The 2023 Commonplace Gift Guide

I’ve done many a gift guide over the years—this year, I’ve decided to keep it simple. Consider this a “gift guide for people who hate gift guides”—it’s your go-to list if you’re a contemplative, Jesus-loving, nerdy bookworm—or have one on your list.

Anything you purchase here supports the work I do at no extra cost to you, so if you’ve ever benefitted from my books, podcast, newsletter, or trips, this is an easy way to say thank you at no extra charge! I’m abundantly grateful for your consideration.

Merry Christmas!

•first, gratitude•

My latest journal, First Light & Eventide, is an Examen-based gratitude journal and makes a great gift anytime: birthdays, graduations, other rites of passage and new beginnings, and yep—Christmas. What better way to start a new year than with a habit of daily gratitude?

Order copies for your friends and family here:

learn more about the journal

Pair First Light with a companion item to make it a truly thoughtful gift — here are a few items from independent shops and makers:

Refillable & Engravable Fountain Pen

A natural gift pairing with a journal, this is a great gift for men or women, for the seasoned writer or stylophile, or for those who simply want to up their classy game.

see the pen

Homemade Ceramic Coffee Mug

I have this hand-thrown coffee mug (and the pourover from the same maker), and I LOVE it. It's more beautiful in person. Dishwasher & microwave safe, pair this with the journal and a bag of favorite beans.

see the mug

Personalized Library Stamp

Earlier this year I got a personalized stamp for our family library, and I love the artful design and whimsy it adds to our book collection. If you've got a bookworm on your list, pair the journal with a beautiful book stamp.

see the stamp

•next, books•

Books are one of my favorite tangible things on earth, and it’s one of the only items I collect. But it can be tricky to give books—you want to strike that balance between a meaningful read and a certain gift-iness. Here are a few of my recommendations for this year (head here to see the rest):

Michael Foley's new book brings the liturgical year to life, pairing over 200 saints' stories with international recipes. Kyle & I love his cocktail book, so this one is on my wish list!

Dining With the Saints
One of my favorite novels I read in 2023, the protagonist Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this bestseller.

Remarkably Bright Creatures
I will read anything Peter Kreeft writes, and this new 3-volume collection of his is an accessible introduction to the philosophies of the world's greatest philosophers. Plus, it's beautiful!

Socrates' Children
My copy of this is dog-eared, stained, and well-worn—all good signs in a cookbook. This is my go-to wedding gift—it's great for any sort of young adult who wants to master kitchen basics.

How to Cook Everything
I love this hilarious mystery series written by one of the best in the genre; it's self-referencing fiction with both suspense and heart. As the first of four, it’s a good go-to if you're not sure what to get your bookworm.

The Word is Murder
Want to learn more from the Church Fathers? This imitation leather-bound book is beautifully gift-able: daily, super-accessible readings from the earliest Christians for any theology or history nerd.

A Year with the Church Fathers

•finally, tees•

For the true bookworms, saint lovers, or simply those hard-to-get-for nerds on your list, top it all off with a quote tee—all these are from either classic books or some of the best saints (head here to see the rest):

(Note: If you’re unsure what type to order, my husband and I both prefer the Tri-Blend Extra-Soft style, men’s fit.)