In short: Teenagers are often given money for their Confirmation. A Christian Confirmation gift adds something lasting: a cross necklace they will actually wear, a bracelet with a wooden cross, a cross for their own room or a bookmark for their Bible. It becomes especially personal if you pick up their Confirmation verse. Our ideas start at €9.90.
At around 14, young Protestants say yes to their baptism for themselves at Confirmation. For godparents, grandparents and family, it is an occasion to give something that suits a young person and still recalls the day. This guide offers ideas for boys and girls, briefly explains what Confirmation means and gives tips for the card.
What does Confirmation mean?
The word comes from the Latin “confirmatio”, meaning affirmation or strengthening. At baptism, parents and godparents usually spoke on the child’s behalf. At Confirmation, the young people now affirm their faith themselves and are blessed with the laying on of hands. Beforehand they usually attend confirmation classes for one to two years.
Every confirmand receives a Confirmation verse, a Bible verse meant to accompany them through life. In many regional Protestant churches, Confirmation also makes young people eligible to become a godparent. The celebrations often take place in spring, frequently between Easter and Pentecost; each parish sets its own dates.
Protestant and Catholic Confirmation: the difference
The Protestant Konfirmation is a celebration of the Protestant church, whereas the Catholic Firmung (also called Confirmation in English) is a sacrament, usually administered by the bishop. Both stand for a conscious yes to the faith. You can read more about the Catholic side in our article Confirmation: Meaning, Ceremony and Gift Ideas.
What do teenagers like?
At 14 you have your own taste, so a Confirmation gift should not feel childish. Things that are simple, suited to everyday life and a little “grown-up” go down well. If in doubt, ask the parents what the young person likes to wear.
To wear: necklaces and bracelets
Cross necklace with the Lord’s Prayer
The stainless steel Lord’s Prayer cross necklace (€29.90, blessed) carries the complete Lord’s Prayer on the back. The silver-coloured cross measures 3 × 2 cm and hangs on a black cord that adjusts from 45 to 65 cm. It suits boys and girls alike and can be worn on show or under a shirt.
Bracelet with a wooden cross
The paracord bracelet with a wooden cross (€19.90, blessed) is robust and understated. A T-shaped olive wood cross sits in the centre, and the band is adjustable and available in black, blue, red or champagne.
Olive wood necklace
If you prefer something natural, choose a necklace made of olive wood from Bethlehem. The necklace with a Franciscan tau cross (€11.90, blessed) is simple and hangs on a brown cord. An alternative is the necklace with a dove as a sign of the Holy Spirit (€9.90, blessed).
For their own room: a cross
A cross of their own often goes with a person all the way to their first home. Clear, modern shapes suit teenagers. A transparent glass cross, 27 × 12 cm (€59.90, blessed) in red, blue, green or white glows in a window. Simpler options are wooden wall crosses in oak or lime wood from €16.90. You will find more to choose from in our Crosses collection.
For the Bible: a bookmark
Many confirmands receive a Bible of their own for their Confirmation. A metal cross bookmark (7 × 6 cm, €14.90) with a tassel, in a gift box, goes well with it. Use it to mark the passage of the Confirmation verse so it is always easy to find again.
Picking up the Confirmation verse
The Confirmation verse makes any gift personal. Write it on the card and add a few sentences of your own about why it suits the young person. Verses often chosen include (quoted from the King James Version):
- “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- “Let all your things be done with charity.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
- “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
Money or a gift?
Money is customary at Confirmation, and teenagers are glad of it. There is no fixed sum. Many godparents and grandparents therefore combine both: an amount of money for something they wish for, plus a small token with meaning, such as a necklace or bracelet. That way something remains to recall the day long after the money has been spent.
Gifts by budget
- Up to €15: olive wood necklaces with a dove or tau cross (€9.90 to €11.90), cross bookmark (€14.90).
- €15 to €30: paracord bracelet (€19.90), Lord’s Prayer cross necklace (€29.90), wooden wall cross (from €16.90).
- From €30: glass crosses (from €39.90), olive wood wall cross, 30 cm (€39.90).
Blessed: does that suit a Protestant Confirmation?
A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Fulda blesses many of our items in our own warehouse, and a certificate card showing the date of the blessing is included. Whether an item is blessed is stated in its title. A blessing is familiar to both denominations, and the cross, the dove and the Lord’s Prayer unite Protestant and Catholic Christians. Items are shipped via Amazon's logistics network – free within Germany, €5.90 to Austria and France; Italy €6.90, Spain €6.90 – and you have 30-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
What do you give for a Confirmation?
Money and a personal gift with meaning are customary, such as a cross necklace, a bracelet with a wooden cross, a cross for their room or a bookmark for their Bible.
What do godparents give for a Confirmation?
Godparents often give something lasting that recalls the baptism, for example a necklace with a cross, along with a card bearing the Confirmation verse and a few personal words.
What is a Confirmation verse?
A Bible verse that the young person is given at Confirmation or chooses for themselves. It is meant to accompany them through life.
What is the difference between Protestant and Catholic Confirmation?
Protestant Confirmation is a celebration of the Protestant church, while Catholic Confirmation is a sacrament of the Catholic Church. Both stand for a conscious yes to the faith.
Does a Christian gift suit a teenager?
Yes, if it is simple and suited to everyday life. Teenagers often enjoy wearing a necklace on a leather cord or a bracelet with a wooden cross.
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