First Communion Gift Ideas for a Boy

We are not Catholic and have been invited to celebrate a friend's son's first communion.

We want to get a little something for the celebrant - a 9 year old boy.

Have any of you gotten/given small gifts in this instance? What is usual?

The usual are things like a Bible, prayer books, rosary. If there is a Catholic gift/book shop near you, they will be able to help you select something. But a child is apt to get too many of these sorts of things.

In cases like these, my default gift is always a book or two, hardcover if possible. I'd ask the parents what sorts of things their son likes to read and then head off to the bookstore.

If you strike you strike out on any other ideas, cash in a card is always good. :)

A very nice neighbor lady who cared for me after schooltime until my parents got home gave me a small St. Christopher medal on a chain for Confirmation, which for some reason I really liked. I still have it, it's one of the few pieces of jewelry I own, and I always remember her fondly when I see it.

Thank you for the recommendations. There is a Catholic store in our area that I found on google.
What a sweet story about your medal Bae. Thanks!

Savings bonds or a small cash gift (say $25) are also possibilities.

I gave my nephew the Chronicles of Narnia--the books have a Christian, but not Catholic, slant to them that makes them appropriate, although it also depends on the age of the child--some churches do First Communion as young as 7 and other wait several years.

A children's bible may also be something nice that they could read....

A contribution to their college fund account.

Books that provide the meaning of communion can be a nice addition to their library, however a child may feel at times overtopped with the material while having to study for the ceremony. You could wisely encourage the kid to follow the committments: create some unique designs including the memorable explanations as quotes to be placed onto some envelopes. He must have had a group of people he may want to keep in touch with, and being able to send custom printed envelopes that remind of their studies would encourage a lasting friendship with a necessity to remember the absorbed learnings regularly. A unique gift will surely stand out showing a respect to their meaningful celebration.

We are Polish Catholics and we usually put money in a First communion card. If you will be going to a luncheon or dinner we put like $50 a person to cover the cost.