If you’re looking for a great gift for the pastor in your life, you may be wondering what to get them:
What do you buy for the person who spiritually leads your congregation? What do you buy for the person who spends so much time in service to others?
While gifts are often a welcomed surprise, they are never a necessity to express your gratitude for your pastor. A genuine and simple “Thank you for all that you do,” or sharing of how they’ve helped, equipped, or inspired you is wonderful.
But, if you’re looking to show your appreciation with a physical gift, the staff at Soul Shepherding has put together some resources for you—a list of over 50 gifts for pastors.
This list includes gifts in all price ranges — remember, gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Regardless of budget, you’ll find some wonderful ideas that can help you to show your pastor how thankful you are for their service.
In this article we’ve included gift ideas for these categories:
- Top Gift Ideas for Pastors – The Best Place to Start
- Best Unique Pastor Gifts
- Best Gifts for Female Pastors
- Best Unique Gifts for Female Pastors
- Best Birthday Gifts for Pastors
- Humorous Gift Options… for a Pastor Who Loves to Laugh
- Best Personalized Gifts for Pastors
Ready to browse? Let’s dig in.
Best Gift Ideas for Pastors — The Best Place to Start
1. Retreat (Price depends on place, dates, number of people, and length)
Rest is biblical. It’s so important that every pastor takes a break from the weight of their day-to-day schedules, spiritually caring for others, and takes time to care for their own soul, too.
When you give a retreat, you’re actually giving several things:
- Rest
- Relaxation
- Time for spiritual renewal and rejuvenation
This could be a trip to a resort, a cabin in the woods, a trip to the beach, a tour of a beautiful faraway place, or even a more organized spiritual retreat.
Some of the best retreats are those that can help your pastor avoid burnout by giving rest, solitude, and equipping them to thrive in their life and ministry. If you’re not sure where to start, you can read this guide on retreats to avoid burnout.
Then, when you’re ready to book a beautiful retreat for your pastor, check out this Retreathood guide: Christian Pastor Retreats.
You can also gift a 5-day Retreat at the Soul Shepherding Institute that combines teaching on spiritual formation, soul care, and healthy leadership with prayerful solitude and silent time for restoration.
2. Sabbatical Tools
Sabbaticals are a spiritual, emotional and physical gift. They are important not just for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal, but also to combat pastor burnout.
You can read this guide to understand why this is one of the best gifts for your pastor, and how to help them get started.
You might consider giving this digital guide, Your Sabbatical: An Introduction, to your pastor. It will help them plan out their next extended spiritual time of rest and renewal down to the most crucial details.
You can also gift our All-In-One Sabbatical Toolkit to your pastor. This kit will equip them with all the tools and resources necessary to make their sabbatical as successful as possible.
3. Notebook ($55)
Pastors write… a lot.
They journal, they take notes, they record prayers and thoughts—and they research and study to equip them to empower their congregation in the Word of God.
So, a high-quality notebook is always a welcome gift. There’s just something reverent and special about recording notes in a genuine leather journal.
We’re fond of this leather journal from Dayspring.com.
Another wonderful option is this Blank Writer leather journal from Cageless Birds.
These journals are gifts that any pastor could use for years to come.
4. Subscription to The Pastor’s Workshop ($10/mo)
Pastors spend a lot of time planning sermons.
Another meaningful gift idea for the pastor in your life could be a subscription to The Pastor’s Workshop.
For the busy pastor, this tool is so helpful.
This subscription gives pastors access to:
- Sermon illustration pages
- Sermon quote pages
- Liturgy pages
- Illustrations
- Quotes
- Blog posts
All of these elements can equip and inspire pastors to develop powerful sermons and lessons in a timely, efficient, and creative manner.
5. Best for Book Lovers ($15/mo)
Audible is a wonderful tool for anyone who loves to read and multitask at the same time, or who simply enjoys being read to.
