Our neighbors daughter is celebrating her First Communion on Saturday and they have invited us to the celebration. I want to bring a gift but I am not sure what to bring. Everything I read says that the crosses, bibles, and jewelry should be saved for the immediate family. Is it ok to bring something non-religious, similar to what you would bring to a birthday party? I have a new embroider machine and was thinking about embroidering her a beach towel and matching bag with the upcoming pool season. Would this be appropriate?
Erica, I think that if you were invited to ceremony like that you were considered more than a neighbor. Maybe, you'll be saved if you give her a book of prayers (so she'll be able to pray the rosary), or a jewerly box (with a cross on), a 1st Communion frame (and if possible try to take a very nice picture of her while taking her 1st communion, as you live right next door, you can drop the picture the next day to be put in the frame), or a little guardian angel thet can be hung on her wall or put on her dresser. So many gifts that aren't too personal.
Please remember this is a special moment in her christian life, you can give her the towel and bag later on.
Take care, and good luck on deciding what to give her.
Toni
www.betterlifejourney.com
I definitely agree with the last post. Save the towel and bag or other gift ideas for other occasions. This really is a big deal for Catholics and I think that it should be a religious gift. It can be impersonal like those great ideas the last women suggested but just keep it religious. At my daughter's recent baptism some gave her a cute little pillow to hang on her door knob with a bible verse on it. Someone started a charm bracelet for my daughter as well and several people brought a James Avery charm to add to it. (they have LOTS of religious charms) Just my suggestions though! :)