Camino gift ideas for Camino de Santiago pilgrims
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Looking for gift ideas for a Camino lover, a Spanish learner or a Camino lover who also happens to be a Spanish learner?
Here are some ideas:
My books
Of course, I have to start this list with my own books. I honestly think they would make a lovely present for anyone who’s learning Spanish, whether they’re into the Camino or not.
Click anywhere on the image or text for more details.
Mi primer Camino de Santiago
Short novel written in easy Spanish (A1-A2), perfect for those who have walked or are planning to walk the Camino and want to improve their Spanish skills.
Historias tras cada paso
Take a journey through the rich and fascinating history of the Camino Portugués, from miraculous events to unusual local traditions.
For intermediate learners.
Pasatiempos Peregrinos
80 language puzzles for Spanish learners. All the vocabulary is related to travel and the Camino de Santiago (accommodation, food, health, transportation, shopping, etc.).
Suitable for age 10 to adults and for any level.
Other books
Journals for your Caminos and other books to help you improve your Spanish.
Graded readers
I love learning languages through stories. They’re engaging and show the language in context. Two key elements to learn a language.
If your Camino-lover is learning Spanish, these graded readers make great gifts.
I picked these 4 for the following reasons:
- 2 of them are written by teacher friends, so this is a way to support them. And the books are great too.
- the other 2 are about the Camino.
Everyday Stories
10 bilingual stories (Spanish–English) for Spanish learners who want to improve their understanding and vocabulary in a natural and enjoyable way.
La aventura de Luna
Follow the adventure of Luna, a little cat who gets lost and needs to find her way back home.
For beginners.
El Camino de las estrellas
Solve a mystery on the Camino Francés!
For intermediate learners.
El peregrino de Santiago
Historical novel for beginners set on the Camino de Santiago in the 13th century.
Part of a series.
Other books in Spanish
If your Spanish is good enough, you might want to try a “proper” Spanish book, rather than one written for learners.
There are thousands of books I could recommend, but I tried to limit myself to books related to the Camino or Galicia.
Mirabilia
Beautifully illustrated collection of wonderful stories about the Camino.
La Peregrina
Historical novel about the first ever pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James.
El bosque de los 4 vientos
Fascinating story about 9 missing miracle rings that were later found, shortly after the novel was published.
El Camino de Santiago
For children… or for yourself if you’re a beginner.
There’s an English version too.
- El manuscrito de barro is a historic mystery set on the 16th century Camino Francés.
- La Casa de la Troya is a Spanish classic. It follows the adventures of a student from Madrid who is sent to study in Santiago. You can visit the real Casa de la Troya (the place where the students lived) in Santiago.
- Ojos de agua is the first of the Leo Caldas mysteries. It’s set in Vigo.
- 1080 recetas de cocina can be considered the Bible of traditional Spanish cooking. It’s available in English too
Camino books in English
If you prefer something in English, here are a few ideas. I’ll skip the traditional guides, like Brierly’s, because I haven’t really used any.
I’m not including Camino memoirs either because they’re not my favourite genre. There are some good ones out there but I’d rather read Camino fiction.
The first 4 books are not fiction. In fact, you could call a couple of them guides. I’m including them on my list because I read them, I enjoyed them and I found value in them. Even if I didn’t carry them with me when walking.
If you stand here
This book will place you on the very spot in the Cathedral of Santiago where something marvelous happened in the history of this extraordinary space. A different tour of the cathedral.
The Camino Inglés: 6 days to Santiago
If you’re considering the Camino Inglés, you need to read this book. Both practical and inspiring.
Check Susan’s website for all her Camino books.
Solo Camino: an empowering guide for women
Walking by yourself as a woman can be scary. This book will help you overcome your fears and prepare for your trip.
Check Renée’s website.
Stone & Water
About the Variante Espiritual, with historical and practical information on the route.
- Camino-themed word search books.
Some fiction:
- Brian Skillen’s Through a Field of Stars Trilogy. Historical fantasy including Templar Knights, mysteries, love, action…
- K.D.Field’s The Camino Family Trilogy. Deeply moving family saga of love, loss, self-discovery and healing on the Camino.
Other things
Looking for something else that is not a book?
There are many things you could get a Camino-enthusiast. From something practical they can use on their Camino like socks or a neck warmer, to something less practical like a bracelet or earrings.
Or something they can use at home, to remind them of the Camino:
Camino notebooks
For work, for school, as a journal… you decide how to use them.
Camino mugs & things
Have your café con leche in a Camino mug, get reminded of the Camino every time you use your phone…
Double pan for tortilla
Missing the Spanish tortilla and want to make it at home but not sure how to flip it? You’re not alone.
A double pan makes it super easy.
Cross for tarta de Santiago
A classic tarta de Santiago is not complete without the cross design on top.
And if you’re looking for a taste of Spanish Christmas, these are the most typical, traditional treats:
Turrón
Try both the hard (duro) and the soft (blando) version and let me know which one you prefer.
Polvorones
My favourite Christmas sweet.
Mazapán
I’m not a fan of these, but they are one of the most typical Christmas sweets.
Free Spanish
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Try Hotel Borbollón for FREE for 1 month. The course is based on a story and you will receive 4 lessons per week (and corrections too).
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Beginners & intermediate levels. All based on stories.
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