Christmas is a season of connection, compassion, and giving. For families with loved ones incarcerated in New Jersey, the holidays can be emotionally challenging. The distance, limited visitation, and restrictions on packages often make it hard to show love in tangible ways. But one gift always makes a difference, books and magazines.
Sending an inmate-approved book or magazine through NJ Corrections Bookstore is more than a gift, it’s a message of hope, encouragement, and remembrance. It tells your loved one, “You are not forgotten.”
In this blog, we’ll explore the best Christmas gifts for New Jersey inmates, explain why books and magazines make meaningful presents, and show how NJ Corrections Bookstore makes it easy to send them safely to any New Jersey correctional facility.
Why Christmas Gifts Matter in Prison
For incarcerated individuals, Christmas can magnify feelings of isolation. While others gather with family, inmates often spend the holidays apart, without warmth, laughter, or celebration. But a thoughtfully chosen gift can bridge that emotional gap.
Books and magazines give inmates something they deeply value: comfort, connection, and escape. They:
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Provide inspiration and learning – Encouraging growth and self-improvement.
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Keep connections strong – Reminding inmates they are loved and remembered.
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Bring peace of mind – Offering reflection, spirituality, and relaxation.
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Create a sense of normalcy – Letting inmates experience the joy of receiving something personal.
During the holiday season, a book isn’t just paper and ink, it’s an act of kindness that can make Christmas inside a little brighter.
Best Christmas Gift Ideas for New Jersey Inmates
If you’re wondering what to send this holiday season, here are inmate-approved Christmas gifts that inspire hope and joy while following NJ DOC regulations.
1. Motivational & Self-Improvement Books
Books that build confidence and inner strength are always welcome. Popular choices include:
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Motivational books encourage inmates to look forward to the future, stay focused on personal growth, and use their time productively. They offer strategies for resilience and discipline, values that align perfectly with New Year goals.
2. Inspirational Biographies
Stories of people who overcame hardship are among the most meaningful holiday gifts.
Top Picks:
Why It’s a Great Gift:
These real-life journeys remind inmates that adversity can lead to strength and transformation, a hopeful message for anyone seeking redemption and renewal during the Christmas season.
3. Faith-Based & Spiritual Books
Christmas is a time of reflection and faith. Spiritual books help inmates reconnect with their beliefs and find peace.
Recommended Titles:
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The Holy Bible (various versions)
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The Holy Qur’an (English translation)
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Faith-based books bring strength, forgiveness, and light into difficult times, offering inmates hope and spiritual comfort.
4. Mental Health & Wellness Books
The holidays can trigger loneliness and stress for inmates. Mental health books help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Recommended Reads:
Why It’s a Great Gift:
These titles encourage healing and mindfulness, reminding inmates to care for their emotional well-being during a difficult time of year.
5. Educational & Reentry Preparation Books
Books that build real-world skills make thoughtful Christmas gifts that also prepare inmates for success after release.
Popular Choices:
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Education is empowerment. These books help inmates learn communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills for a better future.
6. Magazines for Relaxation and Entertainment
Magazines are a simple yet impactful gift. They provide variety and something new to look forward to each month.
Best Magazines for Inmates:
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Sports Illustrated – for sports updates and inspiring athlete stories.
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Forbes – for business insights and motivational success stories.
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Essence – celebrating Black culture, wellness, and empowerment.
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Motor Trend – for car lovers who want to keep up with industry news.
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Magazines keep inmates entertained, informed, and inspired, making them one of the most appreciated Christmas presents in prison.
7. MailCall Newspaper (Designed Especially for Inmates)
MailCall Newspaper is designed specifically for inmates, offering uplifting articles, entertainment, puzzles, and cultural content, all compliant with DOC rules.
Why It’s a Great Gift:
It’s an easy, ongoing way to bring joy throughout the year. Every issue delivers positivity and a sense of connection to the outside world.
How to Send Books and Magazines to New Jersey Inmates
The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJ DOC) requires that books and magazines come directly from approved vendors. Personal shipments are not allowed.
Here’s how to send inmate-approved gifts safely through NJ Corrections Bookstore:
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Visit NJ Corrections Bookstore.
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Browse our wide selection of books, magazines, and newspapers.
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Add your selections to the cart.
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Enter the inmate’s full name, ID number, and facility address.
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Complete your order, and we’ll handle everything else.
We ensure full compliance with NJ DOC guidelines so your gift arrives safely and on time for Christmas.
About NJ Corrections Bookstore: 30 Years of Trusted Service
For over 30 years, NJ Corrections Bookstore has been helping families send inmate-approved books and magazines to correctional facilities across New Jersey. We understand the DOC process, content restrictions, and delivery requirements, so you don’t have to.
Why Families Trust Us:
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Three decades of experience serving NJ prisons.
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Fully approved NJ DOC vendor.
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We handle compliance and delivery from start to finish.
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Curated selection of motivational, spiritual, and educational books.
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A mission built on connection, compassion, and rehabilitation.
When you order through NJ Corrections Bookstore, you give your loved one a compliant, meaningful, and heartfelt Christmas gift that truly lasts.
Serving Correctional Facilities Across New Jersey
We proudly deliver to all NJ DOC correctional facilities, including:
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Bayside State Prison
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East Jersey State Prison
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Northern State Prison
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South Woods State Prison
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Garden State Youth Correctional Facility
From Trenton and Camden to Newark and Jersey City, we ensure every family across New Jersey can send approved Christmas gifts that uplift their loved ones behind bars.
Why Choose NJ Corrections Bookstore
Families choose us because we combine reliability, care, and convenience.
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30+ years of trusted service.
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NJ DOC-approved vendor for all prisons.
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We handle the process from start to finish.
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Wide range of books, magazines, and newspapers.
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Dedicated to helping families support their loved ones during the holidays and beyond.
With NJ Corrections Bookstore, you can send the perfect Christmas gift confidently and compassionately.
Contact Us
- Phone: 201.559.0592
- Email: info@njcorrectionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://www.njcorrectionsbookstore.com
We make it easy to send inmate-approved Christmas gifts, books, and magazines to any New Jersey correctional facility, safely, quickly, and with care.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a season of giving, and few gifts mean more than one that nourishes the mind and spirit. For inmates in New Jersey, a book or magazine can bring hope, joy, and connection when it’s needed most.
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we’ve been helping families share that joy for more than 30 years. Whether it’s a motivational book, a spiritual guide, or a monthly magazine, every order is handled with care and delivered with love.
This Christmas, send your loved one the gift of reading, a reminder that new beginnings are always possible.