I love the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is the point within the Roman Catholic Church that a young woman (or man) becomes an adult in the eyes of the Church. From that time on they are expected to adhere to the teaching and traditions of the Church on their own. It’s a beautiful ceremony and cause for great joy within a family.
As with most rites of passage, this is a gift-giving occasion. However the gifts should be designed with faith and love in mind over material gain. I suppose that when you are in doubt you can give money….but I prefer something a bit more spiritual. So here is a list of my top ten favored confirmation gift items.
1- A rosary nestled in a keepsake rosary box would make a wonderful and treasured gift that would last a lifetime. There are many such boxes and rosaries to choose from so you can get one that suits the one to whom you will give this gift.
2- A personalized Confirmation keepsake box. If you are going to give money, this would be a great way to present it. It would also be a great way to present my next gift.
3- A Confirmation bear. I’ve seen one in deep red with a white dove on his chest. If you have a bear collector in the family, she might just love this.
4- A sterling silver cross with a gold dove on it. Any young lady would be proud to wear a fine piece of jewelry such as this and would treasure the one to give her such a gift.
5- Patron Saint Medal. The is a very traditional gift. At confirmation, the young person chooses an additional name, that of a saint, to add to their own. You can get these is either 14k gold or sterling silver.
6- A Confirmation cross. This is nice item for her room now and her home in the future. These are engraved with the first name as well as the Confirmation name and date or the recipient.
7- “Let the Fire Fall” Holy Spirit T-shirt. This is a bit unorthodox. It’s a religious t-shirt. I have given several of these as gifts to the children of friends and they have all been a big hit.
8- The Teen Commandments Plaque. This is also a bit unorthodox but worth it. It’s a plaque to hang on the wall with the 10 Commandments of Teenagers.
9- Confirmation Pocket Coins. I know this sounds a bit odd, but I can’t count the number of times I have found mine mysteriously in the pocket of a jacket when I was sure that it was in a drawer. They have a way of reminding us of our path that is rather impressive. I would suggest that you present this in a keepsake box.
10- Two books: “How to Keep a Spiritual Journal” by Ron Klug and a blank journal with an embossed cross. It would also e nice to include a silver engraved pen. You can have her name and Confirmation date engraved on the pen. I suggest this gift because young people need a place to learn more about who they are and often writing things downs helps them clarify their beliefs and positions.
Someone is bound to be wondering why I didn’t list a prayer book or a Bible. I didn’t list prayer books for the simple fact that the go-to gift for Confirmation is the prayer book (usually with a rosary). You can never have to many rosaries. Prayer books are best given by intimate friends and family members or chosen by the person themselves.
Why didn’t I mention a Bible? The Canon of the Church states that Confirmation should be administered between the ages of 7 and 16 for those born into Catholic families and immediately after Baptism for all converts over the age of 7. However in practice Confirmation is usually given between 13-14 or the 8th grade. Because of this I didn’t mention a Bible. Children being raised in a Christian home has probably been given their own Bible long before the age of Confirmation.
Happy Shopping!
