My youngest, Lydia, is receiving her First Communion next month, so I’ve been looking for a special gift for her. Here are my TOP 10 favorite First Communion gift ideas, chosen for their affordability and uniqueness:
1. Water Color First Communion Activity Cards: cards for girls and cards for boys
These are beautiful cards with a focus on the Blessed Sacrament. Tons of prayers, activities, and discussion topics. These would make great travel companions. Just tuck into a diaper bag or your purse. $24.95 at Catholic Company.
2. Kids Picture Guide to Catholic Mass with Pull-Down Tabs
“Picture guide describing the order of the Catholic Mass. Cards have windows with a sturdy red tab to pull down as each activity is completed. Each window contains a simple description and a picture of activities.” This would be great for any child, but it would make a great First Communion gift, too. $14.99 on Etsy.
3. Saint Blocks
These are gorgeous wooden blocks with a watercolor print of a saint on one side and a narrative about the saint on the back. The watercolor prints are original designs by the woman selling the blocks. She has about 100 saints to choose from, and you can request custom designs (at a higher cost). 4 blocks for $24.99 or 5 for $29.00 on Etsy.
Rosaries are a common gift First Communion gift, but here’s a beautiful little pouch to accompany a rosary. The vendor can add your child’s initial to the pouch, making it even more special. $21.95 on Etsy.
My older daughter recently began wearing the brown scapular. When we were researching how to wear it properly, I learned that traditionally children who were receiving their First Communion would receive a brown scapular. 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.
6. Marian Consecration for Children
I’m using this book with children right now, and it’s a treasure. I think it would make a perfect First Communion gift. “In this enchanting book, Dr. Carrie Gress . . provides a fun and thrilling way for children to participate in this centuries-old practice. In just a matter of weeks, they will come to know Mary as they never have before. They will allow her to take their hand and lead them to Christ. Gress weaves in tales of saints, kings, queens, knights, and princesses as a way to teach children about virtue, courage, and their spiritual mother who loves them.”
7. Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart Diptych Icon
In her bedroom, which she shares with a sibling, Lydia has set aside a little space on a bookshelf to serve as her prayer corner. This summer we will be moving rooms around and she’ll have her own room. I plan to create a little altar for her in her new room. Wouldn’t this diptych be a lovely addition to any child’s altar or prayer corner? $30 on Etsy.
Magnifikid is the children’s version of the Magnificat. In Magnifikid, your child receives all the readings and prayers for the Sunday Mass in a little magazine. The order of the Mass is presented so your child can follow along during Mass. It also contains suggestions for daily morning and evening prayers, a saint’s life, and other games and activities for living the Catholic faith for the whole week. The magazines arrive in little packs once a month in the mail, and the parents receive an overview sheet for the month. I’ve been using Magnikid for my 6 to 12 years olds for many years. $34.90 a year.
Here’s a sweet pillowcase featuring Our Lady of Grace and the Hail Mary. They also sell pillowcases featuring St. Francis, St. Therese, and St. Patrick. $14.95 at Monastery Greetings.
10. Icon Flashcards
These icon flashcards might be a little sophisticated for younger First Communicants, but they are so pretty and would make a great gift that could grow with a child. They feature Orthodox saints with an icon on the front and information about the saint on the back. These would be great for a family altar or a child’s personal altar. $17.95 at Monastery Greetings.