Last year I wrote a Top 10 list for First Communion, and a few people mentioned to me that it was helpful. We all get so busy in May with sacrament celebrations and finishing up the school year, so I thought I would put together another list for you. (Only 1 repeat from last year’s list.) I sponsored a Confirmation candidate this year, so I have a few bonus ideas for Confirmation.
1. Child’s Brown Scapular. I recommended this last year, too. Traditionally, children received their first brown scapular when they celebrated their First Communion. A tradition worthy of revival! This is a child-sized handmade woolen scapular with a Jubilee Medal Cross of St. Benedict, the most highly-indulgenced medal in the Church. Includes accompanying prayers. $8.95 on the Catholic Company.
2. First Communion T-Shirt. Customized with date of First Communion. Many colors available. $19.99 on Etsy.
3. Fun Rosary Pouch. This sweet rosary pouch is perfect for a little girl. $7.95 at Catholic Company.
4. Rosary bracelet. This stretch rosary bracelet is made of colorful, fun clay beads. $15.95 on Catholic Company.
5. Catechism of the Seven Sacraments. Um, it’s Lego and the Catechism. What more do I need to say? $35 on Amazon.
6. Fr. Leopold Celebrates Mass. What could be better than a book about Catholic Lego than an actual Catholic Lego set?! This adorable Lego set of a priest celebrating Mass is part of a bundle that also includes an audio CD and prayer booklet. It’s pricey, but wow, we need more toys like this. $78 on Holy Heroes.
7. Tell Me About My Catholic Faith. We own this book, and I use it frequently. Lovely illustrations and simple explanation of the Bible, the history of the Church, and the sacraments. $19.99 hardcover on Amazon.
8. Saint Cards. I bought this Catholic card game for my daughter Lydia for Christmas, and it was a huge hit. It reminds me a little of Top Trumps. Start with the basic set, then add expansion packs later. Beautiful quality. $24.99 starter set.
9. Name Plaque. This is such a unique idea: each letter in the child’s name is a work of art, with Christian symbolism. $33.00 on Etsy.
10. Prayer Box. Love this! The child can write down her prayers and place them inside the box. Wish they had a boy box. $18.95 on Etsy.
Confirmation Gifts
Some of the above gifts would work as Confirmation gifts as well, including the prayer box, the rosary bracelet, and even the Lego book and set.
The Sacred That Surrounds Us by Andrea Zachman. I bought this book for my family last month, and we loved it so much that I bought a few extra copies to give for gifts. The book is full of gorgeous photos and explanations about what we see inside a Catholic church. I’ve seen books for small children, but this one is for big kids and grown-ups. “The Sacred That Surrounds Us helps reveal Catholic churches as shrines of devotion. Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are made tangible with this book, which explains with clarity the symbolism and history behind the sacred items we see in every Catholic church. In ancient and medieval times, the faithful knew the meaning of all the sacred items in a church. Today’s Catholics can now re-discover the sacred that surrounds them in church.”
Celtic bangle bracelet. This bracelet has charms: a cross, saints medal, birthstone, and an initial. $28 on Etsy.
