A baptism, often called a Christening, is a significant milestone in a child’s life. This sacred ceremony marks the entry of a baby into the Christian faith, bringing together loved ones to celebrate this joyous occasion. While gifts are not mandatory, many attendees wish to commemorate this special day with a baptism gift for the baby.
If you’re searching for the perfect baptism present, you’re in the right place. This guide offers a curated selection of baptism gift ideas that are meaningful, personalized, and aligned with the religious significance of the event. Drawing from insights and popular choices, we aim to provide you with the best options for baptism gifts for both girls and boys, along with essential gifting etiquette.
In this article, we will explore:
- Top baptism gift recommendations from parents
- Additional cherished baptism gift ideas
- Baptism gift etiquette guidelines
Top Baptism Gifts, Recommended by Parents
Child-Friendly Bible Stories
Cottage Door Press Baby’s First Bible Stories
Image: Amazon
Buying Options: Barnes & Noble|$9.99 | Amazon|$9.99
For godparents, who pledge to guide their godchild spiritually, a children’s Bible is a highly favored baptism gift. “Baby’s First Bible Stories” is ideally suited for newborns up to two-year-olds. It presents classic Bible stories in an easy-to-understand manner with vibrant illustrations. Its padded cover and durable board pages ensure it will last through years of use.
What parents are saying:
Our little one got a couple of different bibles (my favorite is a rhyme bible), a handprint kit, crosses, picture frames, clothes, money for his savings account /[and a] personalized silverware set. Really, it turned out to be a wide assortment as not all gifts were baptism related. – mnfarmgal, The Bump forum member
Godparents got him a children’s board book bible (super-cute) and then money. Actually, the majority of people got him money (which I really appreciated because you can only use so many bibles and piggy banks!). – SugarSnap83, The Bump forum member
Christening Shawl
Esther’s Hand Designs Merino Wool Baby Blanket
Merino Wool Baby Blanket from Esther's Hand Designs, an elegant christening shawl and a thoughtful baptism gift, handcrafted and heirloom quality.Image: EsthersHandsDesigns | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|$90.64
A Christening shawl is traditionally used to wrap the baby after the baptism ceremony. This white blanket symbolizes purity and the baby’s initiation into Christianity. While some families cherish heirloom shawls, a soft white blanket is a wonderful baptism gift from a godparent or family member. The Merino Wool Baby Blanket from Etsy is a luxurious option, crafted from 100% merino wool, known for its softness and antibacterial qualities. This heirloom-quality blanket is versatile, serving as a cozy wrap, tummy time mat, or a security blanket as the child grows.
What parents are saying:
My sister bought /[my son’s] outfit and also got a blanket that she had embroidered with his name and date. Nice because he can always choose to pick his own christening outfits for any children he may have but use the blanket and pass it down to his children. – violetblue72, The Bump forum member
Cross Necklace
JewelryVV Children’s Cross Necklace
Children's Cross Necklace from JewelryVV, a classic and meaningful baptism gift symbolizing faith, available in gold or silver.Image: JewelryVV | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|From $27
A cross necklace is a traditional baptism gift, especially within the Catholic faith. The JewelryVV Children’s Cross Necklace is a delicate and fitting choice for both boys and girls, offered in gold and silver. While it’s essential to keep this gift as a keepsake until the child is older due to safety concerns, it serves as a beautiful symbol of faith. Many parents choose to have the necklace blessed by a priest and store it safely until the child’s First Communion.
What parents are saying:
/[My son’s] godfather gave him a gold crucifix that was blessed. – dee12807, The Bump forum member
Godmother got him a gold cross necklace that was blessed by the priest. – mamaholmes2010, The Bump forum member
Baptism Picture Frame
Lifetime Creations Personalized Baptism Picture Frame
Personalized Baptism Picture Frame from Lifetime Creations, a thoughtful baptism gift to display cherished memories of the special day.Image: LifetimeCreations | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|From $26.98
A picture frame is always a safe and appreciated gift. Elevate it to a baptism keepsake with personalization. The Lifetime Creations Personalized Baptism Picture Frame can be laser-engraved with the baby’s name and a meaningful Bible verse. This thoughtful baptism gift allows parents to showcase a precious photo from the baptism day. For a grand gesture, particularly from godparents, consider gifting a professional photography session for the baptism reception, ensuring lasting memories are captured (after consulting with the family).
What parents are saying:
/[We] got a picture frame to put his baptism photo in, a religious-themed board book (about praying) and money that we put into his savings account. – msualum96, The Bump forum member
Baptism Outfit
Baby, Beau and Belle Adeline Lace Christening Gown & Bonnet
Adeline Lace Christening Gown & Bonnet by Baby, Beau and Belle, an exquisite baptism outfit often gifted by godparents, symbolizing purity and grace.Image: BabyBeauandBelle | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|$107
A Christening gown is a particularly special baptism gift. In some traditions, godparents are expected to provide the baptismal outfit. The Baby, Beau and Belle Adeline Lace Christening Gown & Bonnet is an example of an elaborate and beautiful choice. Crafted from delicate cotton lace with a soft silk sash and lining for baby’s comfort, it also includes a matching bonnet. In some cultures, like in Mexico, godmothers traditionally dress the baby in the gown before the ceremony.
