Christening Gifts: Ideas & Etiquette

"The standard christening gift," etiquette expert Emily Post wrote in 1922, "is a silver mug, a porringer, or a knife, fork, and spoon, marked usually with the baby's name and that of the giver." Things have changed a little bit since her time, but giving an appropriate christening gift is still a good idea, particularly for godparents.

Christening Gift Ideas

Contemporary christening gifts are usually personalized or religious items. Some godparents give the gift of a savings bond. Traditionalists still adhere closely to Post's advice, and pewter, silver, and china are perfectly acceptable baptism gifts.

These are a few of the most popular christening gift ideas:

• Children's Bible
  An illustrated children's Bible is a pertinent christening gift. Such a gift is often bound in leather with the child's named engraved on the cover.
• Cross Necklace or Crucifix/cross Plaque
  A cross necklace is an appropriate baptism gift for both girls and boys. A crucifix or cross plaque for hanging on the child's wall is suitable for some religious traditions as well.
• Photo Album or Engraved Picture Frame
  Photo-related items are some of the most popular modern christening gifts. An engraved picture frame will typically feature the date, the child's name, the event, and perhaps a Biblical verse or religious motto.
  Because these christening gifts are often given, you might also choose to give an alternative item such as a child's book or embroidered blanket.

Christening Gift Etiquette

A christening gift is never essential (particularly if an invitation to the event requests no gift) but is always thoughtful. A christening gift from godparents is traditional and expected. A christening gift from the parents to the godparents is also thoughtful, typically a framed photo of the event or a similar memento. Christening gifts and baptism gifts should be accompanied by a card appropriate to the event.