Audible gives you the power to listen to audiobooks, wherever you are, on-the-go, quickly and easily.
Best of all, a membership gives you credits every month to purchase new audiobooks on-demand. So, if you buy your pastor a subscription, the default membership already comes with 1 free premium book download per month.
This is a subscription that a pastor might love to get their ears into!
6. Best Tech Gadget ($275)
The C-Pen Reader is an interesting and extremely useful tool that will help save time when reading, conducting research, and more.
As your pastor reads through the Bible, for example, they may want to take a section of text and plug it into their PowerPoint presentation.
But typing it all out is a chore.
Well, the C-Pen Reader can help accomplish this, and more.
When you scan the words, the pen not only reads them for you and gives you definitions on-demand, but also transfers them to your computer.
Drag and drop these words into your PowerPoint or word processor, and you’ve just saved a bunch of time.
7. Journal Set ($50)
This beautiful leather journal gift set comes in a decorative box, and includes a leather bookmark, a pen, and a handmade leather writing notebook.
Once again, this is a perfect gift idea for the pastor in your life who’s constantly writing, reading, studying, journaling, and performing all the other necessary functions of preparing for lessons and guiding the congregation in their spiritual lives.
8. Group and Personal Prayer Guides ($43)
Prayer is the foundation of a thriving life and ministry with Jesus.
Besides their personal prayers, pastors lead the congregation in prayer as well.
Give your pastor new inspiration and guidance to commune with God through prayer and meditation (and to help the congregation do so as well).
This Prayer Guide Bundle includes the Ignatian Meditation Guide, the Lectio Divina Guide, and the Breath Prayer Guide.
These guides help leaders to guide groups of people through the prayers included. But they’re also beautifully helpful for personal devotions.
9. Kindle ($140)
The Kindle is the classic e-reader from Amazon.
These new devices have certainly come a long way from what they used to be.
Pastors are avid students and readers. As such, this is such a thoughtful gift idea to help them as they travel and minister to their congregations.
It’s a lot easier to carry an entire collection of books via Kindle than it is to haul around your book collection—making this gift as pragmatic as it is thoughtful.
10. Throat Coat Tea ($15)
If your pastor is an orator with a gift for the spoken word, then he/she probably does a lot of public speaking.
A lot of speaking takes toll on a person’s voice—which is why this Organic Throat Coat tea deserves a top-spot on our best pastor gift list.
Well known as a natural medicine for vocalists all around the world, this tea helps to keep your pastor’s throat and vocal cords soothed and relaxed as they perform the vital functions of their ministry.
11. Aeropress ($36)
Pastors have a demanding job, often waking up long before the rest of their congregation.
They also stay up late— preparing for sermons, praying, and tending to the duties of their office.
If your pastor is a coffee lover, this AeroPress Coffee and Espresso maker will shine a bright light on those late-night and early morning study sessions.
12. Hotel Night Gift Card (Starting at $25)
Whether for ministry, solitude, a sabbatical, or even just for visiting friends or family out of town—pastors have a definite and ongoing need for lodgings away from home.
A HotelGift card, redeemable at over 270,000 hotels worldwide, is the perfect way to meet this need regardless of the situation or location.
Your pastor provides you with never-ending support and spiritual guidance.
Now, you can return the favor by helping to provide a comfortable place to stay while he/she is away and on the road.
13. Airbnb Gift Card (Starting at $50)
Airbnb is another great lodging gift option for pastors on-the-go.
Consider picking up one of these gift cards to give your pastor some much-needed rest away from home.
14. Spending Cash (Starting at $25)
Gift your pastor with cash using a prepaid Visa Gift Card, starting at $25.
Your pastor has financial needs as well as spiritual needs. And as part of their congregation, we can help meet these needs.
A cash gift card is a great way to give a little extra during the holidays, to celebrate birthdays, or just as a ‘thank you’ for your pastor’s faithful service.
