Confirmation, what gift to take for a boy?

[tiredmumma]

we have been invited to a confirmation for a friends son and I just dont have a clue what gift to give. Any ideas please?

Aesops fables. Book of poetry about wildlife for kids. Book is my default as you might have realised.

Second the book idea. But perhaps a big glossy reference book about whatever he's into: stars and planets, animals, cars or whatever. Something he'll have pleasure looking at for years to come.

Don't know what your budget is or how good a friend she is, and this may be pushing the boat out, but the other idea is a good pair of binoculars, or a real (not a toy) camera. As this is a rite of passage, it's a lovely idea to get something that isn't "kid's stuff" but is adult. There are some very good deals to be had on Amazon at the moment. I got my godson these binoculars for his birthday and he was over the moon.
www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-10-DPC-Silver-Binoculars/dp/B00006G33O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1335963243&sr=8-4

Not entirely sure about some of the suggestions here. What age is the confirmation child? Our (Catholic) children will be Year 10, so ged 15/16, when they are confirmed. They probably wouldn't be thrilled with a book of fables. For us, confirmation is also much more low-key than First Communion and presents don't figure hugely.

thanks for the suggestions - the boy has just turned 13.

They are friends but not close but not distance if that makes sense, someone has suggested vouchers or money?

I really dont have a clue

Sorry I was thinking Christening not confirmation.

Like the binoculars idea. Or telescope. Soemthing to keep I think not money.

Book still good - just get age appropriate and hardback!

For a confirmation I would get something religious. A prayer book? A bible? A crucifix on a chain?

As annh says, it is usually older children who get confirmed and they will usually have chosen to do so. The event will have religious significance to them so a gift they can use as part of their faith is a nice idea.

When I was confirmed I received crucifix and some prayer books. It didn't cross my mind that I might get a gift that didn't have any religious meaning.

Fountain pens are popular in this household, or a really good quality ballpoint....something adult but a little bit special.

If the boy is not a relative or a really good friend I wouldn't go towards a religious gift. Yes, the boy has to make his own decision to do this but it could very much be a "it is expected from my family to do so, I am doing it to please somebody".

I like the pen idea. Money I would normally only give if I know the person is saving towards something special. A confirmation is more than just a normal birthday and the present should reflect this.

You could also see how the family is celebrating. We did it very low key, just me, sister and parents and I got a necklace from my parents and a book from my sister.

pen idea is lovely...Im going to ask the Mother and see what she thinks whether she'd prefer a religious gift or anything

Personally I think a religious goft is entirely appropriate. There are plenty of good books apart from Bibles available to buy from Christian bookshops (like teen novels with a Christian slant) - ask the bookshop manager for assistance if you aren't sure x Also things like bookmarks, bracelets and so on....