Christmas is a season of love, reflection, and giving, but for families with loved ones incarcerated in Indiana, the holidays can bring mixed emotions. You want to show care, bring comfort, and stay connected, yet finding approved Christmas gifts for inmates can be challenging.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a meaningful impact. Even affordable gifts can bring joy, hope, and inspiration to someone behind bars.
At Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we’ve spent over 30 years helping families across the state send inmate-approved gifts and books that meet Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) guidelines. This Christmas, you can give something special, something that reminds your loved one they’re still loved and never forgotten.
Here’s your complete guide to affordable, approved, and heartfelt Christmas gifts for Indiana inmates.
Why Affordable Christmas Gifts Matter
Christmas behind bars can be one of the most emotionally difficult times of the year. Simple gestures like a book, magazine, or newspaper can make an enormous difference, offering comfort, connection, and escape.
Here’s why affordable, approved gifts mean more than you might think:
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They strengthen family bonds. Even a small gift shows you care and haven’t given up on your loved one.
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They provide comfort and inspiration. Reading materials help inmates find peace, faith, and personal growth.
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They support rehabilitation. Motivational and educational books encourage reflection and change.
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They bring the spirit of Christmas inside. Gifts remind inmates of love, hope, and redemption.
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They comply with DOC rules. When ordered through Indiana Corrections Bookstore, every item is pre-approved and properly packaged for delivery.
Affordable doesn’t mean small, it means thoughtful.
Top Affordable Christmas Gifts for Indiana Inmates
You don’t need to spend a lot to send something meaningful. The following are approved and affordable gift ideas available through Indiana Corrections Bookstore, each designed to uplift, educate, and comfort inmates during the holidays.
1. Motivational Books
Motivational books are among the most popular Christmas gifts for inmates because they spark self-reflection and determination.
Top Picks:
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Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins — A story of resilience and self-discipline from a man who overcame extreme hardship.
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey — A guide to personal transformation through good habits.
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As a Man Thinketh by James Allen — A short, powerful classic that teaches the importance of positive thinking.
Why It’s Affordable & Meaningful:
Each of these books costs less than many luxury gifts yet delivers something far more valuable, motivation, purpose, and the drive to change.
2. Faith & Spiritual Books
For many inmates, faith provides the strength to endure and the hope to rebuild. Spiritual books are ideal for Christmas, offering guidance and peace.
Top Picks:
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The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren — A 40-day journey to finding God’s purpose.
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The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu — A beautiful reflection on finding happiness in adversity.
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The Holy Bible (Paperback) — Always an approved and meaningful gift.
Why It’s Affordable & Meaningful:
Faith-based titles are timeless and deeply comforting, helping inmates reconnect with forgiveness, grace, and hope during the holidays.
3. Educational & Reentry Books
Books that prepare inmates for life after release are not just educational, they’re empowering.
Top Picks:
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Introduction to Business — A foundational guide to starting and managing a business.
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The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie — Great for building confidence and communication skills.
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Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki — Lessons in financial literacy and smart money management.
Why It’s Affordable & Meaningful:
These practical reads provide real-world skills and motivation to help inmates succeed after release. They’re thoughtful, useful, and affordable.
4. Inspirational Biographies
Biographies are powerful stories of perseverance, making them perfect for holiday reading.
Top Picks:
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The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X & Alex Haley — A life-changing story of redemption.
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Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela — The journey of one man’s courage and forgiveness.
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Becoming by Michelle Obama — An inspiring story of strength, purpose, and growth.
Why It’s Affordable & Meaningful:
Biographies remind inmates that change and redemption are always possible, messages perfectly suited for Christmas.
5. Magazines & Newspapers
Sometimes, the best gifts are those that keep giving all year. Magazines and newspapers provide regular inspiration, entertainment, and education.
Top Picks:
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MailCall Newspaper — A unique publication created for inmates with stories, games, and uplifting content.
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Sports Illustrated — Keeps inmates connected to the sports world.
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Forbes Magazine — Encourages financial and entrepreneurial thinking.
Why It’s Affordable & Meaningful:
Subscriptions and single issues are low-cost yet deliver consistent positivity and connection, a thoughtful way to show ongoing care.
6. Self-Help & Mindfulness Books
These books help inmates manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges while promoting inner peace.
Top Picks:
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The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle — A guide to living mindfully and letting go of negativity.
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The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz — Simple wisdom for peace and personal freedom.
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The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer — A deep and calming exploration of self-awareness.
Why It’s Affordable & Meaningful:
Priced modestly but packed with wisdom, these books can transform an inmate’s mindset, a priceless gift during the holidays.
How to Send Affordable Gifts to Inmates in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) has strict mailing rules, only new paperback books sent directly from an approved vendor are accepted. That’s why Indiana Corrections Bookstore makes it simple to send gifts safely and compliantly.
Here’s how to send Christmas gifts to inmates:
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Browse our inmate-approved books, magazines, and gift bundles.
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Add your chosen items to the cart.
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Enter your loved one’s full name, ID number, and correctional facility address.
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Place your order, and we’ll handle the rest.
We take care of compliance, packaging, and delivery so your gifts arrive securely and on time.
About Indiana Corrections Bookstore: 30 Years of Trusted Service
For over three decades, Indiana Corrections Bookstore has helped families send approved books, magazines, and newspapers to inmates across the state.
As a trusted IDOC-approved vendor, we ensure every order is compliant, safe, and stress-free.
Why Families Trust Us:
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30+ years of experience serving Indiana correctional facilities.
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Fully approved IDOC vendor.
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We manage everything after you order.
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Carefully curated selection of motivational, educational, and spiritual books.
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Dedicated to literacy, rehabilitation, and family connection.
When you order from Indiana Corrections Bookstore, you’re not just sending a gift, you’re sending hope, encouragement, and love.
Serving Correctional Facilities Across Indiana
We deliver to all Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) facilities, including:
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Indiana State Prison (Michigan City)
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Westville Correctional Facility
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Wabash Valley Correctional Facility
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Pendleton Correctional Facility
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Plainfield Correctional Facility
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Branchville Correctional Facility
From Indianapolis and Evansville to Fort Wayne and Gary, we serve every correctional facility in Indiana, ensuring your loved one receives their gift compliantly and on time.
Contact Us
- Phone: 219.837.1330
- Email: info@incorrectionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://indianacorrectionsbookstore.com
We make it easy to send affordable, inmate-approved Christmas gifts across all Indiana prisons, safe, compliant, and filled with heart.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is about giving from the heart, and the most meaningful gifts are often the simplest ones. Books, magazines, and newspapers can bring joy, connection, and comfort to your incarcerated loved one.
At Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we’ve spent over 30 years helping families make the holidays brighter behind bars. Our affordable, inmate-approved Christmas gifts are designed to bring peace, inspiration, and hope, the true spirit of the season.
This year, give a gift that matters. Send knowledge, encouragement, and love, because even behind bars, the magic of Christmas can reach every heart.