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Original poster

Christening tomorrow and no gift!!!

68 replies

Worriedaandconfused · 28/01/2023 20:31

We we’re invited to a christening, which was a late invite anyway and only a couple weeks notice. However, I’ve been so busy with life and work plus have has a sickness bug this week and am now realising I have not organised an outfit or grift! What do people normally give at christenings, if anything?! I didn’t/will not christen my own children so don’t really have any first hand experience.

DH says £20 in a card will be fine. Any thoughts appreciated!!

OP posts:
OldTinHat · 28/01/2023 22:22

Ime gifts are only given by the god parents. It's lovely to take a card, but gifts really aren't expected at a Christening.

ramonaquimby · 28/01/2023 22:25

Cash is absolutely fine. All those commemorative gifts and fancy versions of children’s books and jewellery will just gather dust. Cash in a card. Don’t overthink it

emmaliz · 28/01/2023 22:29

Agree money is fine. It'll be nice for the baby to have a nest egg when they are older, let's be honest they will appreciate that more in the long run

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getreadyy · 28/01/2023 22:33

"Just going against the grain here- but usually the only gifts come from the godparents. It is a baptism- not a 21st"

Don't know what christenings you're going to but you don't turn up empty handed when invited to a celebration

TheChosenTwo · 28/01/2023 22:39

I’ve always taken a gift of some kind to a christening, whether the baby was going to the my godchild or not.
Most often money - it’s the most useful and least cluttering thing you can offer. Parents can either spend it or save it, up to them.

Lurleene · 28/01/2023 22:44

How about a charity gift eg this set of stethoscopes for unborn babies ? I think as a christening is a religious occasion a charity gift is appropriate and your money will go quite far. Unicef

ramonaquimby · 28/01/2023 22:49

Charity gifts are really for the giver not the recipient. If you want to donate to charity, don’t do it in someone else’s name (unless of course this is what they have asked for!)

FirstFallopians · 28/01/2023 22:51

Cash in a card is fine, and will be much more useful than a bangle or bible for a child from a family who isn’t religious.

Both our dc were christened and we’re given some traditional (and breakable) gifts. Lovely thought, but they’ve sat in a cupboard unused as opposed to the small gifts of money which we put into their ISAs.

Bunce1 · 28/01/2023 22:52

A book. A children’s classic.

WetBandits · 28/01/2023 22:53

Money in a card or one of those ‘name a star’ things.

DifficultBloodyWoman · 28/01/2023 22:54

Silver is traditional because it gives the child something valuable for future life. Money is also popular for the same reason. I love the idea of a traditional book - again, something for the future.

My DD was given a silver hairbrush set, silver money box, silver photo frame, a silver necklace, a charm bracelet, clothes, a cuddly toy and cash. Not all from the same person, of course!

Galadriel90 · 28/01/2023 22:55

I went to Waterstones and got really nice editions of children's classics.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 28/01/2023 22:55

Cash in a card is fine. Why do you need 'an outfit'? Are you thinking hat etc? Completely over the top. Just be smart and presentable.

DontdothisDothat · 28/01/2023 22:57

John Lewis have some really nice gifts!

MissMarplesbag · 28/01/2023 23:00

Money is better than multiple traditional Christening gifts such as silver cutlery sets etc.

TooBigForMyBoots · 28/01/2023 23:00

Cash in a card. Easiest and most useful gift.Smile

Outfor150 · 28/01/2023 23:04

I really think silver boxes, bangles, hairbrushes, photo frames are an utter waste of money, as well as being things no one would want. Books are a better idea, but I’d still be wary of buying any classics. That would be something for when the child would be much older.

DappledThings · 28/01/2023 23:06

getreadyy · 28/01/2023 22:33

"Just going against the grain here- but usually the only gifts come from the godparents. It is a baptism- not a 21st"

Don't know what christenings you're going to but you don't turn up empty handed when invited to a celebration

We weren't expecting any presents for our DC's christenings. I didn't really realise it was a thing. People were very generous with books and other things. I knew my mum would want to get one of the traditional engraved silver things but I didn't think anyone else would.

So don't feel you have to get anything. But if you can get to a bookshop that's what I would go for.

UWhatNow · 28/01/2023 23:11

Worriedaandconfused · 28/01/2023 20:42

I should have said, parents aren’t actually religious. They’re having a christening for the party/celebration aspect 🙄 so religious themed grifts probably wouldn't be appreciated.

Baby is a girl around 6 months-ish.

How sad. I never know why people do this… They - and the God parents - are going to say words and make oaths in church about bringing their child up in the church family but they will essentially say them knowing they’re lying. What a shower…🙄

Lucinda7 · 28/01/2023 23:58

Bottle of champagne to keep for baby's 18th? You could get that from an off licence.

meetmeatmidnights · 29/01/2023 07:12

Worriedaandconfused · 28/01/2023 20:42

I should have said, parents aren’t actually religious. They’re having a christening for the party/celebration aspect 🙄 so religious themed grifts probably wouldn't be appreciated.

Baby is a girl around 6 months-ish.

I take extra pleasure on these occasions in giving a super religious themed gift 😂

Imo if you're going to stand in a church in front of a congregation and a vicar to promise to guide your child in life in a godly way, for a party and some presents (?!) then you definitely need a good bible 😂 😂

newtowelsplease · 29/01/2023 07:26

Mexicocalling · 28/01/2023 22:03

Premium bonds can be bought online now. I just bought some last week for a christening gift. Minimum spend is £25, and once you’ve filled in the form they send the paperwork straight to the parents. Fill it in, print out the gift certificate and pop it in a card or gift wallet/box - all done in 10mins and no dashing off to any shops.

Only by a parent though

Crumpetdisappointment · 29/01/2023 07:33

a book sounds lovely.

ofwarren · 29/01/2023 07:33

EdithWeston · 28/01/2023 21:00

You don't need to dress up for Christenings. It's "Sunday Best" so no joggers or other athleisure, nothing ripped or see through, no slogans that could possibly be taken the wrong way. Most dresses would be fine, or good trousers and the cliche "nice top". You'd get away with dark, unfaded jeans if you're a churchgoing regular and therefore have the confidence. If you're a visitor, I wouldn't

People REALLY dress up for Christenings at our parish church.
They wear what people wear to weddings here. Dresses, suits, hats, fascinators etc.

RoseAndRose · 29/01/2023 07:35

newtowelsplease · 29/01/2023 07:26

Only by a parent though

Show quote history

No, see my post at Yesterday 21:04.

With a link to NS&I

Explaining how anyone can but Premium Bonds for a child now, with links taking you to the "buy" page