Religious Gifts for the Class of 2023 Graduating Students

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Top 10 religious gifts for graduating students

  1. A wall crucifixA wall crucifix is often displayed in a home as a reminder of the central beliefs of the Christian faith, and as a way to bring the presence of God into the home.

    For many Christians, a wall crucifix serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity, and of the love that God has for all people. It can be a source of comfort and inspiration, and can help to bring a sense of peace and spirituality to the home.

    Catholic School Graduates

    In addition to its spiritual significance, a wall crucifix can also be a beautiful and meaningful decorative element in a home. Many people choose to hang a wall crucifix in a prominent place in their home, such as above a fireplace or in a hallway, as a way to make a statement about their faith and values.

  2. A rosary: A rosary is a string of beads that is used by Catholics to pray the Rosary, which is a series of prayers that meditate on the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Many people find the Rosary to be a powerful and meaningful form of prayer, and a rosary can be a thoughtful and meaningful gift for Catholics. There are a few reasons why a rosary might be considered a good gift:
    1. It is a meaningful and spiritual gift: For someone who is deeply committed to their faith, a rosary can be a powerful and meaningful gift. It can serve as a reminder of their spiritual values and beliefs, and can provide comfort and inspiration in times of need.

    2. It is a gift of tradition: The Rosary is an important part of Catholic tradition, and many people have a special connection to this form of prayer. A rosary can be a meaningful way to honor this tradition and to share it with others.

    3. It is a gift of devotion: Praying the Rosary is a way to show devotion to God and to the Virgin Mary. A rosary can be a tangible way to demonstrate this devotion, and can be a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and prayer in someone’s life.

    4. Overall, a rosary can be a good gift for someone who is Catholic or interested in the Catholic faith, and who values spiritual traditions and devotion. It can be a meaningful and powerful way to show support and encourage someone in their faith journey.

  3. A Bible: This is a classic and meaningful gift for any Christian graduate. Consider choosing a translation that the graduate will find helpful and accessible.

  4. Religious jewelry, such as a cross necklace or sports medal: This can be a meaningful and stylish gift that the graduate can wear as a reminder of their faith. Sports medals, such as a soccer religious medal is a great way to connect a student’s faith with their love for sports.
  5. Bookends: There are a few reasons why a bookend might be considered a good gift:

    1. It is functional: A bookend is a practical and useful item that can help to keep a person’s books organized and in place. This makes it a good gift for someone who is a reader or who has a large collection of books.

    2. It is decorative: Many bookends are decorative and can be used to add a touch of style to a person’s home or office. This makes them a good gift for someone who appreciates design and decor.

    3. It is personal: Bookends can be personalized with initials, monograms, or other designs, which makes them a more thoughtful and personal gift.

    4. It is affordable: Bookends are often available at a variety of price points, which makes them a good gift option for people on different budgets.

    Overall, a bookend can be a good gift for students who love to read. It is a practical, decorative, and personal gift that can be enjoyed for years to come.

  6. A Christian artwork or print: This can be a beautiful and inspiring addition to the graduate’s home or dorm room. The top 5 examples of common pieces of Christian artwork include:

    1. Depictions of Jesus Christ: Many paintings of Jesus depict him in various scenes from the Bible, such as the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. Other paintings show Jesus in more peaceful and contemplative poses, such as praying or teaching.

    2. The Virgin Mary: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in Christian artwork, and is often depicted in paintings with her son. There are many different themes that can be found in paintings of Mary, including the Annunciation (when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that she would give birth to the Son of God), the Nativity (when Jesus was born), and the Assumption (when Mary was taken up into heaven).

    3. Saints: There are many different saints who are revered in the Christian tradition, and their lives and deeds are often depicted in paintings. Some common examples include Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony of Padua, and Saint Therese of Lisieux.

    4. Bible stories: Many Christian paintings depict stories from the Bible, such as the Creation, the Exodus, and the life of Jesus. These paintings can be used as a way to illustrate and teach these stories to others.

