1st Communion: need some guidelines.

[space-time]

our neighbors invited us to their son's first communion. I think the kid is about 8. He is good friends with our son.

We are Orthodox but I don't mind going into a Catholic church. After church we are invited to a restaurant dinner with more friends and family.

We are not sure what kind of gifts to make to this kid, so we're thinking some cash for college fund. does $100 sounds OK? too much, too little? that would be assuming that we pay for dinner. if it turns out they pay for dinner, maybe increase the gift amount to $200-250?

[MikeF]

I would think $50 would be sufficient -- kid's only 8. Maybe $100 maximum even if they pay for dinner...

[Carm]

You pay for dinner. $100. They pay for dinner. $150. Or whatever you feel comfortable giving. There is no specific number. It would depend on how well you know the kids family.

My daughters god mother gives her $100's for college fund.

[rgG]

$100 is more than enough, even if they pay for dinner.

[ka jowct]

Wow, this has turned into something requiring gifts? Times have changed.

[graylocks]

ka jowct wrote:
Wow, this has turned into something requiring gifts? Times have changed.

my thought exactly.

[C(-)ris]

graylocks wrote:
[quote=ka jowct]
Wow, this has turned into something requiring gifts? Times have changed.

my thought exactly.
I don't think required has anything to do with it. It is all about what space-time feels is appropriate and wants to give. He has already made the decision that he wishes to provide a gift. The question is, what is an appropriate amount. That is going to vary based on socioeconomic status, both of space-time, and the boy, and their relationship. He is asking what the societal norm would be for something like this.

[datbeme]

I love this place. Lots of good answers.

You are a guest, and a gift is appropriate. But the amount is up to you. "Covering" dinner shouldn't factor into a darn thing. To me, $50 seems like a generous gift for a confirmation. If you want to do more, and if paying for your dinner seems like the right thing to do, that's up to you. But if they were having people over to the house, writing a check for $200 or $250 would seem ridiculous, don't you think?

[fauch]

Wow $100 for a communion (that isn't a close relative)? What's the going rate for a Bar Mitzvah these days? I better start having kids!!!

[Onamuji]

fauch wrote:
Wow $100 for a communion (that isn't a close relative)? What's the going rate for a Bar Mitzvah these days?

Money isn't worth what it used to be. Events cost a lot to put on.

$100 for a communion, bar mitzvah or wedding would be the baseline for me.

Beyond that, I try to cover at least what I think the cost of my presence would be, so in an example where a wedding is likely to run $250/guest my gift would be no less than $250 in value.