Hola amigos! ‘Tis the season to share a selection of Camino-inspired gifts for the holidays. There are offerings from pilgrims who have been so inspired by the Camino that they have created books, customized maps, music, and more. New this year, a few things that pilgrims crave: Camino beer, Jamón Serrano, and Tarta de Santiago. Add them to your shopping list and you will be set for your upcoming fiestas and pilgrim gatherings. I’m also happy to announce that the Camino patches for 2020 finally arrived and are pictured at the end of this post. So, browse the gifts for the pilgrims on your list, and perhaps pick something out for yourself. You’ve been a good pilgrim all year, haven’t you? If not, I won’t tell St. Nick, or St. James. 😉
Custom Camino Maps
‘A Road To Santiago’ creates one-of-a-kind custom Camino maps showing the village names, custom text in the header, choice of decorations, optional photos and trail profiles. 
These 24″ x 36″ or 18″ x 24″ custom maps are a great memory piece. Starting at $55 for the digital-only version and $80 and up for printed, rolled and shipped versions. For more details, go to ARoadToSantiago.com. These are very customizable by a graphics designer – many options available. Designed, printed and shipped within a week.
Trailhead Music
My favorite Camino-inspired gift of 2019 is the music by a German pilgrim and singer-songwriter Tobias Panwitz, who fittingly calls himself Trailhead. I played the “Keep Walking” CD at our chapter’s St. James Day event and ordered a few copies for our raffle at the welcome home event. And now, he is giving away a free copy of his debut CD with every purchase!
Get a free CD with every purchase, for a limited time.Panwitz wrote some of his songs while walking on the Camino, on the streets of Madrid, walking towards Salamanca, and arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Other songs, such as “Volcano Ground” is about embracing life’s unpredictability, and “White Flag“ follows the footsteps of those who attempt challenges such as climbing Mount Everest. He’s a talented guitar player with a folksy voice. To hear a sample, listen to his song “Walking the Camino” as background music on my latest video, Pilgrim Welcome Home Event Highlights.
Vinyl Trailhead “Keep Walking”Just order what you like and Tobias will send you a free CD with your purchase. I’ve ordered twice from Trailhead and can say that German mail is speedy! But you can decide if you want to expedite. Order at: http://www.trailheadmusic.com/
Tarta de Santiago Gift Box
Each box includes:
• 1 fully baked 8-inch Tarta de Santiago (serves 6-8)
• 1 card stock stencil of the Cross of St. James
• 2 ounces of powdered sugar
• Instructions on how to stencil your tarta!
Order at: www.whiskandspatula.com/tartadesantiago
Camino Brewing Co.
San Jose, California
Silicon Valley pilgrims can treat friends and family, employees, and colleagues to the unique experience of locally made craft beer from Camino Brewing Co.
Camino Brewing Co., a community-based brewery located near downtown San Jose, makes award winning craft beverages inspired by the founders 1,900 mile cycling pilgrimage across the Camino de Santiago. Their Camino-themed beers include the Café con Leche Stout, KM 0.0 IPA, and La Rioja Belgian Ale. See what’s on tap.
They currently have an offer that includes beer on draft, 4-pack canned beer, 32 oz To go containers, and great looking merchandise. Plus, $25 gift cards available at discount when purchasing 10 or more. Click to see prices and ordering information.
Bay Area Pilgrims: I will be planning a beer pilgrimage to Camino Brewing Co. sometime in summer of 2020. The “Rails to Ales” event will involve a train ride, urban walk, beer tasting, and pilgrim camaraderie with the fun pilgrims in the South Bay. Date will be announced in a few months. Stay thirsty, my friends!
Jamón Serrano
What do you get the pilgrim who has everything but craves the thinly sliced cured ham Spain is known for? A gift box of of Jamón Serrano, complete with a stand and carving knife!
A pilgrim friend brought one of these to our recent Camino Welcome Home event and it was a big hit! It came with a knife, stand and cutting board. If you want to spurge and get the best quality Jamón available in the Bay Area, The Spanish Table in Berkeley has Cinco Jotas (for around $1200), considered one of the top Iberian ham producers in Spain. If you want to save a few bucks, check your local Costco or order one from Amazon.com.
The Camino Voyage Film
This film premiered in Dublin, Ireland in March, 2018. Since then, it has been released in Cinemas internationally and played at International Film Festivals from Moscow all the way to Hawaii and won five awards along the way.
I hosted a screening of this film in Berkeley in October and everyone enjoyed it. While I don’t recommend rowing an old boat to Galicia (talk about blisters!), I do recommend this film. It is now available worldwide via DVD and streaming.
Purchase at: www.anupictures.com/project/camino/
“Returning From Camino” Wristbands and Poster
Alexander Shaia, author of the Returning From Camino book (details below), has a couple of unique gifts for pilgrims. The wristbands would make excellent stocking stuffers. They’re small and lightweight enough to give pilgrims on the Camino. Wear these bands as a reminder that you are on the path of Return. With a glance, remember your desire to enact new attitudes and behaviors (wisdom) and to serve Higher Self and others. Embossed with two phrases: ‘Return From Camino’ and ‘Wisdom & Power To Serve’.
Returning From Camino 18″ x 27″ Poster with Mailing Tube
This commemorative poster is a powerful piece of art work to hang in your home or office. Adorned with hues of blues, purple, gold and green, the image brings alive your Camino and reminds you that the journey continues. The many symbols in the print beckon you to deeper reflection. What story do you see here?
Available on Quadratos website, orange remembrance bands (five for $10) and posters of the book cover ($32). See details and purchase at: quadratos.com/store/items/
Note: Most of the items featured in this post are linked to the merchant’s shop, but some items below are available through affiliate links or blog sponsorship. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which help to cover my costs of hosting and maintaining this blog.
