Among Friends

[Eileen in Virginia]

If the family’s truly religious, I’d give them a missal, crucifix/medal or a nice rosary. If the family aren’t really practicing Catholics, I’d give them gift cards or money. Sometimes the pastor will give the First Communicants a gift like a rosary or scapular as a remembrance. The others have recommended some good sources.

[chrystaltree]

Personally, we do not give religious gifts for First Communions or Confirmations because we don't want to wast our money and we want to give the kid something they really want.  Those are joyful, coming of age occasions.  Celebrations.  The grandparents and great aunts and others will give the kids all the religious items they will ever want or need so we give an appropriate card but we give the type of gift we would give for a birthday.  My friend's grandaughter will be confirmed soon and I've seen her in church.  I know she's a "girly girl" because she always dresses up church.  We are giving her a strand of pearls with matching stud earrings.  The last comfirmation we went to was about 4 years ago.  Hubby picked out a cool Invicta watch for him.  I like seeing their  faces light up when they get a gift that isn't a cross or a bible.

[nougat]

@tamigirl59

I think since the occasion is religious it should be a religious gift, not like a birthday or Christmas gift. i suggest a kids picture bible or other picture books made just for kids.

they show the stories without all the words so kids can understand and learn.

then have it when older to look back and remember. or anything pertaining to the Catholic faith in kid terms like kid prayer books, jewelry, medals.

i have mine and when I see them i think way back when i was having the celebration and party afterwards!  good memories! religious gifts will be remembered more than secular gifts in my opinion.

[Laura14]

You could give them their patron saints' medals or rosaries.  Your patron saint comes from your name.  It used to be required for baptism and if their names are not too unique, it should be easy to denote which saint is associated with each of their names. 

Or you could just do it based on gender.  St. Joseph is for boys and Mother Mary for girls.

I also like the little booklets with Catholic prayers and devotions in them.  They are small for little hands, not too expensive, and you can usually get one of them and a small gift card and have a perfect inexpensive yet extremely appropriate gift for both.     

[viva923]

just had First Communion at my church. Several of the girls had crosses around there necks and were taking photos before church service.

The boys really didn't have anything major they were displaying.

a photo taken after church service, have it professional framed to give to child. granted it would be a delayed gift, but still a good gift to give.

even a gift certificate to a store where you know the parents would allow the kids to get items.

You can also look on line for stores that do support gifts for First Communion.

[blackhole99]

Back in the dark ages when I received Holy Communion and Confirmation, I didn't expect gifts, but my Mother's family did have a get together after the ceremony. My one aunt was a nun and she gave me a beautiful prayer book and gold cross on a chain.. It would have been nice to get some cash, evidently my relatives did not believe the sacraments warranted gifts of cash. I have given cash to my nieces and nephews when they received the sacraments.

[lovesrecess]

I usually get them a small bible from Mardel; they put the name on them for a small fee while you wait.....the bibles are always well-received. A cross necklace is also a good choice for a girl.

[reynie]

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@viva923 wrote:

just had First Communion at my church. Several of the girls had crosses around there necks and were taking photos before church service.

The boys really didn't have anything major they were displaying.

a photo taken after church service, have it professional framed to give to child. granted it would be a delayed gift, but still a good gift to give.

even a gift certificate to a store where you know the parents would allow the kids to get items.

You can also look on line for stores that do support gifts for First Communion.

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I like the photo idea. Novel!

[maestra]

kiddos will have received : Missals, rosary beads (if Roman Catholic), Bibles.

Money is always welcomed.