    5. Symbolic images: Christian artwork often includes symbols that have special meaning in the faith, such as the cross, the fish, and the lamb. These symbols can be used to represent different aspects of the Christian faith, and can be found in many different types of artwork.

  7. A wall cross: A Christian wall cross is typically made of wood, metal, or another material, and is designed to represent the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

    There are many different ways that people use wall crosses in their homes. Some people use them as a reminder of their faith, and hang them in a place where they will see them every day. Others use them as a decorative element, and choose a wall cross that matches the style and décor of their home.

    The most common place to hang a wall cross in a home is in a living room, bedroom, or other area where it can be easily seen. Many people choose to hang a wall cross above a fireplace, over a bed, or in a hallway as a way to bring a sense of spirituality and peace to their home. Some people also hang wall crosses in other rooms of their house, such as a kitchen or dining room, as a way to bring the presence of God into their daily lives.

  8. A coffee mug: For those students who are pursuing continual college education, late nights of studying will be comforted with a coffee mug of inspirational religious quotes. Using a religious coffee mug is a daily reminder of our faith, seen first thing in the morning. This is an easy way to start the day in faith and love for others.

  9. A set of Christian greeting cards: This can be a practical and thoughtful gift that the graduate can use to encourage and uplift others. Students like giving spontaneous cards to their friends and roommates, as a way to make someone’s day. Religious greeting cards add an extra special touch for students who are strong in their faith.

  10. Auto visor clips and other auto accessories: For recent high school graduates, high school graduates often recently earned their drivers license. This is a perfect gift for dual purpose; to celebrate their high school graduation, and to also give them a gift to go in their new car. A religious auto accessory can help protect the student as they begin commuting to and from college. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers. A St. Christopher auto visor clip is a common gift for people who recently obtained a drivers license, for St. Christopher to protect them on their travels.

Why is a rosary a good graduation gift?

Catholic students opening graduation religious st. medal giftA rosary is a traditional Catholic devotional object that consists of a string of beads and a cross. It is used as a tool to help people pray and meditate on the life of Jesus and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

To use a rosary, the student would begin by making the sign of the cross and then reciting a prayer called the “Apostles’ Creed.” They then pray the “Our Father,” which is also known as the Lord’s Prayer.

After this, the student moves on to the beads of the rosary, which are divided into five sets of ten. Each set of ten beads is called a decade, and the person prays a series of specific prayers called the “Hail Mary” while holding each bead.

In between the decades, the student typically prays the “Glory Be” and then meditates on a specific mystery of the rosary, which are events in the life of Jesus. There are twenty mysteries of the rosary, and each mystery is associated with a specific set of five beads.

The rosary is typically prayed in a repetitive and meditative manner, with the student focusing on the words of the prayers and the mysteries as they move from bead to bead. 

A rosary can make a good high school or college graduation gift for a number of reasons. For Catholics, a rosary can be a meaningful and spiritual gift that helps them grow in their faith and devotion to Jesus and the Church. It can be a reminder of the importance of prayer and can provide a sense of comfort and inspiration.

For non-Catholics, a rosary can be a thoughtful and meaningful gift that allows them to learn more about Catholic faith and traditions. It can also be a way to show support and respect for someone who is Catholic and is important in their life.

In general, a rosary can be a good gift for anyone who is interested in spiritual growth, meditation, or prayer. It can be a reminder of the importance of faith and can provide a sense of comfort and inspiration.


Who is the patron saint of graduates?

St. Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of graduates because he is the patron saint of all students and scholars. He is considered one of the greatest minds in the history of the Catholic Church and his work has had a profound influence on Western thought. He is especially known for his writings on theology and philosophy, which are still widely studied today.

Popular St. Thomas Aquinas Rosary, St. Thomas Aquinas Medal, and St. Thomas Aquinas Bookends

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St. Thomas Aquinas Keychain

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Which saints are popular among students and graduates?

There are many saints who are popular among students for various reasons. Here are a few examples:

  1. Saint Thomas Aquinas: Saint Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of students, and is particularly popular among those who are studying theology or philosophy. He was a 13th century theologian and philosopher whose writings have had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church.