Best Unique Pastor Gifts
1. Best: Illuminated Fingerprint ($80)
God’s Fingerprints are eye-catching art pieces that feature gold foiled ‘fingerprints’ made from handwritten scriptures, one from each book of the Bible.
They’re unique, artistic, awe-inspiring, and beautiful.
If your pastor loves unique and beautiful decor, then this is a gift that they can treasure forever.
2. Runner Up: Bible Wood Box ($50)
This gorgeous wooden Bible box is made of carved wood, and features a beautiful cross design inlaid on mango wood.
They’re hand-carved by skilled artisans, sturdy, contain a rich wood grain and honey-stained finish, and are large enough to fit even sizable large-print bibles inside for safekeeping.
3. Best Budget: High End Shave Set ($35)
Does your pastor like to show up clean-shaven on Sunday morning?
If so, then this Holiday Winston Razor Gift Set from Harrys.com may be an ideal gift.
The German-engineered blade cartridges contain flex hinges and a lubricating strip, while the Winston handle will last for years to come.
The foaming gel will provide a rich lather, and the complete set comes with a travel cover, stand, and celebratory gift box.
It’s a beautiful gift that your pastor can appreciate and use countless times.
4. Best Practical: Clip On Rechargeable Book Light ($13)
This clip-on rechargeable book reading light provides limited, personal illumination for early morning or late night study/reading sessions.
It’s a simple gift that will be appreciated as your pastor is reading, studying, or researching.
Best of all, it provides a gentle light that won’t disturb a spouse sleeping beside them.
5. Engraved Compass ($30)
This NEOVIVID engraved compass comes with the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 engraved within the lid.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
What an inspiring and thoughtful gift for the pastor who’s preparing for the next stage of a great journey, be that a mission trip, a marriage, a new pastorship, etc.
It also comes with a chain and a sturdy, rustic leather case.
6. Date Night In A Box (Starting at $46)
If there’s one thing that your pastor (and their partner) can always use, it’s a date night!
These Date Nights In A Box offer a range of different options. Plus, you can even add a ‘Faith Option’ to the box that includes a discussion guide to deepen their relationship with God and each other.
These date night boxes give your favorite couple custom-curated date nights delivered right to their door. It’s simple, fun, and romantic.
7. Verse Keeper Book Darts ($6)
Verse Keeper Book Darts provide a simple and effective method for marking a page in a book without leaving a lasting mark that could damage the page.
If he/she has a large book collection, these darts help to protect that investment from damage.
This simple and useful gift can show your pastor just how much you appreciate their continued service to the spiritual needs of your congregation.
Best Gifts for Female Pastors
1. Best: Retreat (Price depends on the place, dates, amount of people and days)
We discussed this above, but it bears repeating.
Every pastor needs a break, and this certainly includes female pastors.
If your pastor is a woman, she may also be a mother, a homemaker, a friend, etc.
That’s a lot of hats to wear, and spiritual burnout is a real danger for female pastors with so much going on.
When you give a retreat, you’re actually giving several things:
- Rest
- Relaxation
- Time for spiritual renewal and rejuvenation
Some of the best retreats are those that can help your pastor avoid burnout by giving rest, solitude, and equipping them to thrive in their life and ministry. If you’re not sure where to start, you can read this guide on retreats to avoid burnout.
Then, when you’re ready to book a beautiful retreat for your pastor, check out this Retreathood guide: Christian Pastor Retreats.
You can also gift a 5-day Retreat at the Soul Shepherding Institute that combines teaching on spiritual formation, soul care, and healthy leadership with prayerful solitude and silent time for restoration.
2. Runner Up: Sabbatical Tools
Female pastors need sabbaticals every bit as much as any other pastor.
Women wear a lot of hats in ministry. Your pastor is likely also dealing with the responsibilities of being a wife, a mother, a friend, and more.
A sabbatical is important, not just for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal, but also to combat spiritual burnout.
