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

I'm with you @Dartwarbler. But I guess many families do it without it really being a statement of faith or belief.

Of the kids I know who have taken first communion, not one is taken to church unless through school.

Am in Ireland, here is either money, a rosary beads or prayer book (family might get a chain or watch for them)

Thanks everyone, really appreciate all the responses. We're (very loosely) C of E so it's a new situation for us and didn't want to inadvertently cause offence. Money seems to be the consensus and will ask DD if there's any little keepsake she wants to give her friend x

I imagine religious keepsakes would be bought by parents, grandparents, godparents. That doesn't really leave much. Money would be fine.

When I made my first Holy Communion, over 60 years ago, close family gave things like bible/prayer book/rosary beads, I assume they agreed who was giving what. Other people gave you silver, so half crowns or two shillings. Putting silver in your hand was supposed to mean they wished you'd never know want. Same thing with a Baptism.

Jewellery and gifts are usually given by godparents or close family. Everyone else sticks money in a card

A book token in a card can be a nice alternative too.

I’m not sure if that is sarcasm 😐

i sort of hope it is

The money thing sounds like 1 big bribe or emotional blackmail….hey ho

I really hope you are joking...

For those you don't think money is appropriate - there is a reason a mean person is referred to as someone "who still has his/her communion money" in Ireland.

Not joking at all. Catholics aren't bible literalists, they tend more towards the Catholic catechism. Money isn't bribery for FHC, it's just the traditional gift.

Yikes!

Chill pill in order there, methinks.

How is a gift (costing money) manufactured goodness knows where, in conditions unknown, by people whose lives are unimaginable, any better than a tenner in an envelope?

A charitable donation is fine as a gesture for an adult, but for a child, a tangible gift to mark the momentous occasion is completely appropriate.

I have given nicely bound diaries with pens, gel pens, or coloured pencils as gifts for First Communion. I think church related items are likely to end up gathering dust under a bed.

Cash. Their close family will buy them religious gifts. Everyone else gives cash.

My parents wouldn't allow me to do that, but the next time the neighbours saw me out and about, they slipped me a few quid, with a Shhhhhhhhh!

….joking that I bought a funny gift for a child, along with some sentimental pieces?

Joking about the whole lot. No child I have ever encountered would want a bible quote, a Virgin Mary candle or a porcelain cross, never mind the croc things.

she actually asked for something for her wall because she liked something I have in my own house 🙃

Fair enough then, if she asked for something religious for her wall. That's obviously assuming the thing on your wall is religious 😏

A card with money is the usual gift when you are not a parent, godparent or grandparent of the child. It's also the easiest.

Sometimes, depending on the child, I like to give a book token instead of money.

Often, children get their ears pierced just in advance of First Communion so a little pair of studs can be a nice gift, just something simple not a crucifix. A nice simple photo frame is often appreciated given that so many photographs will be taken on the day.

Parents/grandparents/godparents will usually look after dressing and accessorising the child and religious gifts. You can definitely have too many rosary beads and bibles. Remember the child may have received these already for their Christening celebration. I have donated a few children's bibles to the charity shop in my time.

I was a very pious 7 year old communicant, used to collect mass booklets from church services etc. but even I was only interested in cold, hard cash.
I mean I loved my prayer book and my rosary beads but no way would in have wanted extras!
I got £40 back in 1987 and my best memory was a friend’s mum (who I didn’t know very well) giving me a pound. The absolute extravagance!

Well don't do what I did this weekend!

I gave my elderly aunt a communion card to pass on to a child near home. At the same time, I handed my aunt a Dunnes Stores till receipt with the €5 off and asked her would she use it as I wouldn't.

Got a text from the child this evening saying thanks for the card, money & voucher. My aunt put it in the card too!!! Mortified!!

@ThirtyThrillionThreeTrees that's hilarious

@ThirtyThrillionThreeTrees
Oh no!!!😂😂