Christining Gift

A Christening does not have to be a religious gift. Most of the time it's monetary. You can give the child clothing, a toy, music. Enjoy the experience.

A savings bond or money. All my children received mostly money and I opened up a savings account for all them. $25 to $50 is appropriate depending how good a friend she is. Another idea is a sterling silver piggy bank and engrave the child's name or monogram w/ the date of the christening.
Good luck.
K.-Mom of 3

Christening gifts do not have to be religious, per se, but usually are special, keepsake-type gifts. Some of my favorite Christening gifts to my sons were pewter children's dishes, a small music box that is also a ferris wheel, a silver frame- stuff like that.

I have always found that savings bonds work great as christening gifts.

Hi,

Usualy family members give jewelry. Your always safe with a savings bond.

Hope this helps.

Hi C.,
Alot of people (non catholic's) are invited to Christening parties. Either a Savings Bond, gift certificate or cash are great gift ideas.I am Catholic and have invited alot of my non Catholics friends and relatives to my three childrens Baptism.
M. B

Hi,
Normally for a Christening you give a card and money. Parents normally take this money and put it in the child's savings account (if she has one). If you wanted to do something more personal then yes, you can buy something like a little cross pendant.
good luck.

Getting a bond is the best way to go. My son received so many and it was nice to start a little bank account for him.
Hope this helped.
D.

Hi C.,

Another suggestion would be to create a gift basket. Although it's not your "typical" gift what baby still doesn't need great products? I would totally reccommend the Arbonne baby line - the pure, safe & beneficial ingredients are so amazing why would you want to use anything else. If you have any questions please let me know / shoot me an email.

:)
A.
www.TheSkinYourIn.myarbonne.com

Was there a baby shower? If not perhaps this is the same deal. Ask a family member or mutual friend of hers to see what is appropriate. It all depends on the cultural background of the people involved. Ask around for sure

For christenings, I always give 'special' sort of gifts...not your typical clothes or outfit, since it's a religious ceremony, not a baby shower. Since you're not Catholic, it's not necessary to get a religious gift (unless you want to). How about a photo frame or album? Or something related to the baby's name, since the christening is also the time when the parents give their baby a Christian name.

You could always give a US Savings bond. The great thing about them is that you buy them for half of what they will be worth over time. You could spend $50 and get a $100 dollar savings bond. Any bank should be able to do that for you.

Give Money. Usually the parents will put all the Christning money in a special account for the Child's college fund or something like that.

Standard is between $50 & $100 but you can give whatever your comfortable with.

most catholics give money or bonds for a christining but a gift is fine as well.

Hi! I'm Catholic & recently had my son Cristened...going Catholic on the gift is not necessary at all. Money or a bond is a great gift. Money to add to the college fund or a bond for when he grows older. We didn't get any Catholic gifts, mostly money & bonds. And I was happy with those gifts. A Catholic-themed gift is fine for the time being but eventually it'll get put away in a drawer of broken....money or a bond will make a difference someday. Good-Luck!!!

My suggestion would be a US Savings Bond that the family can save for the child's future. In my honest opinion, I would avoid gifts of a religious nature just because they may wind up receiving multiples of those gifts. They could end up with 3 ceramic crosses for the wall in the baby's room, etc!
If you're really feeling strongly about a religious gift, why not consider a Savings Bond, and also give a little keepsake book that they can use to record the info regarding the Christening and a photo or two?
I'm sure the family will appreciate any gift you decide on, and that you shared this special day with them!
Just my 2 cents!

Any baby gift is fine, but savings bonds are a nice idea, and only cost 1/2 of the future value.

I would give an outfit or toy. I am sure the baby will be getting a lot of religeous gifts. Usually it is the Godmother and/or Godfather who gives the baby a cross or jewelry. Another idea would be to get him an engraved glass mug/cup or a dish, bowl, and cup all with his name on them. Hope this helps.

T.

If you are not Catholic yourself, it is best not to try to buy a religous present, unless it is something like a child's book about God. Money is usually what is given at Baptisms/Christenings.

Most of us cannot afford to give a Silver Cup anymore, but I have found that a pewter cup, with the child's name engraved on the side, is very appreciated. It's probably around $25-30, and lasts a lifetime. I use my baby cup for Splenda envelopes - perfect size!!

The religious gifts are usually taken care of by the immediate family. Although I know that the gift protocol is different in the midwest, etc, in the northeast we give savings bonds. Of course, if you want, you can attach the bond to an outfit, a rattle, etc.

Hi C.,

I have always given a savings bond as a Christening gift.

I think any baby gift would suffice however since this is a special occassion you may want to get something more sentimental. A cross to wear, or hang in his room, a saint medal, a plaque with a prayer, a picture frame or alblum are nice gifts. The God parents might get him the cross to wear so double check. Card stores and a catalogue and website called Personal Creations has really nice things that you can personalize. Look for a statue of a sleeping baby in the Hand of God. His name can be placed on it and it is beautiful. I received one for each of my twins and cherish it. Card stores usually have things to hang on the wall. If you are familiar with the Footprints Prayer they have one for children that is very very nice also. Precious Moments always have cute wall hanging or statues to commemorate events. Children's Bibles and books are lovely. There is a great book The Twelve Gifts of Birth that is very touching. I am sure that whatever you choose your friend will love it because it is from you. Also maybe a money gift? I hope this helped. I.