You can read this guide to understand why this is an essential gift for your pastor and how to help them get started.
Consider giving Your Sabbatical: An Introduction digital guide to your pastor. It can help them plan out their next extended spiritual time of rest and renewal down to the most crucial details.
You can also gift our All-In-One Sabbatical Toolkit to your pastor. It provides them with all the tools and resources necessary to make their sabbatical as successful as possible.
3. Best Personal Care: Spa Gift Card
Your female pastor might really enjoy a spa day.
SpaFinder offers the world’s best-selling spa and salon gift card, and there’s a good chance that your pastor will use one of these gift cards locally at her favorite spa or salon. Alternatively, support your local businesses by purchasing a gift card directly from a top spa near you.
4. Best Budget: Essential Oil Diffuser ($27)
Essential oil diffusers are becoming more and more popular as people discover the healing and relaxation benefits of natural essential oils.
We love this premium essential oil diffuser from ASAKUKI because it’ll hold 500ml, utilizes 5 in 1 ultrasonic aromatherapy, and even has a built-in timer and auto-off safety switch.
Plus, it’s beautiful!
What an incredible way to show your pastor that you care about her health, happiness, and wellness.
5. Best Personal: Bracelet with Bible Verse ($14)
These inspirational Christian bracelets not only feature Bible verses, they also look beautiful.
They each have inspirational scriptures engraved on a lovely stainless steel cuff bracelet.
This one features Luke 1:45: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.”
This one features Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul.”
This one features Psalm 46:5: “God is within her, she will not fall.”
What a beautiful way to be adorned with Scripture.
6. Leather Bag ($48)
This sturdy MOSISO leather laptop tote bag comes in several different colors and sizes. We recommend the 17.3 inch, which is big enough to house even large-sized laptops.
It’s a modern, elegant, professionally designed laptop tote bag that protects valuable electronic gear and other equipment from danger while in transit, while also serving as a valuable storage space for the busy pastor on the go.
It’s a thoughtful and elegant gift for the female pastor in your life.
7. Group and Personal Prayer Guides ($43)
As we mentioned above, prayer is the foundation of a thriving life and ministry with Jesus.
You can give your pastor new inspiration and guidance to commune with God through prayer and meditation (and to help the congregation do so as well).
This Prayer Guide Bundle includes the Ignatian Meditation Guide, the Lectio Divina Guide, and the Breath Prayer Guide.
These guides help leaders to guide groups of people through the prayers included. But they’re also beautifully helpful for personal devotions.
8. NIV Journal the Word Bible for Women ($45)
This NIV ‘Journal the Word’ Bible for Women boasts a beautiful floral cover.
It’s a hardcover journal Bible that gives the female pastor in your life the opportunity to reflect and contemplate thought-provoking questions placed beside the scriptures.
It’s a New International Version scripture text that also provides plenty of space for notes, artwork, or anything else that she’d like to add.
What a wonderful gift for any pastor, ministry student, or ministry leader.
9. Bible Journaling Kit (15)
If your pastor has a flair for the creative and enjoys journaling, then this kit may be the perfect gift.
It comes with gel highlighters, scripture markers, pencils, stencils, and more.
10. ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 19-Volume New Testament Boxed Set ($59)
This ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal 19-Volume New Testament Boxed Set provides an inspirational form of engagement with the Scripture. There’s space to take notes or draw on the blank, lightly dotted page opposite every page of Scripture.
What a thoughtful gift for the pastor in your life who so often helps to illuminate the scripture for you.
Now you can give back a very similar gift and help her dig even deeper into her Bible studies.
11. CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible ($31)
The CSB Holy Land Illustrated Hardcover Bible takes you on a visual tour through Biblical times as you read the Word of God alongside over 1000 different maps, illustrations, and images that help to piece together a visual interpretation of the Scriptures.
Regardless of her specific interests and passions, your pastor can find tremendous value and sophistication in this incredible work of art.
