First Communion Gifts - By Susan M. Keenan ©2006
First Communion gifts have come a long way over the last few decades. No longer are the gifts limited to statues, rosaries, and bibles. An eclectic assortment of First Communion themed gifts await the savvy consumer browsing through the online shops or the old fashioned walk-in locales where customers can pick an item up and see its potential as a unique gift for the first communicant.
Obviously, the theme of the gift will have something to do with the religious theme of First Communion. However, do not believe that this will in any way detract from the desirability of the gift. In fact, most recipients of First Communion will yearn for a gift that will have a significant meaning that can be cherished for years to come.
From the simple to the multi-faceted, the expensive to the inexpensive, the handmade to the mass-produced, the unique and one-of-a-kind to the common and ordinary- First Communion gifts span an entire gamut of small, sweet, and simple to thoughtful and memorable items. Selecting the perfect gift is an easy process once a few decisions have been made.
Consider whether you wish to give a single gift or a group of gifts. A gift that is actually a group of items linked together with a common theme or themes takes the front seat advantage as a conversational piece.
For example, if making the gift selection for a young girl, the gift can have the dual theme of religious jewelry. For this, the options are numerous and provide delightful avenues of creative selection. Purchasing a small jewelry box, which might even have First Communion etched, painted, or embroidered on the outside of the box, begins the selection.
Personalized Communion Frame
Price: 22.99 Special days deserve to be remembered - Baptisms and First Communions are very special days. Our hand-painted frame is decorated with flowers and crosses (boy design available). We personalize with your choice of message, i.e. "Amber's Baptism - May 11, 1999" or "God Bless Gracie". Frame holds 4x6 photo in vertical or horizontal placement. Easle back for displaying (sorry, not hangable).
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Personalized Communion Ornament
Price: 14.99A Special Day- Sturdy polished resin ornament is a great reminder of that special day, whether it be baptism or first holy communion. Hangs from satin ribbon. We personalize with name, date and small message.
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Next, choose a style for the jewelry, such as sterling silver, pearls, rhinestones, gold, etc, and begin to search for the perfect pair of earrings, bracelet, and necklace. These items do not have to come in a set, but can be selected individually. Pearls and colored gemstones are very fashionable for gifts of this nature. Popular religious themes for jewelry and First Communion include crosses, praying hands, and angels. Placing these items inside the jewelry box prior to wrapping provides a wonderful treasure hunt for the recipient.
Gift baskets with an array of items artistically arranged inside make colorful gifts. Moreover, the presentation of a basket full of a variety of items almost guarantees the presence of something that will be appreciated by the recipient of the basket. Small items can be included that are not strictly religious in nature, including small banks filled with coins, books, and gift certificates.
Children’s Bible versions are quite popular gifts. White embossed covers with gold engraving present an appealing gift for anyone. Likewise, a variety of prayer books are available and add a nice touch when added to a themed gift basket or included inside a small white purse.
A variety of statues and ceramics, including catholic saints, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus, provide unique opportunities to provide the First Communion recipient with a statue of their religious role model. Precious Moments has a line of small statues for every occasion, including First Communion. Additionally, small statues of lambs, churches, children with praying hands, or crucifixes present a nice religious gift that will be remembered for many years.
Musical angels, snow globes, and figurines have also entered the First Communion gift aisle. The delicate notes of the music add a serene quality to the gift, as well as a unique focal point. Keepsake boxes, available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, can be given to either boys or girls. Placing several additional items inside the keepsake box prior to wrapping adds a nice finishing touch to the gift.
For the scholarly child, First Communion bookmarks with tassels, which have been inscribed with the name and date of the occasion, are thoughtful gifts. Paired with a beautifully designed pen and a small diary or journal complements the thoughtfulness of the gift.
Rosary beads can be purchased at many locations, including Catholic Shops, online sites, and even nonreligious stores. Additionally, rosaries can be made to order and specially designed through one of the numerous individually owned craft businesses that have been coming into vogue over the last few years. Beads are now available in a multitude of colors and shapes. Select from small round beads or delicate oval beads or even dainty heart shaped beads.
Rosary cases in fine white satin, small leather purses, or velvet pouches are becoming popular add-ons to the gift of a rosary. In some instances, the case can be personalized with the individual’s name and the date of the First Communion.
Photo albums and picture frames are excellent choices for such an occasion. The nature of the gift suggests that it will be used and that it will come in handy. In fact, take it a step farther and include an inexpensive camera with the gift.
Wall crosses and plaques, available in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, make a definite statement when given as a gift. Additionally, personalized hand plaques also offer an opportunity to show thoughtfulness in the gift selecting process.
Stuffed animals are quite popular with younger children. Enterprising manufacturers have designed First Communion bears, generally in white, to be given as tokens of remembrance for this important day’s event.
Likewise, dolls in dainty lace dresses with hair in a color to match that of the child receiving First Communion, have been created and designed for gift giving. Many of these dolls are already pre-designed and manufactured, but tailors and crafters often sign on to create an individually designed version.
For the boys, a small religious medal on a chain is a symbolic keepsake that is quite in keeping with the theme of the day. Additionally, a laminated scapular provides a thoughtful gift that will be appreciated for many years.
Even though no gift should be viewed as an ordinary gift, money and savings bonds are often the most popular gifts of all, and therefore, the most commonly given gifts of all. Money, a personal check, and savings bonds are easy to give and are always easily appreciated.
