budget first communion gift

[cjnix29]

My niece just took her first communion. We didn't go, as they are quite a distance away. I want to send her something nice, but have no idea what is appropriate. (I'm not Catholic, so never went through this). What kinds of things to people normally give? She already has a nice cross necklace, which was my first thought.

 

[brymolmom]

DD just had hers over the weekend. She got almost entirely cash. I would stick with that if I was you - especially because it's easy to send long distance. You can send whatever is in your budget - we got many various amounts from a $10 to $100. So I don't think it's important to send a large amount.

My dd did ask me 'why do you get money for your First Communion?' and I had to think about it awhile. I ended up telling her that First Communion means that you're growing up and friends/relatives want to give you some money to help you as you get older. For example, with her money she's taking about a third of it and putting it into her college fund, another third, she's opening a savings account and she gets to keep/spend the rest.

 

[java]

My son's was this past weekend and he too got mostly cash- although he also got a couple gifts that he liked. He is a reader so he got a book on saints (one that my friend and I got for ours almost 40 years ago so it has special meaning to me)
http://www.amazon.com/New-Picture-Book-Saints-Illustrated/dp/0899422357/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

A nice children's bible is a good idea too.

 

[mjkacmom]

A check.

 

[Diegosmom]

For example, with her money she's taking about a third of it and putting it into her college fund, another third, she's opening a savings account and she gets to keep/spend the rest.

What about having her donate the money to a good cause. MY neighbor just told me that whenever her kids get any money they do this. And they always take 10% and give it to the church. I thought it was a good lesson to start teaching the kids now about giving to the church.

 

[DopeyDame]

It's a very big deal from a Catholic perspective, but shouldn't (and hasn't been, in my experience) a big deal for gift giving. Truly, a nice card with good thoughts and prayers would be lovely. Any gift you'd like to give in addition to that would be more than appreciated, I'm sure. Some ideas in addition to money, an "older" children's bible, another cross necklace (i have at least 5, and wear them all at different times), cross earings if her ears a pierces, or a book about a saint she might find inspiring (Joan of Arc is always a favorite with young girls). If you go to a Christian bookstore they usually have a First Communion section and certainly have a kids section where you might find something to fit the bill.

 

[mfduddy]

A savings bond was always welcomed for my kids.

 

[ldydoc12]

Went to one last weekend and our grandson's this weekend. We had a personalized wood frame for both that I bought online and will slip a little cash under the glass

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My dd just had hers and this is what we got her:

Religious stickers, Religoius silly bands, Catholic Doctrine Playing cards (Ace through King cards with different faith things printed on them).

Precious Moments First Communion Figuring--there are 3 kids.

First communion set with bible, rosary, and pin


www.emmannuelbooks.com might have some ideas as well.


I just try to keep it minimal and focused on the occasion.

My dad and step mom gave her a colored-glass cross on a rope chain. Very pretty.

Kohl's also had some children's jewelry if that is appealing to you.

 

[Nina1]

Not sure if you decided yet, but we went to two Communions last weekend and gave money. We have another one this weekend, and will also give money. All three Communions were/are for boys.

That being said, when the daughter of one of my husband's fraternity brothers made her Communion several years ago, we gave her a Crucifix necklace and a beautiful prayer book. This is because when I made my first Communion, my parents gave me a beautiful Crucifix that I still wear and my mom gave me the prayer book she received on her first Communion. It was such a wonderful day.

Another thought...if there are any Catholic stores in your community, you may want to stop in and see if something catches your eye.

 

[njcarita]

statue of a saint, Holy Water font, a religious medal with prayercard, picture frame...young kids seam to like the stretchy braclets with the saints pictures on them...

 

[elliemae1192]

I second the stretchy Saint bracelets. The girls love them.

Also, if she has any special interests (dancing, sports, etc.) you can get her a Saint medal. My DS plays baseball and football and St. Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes (you can google to see who the saint is for her particular interest). He is having his first communion this weekend and that's one of the things we got him. I got it at a Catholic gift shop in town and paid around $10 for it.