Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is a gif t necessary for this event?

I was thinking the same thing. It’s an archaic churchy thing. It’s not like it’s an academic accomplishment or a job promotion.

“Archaic churchy thing.”

You obviously don’t know anything about how Catholics view the Sacraments. Confirmation is a very big deal.

Anonymous wrote:Why is a gif t necessary for this event?

I was thinking the same thing. It’s an archaic churchy thing. It’s not like it’s an academic accomplishment or a job promotion.

Why is a gif t necessary for this event?

Catholic mom here

First of all, it's not a B'nai Mitzvah. It's an important, meaningful, sacrament. But unless you're a close family member you don't need to send a gift. Maybe if it's a close friend, something very small would be nice.

In our family, the tradition is to give gifts that kind of align with the idea that you're turning into a young man or woman who will carry out our family values. We have a big close family, so my kid got a bunch of gifts. A few were religious. Grandparents gave a Bible that didn't have pictures like his old one. Little kid cousins gave a keychain that looked like his Confirmation Saint (only a thing if you're Catholic). We gave him some sheet music for some religious music he likes.

Other relatives gave gifts that aligned with that idea of becoming an adult, and contributing. His godmother gave him the outfit he wore to confirmation. His godfather paid for him to enter into a race that would raise money for a charity that he cared about. One family member gave him a T-shirt that had a saying that wasn't religious but aligned with our values. Another family member gave him a book with a note that the hero reminded them of him and why.

But also a gift card with a $10 Starbucks card is really fine. Or nothing.

A card and cash is totally acceptable.

My best friend got me a heart shaped jewelry dish engraved with my daughter’s name and the date of her baptism. I thought it was a really nice gift, and would work for a confirmation gift as well. A check or gift card is also nice!

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I have a feeling she may receive cross necklaces, etc. from other people so looking for something non-religious. If a check/gift card is acceptable, I can do that!

Gift card if it’s for the kid. A 12/13 will be thrilled. As a Catholic parent I do not think all gifts have to have a religious bent.

Anonymous wrote:We got my older DD a cross necklace.

Would she like multiple of these?

OP here, I have a feeling she may receive cross necklaces, etc. from other people so looking for something non-religious. If a check/gift card is acceptable, I can do that!

We got my older DD a cross necklace.

Anonymous wrote:I got my niece a handmade crucifix that hangs on the wall, the thought being she will have it going forward as a memento.

How many of these does she have from Baptism, Communion, Confirmation…

A check. The crucifix, bible, whatever will collect dust.

Honestly a check for savings or a nice cross necklace.

I got my niece a handmade crucifix that hangs on the wall, the thought being she will have it going forward as a memento.

My best friend’s daughter is getting confirmed this Sunday and as a non-catholic, am wondering if giving gifts a typical thing? If so, what’s a nice gift? Her mom and have been friends for 25 years, and she views me like an aunt, though we live states apart and don’t see each other frequently. I know this is a big deal for Catholics, but since I’m not catholic - and am, in fact, not religious at all, would love some not super religious/catholic gift ideas!