What parents are saying:
Traditionally, in our families, we buy the baby’s outfit and give money. You could also get a cross necklace or other type of gold jewelry. – bosha711, the Bump forum member
Godparents gave him a gold cross and money, and bought him his baptism outfit (that’s tradition in our church). – fsu78, the Bump forum member
Pearl Cross Bracelet
GlamoristicKids 14K Gold Cross & Pearl Bracelet
14K Gold Cross & Pearl Bracelet from GlamoristicKids, a dainty and religious baptism gift, perfect as a keepsake for a baby girl or boy.Image: GlamoristicKids | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|From 59.78
For jewelry that’s not a necklace, a bracelet with religious symbols is a charming baptism gift. The GlamoristicKids 14K Gold Cross & Pearl Bracelet features pearls combined with a cross symbol. You can choose from silver or gold overlay, or opt for 14 karat gold for a truly luxurious baptism present.
What parents are saying:
You can still do a cross necklace or even baby bracelet with a cross. They make them for boys too and it’s something they can keep and pass down to their own children. – Carmlvsjose, The Bump forum member
From [baby’s] godparents we got pearl baby jewelry and a savings bond. – missmuffin87, The Bump forum member
Silver Pacifier Clip
HelloMelonBug Engraved Silver Pacifier Clip
Engraved Silver Pacifier Clip from HelloMelonBug, a unique and personalized baptism gift, a keepsake that can be treasured for years.Image: HelloMelonbug | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|$54.95
A silver pacifier clip is a distinctive and practical baptism gift. The HelloMelonBug Engraved Silver Pacifier Clip is an heirloom-quality item that can be passed down through generations. Personalize it with the family name or baby’s initials. It comes in a beautiful keepsake box, making it a truly special baptism present.
What parents are saying:
We received a few different things, crosses, money, rosaries, etc. But my favorite was this really beautiful silver pacifier clip and I thought that was the BEST idea. Now he has something ‘dressy’ for special occasions. – sehudson821, The Bump forum member
Prayer Buddy
The Catholic Company Louie The Lamb Prayer Buddy
Louie The Lamb Prayer Buddy from The Catholic Company, an interactive and comforting baptism gift to help children learn prayers.Image: The Catholic Company
Buying Options: The Catholic Company|$28.95
For a unique religious baptism gift, consider the Louie The Lamb Prayer Buddy from The Catholic Company. This plush lamb is an interactive toy that recites three Catholic prayers when its belly is pressed. For children over 3, you can add a personalized medal with their name, making it an even more special and engaging baptism gift.
What parents are saying:
Our baby girl was baptized two weeks ago and she received a prayer buddy (little lamb that helps her learn her prayers), a plush ‘my first rosary,’ a nice crucifix for her room which we then asked the deacon to bless, a very simple child’s book of the gospel, and monetary gifts. – mrsbeers, the Bump forum member
Snow Globe
Things Remembered Engraved Noah’s Ark Musical Snow Globe
Noah's Ark Musical Snow Globe from Things Remembered, a customizable and charming baptism gift, playing "Talk to the Animals".Image: Amazon
Buying Options: Amazon|$110
The Noah’s Ark Musical Snow Globe from Things Remembered is a delightful baptism gift suitable for both boys and girls. Adorned with pairs of animals entering Noah’s Ark, it plays “Talk to the Animals”. You can personalize this snow globe with the baby’s name, baptism date, or a special message at no extra cost, making it a memorable baptism keepsake.
What parents are saying:
We received a Noah’s Ark musical snow globe thing from /[baby’s] godmother. It’s engraved with his full name and baptism date. Not practical, but beautiful. – luvdelilah, The Bump forum member
Touch and Feel Board Book
DK Baby Touch and Feel: Bible Animals
Baby Touch and Feel: Bible Animals by DK, an engaging and affordable baptism gift, introducing biblical themes through sensory experience.Image: Bookshop.org
Buying Options: Bookshop.org|$5.57 | Amazon|$3.89
For an affordable yet thoughtful baptism gift, the DK Baby Touch and Feel: Bible Animals board book is an excellent choice. This engaging book features tactile elements and introduces babies to Bible animals, making it a religiously appropriate and stimulating baptism present.
What parents are saying:
To a friend’s son who’s baptism we were not a part of, I sent a Bible Animals board book. – luvdelilah, The Bump forum member
Other Baptism Gifts We Love
Embroidered Socks
Nyla Kelley Designs Monogrammed Cable-knit Baby Baptism Socks
Monogrammed Cable-knit Baby Baptism Socks from Nyla Kelley Designs, a charming and personalized baptism gift adding a special touch to the outfit.Image: NYLAKELLEYdesigns | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|From $21.99
Embroidered baptism socks, like the Monogrammed Cable-knit Baby Baptism Socks from Nyla Kelley Designs, are a delightful and unique baptism gift. These knee-high socks with an embroidered cross can be personalized with the baby’s initials. They are an adorable and thoughtful addition to a baptism outfit.
