I am so excited.
I am a godmother to 5, all under 8. That means that at this point, my job mainly consists of praying and buying presents. I buy them a lot of books–my friend’s little girl once told her, “Godmothers are good at picking books,” since that’s about all I manage to do–but I don’t think books are enough. Don’t get me wrong, I adore books! But if you’re raising saints, you need to baptize their imagination, which means encouraging holy play as well as holy reading. I try for Saint dress-up clothes, but those are expensive. The Catholic toys tend to be equally expensive or rather disappointing. So we’re stuck with books.
Until now!
My friend Lindsey (who does my awesome headshots) is a brilliant artist and a Catholic mom of 5. She had the same trouble I had with finding Catholic toys, but she actually has the ability to do something about it. And she has! Introducing Blessing Blocks from AlmondRod Toys. (Follow them on Facebook!)
I’ve shown you the Nativity before and I still think it’s the loveliest children’s nativity I’ve seen. It’s not just not breakable, it’s also beautiful. But children’s Nativities aren’t too hard to come by and maybe you already have one (or six). So as much as I adore the Nativity, it’s not my new favorite thing. My new favorite thing? Saint blocks!
These little wooden blocks come with images of any of 60 different Saints. The images are beautifully painted with appropriate iconography. On the back, there’s the Saint’s name, feast day, and other info, including patronage, a short description, and a prayer or a quotation.
The other day, I brought my nieces and nephews some Saint blocks. Saints John Paul, Cecilia, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Clare, and Peter for John Paul, Cecilia, Elizabeth, Mary Claire, and Peter. They were thrilled. Seriously, they shrieked and squealed and played with them all day. They built towers of Saints and put them on block towers. Cecilia (age 3 1/2) brought hers to Mass and snuggled it the entire time. John Paul (5) wore cargo pants just so he had a good pocket to keep his in. Elizabeth and Mary Claire (2) kept begging to hold everybody else’s blocks. Only Peter (11 days) was fairly uninterested.
I’ve seen what happens when kids pick up these blocks: they’re hooked. The Saints become their best friends. They shriek with glee when they run across one of “their” Saints in a book or in the liturgy. They want to know their stories and to imitate them. I’m not telling you about these blocks because I want to help my friend make money. I’m telling you because I really think this kind of thing helps to form young saints. It makes virtue something tangible and gives them a real experience of the vast family they’re a part of. It wraps the Church inside joyful memories so that when they’ve run away, they’ll still think of her fondly and maybe make it back. When they’re playing, they’re asking the Saints’ intercession even without knowing it. AlmondRod Toys’ motto is “Sprouting Saints through Play” and I think that’s exactly what these blocks do.
And here’s the best part–you can afford them! They’re not the $25 peg dolls I find on Etsy–they’re 5 for $30.1 Even if that seems steep for blocks, consider that it’s far and away the best on the market for a Saint toy.2 If they don’t have the Saint you’re looking for, you can order one custom made or just wait a few weeks as Lindsey continues to add to the roster. She’s even thinking about putting the images on other things–8×10 prints, t-shirts, postcards–or just selling the electronic copies for you to use as you please. And if there’s any justice in this world, some publisher will recruit her to illustrate children’s Bibles and books about the Saints. We all know how many less-than-lovely Christian books out there, and it’s my life’s dream that Lindsey will have the opportunity to produce some really beautiful, meaningful ones to counterbalance them.3
So head on over to her shop and place an order quick–she makes all these blocks by hand and I’d bet money that she’ll sell out well before Christmas. Then get excited to watch your little ones fall in love with Christ through his Saints.
BONUS: For a limited time, you can get a free Saint block with any order! Just say a Hail Mary for the conversion of sinners and put the code KYRIE ELEISON into the notes section of the order form along with the name of the Saint you’re requesting from her list of options. Sweet deal–and you know you want to support the kind of woman who gives stuff away to people who pray for souls!
- Up from $25 since she’s getting so many orders she’s having to contract out the sanding. Still a deal! [↩]
- Really, if you find anything else in this category, please send it my way! [↩]
- But seriously, if you connect her with a publisher, I’ll be your best friend. I really, really want to buy her books but I can’t do that until someone prints them. [↩]
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! These are adorable. Her artwork is delightful. I am so excited to get some for my littlest.
Charlotte recently posted…A Foggy Birthday in London Town
I’m here via sweet Charlotte (above) and am all in! Can you tell me how–or specifically, where–you specify which saints you want when ordering?
Thank you, God bless you, have a beautiful Advent! ♥
Okay, I think I figured it out. Just listed everything in the “Notes” section and am thrilled with this gift for my almost-2-year-old. : )
Margaret @ Minnesota Mom recently posted…Netflix in November: What I’m Watching, with Whom, and Why
I’m also visiting after hearing about these from Charlotte. They are so adorable!
Jessica @ Shower of Roses recently posted…35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books for Children
Oh noes!!! It can’t be shipped to Canada 🙁 now all the gifts I can find for my goddaughter will seem just blah 🙁 but seriously good job!!!
These. are. awesome!!!!!! Love it! I’m hoping to start making little wooden saint dolls for the boys for St. Nicholas and Christmas this year, but would love to add that amazing nativity! Thank you!
Amanda recently posted…Thankful 2014
I’ve ordered a custom block for Peter, because (go figure!) there is no St. Peter Damian block so far. And I’ve used the code to get a St. Christopher block, too. As you know, Meg, he’s my confirmation saint, and he’s been dear to me for a very long time. Thank you for telling us about this artist and her work! I’m so happy to be able to help my grandchildren become saints and to help the artist who did your wonderful headshots!
I DO want to order something from someone who gives a discount for praying for souls…that’s awesome. 🙂
Those are awesome!!
Similarly to many on here, I am always on the prowl for non-breakable, beautiful Catholic kids toys…and these are simply amazing. Thanks for the tip:-)
Have a wonderful Advent Meg, and thanks for doing the Boot Camp again this year!
Way to high in price, we will make our own and the money we save will give to the poor & church instead!
It’s nice to a kid to grow with the fear of the Lord or in hand of the godly parents. Thank you for sharing this inspiring post.