Christening, Communion And Naming Day Games: 16 Gentle Ideas

September 16, 2026

A christening or naming day is a long afternoon with a lot of standing around, a baby who needs feeding and a room of relatives in good clothes. Big noisy games don't fit.

These are gentle, most of them produce something the family keeps, and children can join in without ruining anybody's outfit.

Keepsake activities

These low-key activities are perfect for guests of all generations who want to share their blessings during the reception. Best introduced right after the formal service, they give people a quiet moment to contribute whilst mingling. To make this run smoothly, set up a dedicated table with plenty of working pens and wet wipes nearby to keep those smart outfits pristine.

A wishes book: everyone writes a message for the child to read at eighteen.
Advice cards - one piece of advice per guest, kept in a box.
Thumbprint tree: a drawn tree on card, everyone adds a thumbprint and signs it. Frames beautifully.
Predictions for the child: job, height, first word, sealed and opened at eighteen.
A time capsule - a newspaper, a coin, a photo, a letter from each godparent.

Gentle games for the room

Ideal for breaking the ice amongst extended family members, these gentle table games are best played whilst everyone is seated for afternoon tea or lunch. They get different generations chatting without requiring anyone to run around. A practical tip is to print your game sheets in advance and place one on each table to encourage natural conversation.

Guess the baby photo of the guests, not the baby.
Guess the baby's weight and length at birth, nearest wins.
Who does the baby look like - a vote with tokens in two jars.
A quiz about the parents: how they met, where they got engaged.
Name meanings - why this name was chosen, told by the parents, then guess the meanings of everyone else's.

Something for the children

These simple ideas are brilliant for younger guests and cousins who might find a long afternoon of chatting a bit tedious. Introduce them during the speeches or when the adults are busy catching up. It is a good idea to recruit a teenage relative to supervise these activities so parents can relax and enjoy their tea.

A colouring table with a card each for the baby.
A treasure hunt round the venue or garden with a small prize.
Pass the parcel, quietly, in a corner.
Bubbles outside - the single most reliable child-occupier there is.
A job: the older children as photographers with a disposable camera or an old phone.

For a first communion or older child

Designed specifically for older children and school-aged celebrants, these thoughtful activities make the day feel truly personal to them. They work beautifully during the main meal or just before cake-cutting. To help the child feel extra special, let them choose which of these elements they want to include and help you prepare the materials beforehand.

A quiz about the child - favourite food, first word, funniest thing they've said.
Letters from each adult, read later.
Guess the year: photos from every year of their life so far.
A memory jar they take home.

Key things to remember

Keepsakes out on a table from the start, not announced as an activity.
Bubbles for outside.
Do the cake and the speeches early.

Frequently asked questions

What games can you play at a christening?

Keepsake activities work best: a wishes book, advice cards, a thumbprint tree and sealed predictions. Add guess-the-baby-photo and a guess-the-weight game for the room, and a colouring table for the children.

What do children do at a christening party?

A colouring table with a card each for the baby, a treasure hunt round the garden, bubbles outside and a job - older children love being the official photographer with an old phone.

What's a good keepsake activity for a naming day?

A thumbprint tree signed by every guest. It takes seconds each, works for all ages, and it's the one thing families frame and keep.

How long should a christening party last?

Two to three hours after the service. Put the keepsake activities out from the start and do any speeches or cake within the first ninety minutes, before the baby and the children run out of patience.

Do you sell games or party supplies?

No - we make greeting cards, art prints and pin badges in the UK. Every game here runs with what's already in the house, and the only products on this page are our own cards.

More ideas you might like

We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in house. These are from other shops we rate, and buying through the link costs you nothing extra.

Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide: The 100% Official ultimate character guide to every Pokémon ever discovered. For Pokémon fans of all ages.

This official deluxe character guide is the ultimate comprehensive companion containing details on every single Pokémon ever discovered. It makes a truly wonderful gift for Pokémon fans of all ages, perfect for dipping into or reading cover to cover.

Christening Day Guest Book

This beautiful Christening Day Guest Book is a wonderful way to capture heartfelt messages and blessings from loved ones on such a milestone occasion. It makes a thoughtful gift for proud parents looking to cherish memories of their little one's special day for years to come.