As part of her holiday shopping, Ree Glaze of Bessemer ordered subscriptions to Christian magazines for her two children and her 15-year-old niece who lives in Florida.
“Kids always seem to be so excited when they get something in the mail,” she said. “I know each month they will look forward to receiving a little bit of the gift from me.”
Glaze hopes her present will especially be an encouragement to her niece, who isn’t a Christian.
“This is a way for me to share my faith with her from across the miles,” she noted. “And, the articles and devotions in the magazine might provide answers to some of the questions that she might not feel comfortable asking.”
While many people, like Glaze, have been choosing Christian-inspired gifts for family and friends for years, the trend is growing, according to industry experts.
In 2000, with the success of “The Prayer of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson and the “Left Behind” series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, four of the top 10 best-selling books on the New York Times Bestseller List were Christian-inspired.
“That was a turning point,” said Darrel Holcombe, owner of the Amen Corner Christian bookstores in Childersburg and Pelham. “The big retailers jumped on it.”
That means more Christian products than ever are turning up in stores like Wal-Mart and Target, and sales so far have been strong.
Holcombe expects Bibles to continue to be popular gift items this Christmas. Those with innovative covers are doing especially well, he said, noting jewel-toned covers and elaborate imprinting. “The magazine Bibles are good choices for teens,” he said, noting choices like “Revolve: The Complete New Testament for Girls,” which looks and reads like a fashion magazine, and “Refuel: The Complete New Testament for Boys,” which has the feel of a sports magazine, both by Thomas Nelson Publishing.
While including all text from the New Testament, these magazine-style Bibles also include devotions, articles and even question-and-answer columns, all aimed at teens. While Holcombe doesn’t know how effective they are at reaching the unchurched, “they certainly capture the interest of those in church.”
Daily devotional books will continue to be popular gift items this year, experts predict. Holcombe said “Daily Manna,” written by Steve Gaines, pastor of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church, continues to sell well, as do other titles for the various age groups.
“I like to get devotionals for my daughters that we can read before bed,” said Chris McWhirter, a Birmingham-area mom. “This is a way for us to spend time exploring our faith and growing together.”
Christian music CDs will fill many stockings this Christmas. Holcombe said top sellers include titles by Point of Grace, Michael W. Smith, tobyMac and relient K.
Christian music
“I like to buy my children (ages nine and 15) Christian CDs every year for Christmas,” said Cecilia Reed, a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Hueytown. “It is a great way to keep your kids focused on positive music and you’ll find that they actually enjoy listening to them. There are so many varieties of Christian music so there really is something for everyone.”
Videos and DVDs and related toys should continue to be top sellers for children this year, with Veggie Tales, by Big Idea Productions, and Hermie and Friends, by Max Lucado, continuing to be favorites of the kinder-crowd.
While Bibles, books, music and videos make great gifts, there are lots of other options, still bearing a Christian message.
Sherry Ingram, who handles gift items at the LifeWay store in Birmingham’s Wildwood shopping center, said stained glass pieces have been big sellers this year. The store carries a wide selection of hanging pieces, as well as items like decorative boxes and vases, all by Joan Baker, which have been customer favorites.
Ingram expects tabletop water fountains, including one depicting Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist, will be top choices for gifts this year as well. “Books and music are great choices, but there are many other options,” she said, mentioning items like puzzles by various artists, Christian-inspired wall hangings, tapestries, home décor and jewelry.
“I like to choose gifts with a Christian message,” McWhirter said. “I feel strongly about sharing the good news.”
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