The 2020 Catholic Gentleman Gift List

It’s that time of year again: time to start thinking about Christmas gifts for the Catholic gentlemen in your life. Here are 10 gift ideas sure to delight any Catholic Man.

1. The Catholic Gentleman: Living Authentic Manhood Today

What it means to be a man or a woman is questioned today like never before. While traditional gender roles have been eroding for decades, now the very categories of male and female are being discarded with reckless abandon. How does one act like a gentleman in such confusing times? The Catholic Gentleman is a solid and practical guide to virtuous manhood. It turns to the timeless wisdom of the Catholic Church to answer the important questions men are currently asking.

2. Watch

A fine timepiece is a miracle of mechanical construction. Every man should have at least one nice watch. There are many different kinds: quartz (battery powered), mechanical (hand-wound), automatic (self-winding), and solar (solar-powered). Watches range from under $100 to many tens of thousands, and the choices are nearly infinite. However, a nice watch doesn’t have to be expensive. My Timex Marlin (pictured) is a handsome, well-made, mechanical watch that retails for about $200 or so. If you don’t know where to start, buy the man in your life a Marlin. It’s a truly gentlemanly timepiece.

3. Bible

Catholic men should read Scripture. As St. Jerome says, “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Scripture is a treasury of stories, poems, letters, and historical accounts that can dramatically enrich your spiritual life. Consider buying a Bible as a gift. My go-to Bible is the Knox translation. It’s a unique and readable Bible translation from Msgr. Ronald Knox and approved by Pope Pius XII. Baronius press has a fine edition available here:

4. Monk Manual

Monk Manual is the planner I use. Founded by a Catholic husband, father, and creative, it is designed to employ the best practices of psychology and productivity, while also integrating the meaningful, purposeful action of monks. It’s the perfect way to bring ora et labora to your daily tasks.

Use the code “gentleman” when ordering for 10% off.

5. Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary Illuminated Edition

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an ancient traditional office that is a shortened and modified version of the monastic breviary in honor of the Blessed Virgin. Every man should have a daily prayer practice, and the Little Office is an excellent choice if you don’t know where to start. This beautiful illuminated edition is unique and feels quite medieval. Give it a try.

6. Coffee

Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks on the planet, and my mornings would be barren and bleak without it. But not all coffee companies are created equal. Why not support Catholic monks and farmers when you buy your beans? Here are three excellent options:

1. Mystic Monk Coffee – Coffee roasted by Carmelite Monks in Wyoming
2. Humble Habits – Coffee sold by Byzantine Catholic Monks in Wisconsin

7. Regina Cigars

Cigars are the perfect gift for any man—as long as he isn’t a puritan, that is. Regina cigars is an amazing, Catholic-owned company dedicated to bringing you fine cigars. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to supporting orphans in Honduras. What could be better?

PS: Get 10% off your order between now and Christmas with the code CG10XM19.

8. Grill Gun

A flame thrower for your grill? Yes, please! These grill starters were invented by a Catholic husband and father in our area. Support him and his family by buying a Grill-gun. Get that charcoal blazing in as little as 60 seconds. Any man’s sure to love it and have endless fun turning things to cinders! 

9. In Via Rosary

I’m not going to lie, In Via rosaries are some of the most expensive out there. That said, the craftsmanship is top-notch and each rosary purchased gives a free rosary to person in need. 

10. Fountain Pen

A fine writing instrument brings pleasure to daily writing tasks. I have several. The variety of levels of quality and price points is immense. Browse on your own, or if you’re overwhelmed by choices, the pearwood fountain pen from Faber Castell, pictured above, is a great gift option.