If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect gift for an Orthodox Christian—whether for Christmas, a birthday, a wedding, or a baptism—this list is here to help. I created it because I know how hard it can be to find something truly meaningful, a gift that goes beyond being just an object and reflects the depth and beauty of our faith. Each item on this Orthodox gifts list has been thoughtfully selected to celebrate life’s special moments while honoring the spiritual richness of Orthodoxy.
From timeless icons to practical treasures like candles and prayer books, this guide offers suggestions that will touch hearts and inspire devotion, making your choice as meaningful as the occasion itself.
1. Icons: The Perfect Spiritual Gift
Why It’s a Great Gift:
An Orthodox icon is more than a work of art—it’s a sacred tool for prayer and reflection. Gifting a beautiful icon shows thoughtfulness and care, whether it’s a guardian angel, a replica of this icon of a saint, or a matching icon set of Christ and the Theotokos. Icons are perfect for creating or enhancing a prayer corner.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Matching Icon Set of Christ and the Theotokos: A pair of golden-backed icons, these make a meaningful gift for weddings or house blessings.
- Icon of the Holy Spirit: Often depicting a dove, this icon symbolizes guidance and inspiration and is ideal for milestones like chrismations or new roles.
- Theotokos of Vladimir Icon: The back side of his famous Theotokos of Vladimir icon includes historical details. Its bold colors and beautiful simplicity make it an elegant addition to any prayer corner.
- Icons of Saints: Choose icons of St. Nicholas, St. Catherine, or others for name days, baptisms, or as a small gift.
Materials:
Icons come in hand-painted styles using egg tempera and gold leaf or printed on wood and metal for a more affordable option.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Visit monasteries or Orthodox church bookstores for authentic, handmade icons.
Icons We Recommend:
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 2. Elegant Diptychs and Icon Displays
Why It’s a Great Gift:
A lovely diptych featuring scenes like the Cross of Golgotha or feast days is both decorative and functional. These compact, foldable icons are great for smaller spaces or travel.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Great Feast Diptychs: Highlight Great Lent, Pascha, or Christmas with stunning designs.
- Saint Pairings: Pair saints like St. Demetrius and St. George for a meaningful gift.
Materials:
Diptychs are typically crafted from wood with carved decorative exteriors, gold accents, or painted imagery.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Visit monasteries or Orthodox church bookstores for authentic, handmade icons.
3. Prayer Books
Why It’s a Great Gift:
A prayer book is a timeless and practical gift, perfect for daily use or feast days. Whether it’s prayers to the Holy Trinity, seasonal devotions for Great Lent, or children’s prayer books, there’s something for everyone.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Daily Prayer Books: Include morning, evening, and meal prayers in light style editions for easy reading.
- Seasonal Devotions: Books focusing on Great Feasts like Pascha or Theophany.
- Children’s Prayer Books: Designed with simple text and illustrations.
Where to Buy:
- Online: Look for book orders from Ancient Faith Publishing or St. Tikhon’s.
- Locally: Parish bookstores often stock editions tailored to the local liturgical calendar.
Prayer Books We Recommend:
Book: Orthodox Christian Prayers [Prayer Book]
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Book: The Little Red Prayer Book
Buy Now →4. Baptismal Crosses and Wooden Crosses
Why It’s a Great Gift:
A baptismal cross or wooden cross is a deeply personal gift that serves as a reminder of one’s connection to Christ. These crosses are great for baptisms, name days, or house blessings.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Simple Wooden Crosses: Lightweight and great for children or daily wear.
- Ornate Crosses: Crafted in sterling silver or gold, often with detailed engravings.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Visit monasteries or Orthodox church bookstores for authentic, handmade icons.
Cross We Recommend:
Buy Now → 5. Prayer Ropes and Bracelets
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Prayer ropes (komboskini) and bracelets aid in the repetition of the Jesus Prayer, fostering mindfulness and devotion.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Traditional Wool Ropes: Simple and sturdy, often with 33, 50, or 100 knots.
- Beaded Bracelets: Combine practicality with beauty, often in bold colors.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Visit monasteries or Orthodox church bookstores for authentic, handmade icons.
6. Beeswax Candles and Votives
Why It’s a Great Gift:
The warm orange flames and gentle smell of honey from beeswax candles create a serene atmosphere, perfect for prayer.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Tapered Candles: Ideal for daily use in prayer corners.
- Votive Sets: Combine beautiful red glass votives with 100% beeswax candles.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Farmers’ markets or parish stores often stock handcrafted options.
Candles We Recommend:
Candles: Beeswax Pillars (Pack of 4)
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Candles: Vintage Solid Brass Pillar Candle Holder
Buy Now →7. Incense Burners and Incense
Why It’s a Great Gift:
An incense burner paired with high-quality incense is a symbolic and practical addition to any Orthodox Christian home.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Traditional Brass Burners: Ornately designed with Orthodox crosses.
- Incense Types: Choose classic scents like frankincense, myrrh, or rose.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
Incense Burner We Recommend:
Buy Now → 
Incense Resin: ½ lb Frankincense & Myrrh
Buy Now →8. Mini Icons
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Small icons are perfect for travel, desks, or as a perfect stocking stuffer.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Key Chains: Functional and portable icons for daily use.
- Travel Sets: Include multiple saints or feast day icons in a compact case.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Church bookstores.
9. Little Saints Playsets for Kids
Why It’s a Great Gift:
These playful and educational toys introduce children to the lives of saints and Orthodox traditions in a fun way.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Saint Action Figures: Vibrant and durable.
- Church Building Sets: Encourage creativity and learning.
Where to Buy:
- Online: Ancient Faith Store or specialty Orthodox retailers.
10. Seasonal and Personalized Gifts
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Seasonal gifts like desert gold votive holders or customized icons add a special touch to celebrations like Christmas or Great Lent.
Orthodox gifts options to Consider:
- Customized Icons: Add engraved names or dates.
- Votive Sets: Pair with seasonal candles for festive use.
Where to Buy:
- Online: eBay offers a range of options, including affordable printed icons and high-end hand-painted works. Look for sellers with excellent customer service and clear return policies.
- Locally: Parish bookstores.
Final Takeaway
Finding the right gift for special occasions has always been a challenge for me. I’ve often struggled to balance thoughtfulness and practicality, wanting every gift to carry true meaning. Of course, it’s not just about the gift itself—it’s about the gesture, the love, and the care that go into giving it. But deep down, I’ve always felt that a gift should reflect something deeper, something that touches the heart and reminds us of the beauty of our faith.
Working on this post reminded me of the incredible richness of our Orthodox tradition. Exploring the world of icons, candles, and handcrafted treasures dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ has been an inspiring journey. I found myself losing track of time, amazed by the diversity of art and craft created with devotion and love. Every piece tells a story, celebrates our faith, and serves as a reminder of the connection we share through Christ.
I hope this post has sparked some inspiration for you, too. Whether it’s a guardian angel icon, a pair of golden-backed icons, or a simple set of incredible candles, these gifts are not just beautiful—they are meaningful reflections of our shared faith and love. If you choose to give one of these gifts, know that it’s not just a gesture; it’s a way to bring a little more light, beauty, and devotion into someone’s life. And to me, that’s what makes a gift truly special.
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