17 Baby Baptism Gifts That Bring the Blessings
A baptism—also referred to as a Christening—is a mark of passage in any child’s life. This religious ceremony welcomes baby into the Christian faith and acts as a reason for friends and family to gather and celebrate their latest blessing. While it certainly isn’t necessary, many attendees like to mark the special occasion with a baptism gift for baby.
Wondering what counts as an appropriate present? Not to worry: I’ve curated a thoughtful list of baptism gift ideas that are sweet, personalized and tie into the religious theme. I’ve attended many religious celebrations over the years—including one this past weekend—so I’m well-versed in the types of gifts to give at a baptism. Browse my pick of the best baptism gifts for girls and boys and get the lowdown on gifting etiquette below.
Even if you’re not a godparent, a baptism present means a lot. These baby baptism gifts for boys and girls are sure to be kept as treasured mementos for years to come. Here’s how I selected them:
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I leveraged my experience buying baptism gifts for my own friends and family. And to find the best possible options I combed through countless gifts online and looked for items from leading baby brands as well as small businesses.
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I considered several factors when sourcing baptism gifts for this article, including quality, personalization options and religious symbolism.
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I conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what gift-givers liked or disliked about popular baptism presents on the market. And, where possible, I didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Child-friendly Bible stories
At a baptism, godparents make a commitment to help guide their godchild practically and spiritually. So it’s no surprise that a children’s Bible is one of the most popular baptism gifts from godparents. Suitable from birth up to 2 years, this book features a collection of classic Bible stories retold in simple language alongside colorful illustrations. Plus, the thick padded cover and sturdy board book pages are durable enough to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
Our community says:
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
A Christening shawl is wrapped around baby after the baptism has taken place. According to tradition this white baby blanket represents innocence and symbolises baby’s introduction to the Christian faith. While some families use an heirloom shawl, a soft white blanket makes a great baptism gift from a godparent or family member. In fact, at my cousin’s Christening last Sunday I gave the parents a merino wool blanket. This snuggly option from Etsy is similar to the one I purchased and is sure to go down a storm. It’s made from 100 percent merino wool, which is incredibly soft and has antibacterial properties. Plus, the heirloom-quality blanket can be used as a cozy throw for tummy time or a security blanket as baby grows older.
Our community says:
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
“In the Catholic faith, it is common to get a necklace with a cross,” for a newly-baptized child says The Bump forum member erind0213. This delicate chain is perfect for little boys or girls and is available in gold or silver. It’s important to note that this type of baptism gift should be kept as an heirloom until your child is older, as it isn’t safe for babies and toddlers to wear jewelry around their necks. Rather than having their children wear it straight away, some parents or gift-givers will ask their parish priest to bless it and keep it safe until the child’s first holy Communion.
Our community says:
/[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
Truth be told, you can never go wrong with a picture frame as a gift. And when it’s a personalized frame, laser-engraved with baby’s name and your favorite bible verse, it’s even more of a foolproof present. This baptism gift idea is perfect, since the child’s parents can use it to display a photo from the big day. What’s more, if you’re a godparent or someone else very close to the little one getting baptized and you have the budget, you could always surprise the family by booking a professional photographer for the reception. (You just might want to talk it out with them first to ensure they’re comfortable).
Our community says:
/[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
How about a beautiful Christening gown? It may seem like an extravagant gift, but “godparents in some traditions buy the baptismal outfit,” explains erind0213, The Bump forum member. Mom of one Anahí Garza-Runfola, held a Catholic baptism in Mexico and told us that “the tradition in Mexico is that the godparents pay for the baptism gown and get the baby dressed before the ceremony.” How sweet is that? This intricate outfit is made from cotton lace with a silk sash and has a soft lining that won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin. Better yet, it comes with a matching bonnet to complete the look.
Our community says:
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
If you want to go the jewelry route but don’t like the idea of a pendant, you could also consider a dainty bracelet with religious symbolism. This pick is strung with five pearls linked to a symbol cross. Go for a simple silver or gold overlay or spring for the 14 karat gold option.
Our community says:
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
This silver pacifier clip is one of the best gifts to give at a baptism. Why? It’s an heirloom-quality piece that can be passed down for generations to come. Plus, you can have it engraved with the family name or baby’s initials and it comes presented in a beautiful keepsake box.
Our community says:
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
Looking for unique baptism gift ideas? This one veers away from tradition in the best way possible. The plush lamb is an interactive toy that recites three Catholic prayers when you squeeze its belly. And for an extra-special touch you can add a personalized medal with the child’s name on it, although this is only recommended for kids over the age of 3.
