Do you give a gift to your pastor on special holidays, like Christmas, or on his birthday? Our family loves blessing our pastor with gifts, but sometimes I find it a bit challenging to come up with unique ideas. Do you have the same problem?
(be sure to check out my gift guide for pastor’s wives, too!)
After brainstorming some ideas, I have a list of some great gift ideas for your pastor. No Bibles, commentaries, and other “pastoral” gifts are included. He has a library full of those already. Instead, we’re thinking outside the box, and a little more personally (but not too personal), so that he knows you care about giving him a gift he will love, instead of just any gift. He deserves that for all he sacrifices he makes to serve your family, church, and community.
Technology Accessories
Pastor’s today are high tech, often using their smartphones or iPads in the pulpit even. Most men love high-tech gifts, but even a few nice accessories will be appreciated.
Here are a few ideas for your high-tech pastor:
High-tech pastors of today are often on Facebook Live. This GorillaPod Magnetic Tripod has a bluetooth remote, and is flexible to wrap around most anything. It’s the perfect tripod for recording live videos (I know, because I have one!).
For most pastors, his smartphone is his lifeline to the flock, and most spend a lot of time in the car, traveling from church to member’s homes to hospitals. Having a car mount that is easy to use (especially ease of mounting) makes everything about spending a lot of time in the car easier. This top-selling iOttie car mount has a one-touch system and secures easily with a sticky gel pad.
For the same reasons a car mount is a great idea, Bluetooth earphones are also very helpful, especially since many states that allow cell phone usage while driving demand a hands-free technique. Wired earphones are a thing of the past (who wants to be tethered!), and wireless is the new norm. As an added bonus, the sound quality of this set is unmatched.
While you have the words Bose and Bluetooth on your mind, go ahead and consider this Bose Bluetooth speaker, too. It has an 8-hour battery or you can use USB power, and is waterproof (maybe he likes to sing in the shower!). It even has a microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone.
Does your pastor use his iPad during his sermon? I’ve often seen pastors holding their iPad while preaching, using it for Scripture reading, and to glance at to keep him on track. Frankly, it makes me nervous to watch. These floor stands are super convenient and certainly lessen the risk that he’ll drop his iPad in Spirit-led moment!
Favorite Things Gifts
Does your pastor have a certain hobby or is there something else he really enjoys? He will definitely appreciate a gift that lets him know you pay attention to what is important to him (apart from his church life). Some examples might include bbq accessories for the pastor who enjoys grilling, fishing lures for your pastor who enjoys this hobby, golf balls and/or tees for your golfer pastor, a coffee basket for your coffee-loving pastor, or a box full of his favorite sweet treats (especially if they’re homemade).
Manly Essential Oils
If your pastor’s wife is an essential oils user, your pastor may secretly wish he had his own set, in a scent manlier than lavender. There are some great ones that have more earthy or woodsy scents that may also be beneficial for stress reduction and relaxation (something most pastors need).
A gift of his own diffuser for his church office and a few of these singles and blends will be a hit with any husband of an essential oils-using woman, including your pastor:
Sandalwood Essential Oil’s woody aroma can support his emotions and moisturize his skin. Suggest using it in an aftershave. It can also ease post-workout pain in the muscles and joints and promote restful sleep.
Peppermint Essential Oil’s strong minty aroma can relax and inspire his mood while also promoting healthy digestion. It can also alleviate mental fatigue and boost energy and alertness, and is helpful for soothing muscle strain after a workout or tired, achy feet and legs.
Cedarwood’s Essential Oil’s strong earthy and balsamic aroma can attune his mind and calm his nervous system. It can help relax the mind and body so he can easily drift off to sleep, and works well as a “cologne” for men when mixed with a carrier oil and applied to pulse points.
Wood Spice Essential Oil Blend has a warm spicy aroma that can be used to soothe an overactive mind, calm frayed nerves, and create a romantic or relaxed mood. The mixture of essential oils does not only have an inviting, pleasing aroma, but can be used to promote a grounded feeling
DiGiZen Essential Oil Blend has a soothing, minty aroma that can calm the occasional stomach discomfort. Tell him to apply it directly to his abdomen to relieve gas, nausea, indigestion, or other stomach/intestinal upset.
Go ahead a grab him a bottle of Jojoba Oil, too. For anything he applies to his skin, he’ll need to dilute first. And don’t forget the diffuser for his office.
Gift Certificates or Gift Cards
I’m not a huge fan of gift certificates or gift cards, unless they are very specific to the interests or passions of the receiver. So think about what your pastor loves and treat him to a gift certificate or gift card for that. Some ideas might include: Starbucks, a favorite restaurant, your local computer store, or a favorite bookstore. Do stay away from less personal gift cards such as Wal-Mart or Target.
An Office Makeover
A surprise office makeover, with the help of the pastor’s wife, of course, could be the best gift idea ever. Some ideas might include a fresh coat of paint, updated wall decor, and a new desk or bookcase.
Timepieces
When I was creating this list, I asked my husband for ideas. His first suggestion? A timer. Of course, he was teasing, but I think he was (sort of ) on the right track. A great watch would be a wonderful gift for your pastor!
You may think watches are a thing of the past, with smartphones seemingly taking over the world. But I think men still enjoy receiving a nice watch, especially more stylish men who appreciate a great and functional accessory.
The gift we’ll be giving our own pastor this year comes from JORD Wood Watches.
When JORD offered me a watch to give to anyone, I was excited that our family would be able to give such a lovely gift to such a deserving person. Our pastor (whose name is Jeff), planted our church 2 years ago. He is still bi-vocational during this period of church growth, so you can imagine how hard he works. He gives tirelessly and selflessly to all of us (and he loves watches), so it brings our family great joy to give him this gift (so please don’t tell him!).
Isn’t it stunning? That is the Conway Dark Sandalwood and Burgundy style, but they have so many more to choose from, both for men and women (I realize YOUR pastor may be a lady!). Truth be told, his wife helped me choose this one, or it would have taken me forever to pick one. I love them all (I have 3 myself if that tells you anything).
Their presentation boxes have always been lovely, but it seems every time we receive a new watch, the box is a little different. The one that came with this watch is a stunning gift in and of itself. It is made of cedarwood (and you can smell that amazing cedar scent as soon as you open the box). It even has a little drawer on the bottom where small items can be stored.
What gifts have your given your pastor in the past or will be giving this Christmas? I’d love to hear all about it! And if something here caught your attention, I’d love to know that, too!
