A Gift Guide for Christmas, Kindness, & Compassion
Shop small with great deals from good friends
Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.from “Kindness” by Naomi Shihab Nye
Compassion, joy, mercy, kindness. So much is lacking these days. Who among us isn’t hungry for more of what makes us human?
Like many of you, I feel frustrated, small and stuck. Overwhelmed by the suffering (and selfishness) I see. Small kindnesses won’t bring the sea change we need, but they still matter.
One ordinary-yet-important act is to shop small. I often try to get Christmas gifts bought before Advent—and while that’s not happening this year, I still want to support small business owners versus big box stores. I love buying from friends who are bringing beauty, joy, and worthy work into the world.
This year I’ve gathered a few of my favorites to encourage you to shop thoughtfully. Many of them have generously offered coupons for you, too. Click on each shop’s name to check out their selections.
After I introduced you to Emmanuel: A Christmas Feast, I’ve been delighted to see the book in so many hands, ready to pray through the Christmas season. In that same spirit of support, I want to thank the friends who’ve shared here—and I hope their gifts will bring you joy in turn!
Almond Rod Toys – Our kids are getting the Black saints blocks for St. Nicholas Day (shhh!). I’m a big fan of their Lent & Easter set and wooden Mass kit (what we use for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd). Use GRACE for 10% off blocks and craft sheets.
Fawnly Prints – My friend Marie offers gorgeous art, prints, mugs, and more. I already bought teacher gifts from her shop, but now she’s running a huge sale from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday for 25% off (no coupon code needed).
Rakstar Designs – Rakhi McCormick is one of my favorite artists on Instagram: her words are wise and her art is beautiful. Check out her Mercy Project Collection to support the Equal Justice Initiative and the Polaris Project. Take 10% off your total purchase (including mugs, which is rare!) with coupon code MESSYGRACE2020.
Brick House in the City – Honestly, all I wear in 2020 are Lauren’s t-shirts. Fit perfectly, soft as anything, throw on a cardigan & they’re Zoom-ready. (Also the peace-maker one reminds me not to yell at my kids.) She’ll have fantastic Thanksgiving week deals, so stay tuned to her social media.
Be A Heart – Erica’s baby blankets are our family favorites, hands-down. You have to check out her new Christmas collection; I cannot handle the sweet pajamas! Here’s my affiliate link where you can get 10% off with code MESSYGRACE10.
Greenhouse Collective – Prints, postcards, Holy Misfits, I love the whole shop. Their new saint story cards are winding up under our tree for sure. MESSYGRACE10 will give 10% off your entire order.
Chews Life – Did I ever tell you about the time I got stranded at a writing conference, and my Internet friend Shannon dropped everything to watch my baby for the day? Such a gem. Her kids’ rosaries are staples in our house & for friends’ babies/baptism gifts. Use code LAURAFANUCCI10 for 10% off.
Pax Beloved – Valerie’s art is creative, faithful, and joyful. Seeing one of her new creations pop up in my feed is such a delight. She’s offering 20% off everything from 11/21-12/06 with coupon code SHOPSMALL.
The Living Heart Co. – Jess is the artist behind the stunning images in Emmanuel. I can’t stop singing her praises so please check out her work —and use coupon code GIVETLHC to get 10% off.
Catholics United for Black Lives – My friend Linda and other Black Catholics have started this new organization that is growing and working for racial justice. Support their efforts through their online shop where they’re offering 25% off all merchandise on Nov. 27 (or free standard shipping on Nov. 30).
The Modern Saints by Gracie – Best modern icons, hands down. Two of these are gracing our homeschooling room & I credit the Holy Family’s intercession that we haven’t burned it down yet. Use coupon code “holylabor820” for 15% off 5x7” prints (only on Gracie’s website, not her Etsy).
Beautycounter – I love mascara and hate lipstick and that is the end of my beauty routine. But my friend Shea is the sweetest soul, and her Beautycounter is all I buy because clean makeup is great. 15% off sitewide through Nov. 29 and you can shop here through my link.
Jesse Tree Treasures – Their Advent ornaments and Jesse Tree sets are charming, and our kids have long adored our Holy Week ornament set. Use code 10PERCENT for 10% off and stay tuned on Instagram where I’ll be giving away a storybook set soon!
Marzipantz – Have you seen these soft dolls & the sweet Sleepytime Saints book make the rounds? Marcy will have one more doll & book restock before Christmas, so keep an eye on her beautiful shop.
Catholic Family Crate – Our kids love getting crates in the mail, and this has been a delightful treat once Sunday school was canceled. Monthly prayer cards and activities about saints, sacraments, and more. Sign up here with my affiliate link.
Christy Mandin – I love Christy’s art, from the whimsical to the justice-seeking. Check out her home décor & Christmas cards (I’m eyeing those wall hangings for the kids’ rooms).
Milk and Honey Rosaries – Heather and Sarah’s rosaries are gorgeous and unique. Plus 10% of your purchase goes to the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Use Holiday15 for 15% off.
Catholic Sprouts – My friends Nancy and Bill created a new Domestic Church Project for families launching in January (did you hear about the Catholic Shark Tank challenge they won?). Check out their Jesse Tree and Nativity Trail for Advent and use HOLYLABOR for 15% off everything in their shop.
Shopping small won’t save the world. But it might save someone’s livelihood.
Whatever generosity and compassion you can share these days, I urge you to do it. We need each other, more than ever.
We have so little of each other, now. So far
from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange.
What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these
fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here,
have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”from “Small Kindnesses” by Danusha Laméris
Peace,
Laura
Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash
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Find my books here: Everyday Sacrament | Grieving Together | Prayers for Pregnancy & Birth | To Bless Our Callings | Living Your Discipleship