15 Pastor Appreciation Gift Ideas

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a special time dedicated to recognizing those among us who teach God’s Word and shepherd his people. We’ve compiled this list of gifts to inspire your creativity, giving you ideas so you can bless your pastors in a personal, meaningful way.

15 PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFT IDEAS

• 1. CUSTOM JOURNAL SLEEVE

  Pastors write a lot—a handcrafted Journal Sleeve will protect and elevate their writing experience forever, allowing them to remove and replace notebook inserts whenever one becomes full. Plus, adding a custom engraving—like the church’s logo—can give it a special, personalized touch.

• 2. BIBLE RESTORATION SERVICE

  Look at your pastor’s Bible next Sunday. Is it showing significant signs of wear and tear? Rather than buying a new one, help him continue to use the Bible he already loves by paying for a Bible Restoration Service on his behalf. Not sure which leather or ribbon colors he’d choose? Give a Scriptura Gift Card and let him make those decisions himself.

• 3. PREMIUM LEATHER GOODS

  Our sister company, Embark Premium Goods, crafts beautiful, high-quality gifts such as wallets, belts, and office accessories. They also give a portion of all sales to missionaries working among unreached people groups—an added bonus your pastor will enjoy learning more about.

• 4. SCRIPTURE TYPE POSTER

  Does your pastor have a favorite Bible verse? Our friends at Scripture Type turn Bible verses and beloved quotes into beautiful, hand-draw designs, featured on posters, mugs, notebooks—even a Scriptura Bible! Perhaps they have your pastor’s favorite verse waiting in their store.

• 5. DWELL AUDIO BIBLE

  While we’re passionate about physical Bibles, we also enjoy using digital Bibles for different purposes. Dwell Audio Bible, for example, is the perfect companion during daily commutes and weekend chores. You can purchase a one-year subscription for your pastor, or go above and beyond with a lifetime membership.

• 6. DEDICATED DONATION

  Has your pastor ever mentioned a ministry he’s especially passionate about? Considering making a donation in his name. Oftentimes organizations will send a thank you card for such gifts, which you can pass along to your pastor, letting him know that his ministry to you is now impacting a cause he cares about.

• 7. AIRBNB GIFT CARD

  Sometimes pastors just need a short getaway with their families. Help make such a trip possible with an AirBnb gift card—the perfect nudge for them to take a break, with the flexibility they need to choose where and when they can go.

• 8. HANDWRITTEN LETTER

  At a time in history when few exchange physical letters, a handwritten note expressing your appreciation will surprise and delight your pastor. Make it special and preservable by using nice stationary from a local paper store.

• 9. HANDMADE CARDS

  Kids can show pastors their appreciation too! Ask them to write what they like most about your pastor. Have them draw a picture while listening to one of the pastor’s sermon. Let them write a simple prayer on your pastor’s behalf. Knowing they’ve made an impact on your entire family will encourage any pastor.

• 10. ORIGINAL ARTWORK

  Commissioning an original piece of art from a local artist, though more costly than other items on this list, may encourage your pastor for decades to come. Is there a phrase your pastor often repeats? a place they enjoy visiting? a story they tell again and again? Use pieces of personal history like these to guide your commission—whether it be for a painting, sculpture, poem, or any other artistic creation.

• 11. EVENT TICKETS

  Does your pastor follow a local sports team? Is he passionate about a specific band? Will he enjoy a theater production or comedy show? Purchasing tickets to an event not only shows your appreciation, it also shows you know your pastors—something they need to feel.

• 12. PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

  While busyness is a badge no pastor should want to wear, many juggle a variety of responsibilities and commitments. Simple productivity tools, like the Analog from Ugmonk, might be the extra aid your pastor needs to stay on top of his to-do list everyday.

• 13. DATE NIGHT

  We’ve all heard about (or seen ourselves) the pastor who focuses too much on the church and not enough on their family. Help your pastor overcome this common pitfall by encouraging him to spend time with his wife. Purchase a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, give them cash to pay a babysitter, and pray God blesses their time together, making it restorative and connecting.

• 14. YARD WORK

  Pastor Appreciation Month is October—the same time of year when trees start spreading their leaves across your pastor’s lawn. Giving a weekend afternoon to help with clean-up is a visible display of your appreciation, as well as a budget-friendly option if you’re unable to spend extra money this year.

• 15. SURPRISE TREAT

  Small acts of appreciation can go a long way. Swing by the church with a box of donuts, a coffee, or your pastor’s favorite takeout. An unexpected visit with such gifts will always encourage your pastor—especially when you know what they like!

The Gift of Prayer.

Pastor Appreciation Month is a good reminder to pray for our pastors. They, like us, struggle with pain and temptation, fighting for faith in a good-but-broken world. During this month, let’s give them physical reminders of our love—like surprise cups of coffee and custom art—while we bring them and their families before God in prayer.