I was just invited to my friend's son's first communion. We're Jewish and haven't attended any similar Catholic events before. What is an appropriate gift to give her son to mark the occasion? Is there a particular thing that people normally do/give to celebrate? I'm at a total loss.
My friend, who is Jewish, asked me the same question. $25 or $30 is plenty, I think. I could be wrong, but I would think that it would be difficult to choose something from a Catholic store. Money/card is perfect.
I like the idea of money. In the past I have given a bible or cross necklace only to find out it was one of many. Your SES (social economic status) should determine the amount. This is more important than a birthday. I would compare the price point to a baby shower gift. I got a few 7 year saving bonds for my first communion, so it is a way to give more and spend less. This allows the child to use it later too (I like the idea of waiting for something to grow and mature). Looks like paper bonds are out of date as of Jan 2012.
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/planning/plan_gifts.htm
Money would be best.
visit your local Catholic Supply Store....you'll be amazed at the choices!
One fun thing to do is to make a personalized rosary....my nephew has one with soccer ball beads. Talk about unique!
The child will probably already get lots of religious type gifts (gold cross, bracelet.. first communion crosses... rosaries..prayer books... etc etc.. (if it's anything like my son's) there will be duplicate gifts too... and money which is NOT uncommon..
depending upon how well you know the child/family.. If we are particularly close, we give a $100.00 or so... if not, $50...
My daughter is making her first Holy Communion next week. At the risk of sounding terrible... I actually hope nobody gives a religious gift:).
Most guest gave my oldest daughter money/check or a Savings Bond. She had one cousin that gave religious books that we ultimately donated.
I always give money. If the child and/or parents want to buy something religious they can but I bet most don't.
Catholic Bible
Rosary
Cross Necklace
Commemorative Plaque
Go to the christian store, or even Hallmark, they usually have a section for First Communion Gifts.
I would say $50 not $100 but maybe I run in different circles than some of the other Catholics on here ;)
I would think $50 is more than generous, $100 from a non family member is awkward.
As a mom, I actually would prefer Religious gifts, $$$ seems kind of weird to me! But I also understand the mom who said she's secretly hoping for NOT religious gifts... some can be really cheesy.
Since it's a boy it's tougher, girls you can get away with jewelry, angel figurines and other sentimental type tchotchkes. I might just stick to money if its a boy.
My nephew/Godsons is next month. I'm doing 1/2 and 1/2 religious-special girft (don't know what yet) and something I know he actually wants or gift card.
I'm not catholic, but when my DD was baptised at age 9, she got a cross necklace from James Avery from my in-laws. James Avery also has really cool charm bracelets that you can add to over the years. My DD got hers when she was 7 or so and since doing horseback riding lessons, going to the ocean, getting baptised, she's gotten a horse, seashell and bible charms to put on it.