  2. Religious Graduation Gift from ParentsSaint Thomas More: Saint Thomas More is another popular saint among students, particularly those who are studying law or politics. He was a 16th century lawyer and statesman who is known for his commitment to justice and his defense of the Catholic faith.

  3. Saint Albert the Great: Saint Albert the Great is the patron saint of scientists and is popular among students who are studying science, mathematics, or other related subjects. He was a 13th century scientist and philosopher who made important contributions to the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics.

  4. Saint John Paul II: Saint John Paul II is a popular saint among students of all ages, and is particularly beloved by young people. He was a strong advocate for the role of young people in the Church, and his life and teachings continue to inspire and guide many students.

  5. Saint Teresa of Avila: Saint Teresa of Avila is a popular saint among students who are seeking guidance and inspiration in their spiritual lives. She was a 16th century mystic and reformer whose writings have had a profound impact on the Catholic Church.

Rosaries and Medals for St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thomas More, St. Albert the Great, Saint Paul II, and St. Teresa of Avila

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Best gifts for the top 10 college majors:

  1. Business
    1. Saint Homobonus – patron saint of business
    2. St. Matthew – patron saint of finance
  2. Recent Catholic School Graduate StudentHealth professions and related programs
    1. St. Martin – patron saint of public heatlh
    2. St. Camillus de Lellis – patron saint of nurses
    3. Cosmas and St. Damian – patron saint of medicine
    4. St. Luke – patron saint of doctors
  3. Social sciences and history
    1. St Louise de Marillac – patron saint of social workers
    2. St. Bede – patron saint of scholars and historians
  4. Education
    1. St. Thomas Aquinas – patron saint of schools and students
    2. John Baptist de La Salle – patron saint of teachers
  5. Psychology
    1. Saint Dymphna – patron saint of the brain and those suffering from depression, nervous and mental afflictions
  6. Biological and biomedical sciences
    1. Saint Albert the Great – patron saint of biologists
  7. Engineering
    1. St. Patrick – patron saint of engineering
  8. Physical sciences
    1. Saint Albertus Magnus OP – patron saint of physics
    2. Saint Albertus Magnus – patron saint of chemistry
    3. Saint Albertus Magnus – patron saint of astronomy
  9. Computer sciences
    1. Saint Isidore of Seville – patron saint of computer programmers and developers
  10. Mathematics and statistics
    1. St. Hubert – patron saint of statistics
    2. St. Barbara – patron saint of math

 

Religious gifts for student athletes

Whether you are an athletic coach or a supportive parent, a religious gift is a meaningful way to send off a graduating athlete upon their senior year.

Here are faith gifts for the top 30 high school and college sports:

  1. Football
  2. Track and field
  3. Basketball
  4. Soccer
  5. Baseball
  6. Cross country & running
  7. Wrestling
  8. High School Athletes and Student Graduates Praying

    Tennis

  9. Golf
  10. Volleyball
  11. Swimming and diving
  12. Softball
  13. Rugby
  14. Field hockey
  15. Lacrosse
  16. Ice hockey
  17. Water polo
  18. Cheerleading
  19. Rowing
  20. Gymnastics
  21. Karate
  22. Marching Band
  23. Skiing
  24. Martial Arts
  25. Equestrian
  26. Figure Skating
  27. Fishing
  28. Rodeo
  29. Dance
  30. Archery

Patron saints of sports and athletes

St. Sebastian and St. Christopher are the patron saints of sports and athletes. St. Sebastian was a Christian martyr who was killed for his faith in the third century. is considered to be the patron saint of athletes because he was a captain in the Roman army, and he was known for his physical strength and athleticism. He was also known for his courage and endurance, which he demonstrated by remaining faithful to God even in the face of persecution and death. St. Christopher is often considered the patron saint of sports because he is revered by athletes.

