Need Ideas for Baptismal/Christening Gift

Hi D.,

My son, Daniel is now 22 motnhs old, and the best christening gift we recieved was a non-religious one from my friend. She gave us 2 books, with positive life messages in them. One is called "words are not for hurting" and the other one, which Daniel loves now, is called "whoever you are" by Mem Fox. The message in this book is that although children and people all around the world look/sound/live differently, inside we all laugh, hurt, bleed or love the same.
These books were so special to me, because I feel that they can teach Daniel about being a good person, caring about others, and understanding others, and at this satge in his life, carry more weight than any little religious charm, or prayer book.

Hope this is helpful to you.

D.

When my twins were Baptist they received mostly Saving Bonds and cash. The Godparents bought them gold Metals of the Saints of their names that we put on them the day of the Baptism.

For my son's baptism, a lot of our guests got him like $20 bonds which I think are a wonderful idea. I put them in a safe lock box at the bank. That way once he's older, he will have these to cash in on. I actually got bonds when I was baptised, and the values are already a few hundred dollars!! I believe that monetary gifts are very acceptable for these events.

Hi D.!
We received mostly cash for both our kids baptisms, which we deposited into their college savings accounts. A Bible story would also be a nice gift they can keep forever.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

D.,

We received all types of gifts for our daughter. Her God Parents both did a special necklace for her, which we loved. Others gave clothes, toys, gmaes. My personal opinion is that cash or bonds are the most practical if you are not the God Parent. I took the cash our daughter received and put it in an account for her. Make it easy on yourself and do that.

I agree with the moms that suggested savings bonds. The great thing about them is that they are worth double what you pay for them (in 5 years). If you want to spend $25 you can get a $50 savings bond.

You could go to Hallmark and pick something up. I just did for baptisms I have this month and for my own kids baptism's. I got a blue/pink cross to hang in their room and a blue/pink small new testament. Good luck.

Typically people give money, but as a Mom I prefer a savings bond. You can get them at the bank.

for our kids' baptisms they've received a mixture of both religious and non-religious gifts, but rarely ever regular toys. probably my favorite gifts were (decorative/baby-themed) banks for each of the kids and money to put towards a college savings account. on the religious side, we've received little plush toys that say a prayer when squeezed (which is at least something the baby can play with) and precious moments commemorative figures (which are a keepsake and certainly not for the baby to play with).
i've found the plush toys at regular stores like target and kohls.

any decent-sized gift shop should have at least a small section of religious and non-religious gifts that would be appropriate. good luck!

Hallmark has some really nice gifts.

For my three child's baptisms, I always greatly appreciated the monetary gift because it lasts longer than the toys or clothes and we put it in the college funds. You can also put a little note in the card that it is for the college fund. If you are the godparent or close to the family, a crucifix is nice. I buy my at the Wheaton Religious store in Wheaton - the Fontanini brand. But, the older and busier I get, I always think a check is easier than buying a gift and wrapping it and all that jazz. As my husband says, cash is King. Ha Ha. Good luck and enjoy yourself. Have a great day!

For our two kids we appreciated savings bonds, board books (Christian or not), clothes (bigger is better of course), frames, photo albums, or other little keepsake-type things. But the simple gifts are great, too. Hallmark is a great place to find a cute album or a baptism related gift, if you want to buy a "religious" gift. Otherwise, I'd say hit a bookstore or Target... you're bound to find something. Good luck!
J.

Hi D.,

My kids received $50 gift bonds (which are very generous) for their baptisms. They also received clothes and toys. Only family members (like grandparents and Godparents) purchased religious gifts.

B.