How To Find the Perfect Gift for Ministers
Give a Present to a Priest or Pastor That Will Be Truly Appreciated
Apr 16, 2009
Pastor’s salaries usually leave little over for luxuries. In fact, many clergy, particularly those with families, struggle to make ends meet. A well thought out gift can truly be a blessing.
Follow these simple ideas to find a gift that will be gratefully received. But first, there's one category of gift to be avoided at all costs.
Bibles, Religious Books and Ornaments
Many people buy their minister a special copy of the bible or other spiritual book as a gift, and these are invariably received with a quiet sigh. Most clergy have a favorite copy of the Bible, and they really don’t need another one.
If you want to give a religious gift, rather give a gift voucher to a Christian bookstore, where the minister can choose his or her own book. Similarly, religious ornaments or plaques are a bad idea. Most clergy are given more than they know what to do with, and they don’t want to be reminded of their job everywhere they turn in the house.
So what is a good gift for a minister and his family?
Give a Bunch of Flowers
Most people love flowers around the house. A bunch of flowers lifts the spirits and makes the home beautiful.
Bowls of fruit or a box of home grown vegetables, or even a plant in a pot for a keen gardener will all bring pleasure without costing too much.
Give Homemade Foods
Food is always welcome, especially if it’s homemade. A bottle of jam or marmalade, a box of fudge, meringues or a tin of homemade cookies will be gratefully received.
Most clergy families love receiving a home made apple pie or chocolate cake, or even a meal for the freezer.
A Special Gift of Luxury Foods
Luxury foods are particularly welcome in clergy families where finances may be tight.
Try a bottle of chocolate spread like Nutella, a box of chocolates, nuts, luxury oils like olive or avocado, and even alcohol if your minister drinks it.
Gift Certificates
If you want to spend a larger sum, consider a gift voucher for a shopping centre or mall. This way the minister can choose where to spend it, on clothes, groceries, a CD or even a birthday gift for a family member.
A gift voucher to a local restaurant or tickets to a play or cinema will go down well. And if this is too expensive, a handmade gift certificate offering to baby sit the children could be very appropriate.
Give a Gift to Remember Even if You’re Broke
Everybody appreciates a handwritten thank you note, especially if it is specific in its thanks. A simple note — “Dear Reverend Jones, thank you for taking so much trouble with my daughter’s confirmation classes. With love from Sarah.” — will mean a lot to most overworked clergy. It can simply be left, with a small chocolate bar in the church office.
Ultimately, everyone who cares for other people likes to know that their hard work is appreciated. A thoughtful present with a handwritten note will be a blessing to your church minister every time.
Learn how to write a thank you note to a Minister to accompany your gift.
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