I need advice on a a Catholic First Communion Gift for a 8 year old Boy. I have been to both Christian Bookstores that are near my home and they have little to nothing. Everything is geared towards babies. I saw some books on Amazon but the communion is this Saturday so I need something quick. I don't really know what is an appropriate gift. I would really like something that he will use. I would love to hear some suggestions. Byt the way I might ad that the child is not a family member but a neighbor and my sons' friend that he plays with occasionally so I really didnt think the obvious being a Rosary was an appropriate gift from us.

The only thing that I saw at the bookstore that I thought he might like was a "Walk in the Light" flashlight (It was actually mixed in with the mens fathers days gifts). It's one of those that you shake and get light anywhere and it had a Bible verse on the front 1 John 1:7 I know it's a little gooby but he is a boy I just didnt know if it is appropriate or not


here is the flashlight
Family Christian Stores - Walk in the Light Kinetic Flashlight -

Thanks so much!!

My daughter just made her First Communion. Most people gave her money. Other than that, she received a couple of books (one a "Children's Book of Saints," that she really likes), jewelry, and a couple of decorative crosses. One couple made a donation in her name to Food for the Poor. She would have really liked this flashlight -- I think kids that age all love flashlights -- and the parents will be happy that it doesn't need batteries! I think it would be a fun and unusual gift. You can always add a gift card in a small amount or a $5 bill in a card if you think the flashlight alone isn't enough (but I think it is).

When kids get money for a First Communion or Confirmation, should parents insist that they buy something meaningful? My daughter got just over $100 for her Confirmation last month (which she has not spent yet), and I thought she should buy something meaningful with it, as opposed to blowing it (which would be easy to do).

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

I saw some of those rubber bracelets at our Christian bookstore which resemble the "LIVESTRONG" band inspired by Lance Armstrong. One said "GODPOWER" and another said "WWJD" (what would Jesus do?). I bought one of these, and am putting it with a small amount of money.

My DD last year received books, a stuffed animal that was in a praying/kneeling pose, some pretty jewelry with nice messages on the charms, and money.

I LOVE the flashlight idea. If it is gone when you go back, you could always pick up a regular flashlight, and attach a little sign/note that says "Walk in the Light" like the one you saw.

My son received money for his, but my Great Uncle gave him a wallet. In it he put this poem with a small pin cross attached to it. It is very sweet. My GU had one in his wallet that he has had since his comformation and he carried it with him throughout WWII and still has it. For my son, we just typed it up and printed it on card and then attached the small cross, but you may be able to get one already done in a christian book store.

Cross in My Pocket

I carry a cross in my pocket
A simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I am a Christian
No matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic
Nor is it a good luck charm.
It isn't meant to protect me.
From every physical harm.

It's not for identification
For all the world to see.
It's simply an understanding
Between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or key.
The cross is there to remind me
Of the price he paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful
For my blessings day by day
And strive to serve him better
In all that I do and say.

It's also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my master
And give themselves to his care.

So, I carry a cross in my pocket
Reminding no one but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life
If only I'll let him be.

Thanks everyone I feel much better. I thought the flashlight was cool especially for a kid. I just wanted to make sure that it was "Appropriate" I love the cross idea and the poem also I will look for both when I go back to the store!!
Thanks again!

When both my children recieved their First Holy Communion they received money, as well as savings bonds. I think both are a good idea

I wouldn't get a cross or other jewelry because usually the parents buy that (I did for my children - My daughter got a Cross and my son got a Christ Head)

My daughter also received a large precious moments bible which was beautiful.....

Anyway, I would say stick with money or a savings bond

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MyCoupons Is #1 for Holiday Shopping

Just wondering - how much money is appropriate?

We had First Communion and Confirmation in our family last year -- most people gave my girls between $20-$30. $25 was the most typical amount.

I let First Communion DD buy a DS with her money. Confirmation DD put hers into her savings account. It's their money and while I encourage them to put some into savings, I pretty much let them do what they wanted with it.

Kids that age LOVE Webkins -- my dd would have loved that for a 1st Communion gift even though it's not spiritual or religious.

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Cecilia

"We must love them both--those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in the finding of it."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

Regarding money --

My daughter received a total of $150. We are letting her spend $40 on whatever she wants and the rest of it goes in the bank for college. People who gave money gave between $20 and $50 -- but even $5 or $10 is a lot to an 8-year-old (at least to my 8-year-old!

I always go to Silvertowne

They have silver coins that are engravable for a lot of occasions - I have done this for baptisms and 1st communions with the engraving on the back with the child's name and date of the occasion. Everyone seems(?) to like them? I know I usually haven't seen a child receive them in duplicate?