First Communion Gifts Don't Have to be Religious
Choose Meaningful Gifts for First Holy Communion for Girls and Boys
Mar 12, 2009
There are several reasons why family members and friends of the family who are invited to celebrate first holy communion may not be comfortable buying religious gifts.
There are many gift ideas, however, that acknowledge the importance of the occasion without being religious in nature.
Money as a First Communion Gift
Money may not seem like a personal gift for first holy communion but it is one of the easiest and most appreciated gifts to give. Money gifts can be in the form of cash in a card, a gift card to the child’s favorite store, a saving bond or a contribution to the child’s college fund.
Most stores sell first holy communion cards or money holders to hold the money gift. In fact, a card and well wishes may be a sufficient gift for the child of a family friend. For those who prefer not to give money gifts, there are other first communion gift options.
First Communion Gifts of Jewelry
Friends of the family or family members who are not comfortable buying religious gifts can choose from several jewelry options. Sterling silver (stamped with .925) is generally a better choice for children as it is sturdier than gold. Silver is also a more affordable choice.
Communion gifts for boys can include a tie tack, tie bar or bracelet. Tie tacks and tie bars can be gifts of jewelry that last a lifetime as one size fits all. Bracelets for boys should be in a link or thick rope bracelet style, similar to men's' styles. Keep in mind boys will wear a shorter bracelet than a full-grown man so either buy a child’s size bracelet or expect the gift to be put away until later.
For girls, lockets or pearls are great ways to acknowledge the importance of the occasion while choosing a non-religious gift. While a strand of saltwater pearls may be much too expensive for a gift for a second-grader, freshwater pearls can be a nice choice.
Other communion gifts for girls include pearl stud earrings, pearl bracelets or a single pearl pendant. Lockets come in many different sizes, styles and price points, and children love the thought of the locket having a secret picture inside.
Give Personal First Communion Gifts
One gift for boys that fits well with first holy communion is the gift of a leather wallet. Second graders have learned about money in school and many people choose to give money as first communion gifts. The gift of a wallet can be a way to acknowledge the boy is old enough to begin making important choices for himself, just as he chooses to receive the "body of Christ" when receiving first holy communion
A watch is an age-appropriate first communion gift suitable for boys and girls. Second graders are at an age where they begin to take better care of their possessions and can understand the value of a nice watch. Whether it is chosen for every day wear or dress-up occasions, a watch can make a child feel more grown up and special. These feelings fit well with the importance of a first holy communion.
Other Meaningful Communion Gifts
While engraved picture frames and engraved wooden boxes often include first holy communion messages, it is possible to have plain frames and wooden boxes engraved with the child’s name or initials. These gifts are suitable for boys and girls.
Children love “treasure boxes” that can hold their other communion gifts like jewelry and religious communion gifts.
Making a charitable contribution in the child’s name is one possibility. Take the time to choose a charity that reflects the child’s interests and write a brief message in the card to explain the selection. Pay to plant a tree in the child’s name or ask the parents if it is okay to give a white-blooming azalea bush or dogwood tree to plant in the family’s yard. Each year the bush or tree will bloom around Easter time, reminding the child of his or her first holy communion and the gift giver.
Although first holy communion is a religious celebration, there are many gift options for those who are uncomfortable selecting a religious gift.
Non-religious first communion gift options can be meaningful and special. Jewelry, watches, engraved picture frames and wooden boxes are communion gifts for girls and boys. Wallets can be a nice gift for boys and girls may like lockets. Money gifts, charitable giving, and plants and trees can acknowledge the day without being overtly religious gifts.
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