A savings bond tends to be a popular gift for christenings

Money is the right way to go.If is your close friend $100
If not $50.00

First off, congratulations on baby #2. May he/she be a happy & healthy one. If there is a christian store/bookstore nearby, you can get great gift ideas for the baby. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be a religious gift. Anything you think the baby will enjoy will suffice. Money is also acceptable. Have fun at the christening!!

I can't think of any gift more appropriate than something from your heart.

I always find a book to be a great gift...such as The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This book has a beautiful message. You could sign and date the book. The child will always have this book and a nice reminder of the special day. If you feel you would like to give more, a bond could be given as well...but the book will put a personal touch on the gift.

Typically, the godparents give the religious items such as crosses and such. Any baby gift is a nice gesture.

Hi C.,

The religious gift cross, jewlery that is usually given by the God parents. The norm is usually money or a savings bond. Otherwise an engraved silver piece is alsways lovely and becomes an heirloom. Like a lock box(for the first lock of hair) or a tooth fairy box, picture frame..you get the idea. Aside from being catholic and having Christened my son 5 years ago I work in a children's shop and we sell these kinds of gifts for christenings all the time.

good luck! A. B.

HI C., We are Protestant, although not practicing, and always give savings bonds for Christening gifts. Aside from being practical, you only pay half of the matured value. ($25 for a $50 bond.) Good luck!

I am catholic and did have my son baptised. Any gift is appropriate. My mother also catholic, got him an outfit. He received money, he received savings bonds, he received a piggy bank. Anything goes.

C.,

I've seen that a lot of the responses are for savings bonds, I'm not sure where you are from, but in the past when I've gotten savings bonds, the bank asks for the child's social security number - to which you'd have to ask the parent's for such information - and in this day and age with identity theft - I'm not sure if the parent's would be so willing to let that information out - though that's something you'd have to take up with them. Money is always a good present - or a gift card for a department store so that the parents can get the baby essentials...

Call the bank first and ask about the savings bonds and whether or not you need identifying info about the child to get one. (i.e the child's SS #)

Good luck and enjoy the day!

We just baptized my second daughter in October and received a variety of gifts including clothes and toys so I do not think you have to worry about the gift being religious.... the godparent(s) often take care of that. I can tell you that what one thing that I very much appreciated were savings bonds for my daughter. It was nice to start building her college fund and we have kept the records with photos so that in 18 years, she will know who helped pay her way into college. I hope this helps!

Hi C.: Usually money or a savings bond is appropriate. Some people give clothes.

Hope this helps.

Diane

I have always liked the store "Things Remembered" in the mall. They have a large selection of gifts. They always just seem more personal and many of them can be personalized. I had the same problem a year ago with a cousin. Him and his wife are different religons. So i didn't sway one way more than the other, I chose a baby blanket and had the babies name and christening date woven into the bottom corner. It went over very well. I know it may be hard for you to get out so you can even check it out online and call the store all you have to do is pick it up. Good Luck Shopping...J.

A savings bond is usually a nice gift. Just go to your bank and ask for a savings bond. You pay half the face value and in seven years the bond matures and from there on out until the bond is cashed it goes up in value.

Okay, people are going to think I'm horrible, but there are only so many religious gifts you can get before you start putting them in the closets in the boxes they came in. I had both of my children baptized in the Catholic Church. I have a very large family. While most people give religious gifts or money, if you are not of the same religion you don't need to break your back trying to find the perfect religious gift. If the child is someone very important to you and someone you know will be in your life when they are older, you could think about getting something that would be a keepsake when they are older. The baby being a boy makes it harder because they usually don't hold keepsakes for sentimental value. The other options is to go get a really great outfit at a store (not a toy) and than go to a Christian store and get a small religious gift. They have baby rosary, rubber ducks with crosses and other small options. Traditionally, the grandparents, Godparents and parents give the gifts of bibles, nice rosaries, crosses and memory books. I hope this helps a little.

usually family gives jewelry and such. money is the best gift. or a bond or open a cd or something for the baby!

You can never go wrong with money...some people have big events at catering halls/restaurants...others have parties at home. I've had both kinds of parties for the baptism of both of my boys. One rule of thumb that I found helpful: cover your meal(s) at an event outside of the home -- if you can afford a little more for the baby, that's ok...if you can't that's ok too. At a house party, you can give less. My philosophy is give what you can, when you can. The important part is your friendship with your friend and being there with her to celebrate such a wonderful event. Hope this helps.

Hello C.,

I agree that a savings bond would be an appropriate gift. You may also want to consider gift cards or gift certificates. I have an online shopping mall & offer both items. (www.YourFavoriteLinks.com --> Find A Store --> Click "G" --> Scroll Down)

You may also want to sign them up for diapers & formula. I also have plenty of baby stores. Visit my Special Promo page for monthly promotions.

