Christening - godparent

[smallerthanachicken]

Hi. I've been asked to be godmother for a lovely little girl next month. I am looking for gifts for her - am I supposed to buy the parents/family a gift? Or just the child?

I ask as the parents have mentioned (I'm not supposed to know) that they're getting something for me which I find a bit odd and don't want to turn up with less than is "normal" but equally I don't have endless amounts to buy things!

Don't buy a rosary/Bible or anything like that without checking with the parents. There are only so many you can use and there are grandparents and other relatives who will have bought presents. I always buy a nice edition of a children's classic. The Wind in the Willows, Winnie the Pooh-something like that.

The Folio Society has some lovely books for around 50 quid- not sure what your budget is. Proper read and hand down editions.

Hardback children's books are perfect, either a collection of stories/poems or eg a set of Mog books or Quentin Blake set/treasury (and a copy of Zagazoo for the parents ;) ) You used to be able to get hbk Beatrix Potter sets on offer. Or the Gruffalo books.

I bought a friend's baby girl 2 champagne glasses for when they were older and their son cufflinks for his. they were thrilled to have something to put away for them (or at least they said they were). They were brought out to use when they went off to prom!

I would re-evaluate our friendship if you bought a willow tree figure, they are hideous (imo) and remind me of cheap card shops

I thought a willow tree figure was an ornamental willow tree! Had to google.
Please don't unless the child is called Willow and her surname is Tree, in which case have a word with the parents

I think there’s absolutely no need to buy the parents a gift. They may be getting you one as a thank you for being the godparent and being an important part of their child’s life.

So it’s not like Christmas when you reciprocate. To me it’s like sending a thank you card to say thank you for the thank you card.

I bought this book for my niece when she was christened, if you can get all the info:

letterfest.com/products/personalised-christening-story-childrens-book

Wooden toys are nice - I’ve kept hold of the wooden toys (shape sorter, bricks, abacus) my boys were given for the grandchildren.

I still have a silver necklace with my initial on it that I was given by my godmother.

In our family, a special teddy is tradition, one that will be loved. My god daughter has recently taken hers off to university with her!

something meaningful to the religion, like a crucifix silver necklace she can put away in her keepsake box. the normal gifts frames
etc, they end up in a box up the loft

"something meaningful to the religion, like a crucifix silver necklace she can put away in her keepsake box."
With the other 47.....

Book all the way op. Never have too many.

My son’s godmother is Mexican and they gift gold to the baby. She gave him a beautiful medal with a dove on it and his name and christening date engraved on. I wear it as a necklace but he knows it’s his.

my daughter’s godmothers got her a silver cross necklace. She’s 4 now and sometimes asks to wear it.

This is the last one I gave. There are cheaper-and MUCH more expensive!- options on the website! www.foliosociety.com/uk/peter-pan-and-wendy.html

A book is a lovely idea, that's what I usually do for christenings. I've given a roald Dahl collection and a hardback copy of Little Women in the past, with a little note in the inside. I usually give a few £ in the card as well but that may not be the done thing where you are (I'm not British).