• Confirmation is a sacrament in some Christian traditions, including the Catholic Church, whereby a baptized person is officially admitted to the church. This often happens around the age of 13. Children hoping to be confirmed in the church go through a class to learn about the structure of the church and the heart of the Gospel. They also are given the opportunity to make a faith decision--to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. A ceremony is held during the church service to welcome the confirmand into communion with the church body, and often a celebration is held afterward. Instead of the typical confirmation gifts of religious jewelry or award certificates, select gifts that represent "new life" and symbolize a new journey.
  
  

Celebration Trip

• Surprise your confirmand with a celebration trip to a place he always has wanted to visit or a weekend getaway that evokes a mini vacation. Consider an overnight stay in the mountains or along the coast. If your budget allows for it, let your confirmand invite a few friends along for the journey.
  
  

Digital Camera

• If your confirmand does not have his own digital camera yet, then surprise him with a nice point-and-shoot camera. Today's cameras are quite high quality and inexpensive for the high-level photos the cameras are capable of capturing. This gift symbolizes the new moments of your confirmand's life. He has made a faith decision that will change his life. Now it's time to capture the memories of this new life and journey.
  
  

New Outfit

• A brand new outfit--such as a new dress and heels or a pair of jeans and a shirt--not only will be a welcome gift for a teenager; the gift symbolizes newness. If you are not up to date on current trends, then ask someone who is to help you select a gift. Another option is to purchase a gift certificate that would cover the cost of one new outfit plus accessories at your confirmand's favorite store.
  
  

Art or Music Lessons

• Playing on the "new" theme, gift your confirmand with pre-paid lessons for a creative outlet such as learning to play the guitar or cello. For art or photography enthusiasts, grant lessons for painting, drawing or photographing people and places.