Good gifting

If, like me, you are trying to figure out what to give for Christmas this year, consider handmade.

My own hands don’t make much more than papery things and food.  In past years, I have given Christstollen as a gift- maybe this year, too.  But even if you don’t have time or talent, there are outlets where you can get unique gifts that are handmade or made on a small scale in artisan or cooperative settings.  The links on this site, especially under “Market Square,” point to such outlets.  Check out the beautiful things at A Greater Gift.  Here are some examples:

• A gorgeous embroidery peacock tree ornament, made by a co-op that works with “untouchables” in India;
• Snowflake tea towels and table linens by a similar cooperative;
• Capiz-shell snowflake ornaments made by a youth development group in the Philippines started by Belgian nuns.

The Enterprising Kitchen is a great source for handmade bath products.  It’s a cooperative run by and for women who are “at risk,” as a way not only to give them some transitional income but help them develop job skills.

My other favorite place to get unique gifts are monastery gift shops, many of which are online.  In addition to Holy Cross and Quiet Light which is linked to on this page, here are a few more:

• St. John of San Francisco in Manton, CA, which sells candles, icons, and gourmet teas.
• Cheesecake and fruitcakes made by the nuns of New Skete (hurry- holiday orders must be placed by December 3rd);
• Monastery Greetings lists links to various kinds of monastery shops.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also put in a plug for our favorite gifting (and drinking!) outlet, Holy Chocolate.  Fr. Stan is a priest in an East Syrian church and is a long-time friend.  Aside from that, his drinking chocolate is unbelievably good, owing mainly to the fact that he keeps it simple- milk, cocoa, sugar and natural spices and flavoring- and uses the highest-quality, purest ingredients.  The chocolate has garnered national attention and really is worth it, if you are a chocolate drinker.  My favorite types are Swiss and Mint.  Amsterdam is a chocolate powerhouse, if you are really a chocoholic.