Invited to First Holy Communion

is $50 a usual amount for you to spend? Seems excessive to me. :) My sons received $20-25 when given cash at their Communion. But NJ costs a lot more than the Midwest.

That said, I have always preferred avoiding cash gifts to children. Hit a Catholic supply store online & take a look at what's available. Lots of options, just be sure not to duplicate the more popular ones....cross necklace, etc.

Dress code: it's a church service! The Communion participants & their families will be dressed up, but it's basic "church" clothes for everybody else. Reuse those Easter outfits if you have them!

& if you're not attending, then send a Communion card with a gift card in it.

First Holy Communion is a wonderful & uplifting experience. If the priest is child-oriented, it's even better!

Just my opinion, but:

1. Money is fine, and $50 is generous; I don't know that the amount needs to be that high by any stretch. Gifts are often of a religious nature for this sort of thing, like a new rosary, etc., but since you are not Catholic and don't even consider this family to be close friends, I think money is absolutely acceptable.

2. Dress code would be formal, suits for men, dresses or dress pants for women/girls.

3. Frankly, I think sending a nice card is sufficient (they make cards specifically for this occasion). Since you don't consider this a close family friend, I am curious as to the motivation for inviting you (when I did First Communion, we invited family and the godparents only). Do you suspect they consider you close friends? Would they like to get to know you better? Or is this just a grab for more gifts? In any case, sending anything beyond a card is going above and beyond and is unnecessary, I think, but that's always nice if you were so inclined.

I don't understand inviting everyone to a first communion party. My SIL even invited folks from out of town (to baptisms as well). This strikes me as odd. Back in the "old" days, these events were family celebrations, not invite everyone, all your facebook friends, and all of your neighbors.

It's perfectly reasonable to not go and just RSVP that you can't attend. If you want to send a card, that would be a lovely gesture for the parent.

I assume your Mom is going and she thought it would be nice. $25.00 is a good gift. Dress as you would for any church service. Enjoy the day.

I probably would not attend in this case, but send a nice card and thank them for the invite.

What a flattering invitation!
$50.00 sounds like a lot to me! Wow, I'd be happy with anything -if you have plenty of money that's nice but ten, fifteen twenty whatever here is nice.
And really just dress nice, people aren't overly dressy anymore here anyway, but you can dress nice and feel special.
If you can't attend just mail a note if you want to send a gift. Parents are always safer-did you ever see kids open gift cards anymore? they toss them on the ground about two seconds later.
Communion-you don't have to go, you can sit in the pew and wait. If you are accustomed to Communion for your own church, then go and following the others.
Have fun! Enjoy the day.

1) $50 sounds like a lot. You could do a Bible or even a savings bond! I think with the series EE you spend $25 and get a $50 bond.
2) church attire-skirt or business casual dress for you, dress for daughter, and slacks and shirt for hubby
3) I'd send a card and small gift

I agree with Sue H. The one thing I would add is that Catholics are not the only christians that practice communion. We are Methodist and have communion on the first Sunday of each month (kids are welcome too).