Godparent gifts

'Godparent gifts' covers two different jobs. Parents want to thank the people who've agreed to it. Godparents want something for the godchild that will outlast every other gift on the table.

Both are below, along with how to ask someone to be a godparent - which is really a card, not a gift.

The through line: whatever you give, put your name and the date on it. In fifteen years that's the only reason anyone will know who it came from.

Thank you gifts for godparents

• A candle - the most reliably used thank you gift there is.
• A framed print with the godchild's name, the date and 'godmother' or 'godfather' on it.
• A coaster or keepsake with the christening date.
• A photo of them holding the baby at the font, framed, sent a fortnight later.
• A card written by the parents in the child's voice. Costs nothing, gets kept forever.
• A bottle of something good and a hand-written note.
• A keyring or small engraved piece they'll carry rather than display.

Gifts from a godparent to a godchild

• A sealed letter to be opened on their eighteenth birthday, written on the christening day.
• A savings account or Premium Bonds you top up every birthday.
• A book you loved as a child, inscribed with why.
• A keepsake box you add something to every year.
• A framed print with their name and christening date.
• A silver piece from a jeweller, engraved with both your names.
• A tradition rather than a thing: the same day out, every year, just the two of you.

How to ask someone to be a godparent

• Ask in person, then follow it up with a card so they've got it in writing.
• 'Will you be [name]'s godmother?' written inside a blank card is all it needs.
• Say why you're asking them specifically. That's the part they'll remember.
• Give them time to say no - it's a genuine commitment, especially in a church context.
• Some churches require godparents to be baptised themselves; check before you ask.
• A small gift with the card is a nice touch but nowhere near as important as the words.

What a godparent actually does

• Stands with the parents at the font and makes promises on the child's behalf.
• In the Church of England, supports the child's Christian upbringing and prayer life.
• In practice: remembers birthdays, turns up, and is the adult they can talk to who isn't a parent.
• Usually three godparents traditionally - two of the same sex as the child, one of the other.
• A non-religious equivalent at a naming ceremony is often called a guide parent, mentor or supporting adult.

What to write in a godparent card

• 'Thank you for saying yes. It meant more than we let on.'
• 'You were the only person we asked. That should tell you everything.'
• 'Thank you for standing up for her today, and for the next forty years.'
• 'Officially her godfather. Unofficially, the one who'll teach her to swear.'
• 'We couldn't have chosen anyone better. Thank you.'

Shop godparent gifts

Cards for the day

Blank inside, posted first class the same working day.

How to write it so it lands

• Write the date on every gift. It's what turns an object into a keepsake.
• The eighteenth-birthday letter is the best godparent gift there is, and it's free.
• Ask in person first. A card alone can feel like being volunteered.

Where to shop next

• What is a christening?
• Christening gift ideas
• Baptism gifts
• Godparent gift ideas
• Holy Communion explained
• First Holy Communion gifts
• Confirmation gifts
• Naming ceremony guide
• What to write in a christening card
• Christening card messages
• Christening cards
• Christening gifts
• Godparent gifts
• First Holy Communion cards
• Confirmation cards
• New baby cards
• Scented soy candles
• Christening decorations
• Christening celebration ideas
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What do you give a godparent as a thank you?

A candle, a framed print with the godchild's name and date, or a photo of them at the font. The card matters as much as the gift - write it in the child's voice.

What should a godparent give a godchild?

Something lasting: a sealed letter to be opened at eighteen, savings you keep adding to, an inscribed book, or a keepsake box you fill over the years.

How do you ask someone to be a godparent?

Ask in person and give them a card with the question written inside, saying why you chose them. Give them room to decline - it's a real commitment.

How many godparents should a child have?

Traditionally three in the Church of England - two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite. In practice families choose whatever number suits them.