Christening and Baptism Gifts

A good christening gift is one meant to be kept: something that marks the day, carries the child's name and will mean more with time. Traditions vary by country and church, and godparents often have their own customary gifts.

What traditions suggest

In Britain, silver has long been given at a christening; the V&A holds a Victorian christening mug as an example. A French guide published by Aleteia describes the baptism medal as a traditional gift from a godparent, with engraving as one way to personalise it. The German Protestant guide evangelisch.de suggests a children's Bible, a baptismal candle or a personal letter to be kept for later. St John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey, lists a baptismal cross and chain among the items the godparent provides for a Greek Orthodox baptism. More traditions are gathered in the answer on traditional birth gifts.

Choosing well

• Personalise it with a name, initials, the date or a family motif.
• Check precious metals. In the UK, a hallmark identifies the sponsor, the metal's fineness and the assay office; see the answer on luxury baby gifts.
• Keep it for later. Jewellery and small objects should be stored out of the baby's reach; see the answer on babies and jewellery.

At SUOMMO

A jewel from SUOMMO High Jewellery can become a lasting reminder of a christening. Dodo Dummy, in eighteen-carat gold and eighty diamonds, is a gift for the baby that the mother can also wear as a pendant, and a name, initials or a motif shared by the family can make it theirs alone. Our Concierge can explain the personalisation and presentation available.

Choose the moment that matters to the family. Practical help can accompany the birth, while a keepsake may mark a christening, a naming ceremony or another celebration the family observes. There is no obligation to give twice; ask about their customs and preferred timing.

The birth

Around the birth, practical help and gifts for the family are often most welcome (see the answer on gifts for first-time parents). In many cultures, the first months have their own customs, from the first month to the hundredth day; some are gathered in the answer on traditional birth gifts.

The christening or naming

At a christening, godparents in many traditions give a lasting gift: silver, a medal, a cross or a Bible (see the answer on christening gifts). Naming ceremonies, religious or not, and first birthdays can also be the moment for a lasting gift.

One gift or two

If you are close to the family, you might send something practical at the birth and keep a lasting gift for the ceremony. If you will give only once, choose the moment that matters most to the family, and ask if you are unsure.

At SUOMMO

A SUOMMO creation can mark either moment, the birth or the christening. Every presentation is conceived around the family, the occasion and the destination, from an intimate welcome at home to a celebration with family and friends. Our Concierge can plan the timing and presentation with you; discover more in Inside Suommo.

What godparents give at a christening depends on the tradition, and often on the family. Godparents tend to give something lasting that connects to the ceremony or to their role in the child's life. Examples include a silver christening mug in Britain, a baptism medal described by a French guide, a children's Bible, baptismal candle or letter suggested by a German Protestant guide, and a baptismal cross and chain provided by the godparent at a Greek Orthodox baptism in one New Jersey parish.

Choosing as a godparent

• Ask the parents whether the church or family has a custom you are expected to follow.
• Choose something to keep, and personalise it with the name and date.
• Keep jewellery and small objects out of the baby's reach.

Sources and more examples are in the answer on christening gifts and the answer on traditional birth gifts.

There is no set amount to spend on a baptism gift. Consider your relationship with the family, their customs and what you can comfortably afford. Being a godparent does not set a minimum price. A modest gift chosen with care is entirely appropriate; the child's name and date can add meaning, but are not required.

• Godparents may wish to give something to keep, such as silver or a keepsake (see the answer on christening gifts).
• Guests may prefer something smaller, or contribute together to one gift.
• If in doubt, ask the parents what they would value.

Expectations depend on the family and religious community. Ask the parents whether they would welcome a gift and whether there is a custom they would like you to follow. A card or a small keepsake are possible options; godparents' customs are covered in the answer on what godparents give.

A lasting keepsake can be a thoughtful baptism gift, especially when its meaning is chosen with the family. Personalisation is one option. Examples from different traditions, with their sources, are in the answer on christening gifts; godparents' gifts are covered in the answer on what godparents give.

Either date is correct; it depends on what the gift commemorates. A christening gift often carries the christening date, sometimes with the date of birth as well, while a birth gift naturally carries the birth date. You can include the child's full name and, if you wish, the place or the godparents' names.

• Agree the exact wording, spelling and dates with the parents before engraving.
• Check how much space the creation allows and which lettering suits it.
• Allow time for engraving before the ceremony.

Christening gifts vary by church, region and family. Examples include objects used in a particular rite, such as a baptismal candle or cross, and keepsakes chosen to remember the occasion, such as a silver christening mug, a baptism medal or a children's Bible; a German Protestant guide also suggests a letter to be opened later. Examples with their sources are in the answer on christening gifts.

A baptismal cross and chain is part of the preparations described by some Greek Orthodox parishes. St John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey, lists it among the items provided by the godparent; its list does not specify gold. The choice of metal is a separate question for the family and parish. Elsewhere, crosses and medals are common keepsakes. The AAP does not recommend jewellery for babies, and a ceremonial meaning does not make it safe to wear: keep the cross and chain as a keepsake out of the baby's reach (see the answer on babies and jewellery and the answer on christening gifts).

Silver has long been linked with good fortune at a birth. In Britain and Ireland, placing a silver coin in a newborn's hand, ‘crossing the palm with silver’, is described by The Royal Mint as a wish for prosperity and good health. These are the meanings attached to the custom, not effects produced by the metal. Silver is also durable and easy to engrave, qualities that make it a natural material for a gift meant to be kept, such as a christening mug that carries a name and a date; keepsakes like these are kept out of the baby's reach.

More traditions are gathered in the answer on traditional birth gifts and the answer on christening gifts; hallmarks are explained in the answer on luxury baby gifts.

Either a present or money may be welcome as a christening gift. The German Protestant guide evangelisch.de describes guests giving money for the child; other families prefer an object connected with the occasion. Ask the parents rather than assuming that one form is expected. A personal note can accompany either.

Ideas for keepsakes are in the answer on christening gifts.