Ok, I’ve been getting lots of questions from older posts about the Relief Society Christmas gifts we have put together in the past. Gifts that could certainly be used for friends and neighbors too! So I figured I’d better do a “Jesus-centered gifts for Relief Society roundup” to help those who may be on the lookout for new ideas.
As an explanation about Relief Society, each year it’s customary to gather near the beginning of December as the women in our church congregation (the Relief Society). I love this tradition that gives us all such a good opportunity to spiritually prepare for Christmas.
Oftentimes we put together a little gift for each woman to take home as a symbol of Jesus for the Christmas season.
It just so happens that because of my church callings I have been in charge of the Relief Society dinners for the last four years. It will be my fifth coming up in a couple weeks, and we’re gearing up for that!
Phew!
I do love it though. There is so much power in gathering as women! We women who are trying to gear up to be the “magic-makers” for the holidays. And who are often needing reminders to keep the focus on what’s most important: Jesus.
So, because I know Christmas stock, especially at Trader Joes, flies off the shelves, I wanted to share these small gift ideas all in one post. Just in case anyone is looking for sentimental gift ideas.
Some Ideas for Sentimental Christmas Gifts
I’ll start with what we did last year and go back to the prior years. Here we go.
A Candy Cane as a Symbol of Christ’s Love
Last year our theme was “Seek Him” and we talked about how the shepherds and wise men sought HIm. And we can too.
I LOVE the symbol of a candy cane, a shepherds crook. Such a beautiful symbol to remind us of Jesus, the ultimate shepherd. And the ultimate “seeker.” A shepherd who will forgive us a thousand times a thousand and who will never, ever stop seeking to pull us toward Him.
I love these chunky candy canes we purchased from Trader Joe’s. I called ahead to make sure they were in stock and grabbed them early so we would have enough.
Jesus Among Us
In 2023 we had just been rearranged into new church boundaries and I wasn’t in charge of the gift. We did our dinner with the theme “Jesus Among Us.” Kind of a take on “Angels Among Us” reminding us that Jesus is there too. If we’ll only let Him in.
The gift was a box with twelve scriptures and a little object to go with each for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. I don’t have a picture, but it was a beautiful idea.
Jesus-Centered Tiny Wooden Bowl with Salt
In 2022 we shared a story about service and created a gift of savory salt in a small wooden bowl. Both were symbols of Christ and how He adds savor and goodness to all.
I loved the story we shared called “Wood for the Widows.”
Also I know many have asked for details as to where we got the wooden bowls and how the evening went.
A Wooden Spoon as a Symbol of Jesus
In 2021 we gave out wooden spoons.
I am a huge sucker for wooden spoons. They are so beautiful to me AND serve as a reminder of service, and that all of the service we do helps us find Him.
These ones are from Trader Joes as well and I would recommend calling ahead, like TODAY, to see if they have them in stock. They are the best price point, or at least they were back in 2021!
A Small Gift for Relief Society Helpers
This one wasn’t for a dinner, it was just for all the helpers in Relief Society one year. I think I did this because I had extra small wooden bowls from the year before.
It’s really the same gift as before, but wrapped and given a little differently.
And it was after our church congregation boundaries had switched so these were new women getting the bowls with salt.
So, there you go. Hope these ideas all rounded up here will give you some ideas for Jesus-centered gifts this Christmas season!
XOXO
Do you have a budget for this? Or do you volunteer your own money?
It depends on the ward and the budget and preferences of the congregation leaders. It is customary to use the church budget for things like this, not your own money.
Will you share gift guides this year? I hope so! I always take away some good ideas for christmas gifts!
Yes my girls are working on that as I type away! Hopefully this afternoon.
XOXO
Hi, Shawni!
I hopped on to your site today to get some ideas for family-friendly games for large groups. I’m so grateful for all the resources you’ve provided over the years.
I started following your blog in 2011, when my oldest was born. You were such a source of strength and energy in those early years that my babies were… babies. I can’t even articulate how much I’ve gained from your blog, truly.
I’ve tried to minimize screens in my life in the last few years, so I have been a very irregular blog follower. I got a chance to catch up a bit today, and I shed some tears as I read about Lucy’s transition to college. I admire her courage, but the mom in me really empathizes with all I imagine you have gone through in the past few months. My kids are slightly younger than yours, but I understand well how consumed parents can be by the challenges our kids face.
I’m sending out prayers and good vibes and hope that you have all the strength and serenity you need. I sincerely hope that the light you have bestowed upon me (and so many others) through your wisdom and guidance is returned to you in full.
Oh Jill, this is the sweetest comment. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write and for your kindness. I’m so glad that some of what I have written has resonated with you over the years. Thank you for the love for Lucy as well. She is such an inspiration to me!
Sending so much love back to you and your family. May you feel all the beauty and goodness you are sending out!
XOXO
Are there printables for these? Specifically the candy cane. I always appreciate your Christ centered suggestions.
You can ignore my previous comment I read the comments from the original post. Thank you.