Christening Gifts From Grandparents

We make cards, pin badges and prints in the UK. We don't sell prams, sleepsuits or silver spoons, so this is a plain guide with the card at the end.

Grandparents are traditionally the ones who give the gift that gets kept, not the gift that gets used.

That can be silver, it can be money put away, or it can simply be something with the date and name on it.

Finish it with a card

A christening card with a few written lines is the part that ends up in the memory box.

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Traditional keepsakes

  • Silver: a christening spoon, a bangle, a money box or a photo frame with the date engraved.
  • A bible, prayer book or children's book of blessings, inscribed inside the cover.
  • A piece of jewellery to be given at eighteen, kept safe until then.
  • A framed print with the full name, date and church, which goes on the nursery wall now.

Money and savings

  • A Junior ISA contribution, or a premium bond in the child's name.
  • A savings account opened with a set amount, topped up each birthday.
  • Cash in a card is completely acceptable - most parents quietly prefer it.
  • A note tucked in explaining what the money is for, so it isn't spent on nappies.

Personal rather than expensive

  • A letter written to the child to be opened at eighteen, sealed and dated.
  • A photo book of the family, so they grow up knowing faces they'll rarely see.
  • A recording of a grandparent reading a story.
  • Something from your own childhood, passed on with the story behind it written down.

How much grandparents usually spend

  • Around £50 to £100 is typical for a keepsake or a money gift from grandparents.
  • There's no expectation to match the other side of the family - nobody compares out loud.
  • A smaller gift with an inscription beats a larger one without.
  • If you're also hosting or paying for part of the day, that is the gift.

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How to write it so it lands

  • Get the date engraved or written in.
  • A letter for eighteen costs nothing.
  • Money is welcome, say what it's for.

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Frequently asked questions

What do grandparents give at a christening?

Traditionally a keepsake - silver, jewellery, an inscribed bible or a framed print - or money put into savings for the child.

How much do grandparents spend on a christening gift?

Around £50 to £100 is common, though a smaller inscribed keepsake is valued just as much.

Is money an acceptable christening gift?

Yes. Money into a Junior ISA or savings account is one of the most useful christening gifts, and a card explaining what it's for keeps it separate from everyday spending.

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