Happy Holidays! I love this time of year for so many reasons. Mostly, I love to give gifts! However, it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy of commercialized Christmas. I try to stay away from big stores and shopping malls. It is so overwhelming! I prefer to shop in local neighborhoods or online. Fortunately, there is a great variety of gifts from pilgrims who were so inspired by their experience that they turned their ideas or crafts into creative Camino gifts. Below are a few ideas for gifts for the pilgrims on your list. There is something for everyone!
Camino Films
Phil’s Camino, by Annie O’Neil. The DVD of the award winning short documentary is now available for just $15. I recently had the opportunity to meet Phil himself at a screening in Berkeley. His story is truly inspiring. I bought a DVD for myself, our NorCal pilgrim chapter, and for a family member in Washington. Annie and Phil signed them.
Phil’s Camino DVD, signed by Annie O’Neil and Phil Volker.
A Way to Forgiveness, by Erin Dooley, a documentary about one woman’s journey across Spain to find forgiveness. I just received my DVD and look forward to watching this one.
A Way to Forgiveness DVD
See more Camino films.
Camino Books
- Caminho de Santiago – Uma Viagem Fotográfica by Andrea Prestes, A Photographic Journey on the Camino de Santiago.
- Tastes of the Camino by Yosmar Martinez, for recipes that bring the Camino to your kitchen.
- Sunrises to Santiago by Gabriel Schirm, for the Camino Frances experience.
- On The Primitive Way by Landon Roussel, for an incredible story of two brothers on the Camino Primitivo.
See more Camino books.
Wooden Signs and Plaques
Beautiful wooden signs and plaques made by Thomas Wynne, a retired graphic designer. He can make custom designs and has a good variety of signs on his Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/CaminoMemories.
Camino Themed Jewelry
I met Monica Armanino and her husband Dave Jennings at a Camino training hike earlier this year. She sells beautiful Camino themed jewelry at etsy.com/shop/GypsySpiritsArt.
Team Pug and Team Cat T-Shirts
Fans of Pug and Cat will love this one, as seen on my Pilgrim Interview with Sebastian, Finn, Bandito, and Luigi.
Team T-shirts wrapped by the boys. Order yours at Pugandcat.com
The “Buen Camino” Game
Virtually walk the Camino Francés with this board game that will have you and your friends contemplating pilgrim scenarios and enjoying lots of vino, Camino style! These games have been so popular that they are currently sold out, but Daniela assured me that there will be more available soon. See buencaminogame.com for details. To get on the waiting list, contact Daniela and ask about an exclusive Camino Provides discount when the games are back in stock.
Camino 2017 Calendar
In May and June 2016, Dermot Breen walked the Camino del Norte in Spain. He dedicated this walk to the memory of his late wife, Jacqui, who was so cruelly struck down by ovarian cancer in January 2015 at the age of only 54. When I read his story I was so moved by this incredible gesture of love, remembrance, and dedication to a good cause. All profits go to Cancer research. To order the calendar, donate $20 or more on his Cancer Research UK page and provide your mailing address. Price includes postage to anywhere in the US from Ireland. I received my calendar in California within six business days. The photos are beautiful—this calendar will have a special place on my wall.
I have made a personal connection with all of these pilgrims featured above, either in person or online, and I know that they make their gifts from their heart. By supporting these small businesses and good causes, you help spread the Camino love.
Here’s the thing. We pilgrims are not selling our creations to make a profit. Rather, it brings us joy to share a little bit of the Camino with the world. We offer our gifts to support our missions, and any proceeds go right back into our creations. My mission is to celebrate the Camino de Santiago and the pilgrim’s journey, from the Calling to Compostela and beyond. I do this by sharing informative tips on training, gear, and routes; by organizing and promoting Camino related events in the Bay Area; by interviewing pilgrims and sharing inspiring stories; and by curating content relevant to the Camino. Sales of my designs help to defray the costs of hosting and managing this blog so that I can keep sharing the Camino love!
I wish you all a blessed and peaceful holiday season.
The Camino Provides 
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