It’s truly a visual exploration of the people, places, and things of Scripture.
12. Amazon Gift Card
Amazon is truly an everything store.
If you want to help your pastor get what she really wants or needs, then providing her with an Amazon gift card for a specific dollar amount within your budget range can really go the extra mile and show her that you care about her, value her, and appreciate her.
Best Unique Gifts for Female Pastors
1. Best: Faithbox ($19/mo)
If your pastor loves subscription boxes, FaithBox brings excitement every time it comes in the mail.
FaithBox subscriptions ship once per month, and offer an exciting way to dig into many different aspects of the Christian life. They’re full of surprises and the subscription service is highly rated.
Every FaithBox contains a daily devotional and a range of products and hand-picked items from Christian companies that do good deeds with the profits from their business.
Some of these items include things like Christian-themed jewelry, accessories, books, decorations, and more.
2. Runner-Up: Bible Verse Art Bundle ($35)
This art bundle, called ‘Trees of Faith’, are prints that feature four original artworks; watercolor illustrations of trees and accompanying Bible verses.
They’re printed on thick, fine-art paper with archival inks for a long-lasting and beautiful print.
Plus, they have a natural one-inch border for easy framing.
For the pastor who has a love for beautiful interior decor, these prints make exceptional additions to any room in the home, or in any office.
3. Best Practical: Self-cleaning Water Bottle ($80)
Staying hydrated is important.
This is especially true for active pastors.
The LARQ Bottle Movement PureVis actively self-cleans and purifies water in a lightweight, single-walled, stainless steel build.
It is perfect for outdoor adventures, going to the gym, or taking with you up to the pulpit.
4. My Family Recipe Journal: With Prayers & Scriptures ($30)
Does your pastor love to cook?
Does she love to create savory dishes for those potluck dinners and shared community meals?
If so, the My Family Recipe Journal is a wonderful gift. It includes prayers and scriptures, along with spaces intermingled throughout for recipes.
A blessing (in the form of scripture, a poem, or a saying) for families will appear on every spread!
5. Apple AirTag 4 Pack ($98)
These Apple Air Tags are used to keep track of your keys, wallet, luggage, backpack, briefcase, and more, using the ‘Find My’ app. All you have to do is play a sound on the built-in speaker, or say:
“Hey Siri, find my briefcase.”
With select iPhone models, the precision finder will lead you right to your AirTag.
Best Birthday Gifts for Pastors
1. Best: Leather Briefcase ($90)
This beautiful 16-inch leather laptop briefcase is as classy as it is useful.
It has a handle, so they can carry it like a briefcase. Or, they can use the included shoulder strap to wear it as an over-the-shoulder satchel.
If you notice your pastor tends to ‘run through’ briefcases and bags while constantly on the go, know that this leather bag will not only look great, but will also withstand the rigors of ministry because of its sturdy construction and solid design.
2. Runner up: Books / Bible Study Gift Card
For the avid and studious pastor, you may want to let him/her buy whatever kind of gift they want or need the most.
And one of the best ways to do this is with a gift card to ChristianBook.com. From books, to Bible study resources, to pretty much anything needed to prepare sermons, this is an outstanding resource.
3. Best Budget: BBQ Grill Accessories Tools Set ($36)
If your pastor enjoys grilling, then this Luyata BBQ grill accessories set (39 pieces) may be the ideal way to let them know you care.
This kit includes everything: 39 pieces of stainless steel BBQ grill tech, ready to go. From forks, to shears, to salt shakers, to tongs, to skewers, to spatulas… Plus, it comes with a helpful aluminum storage box.
4. Best Practical: Tablet Holder
If your pastor regularly uses a table to study with, preach from, or teach with, then a high-quality tablet stand could be highly appreciated!
Well, we’ve found two options that we absolutely love.
The first one is for the desk. And the second one is for the pulpit.
