Godchildren 18th & 21st: what do godparents do nowadays?

[Purplesproutingcrockery]

What's the current form does anyone know please?

Dh and I have eight godchildren between us, some of whom are approaching their eighteenth birthdays. Sadly, we haven't thought ahead and we haven't been putting away money for them every year in a savings account.

First question: does one celebrate on the 18th or 21st birthday nowadays?

Second question: we are not in a position to buy gold jewellery from Tiffany or Asprey or similar but could manage a small amount of cash or perhaps some shares or equivalent? Or should I go for an antique of some sort?

What does everyone do nowadays please?

You're so lovely. Our DCs godparents don't even remember to send a card on the day.

Dd1s godfather gave her £50 and other godfather a gift voucher for £20

dd2 godmother sent her a book she loved other godparrents didn't acknowledge.

That's very kind of you Minapaws I think I should have been a bit more organised about this though! An eighteenth birthday is approaching fast!

Thank you Enko I like the idea of a special book.

With people of that age, money is the way to go imo.

No rules about how much what you can afford/think is appropriate but I guarantee it will be appreciated

Thank you PinkHeart yes, I suppose you can never go wrong with money!

I've been down a rabbit hole of antique jewellery this morning. Very enjoyable but would they like it, when would they wear it, will it just be lost (I lost both pieces of jewellery my godparents kindly gave me)?

Oh dear. Befuddled currently!

Anyone else?

None of my godparents did anything special for mine. I do think jewellery is a lovely idea though. Something classic. Personally Im not a fan of giving cash as i think it’s impersonal (unless is a significant amount). My DH’s side always only give cash at birthdays/Christmas and it makes me think they couldn’t be bothered to look for something people would like.

Actually my sister got a pandora bangle from one of hers and she loves it

I got my goddaughter a brand new £50 note (on the basis she had never seen one and probably wouldn't for a while)

She loved it

On my 16th birthday my godfather sent me a cheque for £60. It was his way of saying this is where the pressies end. I was very grateful, he's such a lovely man and continues be part of my life. For 8 godchildren you can't carry on forever :)

No that's certainly true Runsmidge! I think after they reach the age of 21 yrs, presents will become small tokens, if that ... ! Trouble is, none of the godchildren are aware of the other, so to them we are their only godparents ifyswim!

I like the idea of a brand new note, thank you betweenhillsandsea!

Although I understand what you mean about money being impersonal Teakind. So far I've been looking at antique and contemporary jewellery, antique prints, antique books etc. Even on e-bay, anything lovely and in good condition is £££££!

One of my god-daughters loves sewing so I was thinking of purchasing a small collection of antique buttons or silver thimbles but oh dear, I don't know? Does an eighteen year old really want that sort of thing nowadays?

Anything that I initially thought was unique or thoughtful, other people have got there before me ... .

Anyway, I'll keep pondering, thank you again.

For the goddaughter that loves sewing - a really good sewing book would be better than thimbles. Or some very good sewing scissors.

But money is probably best.

Yes I think you are probably right Frenchfancy. I just wanted something a little bit special but money is probably best.