Anonymous wrote:I was thinking a donation card to the World Wildlife Organization (he’s crazy for animals and very interested in them)in his name for $100? Is that good? I was told that toys or monetary gifts to the child were frowned upon for such a religious event.

Or something else? Not being Catholic I don’t feel comfortable getting him a medal or anything religious.

Straight up cash.

The World Wildlife Fund has "adopt an animal" gifts that would be perfect. Here's an example of the elephant, but they have many other animals available: https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/African-Elephant.aspx

For $60 (which is a generous amount for a first communion), you get a stuffed animal, picture, certificate, etc. I like this idea for a small child, since it gives them something tangible to remember your gift.

Otherwise, money or non-religious gift are both fine. If you give a toy or book, I tend to choose one with lasting value--an illustrated book about animals rather than Captain Underpants, for example.