Popular St. Sebastian and St. Christopher medals and rosaries for sports

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Bulk gifts for the entire graduating class

Schools often purchase a gift for all graduating seniors. A gift for each student encourages inclusivity to all seniors and provides each student with something that will connect them as they move past school and begin their adult lives. A religious gift from the school also helps students remember their routes and remember the importance of faith. This gift is something the students will keep with them long after their graduation. Special discounts are available for group pricing. Contact us for details.

Timeline and process to order group graduation gifts

  1. January: Forming the committee: A group of staff, parents, and students are chosen to form the graduation gift committee.
  2. January: Determining the budget: The committee will determine the budget for the graduation gifts, taking into account the number of graduates and the cost of the gifts.
  3. February: Brainstorming ideas: The committee will brainstorm ideas for graduation gifts and discuss the pros and cons of each option.
  4. February: Selecting the gift: The committee will select the graduation gift that best fits within the budget and aligns with the preferences of the graduating class.
  5. February: Planning fundraising: The committee will plan fundraising events to raise money for the graduation gifts. During this time, the committee should ask the manufacturer about group sales and discounts. Discounts can often be 25% – 40% off, depending on the quantity requested.
  6. March: Fundraising concludes. The gift is ordered. Gifts must be ordered well in advance (typically two months before graduation) to ensure the manufacturer can produce a bulk order in time. At ChristianApostles.com, our manufacturers are small, family-owned business that hand-make and often customize products. Therefore, bulk orders can take over a month to create.
  7. April: Coordinating the Graduation ceremony: The committee will also coordinate with the school administration to ensure the gifts are presented to the graduates at the appropriate time during the graduation ceremony. Often, the principal will add to his/her speech a mention of the significance of the gift, so students understand the meaning behind the gift.
  8. May: The gift is presented, typically on graduation day after the diploma is given to the student.

How do schools fund class graduation gifts?

  • Budget allocation: setting aside a portion of the school’s budget for class graduation gifts
  • Student contributions: collecting a small fee from each student to contribute to the cost of the gifts. This is often in the form of a “graduation fee”.
  • Fundraising: organizing events or campaigns to raise money for the gifts
    • Car wash: organize a car wash event where students and staff can volunteer to wash cars for a fee.
    • Bake sale: hold a bake sale with homemade baked goods sold by students and staff.
    • Silent auction: organize a silent auction with donated items from local businesses, community members, or student art.
    • Raffle: sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a prize donated by local businesses or community members.
    • Sponsored event: hold an event such as a walk-a-thon, marathon or sporting event and solicit sponsorships from local businesses or community members.
    • Alumni donation: reach out to alumni and ask for donations to support the class graduation gifts.
  • Sponsorships: reaching out to local businesses or organizations for financial support
  • Donations: accepting donations from alumni, parents or community members to support the class graduation gifts.

How should you present gifts for each graduating senior?

It is common for the religious gift to be presented on graduation day. When the graduate is called up to receive their diploma, the principal often hands the graduates their diploma, while the assistant principal (or another notable faculty member) then presents the graduate with their religious gift.  It is common to wrap the gift in a gift bag, so the graduate can easily transport the religious gift throughout the day, as graduates often proceed to a family lunch afterwards. 

Discounts and Group Pricing for Bulk Gift Purchases

These gifts usually range from $20 – $50. Discounts are available for schools purchasing in bulk. Contact us to learn about special discounts available to schools:

 Email: ContactUs@ChristianApostles.com

Phone: 860-205-0790


Popular Group Gifts for Graduating Seniors

Crosses and crucifixes

A graduation gift of a cross or crucifix will give students a daily reminder of the love of God. These can be hung on a wall in a prominent location in their new home, whether that is their college dorm as a freshman, or in their new apartment as they transition into their first job. 

