Looking for Suggestions

A card ought to be fine. I do remember when I was a kid, my great-grandmother always gave us each a $2 bill. We always thought that was neat. Maybe even a couple of special dollar coins (Susan B. Anthony, or a JFK silver dollar or soemthing). Maybe even a lapel pin that's a cross (nothing big and flashy, just a small gold cross).

Good luck!

What about a savings bond or a children's bible, neither should cost you much. Also it should never be insulting no matter what you give, even if it's just a card, first it's family and second while it's nice to receive a gift it shouldn't be mandatory, the point is that you are there for the celebration and to show your support.

You could always make up something on the computer; a prayer card or something. Some sort of memento to commemorate the occasion.
In the church I belong to now, baptism occurs at about the same age as a first communion, and my daughter recieved a necklace from her aunt for that. I suppose it would be a bit more difficult to find something for a boy.

In my family , no one would be offended if they recieved a card with out any money, because they would know if a family member was strapped for cash. I think five dollars would be sufficient, after all the child is only in second grade, right? If that's more than you can go, a dollar or two would surely be appreciated by my children. I surely would not worry about insulting anyone with a gift...it's a gift, not an obligation.

When money is tight, money is tight. Do what you are able without feeling guilty. For occassions of this sort, I like to give savings bonds. The face value is double what you buy them for and a great gift for a little person on an important day in their lives. This is something that will help them later in life.....say for college.

HTH~ :o)

Peace <>< ~ B.
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Dear L.,
My daugther is making her First Communion this weekend. I invited people to share the celebration, I don't expect any gifts. I also have twin boys graduating this year and was very aware of the economy and I didn't want people to feel another financial pinch by giving a gift. I don't know your family, but it is about coming together to recognize the occasion and share a happy family event. Money is very tight here also. Offer to help cook something, or clean up.

Gifts of a religious nature are usually given, such as rosaries, prayer books, in addition to religious statues and icons

We just went to my nephew's First Communion 2 weeks ago and several people gave him $10 or a religious gift. He didn't seem to care about the dollar amount. Kids just like money. Good luck!

There is a religious store in Grandview at Dublin Road just north of Grandview Avenue. It has mostly Catholic merchandise and the items are not very expensive. I was there just a week ago and bought a couple of items for a baptism. I bought a fancy box for $13 and a lace bonnet for $13 as well. There were lots of things for first communion there.

Are you worried about insulting the child, or his parents? If it is the child...that is ridiculous. Children need to learn that it is the thought that counts. His parents hopefully understand that money is tight and they will just appreciate that you took the time to celebrate and be there for your nephew. Money should not matter. Everyone is having money concerns today. Just get a card, or a card and nice rosary beads maybe. Don't put that pressure on yourself to give a big gift or money. Your presence is gift enough. Good luck!

I agree that the dollar amount doesn't matter and a card of Congratulations would be fine. If you want to give him a small gift, why not go to a religious store and tell them what you want to spend. I'm sure that they would have a range of prices to suit all needs.

D.

L.,
I remember when I made my 1st Communion (ages ago) and the gifts that I still have are the prayer book (that my grandmother gave me) and a children's bible (written in language most 2nd graders can understand).

L.,

I had 2 boys make their first communion this past weekend and $$ at my house is almost non-existent after the bills are paid. I can tell you that I found them necklaces at the Christian Family Bookstore for under $15.00 each. They also had bibles and journals (for them to document their experience as they go through their sacraments)that were under $10 and would have engraved their names on them if I wanted. My boys received religious gifts and cash for the occasion and the cash was anywhere from $5 - $10. The one thing they never noticed was that one of our family members didn't get them anything (which was the deal because, again, $$ issues).

I think the only thing insulting would be if you weren't there for the event. That meant the most to me is knowing who was there for them.

I hope I helped.
L.

If you are going to buy a gift, a nice bible for a boy his age(they sell them for boys & girls and ages now at the religous book store) for about $10. They have cool designs on them and you can write a nice note inside for their special day.

Hi L.,
Maybe a nice Rosary (sp?) or a savings bond? a $25 turns into $50 & it'll be nice when he gets older.

When money is tight I do better bargain shopping for a gift. a few suggestion: picture frame for a nice picture from his communion, saint medal he can wear on a chain, cross for his room (hang over door or bed), keepsake bible, precious moments has some nice keepsakes for communion. Good Luck!

Dear L.,
There is NO dollar amount that should be "insulting" for any occasion in my opinion.
We can only do what we can do, you know.
$10, $15, or $20 is PLENTY for such a gift for a nephew.
I like to tape a gold dollar coin inside the card too.
And I have given just that as a memento to children in my church when they make their First Communion.
A gift is a gift from the heart, whatever it may be.
Congratulations to your nephew.

First Communions are a big deal in my husband's family, so i understand your concern. When my youngest made his first communion, his teacher knew he loved tennis and got him a rosary that had tennis balls for beads. It was his favorite gift. Religious stores have great items like that. If you would rather give cash, my sons got anywhere from $5-$20 depending on who it came from. Godparents and Grandparents usually gave the larger amounts. Good luck.