Buying for the people who serve your church feels special, purposeful, and perhaps a bit awkward. If you have a close relationship with the staff member, just buy them a gift based on what you know about them! But for staff members you aren’t so close with but still want to bless, this is for you.
Aim for gifts that respect boundaries, value their time, and just make life easier. After all, a gift to a staff member should be all about saying you value their ministry work. That said, below are straightforward and budget-flexible ideas to help you pick what fits the person you’ve set your Santa sight on.
Cash or Cards
Starting with the basics. Cash or a gift card is always welcome because it lets staff use the gift where they need it most. Who doesn’t appreciate help with groceries and bills? If this feels too impersonal, that can all change with a personalized note thanking them for what they do. If this feels too boring or basic, try to remember getting them a gift isn’t about how it’ll make you look. This is about showing gratitude.
Books
A well-chosen book shows you know and support their calling. A big part of being a church leader is staying deep in the study of God’s Word and ways. Wrap a book with a bookmark and include a short note naming why you picked it. Can’t pick a book? Try here. Just try to not pester them about whether they’ve read it or not in the following weeks. Let them get to it in their own time.
Office Upgrades
Small but useful tech. A wireless charger, a good webcam for meetings, Bluetooth tracker tags for keys, a quality insulated travel mug, stuff like that. Anything to make daily life smoother. If you aren’t on staff yourself and don’t know what they might need, try to get some inside information. Find yourself an informant on the inside who can tell you exactly what your pastor, worship leader—whoever—is missing in their day-to-day life.
Home Comforts
Money, books, office supplies… Enough of the practical ideas. If you want to get them something that’ll help them in their rest and recuperation, that’s good too. Think gifts that encourage rest: a cozy electric blanket, a high-quality throw, a massage or spa voucher. Again, an informant on the inside (wife/husband/friend) can be a life saver.
Experiences / Family-Focused
Tickets to a concert, a family membership to a local museum, or vouchers for a local restaurant acknowledge and respect that staff have lives outside church. If the pastor has a family, include them! It’s certainly more meaningful that way. This one is tough though; how would you know what the family would want to do together? Hm… Perhaps an informant on the inside.
Team Gifts
Sometimes the best present is time or relief: organize a catered staff lunch, offer covered childcare for a weekend away, or arrange a day off where volunteers handle Sunday duties. These acts of service communicate appreciation louder than most objects and avoid gifting pitfalls.
Don’t Forget the Note
Whatever you choose, make sure to attach a personal expression of thanks. A short and specific note about how their work affected you or the congregation may just be the most cherished part of any gift.
