Baptism gift question from a baptism-clueless person

jenijoyk · February 2015

Hi ladies... My DH and I are sitting on the couch and realized that we have no clue what kind of gift people bring to baptisms. (Spoiler alert: we are not church people.) You bring a gift for the kid, right? Not the parents? Do you get a gift-gift (like a toy) or are you expected to bring a gift that like some kind of lifetime memento keepsake thing? Sorry I AM SO CLUELESS.

JCbride2015 · February 2015

I haven't been to a baptism in a really long time, but people in my circle tend to give money. So I'd give a savings bond so the kid can have it for his/her first car, college, etc.

theartistformerlyknownas · February 2015

Generally cash or a savings bond, or something sentimental if you're close.

IrishPirate60 · February 2015

How old is the child?

MobKaz · February 2015

There are also a lot of children's book, that, without being overly religious, speak about love, family, or God. God Gave Us You, Baby's Goodnight Blessings, Where is God, and even The Giving Tree can all be appropriate.

hellosweetie1015 · February 2015

I think that would depend on the type of baptism that was happening.

Is it an infant, who is being baptized to indicate that the parents intend to raise that child according to the church's teachings? A small memento would probably not be my first choice. I'd go with the savings bond or something like that.

Or is it an older child, who is old enough to at least semi-understand the choice they are making? A memento or something would go further with a kid who makes this choice on their own. Nothing big, and I'd probably go a savings bond route as well, but a small, thoughtful memento (like, more thought than a cross keychain, you know?) would probably be appreciated.

jenijoyk · February 2015

It's a baby. Catholic baptism. DH is the godfather, but is clueless to all gift-giving etiquette and looking to me to figure it out. I'm not Catholic and have never been to a baptism. Based on your guys' super helpful posts above and a google search, I'm thinking savings bond and something silver and engraved with the baby's name on it and the date and some sort of "Love, DH" or something??? Aaaahhhh. I'm so unintentionally awkward about this. (Church makes me nervous. I enter constantly awaiting bolts of lightening to strike me down.)

jenijoyk · February 2015

Also, the baby is awesome and we will totally be in his life forever. So savings bond + something sentimental sounds like the way to go. Thanks guys!!

JCbride2015 · February 2015

If your DH is the godfather, I would step up the gift giving a little. Fi was a godfather several years ago and he bought his godson's attire, plus gave him a gold cross necklace that is intended to be an keep-forever type of heirloom. Fi still has his cross necklace and an ID bracelet from his baptism, plus the monetary gifts bought his first car. Yes, he grew up totally privileged and yes, he has an enormous Catholic family.

So in that case-- I'd do the savings bond plus a piece of good quality religious jewelry if you can afford it.

princessbuttercup09 · February 2015

You can get a book from a company (Put Me In A Story.. is what I used I think) that is personalized with the child's name and picture. We made one for my niece (and goddaughter) and it was a huge hit!

WhatawagSBNy · February 2015

jenijoyk said:
It's a baby. Catholic baptism. DH is the godfather, but is clueless to all gift-giving etiquette and looking to me to figure it out. I'm not Catholic and have never been to a baptism. Based on your guys' super helpful posts above and a google search, I'm thinking savings bond and something silver and engraved with the baby's name on it and the date and some sort of "Love, DH" or something??? Aaaahhhh. I'm so unintentionally awkward about this. (Church makes me nervous. I enter constantly awaiting bolts of lightening to strike me down.)

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These sound fine . Something engraved like a music box, rather than something that gets put away like a silver rattle, is nice for the growing child. They will use it, and in addition to a bond Mom and Dad put away, it is very nice that as he grows he will associate it with you.

holyguacamole79 · February 2015

I got my Goddaughter a Rosary blessed by the Pope for her baptism (I had just been to Rome). I recently got her this for Christmas and got an extra one for my nephew to give at his baptism ( http://www.catholiccompany.com/lil-prayer-buddy-3-prayers-i35218/?sli=2024597 ). I'm personally not a fan of $$ as a gift for a baptism since it has nothing to do with the sacrament. Here are more ideas -http://www.catholiccompany.com/baptism-gifts-c20/

wrigleyville · February 2015

I was on the phone with my mom earlier, so I asked her about my baptism gifts.

My godparents got me a beautiful rosary (that I still have, even though I'm not Catholic) and a really pretty silver frame, sort of like this one:

http://www.bywayofthefamily.com/Vertical-Baptism-6-Frame/productinfo/406900/

My other relatives gave me savings bonds, money, crucifix necklaces in a few different sizes (so I could wear them as I grew up), and children's religious books.

photokitty · February 2015

When I was a godmother I gave a savings bond and small Catholic token ~ bible, rosary, cross, etc. Is there a Catholic gift shop in town?

Baptism gift question from a baptism-clueless person

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