What do godparents give for First Holy Communion?

Most often a cross or medal with an engraving, a children's Bible or a prayer book. Godparents are carrying on the role they took on at the christening, so a more lasting gift is expected from them than from other guests.

How much money should you give for First Holy Communion?

There's no fixed rule. Godparents and grandparents usually give more than other relatives. More important than the amount is noting what the money is for, so your child has something to show for it.

What should you write in a First Holy Communion card?

Two or three sentences are enough: the child's name, a wish (joy, courage, God's closeness), a signature and the date. You'll find ready-made messages in the dedications section above.

Does a child need a godparent for First Communion?

No. A godparent has no formal role at First Communion — that belongs to baptism and confirmation. Godparents from the christening are still traditionally invited, though, and they usually give a gift.

Is a non-religious gift suitable for First Holy Communion?

Yes, as long as it lasts and carries a dedication with the date — a watch, a book or a piece of jewellery, for example. Ordinary toys with no connection to the day are less fitting.

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First Holy Communion Gifts, Messages and Dedications

9/25/2026

What godparents, parents and grandparents give for First Holy Communion, dedications to copy, and how to tie the gift to memories of the day.

First Holy Communion Gifts, Messages and Dedications

Quick answer

First Holy Communion gifts tend to be lasting ones with a spiritual or keepsake meaning: godparents traditionally give a cross, a medal or a children's Bible; parents cover the candle, the outfit and the celebration lunch; grandparents give a rosary, a prayer book or a contribution towards something bigger. What matters more than the gift itself is a short dedication with the date, the name of the church and a signature — that is what turns it into a keepsake your child will still take out twenty years from now.

When First Communion happens and why the gift matters

Canon law says only that children who have reached the “use of reason” should be properly prepared and, after their first confession, receive Communion as soon as possible (Canon 914). In practice, most parishes prepare children aged around seven or eight over a school year, and the celebration usually falls on a Sunday in the Easter season, often in May or June. The parish priest sets the date, so you normally know it months in advance.

For a child, this is the first sacrament they experience consciously — they don't remember their christening, but they will remember the dress or suit, the candle, who sat in the pew and what they were given. That's why the day calls for things that won't vanish in the next clear-out: something to wear, to read or to keep on a shelf one day. A toy they could just as easily get for their birthday feels out of place here.

Who gives what: godparents, parents and grandparents

Who	Typical gift	Why this	What to watch out for
Godparents	A cross or medal on a chain, a children's Bible, an engraved keepsake	It continues the promise they made at the christening — the gift carries on that role	Check whether the child already got a Bible at the christening; a second identical one delights no one
Parents	The special outfit, the candle, a family celebration, perhaps a watch or bracelet	They prepared the child and they organise the day	Ask the parish about clothing and candles — some want matching outfits or albs
Grandparents	A rosary, a prayer book, a picture for the bedroom, money with a clear purpose	They often pass on a family tradition — their own rosary or a favourite prayer	Cash in a card disappears into the household budget; write what it's for
Other relatives and friends	A card with good wishes, a small holy picture, a book	A small gesture is enough; the main gifts belong to those closest	Don't outdo the godparents — an expensive gift from an aunt feels awkward

First Holy Communion gift ideas by type

Cross or medal
The classic gift from godparents. For a seven- or eight-year-old, choose a short chain and a small pendant that won't catch on a jumper. Have the name and date engraved on the back — the engraving is what turns a chain into a keepsake. More on what to engrave in our article on jewellery with a name and date.
Rosary
A children's rosary in wood or colourful beads is more practical than a silver one — your child will actually use it. A silver rosary makes sense as a family piece “for later” to be kept safe.
Children's Bible or prayer book
For children of seven and up, pick an edition with longer texts, not the board book from their christening. Prayer books written specifically for children after First Communion work well, with prayers for before and after receiving.
Candle
In some parishes children carry their baptismal candle; in others the parish provides matching candles for everyone. Ask before you buy a decorated candle that ends up staying in its box.
A book with your child as the main character
If you want a gift that gets read and also captures this particular time, give a book whose hero looks like your child. The dedication inside carries the same weight as the engraving on a cross.
Money with a purpose
An envelope is fine — just add a note saying what it's for: a bike, a summer camp, a savings account. Without that, the money melts into everyday shopping and your child has nothing to show for it.

First Communion card messages and dedications to copy

From a godparent (with a cross or Bible)

“Dear Annie, at your christening I promised to walk beside you. Today you received Jesus for the first time, and I am so proud of you. May this cross remind you that you are never alone. Love, your godmother Jane, 16 May 2027, St James' Church.”

From Grandma and Grandpa (with a rosary)

“Dear Tom, this rosary is for your First Holy Communion. Pray with it when you're happy and when you're sad. We pray for you every day. Love, Grandma and Grandpa”

From parents (inside a prayer book)

“Our dear Tessa, today you took the step you spent a whole year preparing for. May God's closeness give you courage and peace. We love you so much. Mum and Dad”

Short message for a card

“On your First Holy Communion, we wish that Jesus walks with you on every path and that you always remember this day with joy.”

From a relative who isn't a churchgoer

“Dear Oliver, wishing you lots of joy on your big day. May you always remember it as the day the whole family came together because of you. Uncle Paul”

How to link the gift to memories of the day

1
Write down the details on the day
The date, the church, the priest's name, who was with your child at Communion and what the readings were. In ten years nobody will recall them, and these details are what make the memory real.
2
Ask about photos beforehand
Many parishes allow only one designated photographer during Mass, so parents aren't walking up the aisle. Arrange photos with them and take your own pictures outside the church after Mass.
3
Let your child write a few lines
In the evening after the celebration, ask what they remember most about the day and write it down in their own words. Those sentences end up more precious than any card from a grown-up.
4
Keep the mementos in one place
Put the candle, the preparation card, the holy picture from the priest and the cards in one box. Our article on a time capsule and a letter to the future explains how to pack it so it lasts for years.
5
Give the gift at the celebration
In church your child's hands are full with the candle and their head full of everything going on. Gifts belong at lunch or in the afternoon at home, when there's time to read the dedication aloud.

A personalised book as a First Communion gift

A book whose hero looks like the child receiving it suits this day because it combines two things: a gift to read and a personal keepsake. The illustrations are created from a single uploaded photo, so the hero looks just like your child, and their name is woven naturally into the story. Before you pay, you'll see a suggested title, a story preview and the dedication, where you can add the date and the name of the parish. To learn how these books are made, read Personalised book: how it's made and why it lasts for years.

The digital book costs $7.99 and is usually ready in about 15 minutes; the hardcover printed book costs $32.99. Allow 7 working days for delivery of the printed book, so order with plenty of time to spare before the Communion date. And if you're unsure what to write in the dedication, see Book dedications: what to write, messages to copy and common mistakes.

Sources

Code of Canon Law, Book IV, Canons 879–958 (vatican.va) — Canon 914 on preparing children and first confession before First Communion.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales — cbcew.org.uk — Official website of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, with links to dioceses and parishes.
The Church of England — churchofengland.org — Official website of the Church of England, explaining christening, confirmation and Holy Communion.