Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Outstanding Gifts for First Communions and Confirmations

April and May are the typical months for many "spiritual" exercises in the Roman Catholic Church, so let's review some appropriate and outstanding gifts for these special occasions!

Holy Communion
Spring is that time of renewal and rebirth!  Everything seems to be coming to life again and so with Easter behind us, it's time to help our youngsters grow in their faith too!

Along with the profession of their First Communions and/or Confirmations, many families opt to host a small party for the child who is taking this big step.  Often times if you are invited to this kind of celebration, it is difficult to know what an appropriate gift would be for the child. As the parent and grandparent of a few children that have made this testament to their faith,  I can help you out!

Holy Communions and Confirmations are religious events,  unlike birthdays or other celebrations.  Gifts should be in keeping with the tone of the event.  For parents and grandparents, they may choose to give the child a Prayer Book and/or Rosary.  A nice cross on a chain for them to wear would also be appropriate.  Other invited guests may choose monetary gifts because they have no idea what an appropriate gift would be.

I like to give books and believe firmly that a child will enjoy a book given for a special occasion and maybe even treasure that book well into their adult life.  To that end, I'm going to suggest a  book that I really like and would be lovely for either First Communion or Confirmation


Brother Sun and Sister Moon is an adaptation from St. Francis of Assisi's song to God, by Katherine Paterson!  The original version was written in 1227!  This particular book has beautiful illustrations that are actually hand cut outs of paper by Pamela Dalton.  Each picture is a marvel in and of itself. This book is wonderful in both content and design.  The gorgeous pictures and beautiful words,  will be a nice reminder for any child of that special day in their lives. The illustrations are just so well done and an art form that we don't see too much of.  I had seen this book at the library, and I was taken by surprise at the beauty of the illustrations.  Mind you, I also happen to love St. Francis of Assisi!  He is the patron saint of gardeners (my other passion) and naturalists. 

The Bible Made Easy - for Kids,  is a great starting point for dialogue about faith.  When the children read what is happening in the Bible stories,  in language that they understand, discussion about faith topics is so much easier!  The Bible (while wonderful in its original form) is not a book that is easily understood.  Giving children the opportunity to read the stories and understand their meanings is a great way to start some interesting discussions about the life and faith lessons that we need to learn.

Encouraging children to read and ask questions makes their faith life come alive.  It's not just something they do on Sundays anymore. 

So let me see if I can make it even easier for you to decide on the appropriate gift!  Here's a list that works for me:

Holy Communion or Confirmation Gifts:

1.  Faith based books! (Geared to the age of the child)
2.  Cross for Child's room
3.  Bookmarks with spiritual sayings
4.  Picture frame for the "Special Day Photo"
5.  Rosary (if they are Catholics, you can never have just one!)
6.  Necklace or charm with a religious tone (angels, wings, crosses etc.)
7.  Small statue of their favorite saint or namesake.
8.  Donation to a favorite charity in the name of the child.
9.  Child friendly Bible
10.Gratitude Journal

These are just my suggestions, I'm sure that you can come up with more! Teaching and passing on the faith we believe in is part of our duty as parents.  Milestones in that faith formation should be celebrated with loved ones.  Truly, it is home where our sense of faith begins and it is home where milestones should be celebrated too.
Holy Communion

You can read more about these sacraments and appropriate gifts in another review I did a few years ago.  Click Right Here and read some more if you feel so inclined!  Bless you all!




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9 comments:

  1. I've always though books are excellent gifts! They aren't always the "favorite" gift on a special day when given to a child, but I have noted that years later they still have them and consider them great treasures from their childhood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still have books on my shelf that I received when I made these sacraments! I won't tell you how many years ago that was, just suffice it to say that they could be considered historical!

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  2. I agree that books are an excellent choice for a gift for special occasions such as First Communion. It's a lasting gift that will be treasured long after the celebration is past.

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    Replies
    1. So True Miss Elf! Books can withstand the test of time and will be cherished for years to come. I'm living proof of that!

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  3. There is no doubt that books are a lasting gift for first Holy Communion and Confirmation. We've always leaned towards a nice cross on a chain or the child friendly bible. You have such wonderful ideas here Olivia and any would be perfect.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Eugene, a cross on a chain is very appropriate too. I really like the child friendly Bible! Get the little ones talking about their faith and it's easier to begin to live the lessons.

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  4. A very timely article. My granddaughter will have her confirmation next week. Thanks for all your suggestions. We have gotten her a cross bracelet and I have a book called Grandmother's Memories to her Grandchild that I have filled out to give her.

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    Replies
    1. I am sure that your granddaughter will cherish both gifts. They are important memories for a youngster and will bring smiles to her for many, many years to come I'm sure. Congratulations to your Granddaughter! God Bless!

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  5. I probably still have some of the gifts I was given for my confirmation. I remember getting a special book of inspirational verses. As a teen, my first choice leaned towards jewelry. I would have loved getting a cross necklace. Great recommendations here. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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