It’s December 23rd, a little late for me to be throwing out gift ideas for Christmas. Then again, the celebration only just begins on the 25th, and then there’s the 12 days of Christmas and the feast of Epiphany. Plus, there’s something to be said for getting an early start on next year, right?
When you purchase gifts, it’s nice to know your hard-earned money is supporting great people and organizations. Today, I’m highlighting the work of numerous lay Catholic artisans, most of whom I found in Franciscan Way‘s Autumn issue because they’re alumni of the university. Since I missed posting last week’s Advent gift-giving guide, I’m making up for it today in the nick of time (no pun intended).
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Orthodox. Faithful. Free.
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First up is Anne-Marie Klobe, who creates what you might call “pro-life jewelry.” She uses the popular pro-life “tiny feet” image on many of her pendants and charms, which are particularly suited for moms and grandmoms. Check her out.
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Anne Hanley, a nurse, learned a lot about goats while living on her family farm. Since then, she’s been making goat milk soap and now has an entire line of products sold through Hanley Fold Farm. Her website is nicely designed, and the soaps look equally wonderful.
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Steve and Joni Abdalla, parents of four, were looking for toys that could better engage their children in the Catholic faith, so they decided to start Wee Believers, a line of products featuring dolls like Father Juan Pablo and Sister Mary Clara. They also make a twelve-piece Mass kit. You can find their toys in shops across the country, or go to their website.
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What woman doesn’t like a great handbag? Alison Mary Wolf’s designer bags are one of a kind, durable, and come in many shapes and sizes… from diaper bags to evening clutches. Can someone buy me one of these bags? You can find Wolf’s lovely things at her Etsy shop.
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You know when you want to buy a good hunting knife but don’t know where to turn? Happens to me all the time… Jokes aside, there’s nothing like a well-made knife — they last a lifetime and make perfect heirlooms. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Frank Dananay began to learn knife-making. He now sells hi-tech hunting knives, bowie knives, and other special pieces — all tailored to the avid outdoorsman. Check out his beautiful work.
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Last but not least is an organization called Little Flowers Foundation. It’s a nonprofit apostolate founded in 2002 by two couples, Robert and Kathleen Judge and Eric and Suzan Sammons, who wanted to bring loving, Catholic parents together with children who need families. Under the patronage of St. Therese, the Little Flower, and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, the Foundation awards grants to Catholic families to help them adopt needy children — domestically and internationally. The foundation can only give as much as they take in from generous benefactors, so consider making a charitable donation to this worthwhile pro-life ministry. To find out more, go here.