Yuletide is approaching fast, dear witch friends. And while I prefer to highlight this season as a time for gratitude and rest, the tradition of gift-giving cannot easily be ignored.
Did you know, that this custom actually came from the Roman festival of Saturnalia? During this week-long holiday around midwinter, Romans exchanged gifts with family, friends and business partners as a way to strengthen bonds and relationships. Other Pagan clans also had a kind of gift exchange, with the whole village coming together to celebrate the winter solstice bringing along gifts of food and drink.
(Handmade) Yuletide gifts for the home
I love giving gifts for the home because I know that these things will likely be used by the recipient without sitting on a shelf to collect dust.
Make a ritual broomThis is a fairly easy craft. All you need is a wooden stick and a bunch of dry twigs. Tie the twigs around the base of the wood with sturdy string and your broom is ready to go. It can be used to clear a space before a ritual or to "sweep" the house to get rid of negative energy. |
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Create a spell jar/witch bottleFor this Yuletide gift, your ingredients depend a little on what you would like to wish for the receiver of the gift. Wealth, love, health, protection are all "things" that can be captured into a spell jar. Check out the whole article on how to create them here. |
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Wreath from TheWitchNTheGoddessThis little shop has captured my eye ever since I came across it on Instagram. Her creations are truly gorgeous and if you can, you should totally treat your witchy friend (or yourself) to one of her wreaths and wall-hangings. |
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Make a smoke bundleWith your favorite herbs and flowers, you can easily make your very own smoke bundle to support your rituals. Gather your herbs and tie them in a compact bundle using some cotton twine. If using fresh plants, you will need to hang your smoke bundle upside down for a few days to dry, with dry herbs & flowers you can get started with your smoke ritual right away. |
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Cute Makramé ornamentsI mean... how cute are those? The talented Anna from MacrameAndSkulls creates these absolutely adorable Yule-tree ornaments and a bunch of other handcrafted items. So if you are looking for a present for the goth witch in your life - this is where you should go! |
Inconspicuous Yuletide presents for witches
Do you know a witch that is still in the "broom closet"? Maybe they would appreciate a Christmas gift that is not immediately screaming: "Look at me! I love practicing witchcraft!". If that is the case, worry not, dear friend. We've got you covered!
CrystalsYep, you guessed it. Our favorite rocks and gemstones are a great introduction gift for any new or hiding witch. I mean, who doesn't love a pretty stone looking stone? And while we are well-aware of their true power, for an "outsider" they are really just that: a pretty decor. You can check out our own crystal collection here. |
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CandlesWhile they are an integral part of most of our rituals, candles make an amazing Yuletide present for any witch or Pagan AND they are easily integrated into any kind of "normal" decor. Get your witchy friend or family member some colorful candles or give them one already imbued with a beautiful intention - like these elegant Chesapeake Bay Candles |
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NotebooksIf you’ve read our article on the Book of Shadows, you know that we witches can never have enough notebooks to capture all our ideas, spells, rituals and plantlore. The best thing is, that notebooks can be as inconspicuous looking as you like them to be. Like this Tree of Life notebook we have in our little shop. Could be a grimoire, yes, but could also “just” be a diary… Who will know? ;)
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Yule Log PanThe tradition of the Yule Log goes back to Pagan times, when the trunk of the Yule tree was burnt in the fireplace and kept the house warm during the Twelfthtide (the time between midwinter and the New Year). Nowadays we decorate a Yule Log with candles, similar to the advent wreath or we can bake a nice Yule Log cake. This pan will surely not draw any suspicion around Christmas time, except maybe for your cooking skills... |
Books to give as Yuletide presents
In my humble opinion, books make for great gifts for any occasion. Be it Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day... They just give us such a great opportunity to flee from the real world for a while but also to learn and experience something new. And while my own bookshelf is bursting at the seams, here is what I would recommend for anyone looking for a gift to give to a witch:
Wicca: A Modern Guide to Witchcraft and Magickby Harmony Nice
This is the perfect starter book for anyone wanting to get acquainted with Wicca and Paganism as such. Harmony Nice tells her own story within this book and thus gives hope to all new witches that the beginnings may be overwhelming, but it is much easier to get started, than you think. |
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The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Yearby Judy Ann Nock I've absolutely devoured this book in my search for living a witchy life more in tune with the cycles of nature. The spells and rituals for each festival are beautiful and easy to do. Plus you get a bit of a history lesson as well. |
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Uncovering Norse/Celtic/Greek Mythologyby Lucas Russo
These hardcover books - there 3 in the series - are such a treat for the eye and a beautiful addition to any bookshelf. But most importantly, Lucas Russo is excellent in collecting the most interesting stories and myths from our favorite Pantheon. Grab the one you are most interested in or treat yourself to all three. Oh, I almost forgot - yes, they make a perfect Christmas present as well! |
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The Witch's Book of Self-CareI probably don't need to explain why this is a great book to give away as a present to a friend, whether for Yuletide or birthdays. To take care of ourselves is first and foremost an act of rebellion in our busy hustle culture, where we are always meant to please others. So this Christmas be sure to give the gift of self-love to your witchy friend or family member. |
Witchy gifts for the altar
Decorating our altars is usually such a joy. We can dedicate them to the season, to the Deities or keep them completely general - a sacred space for practicing our rituals and traditions. Therefore items and decorations to adorn a witch's altar are a perfect idea if you are still looking for a Christmas/Yuletide present.
