Baptism is sacred and once in a lifetime. In many ways, it is an introduction of a new child to the world. If you've been invited to a baptism, you're aware of the custom of gift-giving at these events. You might be wondering what to give for a baptism gift. What is appropriate and what do people expect? If you're having trouble figuring out what to bring, here are some classic gifts you can't go wrong with to welcome that little angel into the world.
1. Teddy Bear
If you're unsure what to buy for baptism, this could be the safest choice available. A teddy bear is a classic. Not only are you providing a comfort item for the child, but parents will treasure a baby's first teddy bear for a lifetime. This is a safe choice for all occasions and will never go out of style. Speaking of safety, teddy bears are a bit ubiquitous, so make sure you get one rated as safe for newborns. No one wants to give the gift of a choking hazard.
2. Baby Picture Frame
A wonderful way to remember a child's baptism than by capturing the moment with a picture. Give the parents a way to share that special moment with a custom baby picture frame. This item can be particularly crafted to include things like the child's name, birthday, baptism day, birth weight and height. This should give parents a treasured way to show off their child's first days forever. Every parent is always looking for an excuse to talk about their children. They'll truly appreciate this excuse.
3. Personalized Wooden Cross
Baptisms are a beautiful religious rite of passage. One respectful way to celebrate such a momentous occasion is with a cross commemorating the moment. Give the parents something to hang over their treasured new child's crib to look over them while they sleep. What better gift to new parents than a reminder that their new little baby sleeps protected by the angels? Make sure and get it personalized with a monogram or name for that newborn.
4. Baptism Quilt
Speaking of cribs, here's a practical item – a baptism quilt. Granted, parents aren't likely to use this all the time as it will be a treasured memento. But it's still a quilt in a pinch and the parents might get more use out of it than they ever planned. It is also easy to get one monogrammed or stitched with whatever you want said to personalize the gift – making it something the parents will always have fond memories of when they see it.
5. Baby Booties
This is another completely classic gift. Booties have been a symbol of newborns for ages. Bronzed, knitted – they come in a variety of materials and sizes. Don't worry about functionality. It's all about the look for now. It's a newborn. They're not walking anywhere. They'll have plenty of socks to lay about in. Look for some adorable knit booties. Something that can hang on a parent's car rear-view as readily as in the baby's nursery. Your goal is for everyone to say "aw" when they see those little booties unwrapped.
6. Bible
If you're drawing a blank on what to give for a baptism gift, go for something simple and yet so obvious. This is a religious ceremony, after all. What could be more appropriate for baptism than giving the little baby their first bible? Moreover, this is a gift that will become more useful as the child grows older and learns to read. A good bible will also make for a future family heirloom when the child is grown – something to pass down to their own children. Like any family bible, make sure you go out of your way to get it personalized with an embossed name on it. This is also an excellent gift to write a little something extra for the child. When they grow up, they'll be able to read your dedication.
7. Engraved Baptism Star
Do you bring a gift to a baptism? This might not always be an obvious question to answer. Perhaps the parents are informal and usually not into presents. On the other hand, it is baptism and maybe they intend to make an exception for their little angel on the whole gift-giving thing. If you find yourself wondering if you should bring anything, this gift may be the perfect one. A simple carved wooden star with the baby's name and christening day on it. It's inexpensive but personalized. So, while it will go over as heartfelt, it's not elaborate enough to make things awkward if you're the only person who arrives with a gift in hand.
8. Swaddle Scripture Blanket
If there is one thing new parents will have to learn quickly, it is the art of swaddling. For many babies, a good swaddle is a magic formula that turns them from screaming terrors into the angelic little smiling babies their parents always claim they are. Every parent has a special fondness for their child's swaddling cloth as they spend each day lovingly wrapping their child up into a little bundle of joy. Giving the new parents one, perhaps with a loving bit of scripture printed upon it, would be an excellent gift. Remind the parents they're not the only ones who know how special their child is.
9. Keepsake Box
If you're unsure what to give for a baptism gift, here's a clever one – a keepsake box. Give the meta-gift to the parents – the gift to hold the other little gifts they receive. Not only is this a cute, personalized gift, but it's also functional. Remind the parents who their organized, clever friend is with this literal little treasure chest. When the parents are rummaging at 6 am trying to find those little diaper pins, they'll salute your foresight when they find them in an adorable keepsake box.
10. Baptism Bracelet
Be the first to give the gift of jewelry to that special little baby. A baptism bracelet is a cute little gift to adorn that special tiny someone. Parents can enjoy the daily reminder of the special event while proudly commemorating the day to anyone who sees this pretty little piece. You might think it is just a gift for baby girls. Certainly, there is no shortage of them available for girls, some even made of crystal or pearls. But it's not an uncommon gift for boys either if you opt for a bit plainer such as a medallion on a simple gold or silver chain.
11. Personalized Piggy Bank
Maybe you're that responsible friend. Well, there is a place for friends like that and you can proclaim it loudly and proudly with the baby's first piggy bank. Sure, everyone else is hoping that child stays an adorable little baby forever, but you're already one step ahead and planning college. So give the child a head start on their future with their first piggy bank so they can learn the art of saving early. Get it engraved so everyone can see who the industrious little saver is.
12. Christmas Ornament
If there's one time of the year people get sentimental, especially parents, it is Christmas time. Christmas is an excellent time to reminisce about a child's christening. An ornament will give parents something to hang every year in memory of that special occasion. As a bonus, this gift will only mean more to parents once their child is grown up and moves out. They can hang it together the first year their child spends Christmas away from home. You'll be grateful you gave them that memory.
Enjoy the Special Day
These are just some of the usual gifts for baptism to give you an idea. Truly the most special present will be one that is reflective of you. Remember, to the family that invited you, you are the most important gift you can give. Your presence is what matters. So don't overthink it and enjoy the special moment.