Baptism Gifts: Ideas For Babies, Children and Adults

Baptism gifts

Baptism and christening are often used interchangeably, and for an infant in the Church of England they amount to the same service. Baptism, though, also covers older children and adults - including full-immersion baptisms in Baptist, Pentecostal and evangelical churches - and the right gift is completely different for each.

Below: gifts by age of the person being baptised, what to spend, and what to write.

If it's a baby, our christening gift ideas guide covers the same ground with more on godparents.

Baptism keepsakes and candles

Candles, prints and coasters printed in the UK. Pair one with a blank-inside card and write the date on both.

Shop keepsake gifts

Baptism gifts for a baby

  • A keepsake box for the certificate, gown and cards.
  • A children's Bible or book of prayers, inscribed and dated.
  • A baptism candle, relit on each anniversary.
  • A framed print with their name and the date.
  • Silver: spoon, frame or napkin ring, from a jeweller.
  • Premium Bonds or a savings account contribution.
  • A candle and card for the parents, who have organised everything.

Baptism gifts for an older child

  • A Bible they'll actually read - a modern translation, not a family heirloom edition.
  • A cross or pendant they can choose to wear.
  • A journal for writing in, with a note on the first page.
  • A print for their bedroom wall with the date on it.
  • A book about the person they were named after, or about faith at their level.
  • A day out with you rather than an object.

Baptism gifts for an adult

  • A study Bible or devotional - ask their church what they use.
  • A framed print of the verse they chose for the day.
  • A good candle and a card that says something honest about what you've watched them do.
  • A donation to a cause they care about, in their name.
  • A meal out, or hosting the celebration afterwards.
  • A hand-written letter. For an adult baptism this outranks anything bought.

What to spend

  • Guests: £10 to £25.
  • Close friends and family: £25 to £50.
  • Godparents or sponsors: £50 to £150.
  • Adult baptism: gifts are usually smaller and more personal - a card and a book is completely appropriate.

What to write

  • 'On your baptism day, with love and every good wish.'
  • 'Today you made a choice most people never get round to making. Proud of you.'
  • 'May God bless you and keep you, from this day on.'
  • 'Welcomed, loved and prayed for.'
  • 'We were there, we were proud, and we always will be.'

Shop keepsake gifts

Cards for the day

Blank inside, posted first class the same working day.

Illustration of two large pints of stout next to a tiny baby stout with text "Two's a couple, three's a family". Two's A Couple, Three's A Family (Guinness Congrats On The New Baby Card) £3.87 Illustration of a smiling graduate in a cap and gown on a congratulations graduation card for him. Congratulations! You Did It Graduation Card For Him £3.87 Graduation card for her featuring a cheerful illustrated character wearing a black graduation cap and gown. Congratulations! You Did It Graduation Card For Her £3.87 Future Dad Fuel (Dad To Be New Baby Card) Future Dad Fuel (Dad To Be New Baby Card) £3.87 Practise Your Dad Jokes (Dad To Be New Baby Card) Practise Your Dad Jokes (Dad To Be New Baby Card) £3.87 Cheers M'dears Congratulations Card Cheers M'dears Congratulations Card £3.75 It's a Boy New Born Baby Duck Card It's a Boy New Born Baby Duck Card £3.91 It's a Boy New Born Baby Card It's a Boy New Born Baby Card £3.91

How to write it so it lands

  • Ask which church and which tradition before buying anything religious - practice varies a lot.
  • Date and inscribe books; an uninscribed Bible is just a book.
  • For adult baptisms, write the letter. It'll be kept longer than anything you can buy.

Where to shop next

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a baptism and a christening?

Baptism is the sacrament itself - the water. A christening is the naming service in which an infant is baptised. In practice, for a baby in the Church of England they are the same event; baptism also covers older children and adults.

What is a good baptism gift?

For a baby, a keepsake with the date on it: a Bible, a candle, a framed print or a silver piece. For an older child or adult, something personal - a Bible they'll use, a print of their chosen verse, or a letter.

How much do you spend on a baptism gift?

£10 to £25 as a guest, £25 to £50 for close family, and £50 to £150 if you're a godparent or sponsor. Adult baptism gifts are usually smaller and more personal.

What do you give at an adult baptism?

A study Bible, a framed verse, a candle, or a card with a proper hand-written letter inside. Adults being baptised have usually made a deliberate decision, and a letter acknowledging that lands harder than an object.

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