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The First Holy Communion is a special day in a young child’s life. If you’ve recently been invited to attend one of these sacred ceremonies, you can expect to spend an hour or two attending a church service and, maybe, a party following after.
And that begs the question, “If I attend a Holy Communion service, do I need to bring a gift?” Whether you’re about to attend your first ceremony or are quite familiar with the tradition, keep reading. Here are the 13 best First Communion gifts for Catholic children.
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What is a First Communion?
Arvie Narido, a writer and gift researcher for Gift Rabbit, is also a practicing Catholic who defines first communion as “a ceremony wherein kids ages 7-8 years old first receive the holy eucharist. For Catholic people, it has always been an essential and ‘big’ day, not just for the kids who will receive it but also for the parents. It’s a day that the church acknowledges and celebrates the faith and readiness of a child to accept the holy communion.”
Furthermore, for Catholic children, the First Holy Communion is just one of the seven sacraments they’ll receive in their life. The first one is baptism, which usually happens when they’re a baby.
Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is another one, and it’s often the first sacrament that people remember. For practicing Catholic parents and kiddos, this usually takes place at around age 7 or 8, and it’s one of the most important. Holy Communion is the first time a child takes in the elements of bread of wine, which symbolize the body and blood of Christ.
For non-Catholics and non-religious people, the Eucharist can seem like somewhat of a strange tradition. But for practicing Catholics, it’s a rite of passage. From the First Communion on, Catholics can continue to receive communion every time they go to church as a way to show their devotion to God and Jesus Christ.
Tips for Buying a First Communion Gift
Because the First Communion is a special occasion, it’s important that you choose a proper gift. And yes, we do recommend that you give a gift, even if it’s a small one.
So, what is a proper communion gift? It all depends on your relation to the child and what religion you practice. If you’re not Catholic, don’t feel the need to give a religious gift. It’s best to stick to something simple and somewhat more generic, such as a cash gift or a gift card.
It is appropriate to give a religious gift if you are Catholic or are a godparent, a close relative, or a dedicated member of the child’s church. No matter what type of gift you give, make sure it’s age appropriate. Most children making their Holy Communion are around ages 7 and 8, so keep that in mind when choosing a present.
Related: GoHenry: The Card Teaching Children Financial Responsibility
13 Best First Communion Gifts
From crosses to prayer books to keepsakes, here’s our roundup of the 13 best first communion gifts for boys and girls.
1. Flat Cross Necklace
A cross necklace is the perfect gift to give a child making their First Communion. Available in different lengths and sizes, this flat cross necklace is a timeless piece that they can keep forever. It features a flat, slender cross pendant dangling from a sterling silver chain. Choose your length and, if you want to make it even more unique, you can choose to add a secondary charm, such as a sparkling mini cross or a pretty angel with wings.
2. Personalized Wall Cross
A wall cross or wall crucifix is a classic communion gift that a child can treasure forever. You can find crosses in all different styles, materials, and designs, but we especially love these custom communion crosses at Etsy. Customizable in different colors, this cross can be personalized with the child’s name to make it an even more one-of-a-kind gift.
3. Glass Pearl First Communion Rosary
Rosary beads come in all different styles and colors, but we especially love this glass pearl First Communion rosary packaged in a round rosary case. Available in a variety of colors, this rosary features a crucifix, a silver-plated chalice centerpiece, and a matching round metal rosary box for storage. Because the rosary is a classic Catholic symbol, there’s a good chance a grandparent or godparent might gift the child with one on their communion day. A good alternative to a classic rosary bead necklace is a rosary bracelet, like this crystal and pearl rosary with religious charms.
4. Personalized Communion Keepsake Box
A keepsake box can be used for anything, which makes it a versatile and useful gift that a child can have and use for decades. This personalized communion keepsake box is small and round with a cross on the top and the option to add the child’s name and the date of the First Communion. Little ones can use it as a jewelry box or to hold all sorts of small items such as coins, trinkets, or rosary beads.
