We have been invited to a friends house for lunch after her daughters first communion this weekend. We are pretty close with the family, and it is only a small gathering - I think 2 other families plus us. Wife just asked me whether we should take a present, and if so, what. My suggestion of a six pack and a bottle of wine apparently was not correct. And nor was the follow up "don't ask if you don't want an honest answer...."

Help? Anyone?

Do you want to be religious or not? How much to spend? Maybe a locket: nice enough without being overtly religious, budget determines metal.

Budget? Apparently I'm tight - within the family we normally give what I guess most folk consider token gifts for birthdays of around $10-20 value (more for our own kids), so I was gobsmacked shortly after moving here to find I was expected to stump $100 for a neighbours' kids' graduation I have since acclimatised/acclimated so I guess we should be aiming the same sort of ballpark.

We are not religious, but they obviously are. In fact, very much so - the Mom is studying a theology degree part time! I saw online all sorts of suggestions about giving bibles and crucifixes and the like, but to be honest, I wouldn't be too comfortable to do that. A locket is a good idea. I will put it to the approval committee when she wakes up in the morning! Thanks.

Take a gift. If you are religious something like a nice Bible or crucifix pendant. If not, a small but tasteful item of jewelery eg a silver bracelet or chain or even just a gift voucher. Everyone that attended my Communion gave me something.

Sounds like jewelry is the way to go - thanks.
Now why did I throw that James Avery 20% coupon away last week...

I may be tight but I would not be spending $100. $40 tops.

Yup. Silver locket from Zales or somewhere similar - something in the $40-50 range. Oval, not heart shaped. Maybe have her name and date of her communion engraved inside.

Communion wine?

Compromise.

Action Figure?

Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash - Buddy Christ Dashboard Statue Perfect.

I'd get a silver bracelet. They have loads at James Avery. You could get a charm bracelet with a mildly religious charm, like "hope". Or just a regular silver bangle.

10%

Only if the service (heh) is good.

Grabbing hips? Err.. forget it.

Obviously you don't have time for an online order, but the Etsy first communion pages might give you some ideas:

https://www.etsy.com/market/first_communion_gift