Profession of Faith Gift Ideas for a Young Person
Picture a fourteen-year-old standing at the back of the sanctuary after the service, jacket a size too big, while the elders shake her hand one at a time.
Short answer: a good profession of faith gift is lasting, plain and fitted to the church's tradition, such as a study Bible, a small cross or a book to grow into.
A profession of faith is the moment a young person, or an adult, tells the congregation in public that they trust Jesus and want to belong to the church. In some traditions it comes with a service and a vow. In others it comes before baptism or confirmation. The names differ, and so do the customs.
What doesn't differ is what the moment feels like. It's a small, brave thing, and the people who were there tend to remember who gave them something afterwards.
We don't have a gift made for this occasion yet. The seven below come from other sellers, and each is matched to the traditions it suits, because a gift that fits a Methodist church can land awkwardly in a Baptist one. Prices were checked on 23 Oct.
Seven profession of faith gifts
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design, from Christianbook, US$20.99 (checked 23 Oct). The listing says it's adapted from the ESV Study Bible and carries 12,000 study notes. A real study Bible for the student who asks questions. Christianbook's shipping chart lists Canada. Best for: a student who wants notes alongside the text. Not for: anyone who wants a plain reading Bible.
To The Moon Canvas Bible Cover, Medium, from Swanson through Christianbook, US$20.98 (checked 23 Oct). A blue canvas cover with a solar system design and the line "God's plan for me is out of this world," with a carry handle and a zipper. For someone whose Bible lives in a backpack. Best for: a young person whose Bible travels. Not for: anyone with an oversized study Bible; check the fit.
Crown of Thorns ring, from Elevated Faith, CA$29 (checked 23 Oct). The product page calls it a reminder of sacrifice, redemption and enduring love, and it arrives with a description card and a cotton pouch. Ships within Canada. Best for: a teen or young adult. Not for: anyone who wants a gift from a small maker; this is an established brand.
Mustard seed and turquoise flower cross necklace, from LittleEnglishJewelry, CA$35.24 (checked 23 Oct). The listing says real turquoise dried flowers, real gold leaf and a mustard seed are preserved in resin, with a gold stainless steel cross on a fine chain. The shop is listed in England and the listing ships to Canada. Best for: someone who wears small jewellery. Not for: anyone who prefers a bold pendant.
Wooden affirmation cross for sacraments, from LPWOODCRAFT in London, Ontario, CA$23 (checked 23 Oct). The listing says only that it's an affirmation cross keepsake for baptisms, communions and confirmations, so open the page to see the finish and size before you order. Best for: a parent or godparent who wants a simple keepsake from an Ontario seller. Not for: anyone who needs detail.
Confirmation Pendant, Methodist, from Terra Sancta Guild through Christianbook, US$7.94 (checked 23 Oct). A pewter cross pendant with the United Methodist symbol, with "Confirmed in Christ" on the back, on a 24 inch chain, gift boxed. Best for: a United Methodist confirmand. Not for: anyone outside the Methodist tradition.
Luther's Small Catechism for Kids, from Concordia Publishing House through Christianbook, US$16.98 (checked 23 Oct). A children's edition of the catechism, for a Lutheran child preparing for confirmation, or a godparent who wants to hand it on. Best for: a Lutheran child or confirmation class. Not for: families outside the Lutheran tradition.
Match the gift to the church
Before you buy, ask the pastor or a parent what the church calls this moment and what its families usually give. A catechism is a natural gift in a Lutheran church. A study Bible suits many evangelical and Reformed congregations. A cross on a chain is welcome in some churches, while a few traditions prefer a plain Bible. A phone call to the church office will save you a return.
What the Scripture says
The apostle Paul put the whole thing in one sentence.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9, KJV)
If the gift reminds a young person that they said it out loud, in front of people who love them, it has done its job.
How we chose
We chose gifts that are lasting, plain and easy to match to a tradition, and we say which tradition a gift fits. We don't have a gift of our own made for this occasion yet, so none of these is ours. The sellers are chosen by hand, and we check the price on the date shown. Some links earn us a small commission at no cost to you. How we pick, and what we earn, is on our disclosure page.
Questions people ask
- What is a profession of faith? It's the public moment when a person says they trust Jesus and want to belong to the church. Some traditions pair it with a vow or confirmation, and some with baptism.
- What is a good gift for a profession of faith? A study Bible, a small cross or a book to grow into. Match it to the family's tradition.
- How much should I spend? The picks here run from US$7.94 to CA$35.24. A gift with a handwritten note will mean more than a costly one without.
- Is a profession of faith the same as confirmation? In some churches, yes or nearly so. In others, confirmation is a separate step. If you're not sure, ask the pastor.
- Can a church order the same gift for a whole class? We take church orders from 10 to 200 pieces on our church page, though we don't yet have a gift made for this occasion. Tell us what you need in the quote form.
Browse our profession of faith and confirmation gifts.