Christening Gifts: What To Give And What To Spend

Christening gifts

A christening gift is judged on one thing: whether it's still in the house in twenty years. That's why silver, books and keepsakes have survived and why plastic toys haven't.

Below: ideas split by who you are, what people actually spend in the UK, the traditional gifts and what to do if you'd rather give money.

If you're the godparent, your gift carries more weight than anyone else's - there's a section for that specifically.

Christening keepsakes, printed in the UK

Candles, prints and coasters for the baby, the parents and the godparents. We don't make silver - a jeweller will serve you better for that.

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Traditional christening gifts

  • Silver: a christening spoon, a napkin ring, a photo frame or a keepsake box. Still the classic, still from a jeweller rather than us.
  • A children's Bible or a book of prayers, inscribed with the date.
  • A money box, ideally one that isn't easy to open.
  • A first piece of jewellery, kept for later.
  • A christening candle, lit each year on the anniversary.
  • A hand-drawn print with their name and christening date, framed.
  • A memory box for the gown, the order of service and the cards.
  • Premium Bonds or a savings account paid into - unglamorous, appreciated later.

Keepsake gifts that get used

  • A personalised print for the nursery wall.
  • A candle for the parents - genuinely the most-used gift on the table.
  • A coaster set for the family home, dated.
  • A photo album or a first-year journal.
  • A hand-written letter to be opened on their eighteenth birthday.
  • A tree planted in their name, or a rose bush for the garden.
  • A star map or print of the sky on the day they were born.

Gifts from a godparent

  • Godparents traditionally give the biggest and the most lasting gift.
  • Something engraved with your name as well as theirs, so they know who it came from.
  • A book you loved, with a letter inside about why.
  • A savings account or Premium Bonds you keep adding to each birthday.
  • A keepsake box you fill over the years rather than a one-off object.
  • A letter written on the day, sealed, to be given at eighteen. The single best godparent gift there is.

Gifts for the parents

  • A candle - they've had a fortnight of catering and cleaning.
  • A framed print of the family name and date.
  • A photo book made from the first six months.
  • An evening of babysitting written on a card, redeemable any time.
  • A hamper of the things that never get bought for the house.

What to spend at a UK christening

  • Guests and colleagues: £10 to £25.
  • Close friends: £20 to £40.
  • Family: £30 to £50.
  • Grandparents: £50 to £100 or more, often as savings.
  • Godparents: £50 to £150, usually the keepsake gift of the day.
  • Nobody is counting. A thoughtful £15 print beats a rushed £60 anything.

Giving money

  • Perfectly normal, especially from family and godparents.
  • Say in the card what it's for - savings, a first bike, whatever you intend.
  • Junior ISA or Premium Bonds if the parents have set one up; ask first.
  • Cash in a card is fine for smaller amounts. Use a card with space to write properly.
  • A small keepsake alongside the money means there's something to unwrap.

What not to give

  • Anything that needs batteries and makes noise. The parents will not forgive you.
  • Clothes in newborn size - the baby is usually months old by the christening.
  • Another photo frame. There will be nine.
  • Anything the child will outgrow within the year.
  • Religious items for a family that's having a low-key or cultural christening. Ask if you're unsure.

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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

  • Date and sign everything you give. An undated keepsake loses half its meaning in ten years.
  • Ask the parents whether they've opened a savings account before buying another object.
  • The card matters more than the gift. Write it properly and sign your full name.

Where to shop next

Frequently asked questions

What is a traditional christening gift?

Silver keepsakes, a children's Bible, a money box, a christening candle or a first piece of jewellery. All chosen because they last rather than because they entertain.

How much should you spend on a christening gift?

In the UK, guests typically spend £10 to £25, close family £30 to £50, and godparents £50 to £150. Grandparents often give savings instead of an object.

What should a godparent give?

Something lasting and identifiable as yours: an engraved keepsake, a savings account you keep adding to, or a sealed letter to be opened at eighteen.

Is money an acceptable christening gift?

Yes, and it's common. Put it in a card and say what you intend it for - savings, a first bike - so it doesn't just disappear into the week's shopping.

Do you sell silver christening gifts?

No. We make cards, candles, prints and coasters. For silver keepsakes and christening jewellery you'll want a jeweller, and we'd rather say so than sell you something else.

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