17 Pastor Appreciation Gifts Your Pastor Will [Actually] Want

I’m so glad that you want to honor your pastor and help shower him with love!  Now the only question is, “What do I get him?”  You don’t want to be like that aunt who gives the sweater or socks no one wears!  Here are 17 suggestions that your pastor will actually enjoy getting!

1. Time away! 

If you have the means, this is probably one of the greatest gifts you could give your pastor.  Pastors are on call 24/7 and rarely have time to themselves or even with just their family.  Add to that the fact that most pastors live on a small salary where they cannot really afford to take a vacation, and this becomes even more valuable!

2. A gift card to buy books or study materials. 

Some churches provide this in the pastor’s package, but many do not.  Because books and study materials are so expensive, many pastors simply do without.  You could be a real blessing by providing the money to help him learn and grow.

3. A gift card for his or his wife’s favorite restaurant. 

Pastors need to keep dating their wives just like anyone else and giving a gift card can help do that.  When money is tight, eating out at a nice place for a date is often one of the first things to go.  Your gift could help them keep that “date life” alive!

4. A personalized, sincere, encouraging note. 

This may seem simple and not as elaborate as the gifts already mentioned, but it is an amazing gift!  Pastors are criticized constantly and rarely hear sincere encouragement.  So rare is encouragement that I know some pastors who keep a file of encouraging notes just to go back to again and again.  Why don’t you add to that file with a sincere, encouraging note!

5. A “coupon” for free babysitting.

Again, money is often tight for a pastor, and paying a babysitter for a date night can be difficult.  If you can help watch the “kiddos” so he and his wife can get out for the evening, it would be a great help. This will help the pastor and the healthiness of his marriage.

6. Pay for him to go to a conference or retreat for pastors. 

I know that some churches have this built into their budget, but many churches don’t (especially the 80% of churches under 100 in attendance). This can be a much-needed time for refreshing and renewal.  Pastors too often get “burned out” because they’ve had no opportunity to get the renewal and training they so desperately need.

7. An Amazon gift card.

When I asked a group of pastors, this was one of the most popular responses that I received.  There is so much flexibility with it that it becomes very appealing.  This allows the pastor to find whatever he would like or need, and you can be assured it is something he wants.

8. A personalized notepad or bag. 

This is something he probably wouldn’t buy for himself but is needed—and special!  With the personalization, it is made even more special!  You might observe if he likes cloth or leather to help you make your choice.

9. Something tied to his hobby. 

If you know his hobby, something related to it could be a very special gift.  If you’re not sure, ask around or observe in the weeks ahead.  Most pastors, if they have a hobby, talk about it from time to time or it shows up in their sermon illustrations.  You might even ask his secretary; I bet they know.

10. Cash. 

That’s right, just plain ol’ cash with a nice encouraging note.  Almost every pastor is short on money, especially to do extra things.  For some, it’s not even the extra things—it might help pay off a bill, cover an unexpected expense, or just help makes ends meet for the month.

11. Time at your vacation home. 

God has blessed some of you with a vacation home at the beach, in the mountains, or some special place.  Your donation of time at your vacation home would be an amazing gift for a pastor.  It would be a place for relaxing and renewal that they could probably never afford.

12. A grocery store gift card. 

Food often eats up a lot of a pastor’s weekly budget (sorry, a little Dad pun there).  One way to help, and be an encouragement, is to provide a gift card to a grocery store in your area.  This would allow him to get the groceries he couldn’t afford or shift previously needed grocery money to another area.

13. A gift certificate to an Airbnb. 

Similar to the vacation home or getaway, this would be a place to find some quietness before the Lord and a great time with family.  Airbnb’s have become quite popular, especially among the younger crowd.  There are rentals literally all over.  Their website is www.airbnb.com.

14. Help with the lawn and flower beds. 

Often, the pastor is so busy caring for others, a simple task like keeping up his own lawn and flower beds can be difficult.  You could offer a “coupon” and set up a specific date to come and care for his lawn.  If you own a lawn care business, this becomes an even better opportunity—maybe even an ongoing one.

15. Maintenance help around the house. 

In a similar fashion, often the pastor has some maintenance needs around the house, and he doesn’t have the time, money, or confidence to tackle them himself.  If this is something you can do, it would be a great help and gift to him.  Again, a sincere offer or “coupon,” accompanied by follow-up, would be a great gift.

16. A gas card. 

The pastor is always in his car making visits and caring for others.  Add to that the needs of his family, and gas can disappear quickly.  With the price of gas higher these last few months, this can become a very practical and helpful gift.

17. Subscription to a favorite magazine, journal, or ministry website. 

It might be for pleasure or for helping him in his ministry.  These are often luxuries when money is tight, but they can be a big help.  Many pastors would love to be a part of an online group or site for pastors, but simply can’t afford it.  You can help them do that!

I hope this gives you some very practical, helpful ideas on how to shower your pastor with love.  Thank you again for loving on your pastor!