First Communion Gift Guide 2012

I loved this feature last year, and am so excited to be able to share it again this year.  I have a real heart for small businesses, and it thrills me to be able to be a platform for letting some shine.  Supporting small businesses can be an amazing thing to do, and perfect for the next First Communion gift that you need to pick up!  (Or, of course, just a little something for yourself or someone for another occasion.)

15 Promises Heritage Rosaries

15 Promises Heritage Rosaries features accessories for the Soul, each uniquely handcrafted, traditional Catholic rosaries, pocket rosaries, Christian prayer beads, embellished medals, and jewelry of classic design with a focus on using gemstones and metals of the Bible.  Debbie (the business owner) also includes free U.S. shipping and a rosary case or protective pouch.

The Cherished Bead

Instead of telling you specifically about The Cherished Bead‘s products, I instead wanted to share Debbie’s story (yes, another Debbie!)…

Debbie began her craft in 2000, but her real inspiration came at a time when she was an American Airlines flight attendant and she was devastated by the loss of friends and coworkers on September 11, 2001.  She began to create beautiful memorial bracelets for friends and co-workers to help them honor their fallen comrades.  The jewelry turned out to be very healing and thus started her journey to making jewelry with meaning behind each piece!

Immaculata Designs

Betsy from Immaculata Designs hopes to help people rediscover their Catholic Identity, that has sometimes been lost in our modern culture, by handcrafting heirloom quality wire-wrapped rosaries, chaplets and religious jewelry.  She has used her engineering degree background, along with further study of heirloom rosaries to equip her to make her Rosaries with only the best quality findings by only using gem stone beads, solid wire and very strong Crucifixes and Centers.  I just loved it when she told me, “St. Pio used to call his rosary his ‘weapon,’ I think that mine could literally be used as a weapon they are so durable.”

PMM Designs

Patty of PMM Designs began making rosaries approximately four years ago for family and friends, and started her shop in 2009.  She is inspired by her faith and her love for the Blessed Mother. She specialize in custom, personalized rosaries. Patty uses high quality, affordable materials so that her items are both beautiful and reasonably priced. She loves to do custom designs and to work with clients to create that perfect gift!

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Rachel Rode: Jewelry for the Heart and Soul

Rachel’s shop Rachel Rode: Jewelry for the Heart and Soul features quality handcrafted rosaries and jewelry.  Rachel gladly welcomes custom orders, and can’t wait to work with you.  Rachel’s shop is also filled with gorgeous jewelry of all types, including necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

Just a Tiny Owl

I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include my own small business, Just a Tiny Owl, into this mix.  While my art wouldn’t necessarily be the perfect gift for some children receiving First Communion, it would be perfect for someone you know entering the Church through an RCIA process (such as my husband and I did in 2007).

(Angie’s Note: I feel that I would be remiss to not also mention that if you know a parent with young children who is entering the Church through RCIA this year, an amazing gift to give them to help them as a parent who is newly Catholic is the Catholic ABC’s by Lacy from Catholic Icing.  While it’s set up as a preschool curriculum, it is also a great way to do fun, Catholic activities with young children at home!)

What are your favorite gifts to give to children (and adults) for religious milestones?  (Please feel free to chime in with both Catholic and Non-Catholic ideas!)

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Need more First Communion ideas and resources, including a downloadable ebook with First Communion Preparation and Printable First Communion Banner Patterns?  Be sure to check out my First Communion Resources page!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the businesses that are featured in the guide.  All opinions and words are my own.  I strongly believe in supporting these businesses and others like them.