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8 MARCH 26-APRIL 8, 2016 | DENVER CATHOLIC W ith ordinations, confi rmations and several weeks of Easter ahead, many Denver Catholics are probably in need of some religious gifts. Leave the holy cards and rosaries to Great-Aunt Mabel. Here's how the fun people are shopping: BABY PRIESTS First, a§ disclaimer: Literally every priest surveyed said they would prefer money to gifts, simply because they get so many presents already. However, if you're crafty and can't help yourself, you could always make them a pocket priest kit. Purchase a small confession stole, two small bottles, and a small wallet or rosary pouch, with a§separate, smaller, waterproof drawstring pouch for the stole. Label one of the bottles "oil" and the other "water". If possible, fi t a small handkerchief/purifi ca- tor and a crucifi x inside. The idea is for it to be small enough to fi t in his pocket or glove- box so that he's always prepared in case of a sacramental emergency. A cheaper option would be just to get a small but dignifi ed pouch and a travel stole, so he can at least have something to wear for Confessions. Some companies also sell travel Mass kits. It might be best just to get him a gift certif- icate and let him pick out which one he likes best. FOR THE KIDS At some point in the last decade, crafty people realized they could make adorable plush buddies that look like saints. There are so many good choices; I don't even know where to start. Den- ver's own Raquelle Kato makes precious custom dolls at Story of a Rose. Jacob's Toy Chest and Trendzilly have di‡ erent sets of adorable stu‡ ed saints. Waltzing Matilda Makes is great for older kids, as they get to actually stitch the outline of the saint in question. Shining Light dolls (pictured below) aren't cuddly, but what they lack in snuggle-ability they make up for in precious whimsical painting. Maybe your ( god)kids aren't into dolls. That's fi ne. Catholic Child makes a Lego-compatible Last Supper set, as well as a sweet Mass magnet board. Also, we all know that dolls and action fi gures are distinct (at least accord- ing to that kid who was really into Batman in High School), so check out this St. Louis play fi gure. While you're at it, read up on his history. Around the Archdiocese April 8-10 Black Catholics' Retreat April 15-17 Weekend Retreat (Men) April 20 Day of Prayer (9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) May 13-15 Weekend Retreat (Women) May 16-25 8-day Silent Directed Retreat May 27-29 Serenity Retreat (Men & Women) 4801 North Highway 67, P.O. Box 185, Sedalia, CO 80135 Phone: 303-688-4198 ext. 122 (information/reservations) Website: www.sacredheartretreat.org More not your grandma's religious gifts BY MELISSA KEATING 303-715-3123 melissa.keating@archden.org www.twitter.com/mkeats42 KIDS Story of a Rose: http://storyofarose. com/shop/ Jacob's Toy Box and Books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ JacobsToyBoxandBooks Trendzilly: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ Trendzilly Waltzing Matilda Makes: https://www. etsy.com/shop/WaltzingM Shining Light Dolls: http://bit.ly/1TRqh1h Catholic Child: http://www. catholicchild.com/ St. Louis action fi gure: http://amzn. to/1Xy7lme STORY OF A ROSE MASS KITS http://bit.ly/1UDhxdV WIKICOMMONS