Gift for first Holy Communion

[Shergill15]

Hi all, DD's best friend (both 9) takes her first Holy Communion next month. We wanted to get her a little gift to mark the occasion - just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what might be suitable for a gift from a friend? I'm assuming parents/grandparents will do things like jewellery/more personalised things. Is money OK or is that not the done thing? Any and all ideas welcome

A lovely rosary would be a good option (Catholics can never have too many!) - lots of colourful ones online, range of prices.

It's many years since i took mine but i got ,some cross and chains ,rosary beads ,prayer book i think.

@GoodnightAdeline im catholic and I have no rosary beads 🤨 anyway…@Shergill15 a bouncer or money is the usual in Ireland.

I give something to keep such as rosary beads or prayer book to close family. Money in a card to friends, wider family.

Money in a card is fine.

Money? What fresh hell is that?
communion is about her confirming her belief in Christ…maybe you don’t remember? The guy who overturned the traders stalls in synagogue cos they were making money? The one who said it’s easier to get through eye of needle than get to heaven if you’ve got money that you don’t need..

im not a Christian anymore, but that is repugnant. You’re commercialising a child’s statement of faith 🤯

stick to gift that is relevant to her faith - a small prayer book, bible study guide, or even a bible if no one else bothers 🙄🤦‍♀️. or make a charitable donation in her name if you can’t think of anything suitable

If she's Irish money is perfect.

Whatever @Dartwarbler thinks, money is the standard First Communion gift from family and friends ( at least it is in Ireland where I am). Close family do occasionally give gifts such as a cross and chain, inscribed photo frame or religious mementos too. Or Granny buys the prayer book and shoes/bag beforehand - that sort of thing.

@Dartwarbler it's not fresh hell, money is the traditional gift for communion - in Ireland anyway. My parents can remember being shown to the neighbours and getting a pound from them.

An engraved photo frame with date, details is a lovely present plus a few quid. Lots of websites offer it. There are wood options too.

Money in a First Communion card is the tradition.

Ok, I’m a Church of England background
must be catholic thing 🤷🏼‍♀️

Always money in Ireland, except the godparents maybe

I agree money will be more appreciated by the child. My Catholic kids have plenty of religious nick nacks that never get used. God help then 😜

Well I did think it was unlikely that you were Catholic - Catholics aren't really big on reading the bible or any of that kind of thing or worrying about giving children money and what it signifies...

Definitely always money in Ireland.

But from one 9yo to her best friend, I might take DD's lead, she might know a toy or keepsake her friend would love. There'll be plenty of cash in envelopes from aunties etc!

Definitely nothing religious. They'll have a drawer full of crucifixes from their baptism.

Money would be standard here in Italy too.

Anything religious will be shoved in a drawer and never looked at again.

I would give a piece of age appropriate jewellery or money.

Money is absolutely fine. Giving money for first holy communion is very traditional, especially in Irish families.

Yes you can have too many rosemary beads as a catholic!

stick to gift that is relevant to her faith - a small prayer book, bible study guide, or even a bible if no one else bothers 🙄🤦‍♀️. or make a charitable donation in her name if you can’t think of anything suitable

😂 what planet are you on? No child would want any of those things.

Money is perfectly acceptable.

I have a family member making hers this year too. I’ve got her a Bible quote print in a nice frame, a Virgin Mary candle, a wee porcelain cross to hang on her wall…. And these awful but I love them pin things for her crocs!

Irish family but raised in England, always money, as you say except for godparents and even then you’d get both.

My FHC in the 70s everyone got money off complete strangers, there was always a big party at the local Catholic Working Mens Club, the kids made a fortune. I’ve never forgiven my DB for ending up in hospital on my FHC day as I missed out on the club and all the cash 😂

In Ireland definitely money. We actually use this as an expression to signal someone is tight-fisted - "He still has his communion money" 🤣

I love this video

Brilliant @AliceMcK , haven't seen that in years, so good. Her delivery is perfect as well.