Camino Books
Camino de Santiago: Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine by Beebe Bahrami
Beebe Bahrami’s book about the Camino Francés is in a class all its own. It’s part Camino guidebook and part cultural history—packed with with practical tips for pilgrims and gorgeous full-color photos. I love the fold-out map with the stages and elevations. The book is a little heavy for an ultralight packer (I delivered one to a mutual friend in Spain before I walked my Camino Invierno this year). You might consider reading it cover-to-cover before you go on the Camino, and have something to refer to when you get back home. Fortunately, there’s a Kindle version that won’t weigh pilgrims down on the Camino.
Order paperback or Kindle Edition on Amazon.com.
Returning From Camino by Alexander John Shaia
Whether you are a pilgrim on the Camino, or elsewhere in the world, this is the first guidebook that physically, mentally and emotionally prepares you to return home.
Alexander spoke at our chapter’s St. James Day event and many of us pilgrims could relate to the four-part journey: hearing the summons; enduring tests & obstacles; receiving the gifts; and returning to serve community.
Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com.
Your Inner Camino Your Pocket Guide to Inspiration and Transformation Along the Camino de Santiago by Karin Kiser
Some walk the Camino as an adventure or physical challenge. To make it a pilgrimage requires something more – the inner journey. With Your Inner Camino, you’ll discover how to let go of the thoughts and behaviors that limit your growth and happiness. Use it to inspire you along the way. You’ll discover how walking the Camino is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to clean the slate and start anew.
After the Camino Your Pocket Guide to Integrating the Camino de Santiago into Your Daily Life by Karin Kiser
The real Camino begins after you arrive in Santiago, when you take your experience home with you. How will you keep the spirit of the Camino alive in your daily life? After the Camino will help you avoid returning to the old habits and routines of your pre-Camino life. You’ll discover how to simplify your life and live the pilgrim way at home.
Both books for $14.95. Part of the proceeds from the sale of each book goes toward keeping the Camino clean. Paperback editions are available at CaminoChroniclesPress.com. Digital editions are available at Amazon.com.
The books are also available in Spanish! Conjunto de 2 libros: El camino hacia tu interior y Después del camino
It’s About Time: A call to the Camino de Santiago by Johnnie Walker
I just received this book and haven’t had a chance to read it all yet. The pre-intro has an excellent and brief history of the pilgrimage and a decent map of European Caminos. There are beautiful full color photos throughout. I will do a full review after I have a chance to read it. I loved meeting Johnnie Walker in Santiago after my 2017 Camino.
Available at the Confraternity of Saint James or Kindle and Paperback on Amazon.com.
A Special Place on the Camino Francés
The Stone Boat in Rabanal del Camino
B&B Gift Certificates and Poetry on Slate
Kim is an artist, writer, “mentor specializing in pilgrimage as rite of passage” and most recently has become an innkeeper on the Way. After many years as a pilgrim and then guide, in the true spirit of ‘the Camino provides’, she has recently opened a unique bed and breakfast named “The Stone Boat” in Rabanal del Camino on the French Way. I had the opportunity to stay there for a night in May 2019 and I thoroughly enjoyed the space and Kim’s hospitality (and her homemade banana bread!) The place has great energy, and the village of Rabanal is very quaint and peaceful. I highly recommend staying there on the Camino Francés.
Kim is offering these beautiful gifts of poetry written on slate from the mountains in the area and also gift certificates from The Stone Boat. She will continue to hold intimate group quests, mentoring, as well as Camino writers’ workshops in Rabanal.
If you would like to know more about the poetry slates, The Stone Boat and other offerings, you email Kim at soulfulroad@gmail.com or visit www.thestoneboat.com and www.facebook.com/soulful.road.
Northern California Chapter T-Shirts
NorCal T-Shirts in lightweight tri-blend fabric with the shell design on front and “Solvitur Ambulando – It is solved by walking” on the back. Two styles and seven colors! Free shipping to US orders of $35 or more.
Camino Provides Patches
The rainbow design patch is back! This time with 2020 date in yellow, with a black twill background. The 2019 and original design patches are still available. Mix and match. Free shipping for US orders of $35 or more at etsy.com/shop/caminoprovides
Available for $4 at etsy.com/shop/caminoprovidesI, too, was inspired by the Camino when I started designing patches five years ago. I currently have three designs available: Original with no date, 2019, and 2020.. You can add a sticker to your order for just $1 each. Buy at etsy.com/shop/caminoprovides.
Visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaminoProvides
I have made a Camino connection with all of these pilgrims who’s items are featured above, either in person or online. Some have been interviewed on Project Camino so you can hear their voices. By supporting these artists, you are supporting the Camino creatives tribe. I see this as a way pilgrims can share their talents in a way others can enjoy, and possibly, also be inspired by the Camino! You can also find Camino gifts featured in 2018, 2017 and 2016.
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 craft, 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 patches, and purchase through my Amazon affiliate links, help to defray the costs of hosting and managing this blog. It’s a win-win, and a sustainable way to keep sharing the Camino love. Thank you. Gracias. Obrigado. Merci.
I wish you all a blessed and peaceful holiday season, and a wonderful new year.
The Camino Provides 
Laurie, this is a beautiful offering. You’ve done a great job of sourcing unique Camino gifts. As a three-time peregrina, I try to restrain myself from buying too many souvenirs, yet these are tempting! Maybe I’ll wait to bid on some of them at the auction of 2020 American Pilgrims Gathering at Lake Tahoe. Hope to see you there!
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