The desk tablet holder is basically a desktop tablet stand that’ll easily grip and hold about any type of tablet. Plus, it has a handy opening for a charging cable.
The pulpit version is just a bit different. It clamps directly to the pulpit and uses a gooseneck to keep the tablet held exactly where it needs to be for maximum visibility.
5. Best Tech: Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones ($348)
For many pastors, listening to music or audiobooks while also canceling out noise is an important function.
It can be very difficult to concentrate with background noise distracting you, right?
These Sony Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones are an ideal solution to this problem.
6. The Sower Sculpture ($14)
This beautiful Moments of Faith Sower Sculpture is made of cast stone with a bronze-like finish, and provides beautiful detail. It depicts a sower sowing seeds in a field with Matthew 28:19 printed underneath.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
This is a beautiful reminder to your pastor of the seeds they sow each day, and that God brings the increase.
7. A New Suit (Starting at $400)
Your pastor may be the type of man who appreciates a fine suit—which is why a Bonobos gift card could be a great birthday gift.
With this gift card, he can order himself a new suit, custom-made to his measurements. All you have to do is order the card and gift it!
Humorous Gift Options… for a Pastor Who Loves to Laugh
1. Dad Jokes Book ($7)
Here’s a bit of trivia for you.
What do male pastors like almost as much as Church?
Dad jokes!
Now, this may or may not be true for your pastor. But if your pastor has a sense of humor, then there’s a good chance that they’ll enjoy this book, Dad Jokes: Terribly Good Dad Jokes.
You may even hear a few of these from the pulpit (especially on Father’s Day)!
Best Personalized Gifts for Pastors
1. Best: Engraved Ballpoint Pen ($41)
Every pastor is going to use a ballpoint pen at some point (potentially every day!).
Therefore, what a great idea to give a high-quality, personalized ballpoint pen?
This beautifully engraved rollerball gift pen comes with custom name engraving included. It also ships in a gift box. It’s a premium, authentic Cross Brand Calais pen with a matte black finish with polished chrome trim. It’s elegant and personal.
2. Runner Up: ArtPix 3D Crystal Photo ($100)
The ArtPix 3D Crystal Photo gives you a three-dimensional engraved laser-etched image, encapsulated in a crystal cube, that can be set up and displayed for all to see.
It’s an amazing and beautiful way to preserve a photo (for example, a photo of your pastor and their spouse), and is a wonderful, sentimental gift.
3. Best Tech: Personalized Docking Station ($30)
This personalized docking station gives your pastor the perfect ‘landing spot’ for their wallet, keys, watch, sunglasses, and phone. There’s even a small notch cut out of the phone shelf to make charging easy and hassle-free.
You can even have it engraved with their name!
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for the pastor on the run, this one might wind up on your gift-giving radar.
4. Best Budget: Definition Print ($22)
These unique pastor definition prints give you the definition for the word ‘Pastor,’ but they’re also customized by including your pastor’s name in the definition.
These make wonderful decorations for the office, but are also classy decor options at home.
5. Personalized Engraved Wooden Watch ($60)
An elegant as a premium timepiece like BOBO mens’ personalized engraved wooden watch may be a great gift for your pastor.
This stylish wood and stainless watch combines a quartz mechanism with a customizable backplate. You can customize it yourself, or choose from several pre-fabricated configurations to create the perfect message for your pastor.
6. Personalized Blanket with Photos Text ($28)
This personalized blanket not only lets you incorporate several customized images on the front, but also includes a cross with a personalized message to go along with it.
What a great way to remind your pastor of the warmth of your love and care for them!
In Conclusion
There you have it!
Over 50 creative gift ideas you can use to show appreciation to the amazing pastors in your life.
Gifts are an important love language to many (but not all) people. Special occasions are a great time to express your appreciation to the one who serves you spiritually.
We hope that this list can help you express that appreciation in a thoughtful and generous spirit, regardless of what your budget is.