5. Engraved Personalized Bible
A children’s Bible always makes for a great First Communion gift, but a personalized, engraved bible is even better. On Etsy, you’ll find hundreds of different styles of personalized Bibles. Some are available in pretty pastel colors for kids and can be customized with the child’s name, initials, a meaningful bible verse, or the date of their First Communion. Not sure which bible to choose? This Bible case is a great alternative, allowing the child (or the child’s parent) to select which bible should go inside.
6. The Devotional Doodle Journal
Many Catholic adults read prayer books and keep devotional journals as a way to chronicle their faith journey. But since kids making their First Communion might not be ready for such deep thought, The Devotional Doodle Journal is an excellent alternative! This doodle journal includes 90 art and writing activities with devotions and pictures to inspire kids to explore their faith. It’s a way for them to strengthen their relationship with the church and be creative at the same time.
7. Patron Saints Charm
A patron saint charm is a small, yet meaningful gift to give a child making their First Holy Communion. Patron saint charms can be added to charm bracelets, charm necklaces, or keychains and are the kind of important trinket that a Catholic can keep forever. There are thousands of saints recognized by the Catholic church, so if you’re not sure which one to choose, narrow your selection down to St. Tarsicius or Blessed Imelda Lambertini, the two patrons saints of First Communion.
8. First Communion Framed Print
This First Communion framed print is a stylish choice for any child making their First Communion! Available in different sizes with many customizable options, this pretty art print is one that she’ll love to hang on the wall in her bedroom. You can add the child’s name, customize the print with the child’s hair color, or add the date of their First Communion so that they’ll always remember that special day.
9. My First Communion Picture Frame
There will surely be tons of photos taken at a child’s First Communion! With a first holy communion picture frame is the perfect way to display a favorite photo from that day, and it features a stylish, modern design that makes it easy to place in any room of the home. To make it even more unique, customize it with the child’s name and communion date.
Related: Why Music Box Gifts Make Great Presents
10. Bible Verse Bookmark
A timeless gift that a child can use throughout their lifetime, a bible verse bookmark is perfect for the child that loves to read! This metal bookmark is made from stainless steel and features an inspirational bible verse along with a dangling cross pendant. Little ones can use it to mark their spot in a children’s bible or any other book that they’re reading.
11. The Night Before My First Communion Book
Appropriate for any young girl or young boy, The Night Before My First Communion tells the story of a Catholic brother and sister getting ready to make their First Holy Communion. Full of colorful illustrations, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive gift to give the child before they celebrate their big day.
12. Precious Moments Communion Keepsake
A communion keepsake from Precious Moments is sure to be a hit! Is it the most unique gift you can give? No… But they are classic! Choose from a mini table cross, a musical Holy Communion figure, a guardian angel figurine or any of Precious Moments’ religious statues.
13. First Communion Music Box
There’s something about opening the lid of a music and hearing a familiar song play that always makes us feel good. This first communion music box plays Ave Maria and features a rope trim design around the lid along with a faithful sentiment and the option to add your own photos or artwork. Little girls can place it on a bedside table or bureau and use it as a jewelry box, a trinket box, or a decorative piece.
Do You Have to Give a First Communion Gift?
First Communion day is a special moment in a child’s life, and it is customary to give a gift. But it doesn’t have to be a religious gift, an extravagant gift, or an expensive one.
When in doubt, consult with the child’s parents as to what gift you should give or not give. And no matter what gift you settle on, be sure to include a gift receipt, just in case!
You might also be interested in: 11 Great Smartwatches For Kids [Gadgets For Young Children]
13 First Communion Gifts:
- Flat Cross Necklace
- Personalized Wall Cross
- Glass Pearl First Communion Rosary
- Personalized Communion Keepsake Box
- Engraved Personalized Bible
- The Devotional Doodle Journal
- Patron Saints Charm
- First Communion Framed Print
- My First Communion Picture Frame
- Bible Verse Bookmark
- The Night Before My First Communion Book
- Precious Moments Communion Keepsake
- First Communion Music Box
Jessica Heston
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