<p>I must respectfully disagree with many of the sentiments here. A first communion IS a religious event and a very meaningful one for a Catholic. The whole point is a religious emphasis! My sons both received beautiful leather bound bibles with their names embossed as well as rosaries they both have and cherish 15 to 20 years later. Even if you are not Catholic or Christian, why would you not want to respect the religious tradition of the young person celebrating this spiritual milestone? If I were invited to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, I would joyfully find an appropriate religious gift for the young person or for an Evangelical family who had a dedication service for their child, I would do the same as well. To me, a “special day outing” is more of a birthday or graduation present. Even if there are religious differences in the family, I would not do anything to emphasize the conflict for a first communion. Children are very sensitive to these conflicts. It should only be a happy day of celebration.</p>