First Communion gifts for boys and girls
The best First Communion gifts help a child remember the day and keep growing close to Jesus: a first rosary, a children’s missal or Bible, a saint medal, a book of saint stories, or a keepsake with the date. One lasting gift with a note inside saying why you chose it means more than many small ones.
After the big day, keep praying together at bedtime with Clara, in the Little Prayer Stories app.Get the app →More First Communion gift ideas
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A first rosary
A rosary of their own, in white, a favorite color or sturdy cord for small hands. Show them how to pray one decade together: ten Hail Marys take about four minutes.
Best for: Every child
How to pray the Rosary with kids → - 2
A children’s missal
A picture missal follows the Mass step by step, so a new communicant knows what is happening and when to answer. Look for one with the words of the Mass used today.
Best for: Ages 7 to 10
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A Catholic children’s Bible
A picture Bible to read together, or a complete Catholic Bible (all 73 books) for a child who reads well. Write the date of their First Communion on the first page.
Best for: Ages 7 and up
Bible stories for kids → - 4
A saint medal
A medal of Our Lady, Saint Michael or their patron saint, on a short chain or a bracelet. Ask the priest to bless it on the day.
Best for: Every child
Find a patron saint → - 5
A picture of their patron saint
A framed picture of the saint they are named after, or the saint they love most, for their bedroom wall. It becomes a friend they see every night.
Best for: Every child
Find the saint of their name → - 6
A set of prayer cards
Cards with the prayers they are learning: the Hail Mary, the Our Father, the Act of Contrition from their First Confession, the Guardian Angel prayer. Small enough for a pocket or a missal.
Best for: Ages 7 to 9
The Act of Contrition → - 7
A keepsake box
A box or album for the certificate, the candle, the photos and the cards they receive, with the date and the church written inside. Years from now, this is what they will open.
Best for: The whole family
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A letter from you
A handwritten letter about your own First Communion, or what you pray for them, to keep in the keepsake box and read again when they are older. It costs nothing and is often the gift they keep longest.
Best for: Parents, godparents and grandparents
A personal touch: the saint of their nameType the child’s first name to find their saint, the feast day and a little prayer, then print it as a card to tuck inside your gift. The name stays on your device.Make a saint name card →Free printables
All coloring pages →Coloring pages drawn like stained-glass windows, to print at home for the children at the party or for a quiet afternoon. Free for families, parishes and classrooms.
Questions about First Communion gifts
What is a good First Communion gift for a boy?
A first rosary, a saint medal, a children’s missal, or a book of saint stories with heroes he can look up to, like Catholic Saints for Boys. Pick something he will use, not only keep in a drawer.
What is a good First Communion gift for a girl?
A first rosary in white or her favorite color, a medal of Our Lady or her patron saint, a picture of her saint for her room, or a keepsake box for the day’s cards and photos.
What can we give guests as First Communion favors?
Small religious keepsakes with the child’s name and the date: a one-decade rosary, a prayer card, a little candle or a medal. For the children at the party, print a few free coloring pages and set out crayons.
Is it okay to give money for First Communion?
Yes, many families do, usually in a card. Add something small that points to the day, like a prayer card or a medal, so the gift is about the sacrament too.
Who gives the First Communion rosary?
There is no rule. In many families a godparent or grandparent gives the lasting gift, like the rosary, the medal or the Bible, and other relatives give a card or a book.
More gift guides
Baptism gifts→
Catholic books for kids, by age→