What does the atheist give for a first communion gift?

In My Humble Opinion
1

So, little nephew is having his First Communion on Sunday. I’ll not be going to Mass, but will go to the party after. I’d like to get him a little somethin’, but I am an atheist. Not that I’m a hardliner, or anything. It’s his belief, it’s his parents’ belief. I respect that. I don’t think it’s hugely hypocritical, therefore, to get him something more traditionally religious.

But, if there were an idea of what an atheist could give for a First Communion gift, I’d love to hear it. I’m not opposed to cash, but am hoping someone out there has a more bettah creative idea? Something that acknowledges the meaning behind the event (the newly recognized maturity, the welcoming into the fold aspect, the solemnity of the event, stuff like that).

2

I dunno, but I’m very eagerly awaiting the joke answers. It’s just a perfect setup.

3

How old is he?

4

(There is the Holy Ghost toast maker. But I’m saving that for Confirmation.)

@BigT

5

Third grade? Hell, I should know that. Let’s assume third grade. Eight years old.

6

If the church uses The Book of Common Prayer in their services, a personalized copy would be a great gift.

7

He’s Catholic.

(That makes a difference, right? Hell, even when I was a Catholic I didn’t know nuthin’ bout no Catholicism.)

8

It occurs to me that it’s not that I’m unaware of the tradition because I’m an atheist, but that I’m trying to avoid the hypocrisy of an atheist giving a religious gift.

9

Just give him something his parents would approve of and don’t worry about sending a “message” - it’s a gift for an eight year-old, which means it’ll likely be forgotten by Monday morning.

So… a rosary. Or a Bible. Or a $25 iTunes gift card.

10

If you’re happy to give your nephew a religious gift, then have a look at the suggestions in this other current thread: What’s a decent First Communion gift?

11

How about a medal of one of the saints?

12

Man, my First Communion was 32 years ago, and all I remember was counting the money! Oh, and that we had a sleepover of all my cousins, and when we woke up the next day we found that one of the cousins had chicken pox, and we all wound up with it!

13

You can just give something that would be a tasteful birthday gift. I got the set of Little House books.

on preview: Money works great too.

14

A book by Richard Dawkins :smiley:

15

I like the way you think, Yog.

16

:smack:

17

As long as it is The God Delusion:p

18

A book on the myths of Ancient Greece?

19

I was in the same situation as you two years ago and gave my nephew cash, which was perfectly ok and accepted. But then, there is some kind of tradition in my neck of the woods to give the kid his first watch for first communion, which might also be an option for you.

20

I’d get him a book or a Barnes and Noble gift certificate.

An eight year old kid is unlikely to need or want a rosary or wear a medal of a Saint. Those become the sorts of things that Mom has to track. A Bible is often the responsibility of the Godparents.

I would not buy Modern Warfare 2…