on the life of the Holy Family. The blankets have prints of saints or images of Mary in a modern palette of simple neutral colors. The store also offers a large wooden Rosary for babies and bibs with the “Bless Us, O Lord” prayer printed on them.
A group of Catholic moms in Michigan makes silicone rosaries that are perfect for babies to hold and safe for them to put in their mouths. The site also has other great gifts for little ones, including beautiful white baptismal crib shoes and pacifier accessories related to Mama Mary. Their rosaries come in decade form or bracelet form, even for little ones, and are full of bright colors and even silicone saint medals.
Abigail makes extraordinary prints that make for a beautiful baptismal card or fabulous textile. For cards, check out her store at Society 6 — a favorite card is her print of the Theotokos. If you have some skill with a needle, check out the fabrics available at her Spoonflower shop. Her vibrant use of color and whimsical illustrations, while charming, are far from childish, and they have a lovely sophisticated quality about them that adds layers of depth and meaning to the images.
And today we celebrate...