The most common First Holy Communion gift is a cross necklace or an engraved bracelet with the child's name and the date. Godparents and immediate family usually spend €50 to €150, other guests €20 to €50. The key thing is that a child of eight or nine will actually want to wear the piece.
These three are the ones chosen most often for First Communion in our shop:
Mini cross necklace
Sparkle bracelet
Mini cross necklaceWhat makes a good First Communion gift
| It lasts | Toys are forgotten after a year. A piece of jewellery or something engraved stays with the child much longer, often into adulthood. |
|---|---|
| It's connected to the day | A Christian symbol, the date, the name: small details that tie the gift to the First Communion rather than leaving it generic. |
| It's child-friendly | A piece of jewellery can be beautiful, but it has to be wearable: light, sturdy, in a length that fits. |
Who gives how much?
| Godparents and immediate family | €50 to €150. Usually the bigger piece, often combined with a gift of money or the Communion candle. |
|---|---|
| Grandparents | Similar to godparents, often a necklace as a lasting keepsake. |
| Other relatives and friends | €20 to €50. An engraved bracelet or a simple cross necklace. |
In any case, what matters more than the amount is that the child can tell someone has put thought into it. An engraved piece costing €40 is remembered for longer than an envelope holding twice as much.
Necklace, bracelet or something with a birthstone
The classic is the cross necklace: understated enough for everyday wear, and with exactly the meaning that this day is about. For children who find a necklace a nuisance, a bracelet is the more practical choice. If you'd like something more personal, combine the symbol with the birthstone for their birth month.
Name necklace with birthstone
Cross bracelet with stone
Necklace with birthstoneSee all First Communion gifts →
Child-friendlyWe work with stainless steel and 925 sterling silver. Stainless steel is rust-free, kind to skin and virtually tarnish-free, and it won't discolour the skin. Necklaces are usually adjustable to 40, 45 or 50 centimetres, so they grow with the child.
Gifts best avoided
- Jewellery that's too grown-up. Heavy necklaces or showy stones look out of place on a nine-year-old and so end up not being worn.
- Something they'll only grow into in ten years' time. Well meant, but the child gets nothing out of it on the big day itself.
- Pure decoration with no connection. Figurines and picture frames with no personal touch remain generic.
- The same thing as the godparents. In larger families, it's worth having a quick word about who is giving the piece of jewellery.
First Communion or confirmation
The two are often mixed up. First Holy Communion is Catholic and usually takes place between the ages of eight and nine. Confirmation in Protestant churches is for teenagers of around 13 to 14. That changes the choice of gift considerably: what delights a child rarely hits the mark with a teenager. You'll find ideas for the older age group in the confirmation guide.
What goes on the card
These are the lines our customers most often write themselves:
- We wish you God's blessing on your First Communion.
- May you be watched over on all your paths.
- We're proud of you.
- We're always here for you.
- Only the best for you.
Plan for spaceYou write the card in the cart, in three fields: Greeting, Message, Signature. Altogether, around 150 characters fit on it. So that leaves about 100 characters for the message itself.
Frequently asked questions about First Communion
What do you give for a First Communion?
Popular gifts are ones with a connection to the occasion that last a long time: cross necklaces, engraved bracelets, name necklaces or jewellery with the child's birthstone. A book with a personal dedication also works well.
How much money do you give for a First Communion?
Godparents and immediate family often give between €50 and €150, more distant relatives and friends between €20 and €50. There are no fixed rules; the personal connection matters more than the amount.
What jewellery is suitable for children?
Light, sturdy pieces in a child-friendly length and without sharp edges. Stainless steel is particularly hard-wearing and kind to skin; for necklaces, a length that can grow with the child or is adjustable is recommended.
What's the difference between First Communion and confirmation?
First Holy Communion is Catholic and usually takes place between the ages of eight and nine. Confirmation in Protestant churches is for teenagers of around 13 to 14.
What do you give a boy for his First Communion?
A simple cross pendant on a sturdy chain, without sparkle or frills. An engraved sailing-rope bracelet or a lanyard with his name will also go down well.
When should you buy the gift?
For personalised jewellery, two to three weeks beforehand. We need 3 working days for the engraving, plus delivery. First Communion dates usually fall between Easter and Pentecost.
For more occasions and recipients, see the gift guide. You'll find the right birthstone in the birthstone guide. Engraved by us in Hamburg and packed ready to give.
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