20 Alternative Confirmation Gift Ideas That Aren’t Money

Stuck on what to give for a Confirmation? Here are 20 alternative Confirmation gift ideas that aren't money, with something to suit every budget.

20 Alternative Confirmation Gift Ideas That Aren’t Money

If you’ve been asked to share in a child’s special Confirmation day, you’ll most likely want to give them a gift — but what can you give when you don’t want to just hand over money in a card?

Here are 20 alternative Confirmation gift ideas that aren’t money, with something to suit every budget.

You may also enjoy: 10 Simple Homemade Confirmation Cakes to Delight

Creative Confirmation Gift Ideas

Tweens and teens will always appreciate cash in a card, but for special occasions a physical gift can feel much more memorable.

We’ve pulled together some great ideas to inspire your shopping for the Confirmation child — these Confirmation gift ideas are always well received.

1. Personalised Gifts

A personalised gift just for them creates a special memento of their Confirmation day.

Engraved jewellery, personalised team jerseys, monogrammed clothes or accessories, a mug, room decor, or wall art are all good choices. Sites like Etsy, Not On the High Street, Getting Personal, and Prezzy Box have lots of options to browse.

You can even personalise a wide range of trainers, clothes and accessories — these would definitely go down well.

2. Room Accessories

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Many tweens getting ready for Confirmation are keen to update their room around this time. Room accessory gifts could include cushions, wall art, a desk and chair, new bedding, personalised decor, or string lights.

It’s a good idea to check in with the Confirmation child before you buy, as they may have a favourite colour, theme or idea already in mind.

3. Jewellery

A watch, charm bracelet, cufflinks, necklace or earrings can all make lovely alternative Confirmation gifts, especially if you’re the child’s godparent.

If you’re unsure where to start, well-known jewellery brands are always a safe bet for this age group.

4. Movie Fun

Give them a voucher for their local cinema so they can enjoy a fun afternoon out with friends (or with you!).

5. Savings Bond

Yes, we know it’s technically money — but it’s a different format, and it lasts. Prize Bonds or savings bonds bought for a child are often held onto for years, sometimes becoming a lovely surprise down the line.

Buying Prize Bonds or savings bonds also means the money isn’t immediately accessible, so you’re effectively saving for their future.

6. Adventure Day Out

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If they’re the adventurous type, an action-packed day out together makes a great Confirmation gift. Ziplining, escape rooms, water sports, wall climbing, trampolining or hiking are all great options. Even if you don’t want to take part yourself, you could organise a day out for the child and their friends, creating memories that last.

A few ideas in Ireland include Boda Borg at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, the Croke Park Skyline Tour, an adventure day at Wildlands, a visit to Westport House, or a trip kayaking or wall climbing.

7. Music

Music gifts are always well received by children of this age. Concert tickets, an iTunes (or similar) voucher, a subscription to a music streaming service, good headphones for listening on the go, or a mini stereo system are all good options.

8. Fun Outing / Your Time

The promise of a future day out together — the cinema, a special lunch, or a fun attraction — will appeal to most children.

The build-up to Confirmation can be hectic, and there’s sometimes an anti-climax afterwards. Having something special to look forward to is a lovely bonus.

You may also enjoy: 50 Amazingly Awesome Birthday Ideas for Teens

9. Gift of Reading

An e-reader makes a great gift for children who love to read, or credit towards new books for those who already have one.

If physical books are preferred, choose a boxed set you think they’d enjoy, or gift something you loved at their age. A book subscription that sends a new title each month is another lovely option.

10. Creative and Artistic Gifts

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If the Confirmation child is artistic, choose some art and craft supplies they may enjoy — canvases, paints, an easel, or general craft supplies. Alternatively, book them a class to develop their skills. Look out for classes in pottery, jewellery making, painting, photography, calligraphy, creative writing, sewing or knitting.

Likewise, if the child is musical, they may appreciate one-on-one lessons to build on their skills.

11. Canvas Print or Painting

If you have a beautiful photo from the Confirmation Day (or of the child), consider getting a canvas print made. If you’d prefer to give a gift on the day itself, ask their parents for a nice photo of the child with friends that you could use.