Lamb Stuffed Animal
Avery the Lamb from cuddle + kind, a religiously symbolic and charitable baptism gift, with a larger version for godparents and smaller for godchild.Image: cuddle + kind
Buying Options: cuddle + kind|From $68 | Amazon|From $82
A lamb stuffed animal, such as Avery the Lamb from cuddle + kind, makes a meaningful baptism gift, especially from godparents. Lambs are religiously symbolic, and this gift set includes a larger lamb for the godparent and a smaller one for the godchild. Cuddle + kind also donates 10 meals to children in need for each doll sold, adding a charitable dimension to this heartfelt baptism gift, teaching Christian values.
A Card with a Charitable Contribution
Hallmark Signature Paper Wonder Pop Up Card
Hallmark Signature Paper Wonder Pop Up Card, a thoughtful baptism gift when paired with a donation to charity in baby's name.Image: Amazon
Buying Options: Amazon|$12.99
Don’t forget a card! The Hallmark Signature Paper Wonder Pop Up Card, featuring a Noah’s Ark design, is perfect for a baptism. Accompany your heartfelt message with a charitable donation in the baby’s name. Choose a cause that resonates with you and the family, such as the World Wildlife Fund or another meaningful organization. This combines a personal touch with a generous gesture, making it a memorable baptism gift.
Printed Baby Onesie
SweetBellaStationery Cool Like My Godparents Onesie
Cool Like My Godparents Onesie from SweetBellaStationery, a fun and casual baptism gift, perfect for godparents to give.Image: SweetBellaStationery | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|$16.50
While a christening gown might be a formal baptism gift, a fun onesie is perfect for after the ceremony. The “Cool Like My Godparents” Onesie from SweetBellaStationery is a cute and casual baptism gift, especially from godparents. It’s a comfortable and humorous present for the baby to wear after the baptism festivities.
Teddy Bear and Pewter Mug
Babyblooms Bertie Bear’s Traditional Pewter Christening Tankard
Bertie Bear's Traditional Pewter Christening Tankard from Babyblooms, a classic and heirloom baptism gift set, including a personalized teddy bear and pewter mug.Image: Maisonette
Buying Options: Maisonette|$130
For a classic and timeless baptism gift, consider the Babyblooms Bertie Bear’s Traditional Pewter Christening Tankard. This set includes a traditional teddy bear with a personalized knitted jumper and a pewter tankard with a teddy bear motif. While a more expensive baptism gift, it’s a keepsake that can be treasured for generations.
Personalized Children’s Book
I See Me! God Loves You! Personalized Book
God Loves You! Personalized Book from I See Me!, a custom and heartwarming baptism gift, featuring baby's name and a loving message.Image: Maisonette
Buying Options: Maisonette|$34.99 | I See Me|$29.99
Personalized books make exceptionally thoughtful baptism gifts, particularly from godparents. “God Loves You! Personalized Book” from I See Me! delivers a message of God’s love and protection through illustrations and rhymes. Customize it with the baby’s name, photo, and a personal message for a cherished baptism keepsake that will create special reading moments.
Nursery Night Light
Enjoy the Gifts Shop Personalized Nursery Night Light with Name
Personalized Nursery Night Light with Name from Enjoy the Gifts Shop, a comforting and custom baptism gift, featuring baby's name and baptism date.Image: EnjoyTheGiftsShop | Etsy
Buying Options: Etsy|$34.44
A nursery night light is a practical and symbolic baptism gift. The Personalized Nursery Night Light with Name from Enjoy the Gifts Shop can be customized with the baby’s name and baptism date. It offers a comforting glow and serves as a reminder of your promise to always be there. You can also add a personalized ornament for an extra touch.
Baptism Gift Etiquette
While baptism gifts are not obligatory, they are generally appreciated by parents and become cherished keepsakes for the child. When considering what Gifts To Give At A Baptism, your relationship with the child and family plays a role.
Godparents traditionally give baptism gifts to their godchildren, and these gifts are often more personalized, reflecting their special role in the child’s spiritual upbringing. Keepsakes with custom messages are excellent baptism gifts from godparents. Silver items, symbolizing prosperity, have long been a customary baptism gift from godparents, wishing the godchild good fortune.
Other guests are also welcome to give thoughtful presents. Traditionally, baptism gifts lean towards religious themes. However, creativity and personalization are always valued, regardless of your religious background. If unsure, financial contributions like savings bonds or a simple card with heartfelt wishes are also appropriate baptism gifts. Baptism gifts are typically given at the reception following the ceremony, but sending a gift after the event is also acceptable, especially if you are unable to attend.