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Crosses & Crucifixes

4″ Metal Cross

$20.50
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Crosses & Crucifixes

James Brennan Lenten Robe Cross

$31.00

Crosses & Crucifixes

8 in. Walnut Stain Crucifix

$27.00

Crosses & Crucifixes

7 in. Brass Crucifix

$23.00

Crosses & Crucifixes

7 in. Walnut Stain Risen Crucifix

$30.00

Crosses & Crucifixes

8 in. Cherry Crucifix

$27.00
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Crosses & Crucifixes

6″ Metal Cross

$20.50

Crosses & Crucifixes

7 in. Walnut Stain Crucifix

$31.00

Car Accessories: Visor clips, keychains, license plate frames, and auto bumper stickers and decals

Graduating students greatly appreciate religious auto accessory gifts, such as a keychain, sticker, or visor clip. Particularly for high school seniors, they often recently earned their drivers license and will begin spending a significant amount of time in their car, driving to school, driving to church, visiting friends, or driving to their jobs. A religious visor clip or license plate frame will be with them wherever they drive. Students particularly will use a religious bumper sticker to find their car in a parking lot, or see their Jesus visor clip at a stop light, and remember to say a prayer for the day.

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Jesus Visor Clip

$24.95
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4-Way Visor Clip

$24.95
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Cross Keychain

$20.00
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Auto Accessories

Sacred Heart Visor Clip

$24.95
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$20.00
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Crucifix Keychain

$20.00
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Papal Crucifix Keychain

$20.00

Greeting Cards for Graduates

To accompany a gift, it is common for schools to give a greeting card. Some schools go above and beyond and hand write a short greeting for each student. This is often accomplished by splitting this task amongst guidance counselors or the homeroom leaders. A hand-written greeting card is a personalized way to touch the hearts of each student and truly makes them know they are loved by the faculty of the school.

Religious medals and pendants for seniors

The best gift for seniors to hold close to their hearts is a religious medal or pendant. Medals and pendants are appropriate for girls and boys to wear. It is often in the form of a chain necklace, that can be worn under a shirt or prominently visible outside of their clothing. This allows graduates the flexibility to wear a pendant privately, in a humble reminder of their daily faith, or publicly, to share the love of God with all they encounter.

Jesus / Mary

Divine Mercy Pendant

$25.00
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$46.00

Crucifix Pendants

Tutone Crucifix Pendant

$45.00

Crucifix Pendants

Tutone Crucifix Pendant

$48.00

Crucifix Pendants

Tutone Crucifix Pendant

$45.00

Crucifix Pendants

Crucifix Pendant

$48.00
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Angel Pendants

Guardian Angel Pendant

$38.00

Mugs, napkin holders, and Magnets

These home good gifts are memorable gifts that can provide day-to-day use for seniors, and therefore a recurring reminder of the blessings God gives us each day. They serve a practical purpose and provide graduates with a daily visual reminder of their faith. For example, for every meal in their home, they will use their napkin holder or drink coffee in their religious mug every morning, and be constantly reminded of the faith their school has taught them.

Rosaries and Religious Keepsake Boxes

Schools often present graduating students with a rosary, as a useful guide to continue practicing their faith after they pursue the next chapter of their lives. Since rosaries are so portable, graduates can bring their rosary anywhere with them, whether that is in their college dorm, in their car, or in their office to pray the rosary during their lunch break. In addition, schools may recognize that some students already have a rosary; in this case, schools like to give seniors a religious keepsake box, which can be used to hold rosaries, or even prayer cards and saint medals inside. A religious box is a versatile way for students to keep their closest religious belongings nearby once they graduate.

Birthstone Rosaries

Dark Green Glass May Rosary

$27.00

Religious Bookends

To encourage a continued lifestyle of reading and education, schools will give graduating students bookends, so they can begin collecting books to take with them to college and beyond. These bookends can be used to hold both college textbooks and personal religious books. They are beautifully hand-crafted and will be a lifetime beloved possession of the graduate.

Order Now

Hurry! Place your order to ensure a stress-free process of obtaining gifts for your graduating senior class. This will be a keepsake your graduates will cherish for their lifetime.

Discounts are available for large orders. Contact us to learn about special discounts available to schools:

 Email: ContactUs@ChristianApostles.com

Phone: 860-205-0790

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