9 Gift Ideas for Pastors (That They’ll Actually Like)

Every year when the holidays roll around there are lots of people who genuinely want to give back to their pastors with some sort of gift. This, by the way, is NOT something we expect as pastors nor would we ever feel entitled to it. 

But, gifts do come our way sometimes. People in our churches want a way to say ‘thank you’ for caring for their families, ministering to them, being there for them when they need us and leading them spiritually.

As someone who loves pastors and appreciates the sacrifices they make for their churches, I want to give you a list of gift ideas that your pastor will actually like.

Here’s the thing: most pastor gifts are so not good. Like so not good, and no pastor wants them. I know hundreds of pastors, and I can guarantee you, none of them are sitting around saying, “I sure wish someone would give me a calendar-paperweight-magnet with a deer and an an inspirational verse on it!”

So, if you really want to get your pastor a gift they’ll actually like, here are 9 gift ideas:

1. The Full Focus Planner

Most pastors have more demands on their schedules than they can stay on top of. Keeping up with church related meetings and obligations, family responsibilities, and second (or even third) jobs some pastors often have can make it difficult to keep up. Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner is one of the best, well-crafted systems for personal organization and goal-setting. Check price on Amazon

2. YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

Your pastor most likely loves coffee. If this is the case, there is no better vessel for keeping that coffee hot (or cold) for hours than a Yeti Tumbler. It’s the real deal and your pastor will love it. And even if coffee is not their jam, it is great for other drinks too. Check price on Amazon

3. Didn’t See It Coming by Carey Nieuwhof

This is the only book on this list because I truly believe your pastor needs to read it. It will be a breath of life-giving fresh air to keep them going in ministry. Carey Nieuwhof speaks from his deepest points of pain as a pastor, including burn out and cynicism. Trust me on this one, get your pastor this book. And while you’re at it, get one for yourself as well. Check price on Amazon

4. Audible.com Membership

Pastors are busy which makes it hard for them to read all the books they want to read. But, they can listen to books while driving, exercising, showering, or virtually anything else. You can gift your pastor with a membership to Audible.com where they’ll have access to thousands of audiobooks. You can give them a month or two or three or more. They’ll be like, “Woah! I’ve always wanted this! Thanks!” Check price on Amazon

5. A Cool Replacement Charger

Your pastor probably has an iPhone which is way cool. But the chargers get all messed up fast. This is why you should get your pastor a super rad, durable charger. He’ll be the life of the pastor party when he whips out his charger to juice up his phone. He’ll be able to brag to his pastor friends at the pastor club about how his charger is the charger that rules the day. Well, maybe not, but who couldn’t use another charger? Check price on Amazon

6. An Apple Watch

A good friend of mine just gave me a Series 2 Apple Watch, and I’m telling you it’s a game changer. It’s almost endless what it can do… tracks my steps and calories every day, connects to Apple Pay, controls the media on my phone, works with Siri, and even tells the time! Your pastor will love it, and if you don’t get the latest and greatest version it’s actually not that expensive. 

7. Noise Canceling headphones

Sermon prep, budget planning, responding to emails, and other common pastoral tasks require a lot of concentration. Sometimes this is interrupted by the noise around your pastor. A great gift you can give them is noise canceling headphones. They can jam out to their favorite Spotify mix or listen to deep focus sounds to help them concentrate. Either way, your pastor will love noise canceling headphones. Check price on Amazon

8. A Nice Backpack

Pastors have to carry around a lot of stuff… laptops, iPads, notebooks, chargers, etc. They need a backpack that is durable, yet stylish. I have used this Ful backpack for years, and I love it! Your pastor will love a new nice backpack. Check price on Amazon

9. Hotels.com card on Amazon

More than anything your pastor probably desperately needs time away with family. Gift your pastor the gift of a getaway, even if it’s just an overnight date downtown that your pastor and their spouse can enjoy together. A hotels.com gift card allows them the option to set something up at a time that works for them. Check price on Amazon

That’s it! These are my top choices for gift ideas for pastors. If you click on my links and make a purchase I get a small affiliate commission. This does not affect your price whatsoever, and I only recommend products or services that love and have benefited from.

What did I miss?