I hope this was helpful.

Have a great week.

M. Puglia
www.YourFavoriteLinks.com
Your Online Shopping Mall
For All Your Home & Office Needs

I'm thinking back to what my 2-1/2 year old "got" when he was Christened. There were some religious gifts, but I also recall other "baby" type gifts (a cutlery set that we still use to this day with Noah's Arc animals sticks out in my mind). As long as it comes from the heart, does it really matter if it's "religious" or not?

I got this cute prayer bear from my MIL for my son's christening gift and he absolutely loves it. The bear has little magnets on his paws and when you hold each paw in your hand, he recites the prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep". I thought it was a great gift idea. Here is a link to a store online that has it:
http://www.lullaby-creations.com/
On the right hand side, click on Teddy Bears and Soft Toys at the bottom of the list. Scroll down the page to the end and you will see Pray with me Parker - Talking Teddy.

Hi C.
I always give the baby a savings bond or a check to put away for the future.
S.

Hi C.,

I am not catholic myself, however I think that religious gift is very unique and proper gift for the occasion. Like other member respond, Ii think that too much of just about anything is going to be a waist of your many energy and effort. Gifts for kids is a none ending industry and you can be original and try to pick something for the baby. If I were you, I would pick a gift for a little later, not something for now only because most people get a gift for a new born baby for now. You can be original and pick a gift for a little later in this child's life.
You are more then welcome to visit my site and I am sure that you will find lots of very different items that can be given as a gift. The web address is www.babys-castle.com

Good luck,
G.

savings bonds are great and fun when the child is older and can use it. You can give one with a great book that is religious but not overly religious. I love it. I'm catholic but not overly religious so I think it's nice. It's called "The Three Trees" and is the story of 3 trees who hope to be used for something special as they grow. They are used for Jesus' cradle, cross etc. it's a nice book. I give it as all baptisms for special family members

Hello C. I know with having my own three daughters baptized that they received many gifts that were not religious and very much appreciated. So no I don't think you have to buy something like a cross etc. I know i enjoyed receiving gift cards from places and it was nice when they needed something as you know they outgrow clothes very quickly. I would definatley not stress over having it be something religious hope that helps

Go to St. Patrick's Cathedral - lots of appropriate gifts, including pretty "crib medals." Also, I can't remember the name of the shop I went to in South Jersey, but they had a beautiful child-size satin bible and the store embroidered the child's name and birthdate on it.

Hi C.!

My best friend and I started blessedtobe.com, where we have some perfect things that might be an easy solution! For instance, we designed a very sweet onesie for little boys (and girls, too!) that you could get for him, and we offer gift-wrapping, too. That would be a very affordable little something that you could also combine with anything else under the sun if you wanted to go spendier. :)

Take a peek--we have a sweet tee for Moms, too!

blessedtobe.com

Any baby gift is fine. Maybe even a savings bond or gift card. Doesn't need to be religious--usually the godparents handle that. Have fun!

Hi C.,

I received mostly savings bonds or monetary gifts. I did receive some small religious gifts, like a Christening picture frame, as well. My recomendation would be to start a college savings account (529 plan) for the parents. All you need is the beneficiary's social security number. Chances are the parents may not of thought of setting one up yet and I am sure they would be most appreciative.

Hi C., I am an Italian Mom of two kids. I am catholic and I can tell you that there is no need to present a religious gift for christening. Usually we present things that will last for your life, like small jewels if you are a close relation, or a picture album, something like that.

bye bye and enjoy the party!

V.

Hi C., One of the best gifts my son received at his christining was saving bonds. Go to any bank get a $25.00 one and when he graduates high school or whenever he cashes them in they matured in value. B.

Hello,
I hve a couple of ideas.

1. our son (Nicholas)was given a ceramic cross, the base plays music

2. a first bible (some will say First bible on the cover)

3. a memory box to keep his Christing clothes and other items from his christing in

4. any baby gift is also fine

I would go with the memory box. I am sure your friend will love whatever you decide to get.

A prayer book, money towards education, your blessings or anything you would like to give from your heart. In short, anything you feel is appropriate.

I'm not catholic either but been to a few christinings. I stick with money, because many people give religous gifts already and I really don't know much about religous gifts at all. I think you can never go wrong with money or even bond.

Any type of baby gift is appropriate, I wouldn't do toys though, you'd want to make it a little more special. Maybe a collection of books, outfit, photo albulm, money, etc.

Money, or some religious gift like a gold cross charm/necklace, but by FAR everyone gives money.

Anything really goes. If it is a good friend either a religious gift or $ would be the way to go. If she is just a friend any time of gift, religious, $ or baby toy is fine. And as far as money goes I would say anything from $25-$50 is good.

C.
A religious gift is usually appropriate, as well as money.
A cross in any form is fine....jewelery, wall mounting, personalized plate, personalized blanket in white....for the personalized items you can try "Things Remembered"(the store or on-line. Good luck