The Price Of Their Toys

Religious gifts for men should be suited to his beliefs and practices and tailored to his tastes. When you are giving a gift, it is not the time to foist religious beliefs and spiritual disciplines on someone who is not interested. Thus, knowing this man’s religious commitments, the practices of his faith community, and his preferences regarding expressing his faith is essential. With these thoughts in mind, several categories become potential gold mines for gift-giving.

First, nicely bound copies of scriptures or other key religious texts from his tradition are beautiful gifts. In every case there will be a variety of translations and interpretations, and there may be variations in what is included in a particular tradition’s version. There will also be differences in binding, type style and size. Some texts will be annotated or provide study helps, and some will include maps or other illustrations. Other literary choices include books by key writers, commentaries, and biographies. A man with broad religious interests may also appreciate works concerning world religions or interreligious dialog. There are also many “coffee table books” relevant to particular religions or religious ideas or history: for example, books about Jerusalem.

Second, consider framed calligraphy, art, or other artistic works. For example, a man who is interested in Native American spirituality may appreciate a piece of Native pottery or a Navajo sand painting. Or a man who likes scriptural calligraphy may enjoy a piece by an artist like Michael Podesta for works quoting the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures as well as a few classical authors. Art representing key themes in various religions is easy to find, including beautiful representations of such Eastern religious images as the oceanic wave. A wonderful alternative for finding religious art is to look for on-line shops connected with particular religious communities or places of worship. Examples include the Washington National Cathedral (which is Episcopalian) or Weston Priory (Roman Catholic Benedictine Monastery). Also note that many large art museums have works that are religious and reproductions may be available in the museum stores or catalogs.

Third, consider gifts that are specific to this man’s tradition. A man who is Buddhist or interested in this tradition may like a Tibetan bell, and a Jewish man might like to have a special new yarmulke. A Roman Catholic Christian may enjoy a new rosary and a Greek Orthodox Christian may appreciate an icon. Some gifts may also be connected to a cultural as well as a religious tradition, such as a Celtic cross or recordings of English cathedral music. Finally, consider or even create gifts connected with this fellow’s particular place of worship. A good photograph of the place of worship could be framed and matted, or the name of a faith community could be custom-embroidered on a shirt, for instance. Donations in the man’s honor might be very suitable, especially if there is a special campaign going on related to his faith organization or a particular religious commemoration. For instance, there are organizations that plant trees in Israel, and there are building campaigns in many places that might inscribe a stone or brick in his honor.

Other Gift Ideas:

Sacred Tree: Reflections on Native American SpiritualityThe Sacred Tree was created by the Four Worlds Development Project, a nativeAmerican inter-tribal group, as a handbook of Native Spirituality for indi... Read More >

Choices Made: The Street YearsShocked into a new life with his mother's death, Jamy begins a search for his biological father but succumbs to the dangers of the street after a vici... Read More >

Priest or Monk Reading Scriptures Christian Theme - WATCHBUDDY® DELUXE TWO-TONE THEME WATCH - Arabic Numbers - Brown Leather Strap-Size-Large ( Men's Size or Jumbo Women's Size )WatchBuddy Deluxe Watches are the World's Most Lovable Theme Watches, they combine beauty, style and grace with functionality. The watch has a precisi... Read More >

1960 Religious Christian Drama Seminary Missionary Film DVD w/ Angie Dickinson Cameo: Unfinished TaskUnfinished Task, also known as I'll Give My Life, is a touching and important story about faith, love, and the big choices in life. A son decides to f... Read More >

History of Easthampton: its settlement and growth; its material, educational, and religious interests, together with a genealogical record of its original families. By Payson W. Lyman.This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program.

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