The experience of buying Christmas gifts for teenagers can often be a minefield, especially if you want to buy a gift with a Christian theme. When attempting such a monumental task, everybody needs a helping hand, so here is my list of best Christian Buys for teenage Christians.

Music and Film

Rend Collective- Good News

Good News is the latest album from the Northern Irish Christian Folk band, Rend Collective. For a number of years, Rend Collective have positively engaged with audiences of all ages but have proved to be a hit with young audiences in particular. Their latest album spreads the Good News in a modern and approachable way that is sure to prove a hit with their ever-growing fanbase.

A similar album worthy of a mention is for King&Country’ ‘Burn The Ships’.

The Shack

The Shack was a breakout film in 2017, capturing the imagination of audiences around the globe. Based on William P. Young’s best selling novel, The Shack is “A story of healing and finding peace amidst pain, The Shack is a life-changing film filled with awe-inspiring visuals and a powerful message”.

Non-Fiction Books

Act Like Men

James MacDonald’s Act Like Men is a 40-day devotional series that explores the biblical principles of being a man. Throughout the book, MacDonald discusses his life experiences and relates them to carefully chosen bible passages, breaking them down as he goes. He writes honestly about everything from Anger to Marriage to a target audience of 18 plus, though this book could certainly suit 16 and 17-year-olds too.

For younger Teens seeking a similar book, ‘To My Sons’ by World Famous Adventurer Bear Grylls is a noteworthy alternative.

The Heist

Chris Durso’s The Heist concisely discusses the sacrifice of Jesus and how his love has freed us from both sin and shame. Durso retells Jesus’ sacrifice and frames it as the greatest heist to ever take place, relating it to an internationally famous Jewellery Heist. The Heist offers a must-read perspective on Christ for readers 16 plus.

Lifelines

Lifelines is the latest book from Soul Survivor’s Andy Croft and Mike Pilavachi. The book which is suitable for Teenagers of all ages teaches the stories of Biblical heroes and attempts to apply their stories to our lives. The Book’s description reads:

“What if during a battle with fear we could take some tips from David? Or in wrestling with a relationship we could learn from Ruth? Or when we've got questions about the future we could sit down with Joseph? Through their successes struggles and failures, these men and women of faith have blazed a trail for us to follow. We can walk beside them and discover God with them. Their stories took place thousands of years ago but what their lives teach us has never mattered more. Much of what we learn comes from the people we live with. We see and share their worlds and without realizing it are shaped by them. What would it be like if we could share in the lives of the great heroes of the faith?”

Bibles

The Action Bible

The Action Bible for readers aged 10-14, offers a contemporary comic book style take on the Bible. The Action Bible gives a “compelling mix of clear typeface plus dramatic, colourful images”. The Action Bible is perfect for all comic book lovers.

For older teenage Comic Book and Anime fans, Eden offers a variety of Manga Bible’s that blend visually stunning pictures with the powerful words of the Bible.

One Year Daily Moments of Strength

The One Year Daily Moments of Strength provides older teenage readers with a daily devotional, that includes Bible Verses and helpful practical tips and applications; encouraging young men to live a life of Strength.

Meanwhile, the Ultimate Boys Book of Devotions is a quality alternative for younger youths.

NIV Soul Survivor Youth Bible

The NIV Soul Survivor Youth Bible gives a fresh take on the Bible. The Soul Survivor Bible is packed full of Biblical wisdom and over 500 accompanying extra’s written by Soul Survivor leaders; Andy Croft and Mike Pilavachi.

https://www.eden.co.uk/shop/niv-soul-survivor-youth-bible-hardback-4268128.html

Fiction Books

Egyptian Nightmare Vol 1

Egyptian Nightmare Vol 1 by Hannah MacFarlane, is a book for 11-14-year-olds. The book tells the story of the Israelites time in Eygpt through the lens of Pharoah and his son and allows readers to explore the famous story in a different way, asking questions such as:

“Why is all this suffering necessary? What is the cause of the plagues? What does this whole story tell me about God's character and where does it sit in the wider story of the Bible?”

Egyptian Nightmare Vol 1 is part of a series named Dark Chapters which explores other Bible stories in a similar manner.

Fawkes

Author Nadine Brandes transports readers back to 17th century London for her Historical Fiction; Fawkes. The book’s plot is as follows:

“Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father's plot to assassinate the king of England. Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other. No matter Thomas's choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the colour masks have been put on, there's no turning back.”

Brandes novel doesn’t seem explicitly Christian, but its characters and themes will leave readers asking about the consequences of their choices.

Another book series worthy of a mention is Evan Angler’s dystopian thriller; Swipe. Swipe transports readers to a futuristic world, in which they will be questioning all that surrounds them and attempting to break through to a better future.

Use our gift finder to find more Christmas gift ideas for teens.

Samuel James is a teeanged freelance writer who writes articles about faith, sport, news and history.