First Holy Communion Gifts And Card Wording

First Holy Communion gifts

A First Holy Communion gift sits between a christening gift and a birthday present: religious enough to mark the day, but for a child of seven to nine who'd quite like something they can actually use.

Below: traditional gifts, keepsakes, gifts that aren't religious at all, what people spend in the UK, and card wording.

If you've been invited and don't know what the day involves, read our Holy Communion guide first.

First Holy Communion cards

Blank inside, printed in the UK, with room for something worth keeping. Rosaries and missals come from a Catholic bookshop - we make the card and the keepsakes.

Illustration of two large pints of stout next to a tiny baby stout with text "Two's a couple, three's a family". Two's A Couple, Three's A Family (Guinness Congrats On The New Baby Card) £3.87 Illustration of a smiling graduate in a cap and gown on a congratulations graduation card for him. Congratulations! You Did It Graduation Card For Him £3.87 Graduation card for her featuring a cheerful illustrated character wearing a black graduation cap and gown. Congratulations! You Did It Graduation Card For Her £3.87 Future Dad Fuel (Dad To Be New Baby Card) Future Dad Fuel (Dad To Be New Baby Card) £3.87 Practise Your Dad Jokes (Dad To Be New Baby Card) Practise Your Dad Jokes (Dad To Be New Baby Card) £3.87 Cheers M'dears Congratulations Card Cheers M'dears Congratulations Card £3.75

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Traditional communion gifts

  • A rosary, often in a presentation box, and the most-given gift of the day.
  • A missal or child's prayer book.
  • A Bible in a translation a nine-year-old can read.
  • A cross or crucifix pendant.
  • A medal of their patron saint or the saint they're named after.
  • A holy water font for the bedroom wall.
  • A framed prayer or blessing with their name and the date.

Keepsakes with the date on

  • A framed print with their name and communion date.
  • A keepsake box for the certificate, rosary and cards.
  • A photo frame for the picture taken outside the church.
  • An engraved keyring or bracelet.
  • A candle for the family, lit each year on the anniversary.
  • A memory book they can add to.

Gifts that aren't religious

  • A good watch - a classic for a first communion and worn daily.
  • A wallet or purse, their first.
  • A savings account contribution or Premium Bonds.
  • A book they'll genuinely read.
  • A day out with you rather than an object.
  • Money in a card, which is what most children secretly want.

What to spend

  • Guests and friends: £10 to £25.
  • Family: £25 to £50.
  • Godparents and grandparents: £50 upwards, often in savings.
  • A card and £20 is completely respectable.

What to write in a communion card

  • 'On your First Holy Communion, with love and every blessing.'
  • 'A very special day for a very special girl.'
  • 'So proud of you today. You looked wonderful.'
  • 'May God bless you today and always.'
  • 'Congratulations on your First Holy Communion.'
  • 'You worked hard to get here. Well done.'
  • 'Wishing you a lifetime of faith, love and happiness.'
  • 'Keep this card. We were so proud of you.'
  • 'Today you joined the whole church at the table. What a thing.'
  • 'From your godmother, who wouldn't have missed it for anything.'

For a boy

  • A watch, a wallet, or a cross on a chain he'll wear.
  • A sports-themed keepsake with the date if he's not interested in religious items.
  • A rosary in a case rather than a pouch - it'll survive longer.
  • A book about the saint he's named after.

For a girl

  • A first proper piece of jewellery - a cross, a bracelet or a locket.
  • A rosary in white or pearl, boxed.
  • A framed print with her name and the date for her bedroom.
  • A keepsake box for the veil and certificate.

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How to write it so it lands

  • Ask the parents whether the child already has a rosary - most receive three.
  • Put the date on any keepsake. It's what makes it a communion gift rather than a present.
  • A watch remains the gift most adults say they still have from their own communion.

Where to shop next

Frequently asked questions

What is a traditional First Holy Communion gift?

A rosary, a missal or prayer book, a Bible, a cross or a saint's medal. A framed prayer or a keepsake with the date is a modern equivalent.

How much do you spend on a communion gift?

£10 to £25 as a guest, £25 to £50 as family, and more from godparents and grandparents, often as savings.

What do you write in a First Holy Communion card?

Name the day, say you're proud, and add a short blessing. Sign your full name and the date - the card goes in the keepsake box.

Is money an appropriate communion gift?

Yes, and it's very common. Put it in a card with a proper message so the day is still marked in words.

Do you sell rosaries and religious items?

No. We make cards, candles, prints and coasters in the UK. Rosaries, missals and medals are best bought from a Catholic bookshop or repository.

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