What do I give someone for their First Communion?

[TheSarcasticFringehead]

I have an embarrassingly basic understanding of all this. I have no idea what to get her (cousin's daughter)! I gave my nephews $18 each for their Bar Mitzvah, so I'm thinking money is the way to go, but I'd like to give her something special and a bit more unusual?

If you are not religious (or at least not the same religion) how about a really nice edition of a classic novel? One that is just a little bit too grown up for her now, but she can grow into and appreciate as she gets a bit older. Thinking Heidi/Ballet Shoes or something with lovely illustrations.

A novel is a nice suggestion for a birthday but perhaps has little to do with receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. I would pick a lovely rosary, a child's bible, a book of bible stories, a book of stories of the Saints (Tomie DePaola has many beautifully illustrated stories of Jesus, Our Blessed Mother and the Saints - such as St. Francis, Saints Benedict and Scholastica etc.) a picture or small statue of their patron Saint or a framed photograph of the child and their family from the day.

P.s. you could also give some cash but I wouldn't just give money - in fact we don't usually give money - this could vary between Catholic communities.

Here in Ireland, you give money. The close relatives might give something special. For eg, I bought my godchild a beautiful bracelet that we picked out together and my dad buys all the kids a watch for their day.

Nanas generally buy rosary beads, prayer book.

As its a cousins daughter though, I would throw between 10 and 20 into a card for them. My aunt doesnt know my son well, but sent a card for him with 20 quid in it and neighbours would throw a tenner in a card for him.

In UK anything pretty much goes, money, religious gifts, non religious gifts, mostly just a token other than close family or godparents etc.

In UK anything pretty much goes, money, religious gifts, non religious gifts, mostly just a token other than close family or godparents etc.

I'm Irish but have lived in England for a long time. People gave my DD money except for close relatives who gave rosary beads or a crucifix.
I would say money in a special card would be fine.

As an aside, we say that someone who is a bit tight with money "still has their Communion money!"

In Italy, and generally relatives give money, or club together for a big non-religious present (suddenly you notice all 10 yr olds walking round with tablets and smartphones...dd had a bike) the grandparents give Important Jewellery. (ie big clumpy stuff no-one would ever wear) and friends just give something they know the kid would like. (dd's friends gave her books, earrings, a photo album, a bag etc)

So basically, unless you are close family, whatever you want!

In the UK. I'm guessing you're in the UK? It's usually money or religious connected gifts here. I've never given or been given, for my kids, non religious gifts such as you'd get for a birthday.

Not UK , simplicita but the US, although as they've only recently moved from the UK, I think I'll give money and a nice card. Thanks for everyone's advice!