Confirmation gifts

Confirmation is when someone confirms for themselves the promises made at their baptism. In the Catholic Church it's usually between eleven and sixteen; in the Church of England it can be any age, and adult confirmations are common.

The gift problem is the age. A rosary in a box lands very differently with a fourteen-year-old than it does with a seven-year-old, so the best confirmation gifts tend to be things they'd choose themselves with the date added.

Below: religious gifts, keepsakes, gifts for adults, spend, and wording.

Traditional confirmation gifts

• A cross or crucifix pendant they'll actually wear.
• A Bible in a modern translation, inscribed and dated.
• A medal of their confirmation saint - the saint whose name they chose.
• A rosary in a case.
• A framed prayer or verse with their name and date.
• A missal or a book of daily readings.

Keepsakes and non-religious gifts

• A watch - the perennial confirmation gift, and the one they keep.
• A wallet, purse or good bag.
• A framed print with their confirmation name and date.
• Jewellery they've hinted at, with a card explaining the occasion.
• A savings contribution or Premium Bonds.
• Money in a card. At fourteen this is not a cop-out.
• A day out or a concert ticket with you.

Gifts for an adult confirmation

• A study Bible or a devotional they'll use.
• A framed print of the verse they chose.
• A good candle and an honest hand-written letter.
• A book by a writer their church values.
• A donation in their name to something they care about.
• Dinner out, hosted by you, after the service.

What to spend

• Guests: £10 to £25.
• Family: £25 to £50.
• Godparents and sponsors: £50 upwards.
• Adult confirmation: smaller and more personal - a card and a book is right.

What to write in a confirmation card

• 'On your confirmation, with love and every blessing.'
• 'Today you spoke for yourself. That took something.'
• 'Congratulations on your confirmation. We're proud of you.'
• 'May your faith be a comfort to you all your life.'
• 'You chose this. That's what makes today matter.'
• 'Wishing you strength, kindness and a good life.'
• 'From your sponsor, who is very glad you asked.'
• 'Confirmed today, loved always.'
• 'A big day, properly earned. Well done.'
• 'Whatever comes next, you've got us.'

What happens at a confirmation

• The candidate renews the promises made at their baptism, for themselves.
• A bishop lays hands on them and, in the Catholic Church, anoints them with chrism.
• Catholic candidates choose a confirmation name, usually a saint's.
• A sponsor stands with them, similar to a godparent.
• It usually takes place within a Mass or Eucharist and lasts an hour or so.
• A family meal or party normally follows.

Shop confirmation cards

How to write it so it lands

• Ask which confirmation name they chose - a card that uses it shows you paid attention.
• For teenagers, put the date on something they'd want anyway.
• Adult confirmations get far fewer cards than they should. Send one.

Where to shop next

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• Christening gift ideas
• Baptism gifts
• Godparent gift ideas
• Holy Communion explained
• First Holy Communion gifts
• Confirmation gifts
• Naming ceremony guide
• What to write in a christening card
• Christening card messages
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• Godparent gifts
• First Holy Communion cards
• Confirmation cards
• New baby cards
• Scented soy candles
• Christening decorations
• Christening celebration ideas
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What is a good confirmation gift?

A watch, a cross they'll wear, a modern-translation Bible, a framed verse or money towards savings. For teenagers, something they'd choose themselves with the date added beats a religious ornament.

How much should you spend on a confirmation gift?

£10 to £25 as a guest, £25 to £50 as family, and more from sponsors and godparents.

What do you write in a confirmation card?

Acknowledge that they chose this themselves, say you're proud, and add a short blessing if it suits the family. Avoid anything that sounds like a card for a small child.

What age is confirmation?

Usually eleven to sixteen in the Catholic Church. In the Church of England it can be any age from around ten upwards, and adult confirmations are common.

What does a confirmation sponsor do?

Stands with the candidate, supports them in their faith, and is often a godparent or another practising adult chosen by the candidate.