12. Headphones or Speakers

From listening to music to streaming shows, chatting to friends or gaming, good headphones are a must these days for kids of this age.

Prices vary widely, so it’s worth checking reviews or asking in-store for advice on the best option for your budget.

If the Confirmation child already has good headphones, a Bluetooth speaker makes a great alternative.

13. Foodie Gift

A voucher for their favourite restaurant, or somewhere new they’ve been wanting to try, makes a great gift. They could invite their closest friends along for a treat.

Or take them for afternoon tea — here are some places in Ireland for afternoon tea.

14. The Confirmation Cake

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If you’re a confident baker, you could offer to bake and decorate the cake — here are 10 simple homemade Confirmation cakes for inspiration.

If baking isn’t your thing, let the Confirmation child pick their favourite cake from a local bakery for the day. You’ll be a big hit with their parents too!

15. Stationery

From cute cards to notebooks, young teens love stationery — and they’ll have plenty of thank-you cards to write after their Confirmation Day.

Great stationery gift ideas for tweens include journals, novelty items, colouring pencils and books, notepads, sketchbooks, doodle pads, pens, markers and highlighters (Sharpies are always a hit).

16. Photo Shoot

A voucher for a photo session is a lovely gift to give on the day, with the child visiting the studio in their Confirmation outfit — with family or friends — at a later date. It’s a memento they’ll keep forever.

As an alternative, a photo book made from the day is always a thoughtful gift.

You may also enjoy: 6 Unmissable Tips for Photography with Kids

17. Clothing

Who doesn’t like new clothes? A voucher for the Confirmation child’s favourite clothes shop, or an outfit with a gift receipt (so they can swap sizes or styles), will always go down well.

18. Summer Camp Place

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With summer on the horizon, the Confirmation child may want to attend a summer camp with friends. You could offer to book their place as a gift. Check out our guide to the best summer camps for teens for some suggestions.

19. Hair

From accessories to a fresh cut, every young teen likes to look and feel their best. Hair gift ideas could include:

  • A gift set of hair care products
  • A treatment at their favourite hair salon or barbers on the morning of their special day
  • Hair straighteners, curlers or a hairdryer
  • Hair accessories
  • A style consultation for new hairstyle ideas

20. Game Sets or Sports Equipment

There are some great outdoor game sets and sports equipment options available, such as:

  • A basketball hoop
  • A goal net
  • Football, rugby or GAA gear
  • Tennis or badminton equipment
  • Giant Jenga and other garden games

These can be used on the day itself and will bring the child many hours of fun for years to come.

You may also enjoy: Easy Party Food Ideas for Confirmation Celebrations at Home

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a good alternative to giving money for a Confirmation gift?

Personalised items, jewellery, tech accessories like headphones, experience days out, or a gift tied to a hobby (art supplies, sports gear, music) are all popular choices that feel more personal than cash in a card.

How much should you spend on a Confirmation gift?

There’s no fixed rule — Confirmation gifts can suit any budget, from a thoughtful small item like stationery or hair accessories, right up to bigger gifts like tech, jewellery or an experience day. Choose based on your relationship with the child and what feels right for you.

What do teenagers actually want for their Confirmation?

Tech (headphones, speakers, e-readers), experience days with friends, clothing vouchers, and personalised items tend to be the most popular with this age group — but a quick chat with their parents beforehand can help you pick something they’ll really use.

Is it okay to give a shared or group gift for a Confirmation?

Yes — a shared experience, such as an adventure day out, a meal with friends, or a summer camp place, can be a lovely alternative to an individual item, especially for godparents or close family friends.

Related Articles

  • 10 Simple Homemade Confirmation Cakes to Delight
  • Easy Party Food Ideas for Confirmation Celebrations at Home
  • 50 Amazingly Awesome Birthday Ideas for Teens
  • Best Summer Camps for Teens in Ireland

Looking for More Celebration Ideas?

If you enjoyed these Confirmation gift ideas, browse our other celebration guides for more inspiration on gifts, parties and special occasions for kids and teens.

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