Holiday gift guide: 12 meaningful gift ideas that make a difference from the UCC

As Christmas draws near, this gift guide from the United Church of Christ offers suggestions for sharing holiday cheer in a way that supports meaningful initiatives and ministries near and far. Below, find handcrafted items, timely reminders, and opportunities to make a gift that sends out ripples of good.

Flight into Egypt Statue | YWCA Palestine

Update: This item has sold out and will be restocked and available again in a few months.

The handcrafted olive wood statue depicts the holy family of Nazareth fleeing into Egypt as an archetype of every refugee family. In a time when refugees face immense challenges, this statue creates a reminder to lift up all who are refugees today, including the over 11.6 million Palestinians dispersed throughout the world. Sales support the YWCA of Palestine’s Peace and Justice work.

‘Let Your Light Shine’ Ornament | UCC

This ornament and its reminder to “let your light shine” serves as a unique keepsake designed for the United Church of Christ by Leandra Drumm from Don Drumm Studios & Gallery.

Wise Women Dolls | YWCA Palestine

These “three wise women” support the peace and justice work of the YWCA of Palestine as part of the Fabric of Our Lives Project. Each one is handcrafted from olive wood and comes with a small booklet describing their presence during the Epiphany and an original poem. The wise women dolls offer an invitation to re-imagine and reflect on women’s participation, inclusion, and leadership in the sacred story of Christ’s birth and in present life

Books for Everyone | Pilgrim Press

With a gift guide that highlights specific book options for self-care seekers, gardeners, and kids – to name a few – Pilgrim Press makes it easy to find the right book. Also, find Christmas cards (the newest one features a panda bear), manger stories (fitting for families and children’s sermons), and the book Christmas on the Screen for movie lovers. A discount code for 25% off and free shipping (VERYMERRY) is available site-wide until Dec. 12 – the last day to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

“Resources from Pilgrim Press support the theological formation of church leaders, promote holistic well-being for people of faith, and raise up voices in justice advocacy,” said the Rev. Rachel Hackenberg, publisher.

Fleece Jackets | UCC

These soft, low pill, mid-weight fleece jackets offer a way to keep warm in cool or wintry weather. Two different options are available with the UCC comma logo available in rainbow or blue on both.

‘Jesus was a Refugee’ Yard Sign | UCC      

Update: This item has sold out and will be restocked and available again in a few months.

A timely Christmas reminder that Jesus was a refugee, and his story is interwoven with the stories of refugees today. Placing this in front of a church or house can offer a visible symbol of welcome and solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers.

Life-Changing Gifts Catalog | Global Ministries

Alternative Christmas giving through Global Ministries offers gifting options to both honor loved ones and make a difference in the lives of people around the world. There are specific areas of support to choose from that include health, education, women’s empowerment, and “where needed most.” Gifts made in honor of someone include the option of having a complimentary card sent to a designated person to let them know of the gift.

Global Ministries is a common witness in mission between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.

Hand-Embroidered Bracelets and Zipper Bags | YWCA Palestine

As part of the Fabric of our Lives project, purchasing these hand-embroidered bracelets and zipper bags supports the work of YWCA Palestine to support women’s livelihoods and their families and raise awareness of the importance of refugee rights. Five bracelet options represent the five different Palestinian villages. Two zipper bag options are sized to hold an iPad or reader.

Uplifting Coffee Mugs | UCC

An assortment of coffee mugs share uplifting reminders to “be the church” and “be a blessing.” The proceeds from particular ceramic mugs and travel mugs directly support UCC ministries, like these featuring original climate hope artwork and a tumbler in support of racial justice ministries.

T-shirts to Spread Love | UCC

These shirts offer a way to physically carry the message of love from UCC ministries into the world. A Love is Louder shirt shows love and support for LGBTQ+ people. An Our Whole Lives shirt declares that talking about sexuality is important and healthy. A Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice shirt shares the work to seek justice, love, and compassion in Spirit-led movements toward racial justice.

Small Items and Stocking Stuffers | UCC

These smaller items make great options for including in gift baskets or in stockings. Find a variety of fun stickers, Christmas coloring books that benefit the Christmas fund, and Pride pins and a rainbow fan with the message “You are perfect just the way you are” from the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition.

UCC Annual Fund | National Setting

In this critical moment, a gift to the UCC Annual Fund can help to create hope together with folks and churches across the UCC; help the National Setting carry out a wide variety of ministries of care, compassion, and justice; and help the National Setting to work globally with partners around the world. Gifts to the UCC Annual Fund can be given in someone’s honor.

“When you give to the United Church of Christ, you grow ministries of imagination and possibility,” said the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO. “Our shared ministries remind us that anything we accomplish in the United Church of Christ is done collaboratively across our congregations and conferences, ecumenically and with partners. We are not alone. We are one body in Christ, each with different roles yet with shared purpose.”

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