First Holy Communion

GlasweJen

My oldest niece is making her first holy communion at the end of the month. It isn't a celebration I'm familiar with so I'm looking for some Catholic members to give me an idea of what is an appropriate gift.

The child is almost 9, fairly devout set of Catholic parents but my sister (her mum) is a convert so isn't sure what other girls will be receiving. My niece has 8 aunts and uncles so I don't want to get the special beads or a Bible as she will get these from other relatives (dads side of the family). I'd like something she can keep, personalised if it's available and I live in Glasgow so I can shop there or buy online.

Any help is much appreciated, I'm in way over my head here!

dizziblonde

Think I got a silver necklace with a dove pendant on as one of the presents for mine - along with the usual bibles and the like... something like that, or a cross pendant perhaps - could possibly get one that would be engraveable with the date on?

fluffnutter

There are classic communion presents but there probably aren't 9 different types! So you might have to speak to the other aunts and uncles to see what they're getting.

Crosses (necklaces), bibles and rosaries are the norm but, in typical Catholic fashion you can get all sorts of kitsch gifts! Some are more tasteful than others (I do recall a rather bad ceramic model of Pope John Paul II that a friend had - it looked like George W Bush :eek:).

Give 'communion gifts' a google for some ideas but, unless you want to be buying something that someone else has bought you might have to get organised with the other family members.

Alternative gifts might be a cake (anyone can make one in the shape of a cross surely? You don't need to bother making a Jesus out of sponge). Are you any good at photography? How about taking pictures of the day and putting them in a nice album?

GlasweJen

I'm not really up to making anything at the moment so it will be a bought gift. I've seen charms for charm bracelets that seem nice but they are labelled "confirmation", is that different to communion?

traleegirl

Not very helpful I know but the tradition in Ireland is to give cash. For Confirmation (next sacrament when they are 12/13) the sponser usually buys a gift, but again everyone else gives money.

beanymagoo

I have a big family so usually when one of my nieces is having their communion I will get them something like a special photo frame or a piece of jewellery that probably wont be duplicated by one of the other aunts or uncles. It doesnt really have to be a 'communion' gift.

fluffnutter

GlasweJen wrote: »

I'm not really up to making anything at the moment so it will be a bought gift. I've seen charms for charm bracelets that seem nice but they are labelled "confirmation", is that different to communion?

Yes, in the Catholic church, first communion and confirmation are different events. In the CofE church, you don't have first communion, just confirmation at around 13ish. Catholics have both.

TBH, a confirmation gift sounds more CofE than Catholic and a stickler for accuracy might think you've given the wrong gift. Personally most little girls would love any trinket and I don't think you need to worry too much. If she's ungrateful, she's not very holy is she?

susancs

A photo fame with First Communion written on it and her name engraved can be a nice gift or a nice ceramic cross for the wall. Just thinking of the gifts my two girls particularly liked for their First Communions. Grandparents often in my experience get the child's rosary beads in advance as their gift and often children get bibles for their Christening so probably have those already. Parents often buy a crucifix necklace. Like you say I would steer clear of all those items. A family member did give my daughter a lovely bracelet in white beads with her name on it and a cross in advance that she wore on the day. Might be worth looking at ebay as there are sometimes nice items on there.

Gorgeous_But_Grumpy

GlasweJen wrote: »

I'm not really up to making anything at the moment so it will be a bought gift. I've seen charms for charm bracelets that seem nice but they are labelled "confirmation", is that different to communion?

Communion is about 8/9 and Confirmation about 14/15 in the Catholic Church, they are entirely different events. A charm bracelet is a lovely idea, you could then give charms for birthday or Christmas to add to it. The gift doesn't have to be 'holy', although Godparents generally do, but is a gift to celebrate such a special occasion, much akin to a birthday or anniversary. I have always thought it especially nice to give something which is more of a 'keepsake', rather than a toy, cd or money. A silver locket, beautiful wooden jewellery box, A satin covered posh photo album, Sparkly photo frame, Premium Bond, you could even have a star named after them.
Hope you find something!

MissMonkeyMoo

Hi, I think it does depend on personal preference but I was brought up Catholic and the gifts that we received for Holy Communion were definitely related to the event/religion. The usual presents are bibles, rosary beads, religious medal, special celebratory candle etc but there is so much choice nowadays. I've added a couple of websites for you to take a look at:

https://www.firstholycommunionday.co.uk
https://www.borngifted.co.uk

I really like the idea of giving a Mass Book as a gift at this sacrament as it is the first time that they get to take part in the eucharist.

Hope you find something that takes your fancy!

fluffnutter

Are they travellers? If so you could offer to chip in for the dress. These frocks don't come cheap!