Our community says:
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
This Noah’s Ark snow globe is a beautiful baptism gift for boys or girls. Decorated with animals going two by two, this charming ornament even plays the song “Talk to the Animals” when wound up at the back. Engrave the snow globe with baby’s name, baptism date or a special message for no additional cost.
Our community says:
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
Looking for a cheap and cheerful baptism gift? You can’t go wrong with a touch and feel book for babies. This charming tale features tactile images of Bible animals, so it still respects the importance of the religious occasion.
Our community says:
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
Embroidered socks
At a recent family Christening I attended, I spotted a baby wearing a pair of darling baptism socks and thought to myself: “What a great gift idea.” (I’m never off the clock folks!) And this knee-high pair featuring an embroidered cross totally fit the criteria for a thoughtful baby baptism gift. Personalize them with baby’s initials or keep it simple and stick to the embroidery, either way they’ll look adorable.
Lamb stuffed animal
Here’s a sweet godparent and godchild set, highlighting lambs (which are religiously symbolic, by the way). You’ll hold onto the big stuffed animal and baby takes the little one—it’s just another way to feel connected, and as they get older, they’ll love seeing your lamb out and about when they visit. Better yet, cuddle + kind is a brand that gives 10 meals to children in need for every doll sold, so not only is your gift heartfelt, it’s also charitable. What a great way to introduce your godchild to Christian morals!
A card with a charitable contribution
You can’t forget the card! This adorable polka dot card is emblazoned with “Sweet Little Blessing” on the front and a surprise Noah’s Ark-inspired pop-up design inside. Your heartwarming entry inside is sure to be remembered, as will a charitable donation—of any amount—in baby’s name. Of course, you’ll want to choose a cause that means something to you and/or baby and their family, whether that's to the World Wildlife Fund (which is on-brand with your card) or to another charitable organization that’s close to your heart.
Printed baby onesie
While there’s no rule that says a godparent needs to gift baby their christening gown, it’s common practice (in some churches) for godmothers to dress the guest of honor in their baptismal best and prepare them by brushing their hair, putting on their shoes and fastening their bib or bonnet. If you’ll be helping with their formal ensemble, then it would be a cute idea to gift them a comfortable onesie to change into once all of the pomp and circumstance has concluded. We adore this one that says “cool like my Godparents.” How cute!
Teddy bear and pewter mug
Like to keep things classic? Consider a commemorative keepsake for baby’s baptism gift. This bundle includes an old-fashioned teddy bear—complete with a knitted jumper that can be personalized with baby’s name—and a traditional pewter tankard with a matching teddy motif. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but this gift is one that can be passed down through generations.
Personalized children’s book
Custom books are especially thoughtful baby baptism gifts from godparents. Through beautiful illustrations and rhyming poetry, this keepsake book carries a simple message about God’s unconditional love and protection. Personalize it with baby’s name, photo and a dedication message, and have it on standby any time you babysit. They’ll be sure to cherish those reading sessions forever.
Nursery night light
Nothing says “I promise to never leave you in the dark” more than a nursery night light. This personalized pick features baby’s name and baptism date printed in white on acrylic. There are three dynamic plaque styles to choose from, with a different cross style and scripted typeface for baby’s name, all surrounding the well-known bedtime prayer. You can order the night light as-is or choose to add on a personalized ornament with baby’s name to make it all the more meaningful.
First things first: Baptism gifts aren’t required—in fact, some baptism invitations explicitly ask guests to skip them. That being said, most parents appreciate them, and baby will too (even if not for a few years). So, what to give for a baptism gift? It depends on your relationship to both the child and their family.
It’s customary for godparents to give their godchildren baptism gifts, and vice versa. Gifts given by godmothers and godfathers are typically more personalized than other baptism presents, considering the godparents’ special roles. A keepsake bearing a custom message makes an excellent baptism gift for your godson or goddaughter, but that’s not your only option. Have you ever heard the phrase, “born with a silver spoon in their mouth?” Silver feeding spoons symbolize good fortune, which is why they (and nowadays, any other silver items) are often gifted as baptism gifts from godparents wishing prosperity on their godchildren.
If you’re another guest, you’re also welcome to bestow a thoughtful present. Traditionally, gifts for baptism are religious in nature, but don’t fret if you don’t know much about the faith (you might not even share it, and that’s okay!). Feel free to get creative, and remember, personalization is always a sweet touch that shows how much you care. When all else fails, a financial contribution, like a savings bond, is also an appropriate baptism gift, as is a simple card expressing your well wishes. It’s customary to give baptism gifts at the reception following the religious ritual, but you can also send your present to baby and their parents postevent—especially if you’ve been invited to the celebration but have to miss it.
About the writer:
Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear, maternity fashion and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
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