M.J.
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Milwaukee
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How about a journal?
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For the last three and a half years I've been a mentor to a group of six teenage girls who are now sophomores and will be confirmed next month. I want to give them a little gift that is meaningful, but with six of them I really don't want to spend more than $10-15 each. I have boys so this experience has been my most significant contact with adolescent girls. I'd especially like the advice from the mothers of girls. Right now I have purchased, but can return, small 2x2 photo frames in kind of a crystal with a cross at the top. They didn't have enough of all of the same color so three are purple and three are turquoise. My neighbor who has a senior girl gave them a mixed review. Another Confirmation mentor suggested I type of each of the Bible verses they selected to be their Confirmation verse and put them in the frame. So does this sound like an appealing, appropriate gift or should I keep shopping? Any other suggestions? Thanks!
ETA: We are Lutheran. They received Bibles from the church so Bibles are probably out. Thanks for all of the ideas so far!
How about a journal?
It sounds nice and the girls will probably keep them up in their rooms - especially with their verse in it. I have a daughter that will be confirmed next fall.
Other options:
leather bracelet with a cross (blessings or something on it)
Bible
silver cross necklace
purity ring
a devotions book with a personal message from you
just a few thoughts.
A keepsake is appropriate and I think the picture frame is perfect. The only reservation I have is the cross on the frame. Now I'm a very conservative evangelical Christian and I LOVE the meaning of the cross - but I also have a 16 yr old daughter and I volunteer in our youth groups and I see lots of kids "lose" Christianity in their older teen years. I suspect that out of the 6 of them at least 3 or 4 will eventually put those picture frames aside because of the cross. My feeling is that if they have a picture frame without a cross, but you include the bible verse, they'll keep the frame through their teen years and maybe even in to adulthood. I wouldn't be surprised if the verse remains in the frame, if even behind a picture. They will remember you, their confirmation and the purpose of it when they look at the frame.
God bless you for coming alongside these young ladies - I hope the impact of your ministry remains with them through their lives. I'm 53 and I still have fond memories of ladies that took time out of their lives to press into mine.
My sister and I got necklaces where you can view the Lord's Prayer through a magnifier on the charm. My sister's is a cross and mine is a little church. We still cherish them. My daughters have always been fascinated with mine, so when my oldest was confirmed, I ordered two Lord's Prayer cross necklaces (my youngest will get hers this year). I just got the ones that used to be advertised on TV that you can find on-line. They might be a little over your budget, but perhaps you can find a less expensive alternative. My daughter loves hers. Sorry, I think the little frames are kind of boring. If you can't find jewelry with the Lord's Prayer in your price range, then any necklace, bracelet, or earrings with a Christian symbol is the way to go.
I think your idea is a very good one. I would also include in a card how much mentoring each of them has ment to you. Maybe you also can make it a point to stay connected to them after confirmation.
That sounds really lovely!
I like the bracelet idea!
My 11 yr old daughter was confirmed this past spring. We gave her a crucifix necklace and a rosewood box with confirmation/first communion symbols on the cover/lid.
Our pastor, as a gift from the church, gives each confirmand a framed confirmation certificate that includes their Bible verse; and from himself he gave them a book of Prayer.
A small wall crucifix is an idea.
A keepsake box is another.
A book of Prayer is another.
Or even just a nice journal with perhaps an inscription from you.
If you try to go into the jewelry realm for 6 girls, you will go over budget.
I have known many who have been confirmed and or had their communion.. In MOST cases (including my own child's) they will receive many religious type gifts.. While that is cool, in some cases, I have seen duplicate gifts and truly (just my opinion) but how many rosaries or crosses does a person need... I know some who received in upwards of ten.... and picture frames, including photo albums.... What do we give.. MONEY... in our case, if we are invited to the ceremony, it's usually because we are close to the family. In which case, we give $100.00... in the case of the six girls, you could give $15 each.. They may receive other funds from people, so they could tack that on..
And yes.. MANY people do give money.... within our family/friend circle, about half give money and I haven't heard complaints :)
Keep shopping..a small bracelet or necklace is more likely to be worn/used I think.
My mom got me a nice bible for my Confirmation. I don't know how much a "nice" bible would run (been a long time since I've bought one) but it's a thought.