Altar Cloth
An altar cloth can be as simple as defining the space on which our magickal items rest - or it can be laid out according to the Wheel of the Year, the stars or even contain a tarot spread. They are also fairly inexpensive in case the budget is limited. |
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Tarot Card HolderAnother great addition to any altar is a simple card holder to display Tarot and oracle cards that are currently in use or supporting the witch's ritual. If you are crafty, you can make your own card holder from a piece of wood. Or you can just get them here. |
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Shiny TrayA tray serves a very similar function to the Altar Cloth, in that it keeps the space together and gives us a nice surface to place all our valuable objects. |
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Make a travel altarSo this one is partially a handmade gift as well - and a super cute and easy idea to make for a fellow witch or Pagan. You'll need a small box or a little string bag, some loose crystals, a small piece of incense or palo santo - and whatever else you deem necessary. My own travel altar contains a vial of sand (Earth), a vial of moon water (Water), a feather (Air) and matches (Fire). |
Gift ideas related to the familiars
The fastest way to the heart of a witch goes - no, not through the stomach - through her favorite companion. Any presents involving a witch's familiar will surely be accepted with immense gratitude.
Dragon Crystal BallDragons can be finicky familiars, but once you have established a friendship with one, he is a powerful ally. Dragons love shiny things just like this crystal ball. |
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Traditionally, witches have always favoured the company of a black cat. Scorned by the rest of society these two make an unusual pair. So honor your favorite animal with a cute little wall shelf to display crystals and such. |
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Nordic Crow LampIf you or your witchy friend are more like the Morrigan, than the crow is possibly your favorite familiar. These cunning little birds also bring a nice glow to your desk or nightstand ;) |
Funny presents to give as a Yuletide gift
Sometimes we just need a good laugh - or a gift that will make your witchy friend smirk when they open the wrapper.
Witchy Mugs
We all use them - all.the.time. And that's exactly why mugs are such a great Christmas present. The ones from Witchy Nik's Shop are proper fun and the black and white theme appeals to even the most minimalistic witch. |
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Funny Witchy ShirtT-Shirts are also a great way to add some fun into your day. Plus you can wear your statement proudly for everyone to see. |
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Witch Parking Only SignThis aluminum sign will make immediatly apparent for everyone who is living here - and I can't wait to put up one in front of my garage one day. Definitely a good answer to the question: "What funny gift can I get for my witchy friend?" |
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Tote Bag
Another very practical and cute Christmas gift for the witch in your life. Forego all the plastic bags and fancy handbags and invest in a stury toad - eh tote! |
Small gifts & stocking stuffers for Pagans
Are you still looking for a gift that would be the cherry on top? Or maybe you want to stick to the tradition of stockings by the fireplace. Then I've got a few options here for you that are inexpensive and can fit in any sock.
NecklacesJewellery in general makes for great small gifts because they can be slipped into even the smallest envelope. With our Antique Style Necklaces you will for sure hit a nerve. |
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Zodiac KeychainKeychains always make for a great and inexpensive gift if you are still searching for something for friends or family. Even better when it is connected to their Zodiac sign to truly identify themselves with. |
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Lapel PinsOk, they are usually not even worn on a lapel anymore but rather adorn various backpacks, tote bags or jean jackets . And I just love how they can transform an outfit into a proper statement piece. |
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StickersAnd last but not least, stickers are of course a super inexpensive and cute gift to give to any witch or Pagan. Use them decorate your notebooks, fridges, doors, school supplies - the possibilities are sheer endless. |