Christening Gift Ideas

[user50316]

My cousin's daughter is getting christened in a couple of weeks and I'm struggling for an idea of what to get as a gift. They haven't asked for anything in particular, but have asked for "no silver, clothes, toys or decorative items" ???
In fairness, they are living in a very tiny flat at the moment so haven't got room for lots of stuff, but they haven't suggested anything they would like!!

I thought maybe a personalised book? But then is that a trashy waste of space?!

Budget is £30-50.

We named a star after a child - it's pretty hard as they have excluded most things! Or a pass for a local kids attraction / Amazon voucher / premium bonds etc
Named backpack from my first gifts?

From what they've said it sounds like they want cash or I'd give a voucher. That way that can buy whatever they need

I have a couple of godchildren.

My first I bought a sapphire and diamond ring. Clearly too old for her but I asked her parents to put it aside for when she would appreciate it. For the immediate present I bought a jellycat toy.

Another one I bought a lifetime subscription to an international animal protection charity because her parents are committed vegetarians and animal welfare advocates. There was a little stuffed toy that came with it so she got that immediately.

When my Dcs were christened they got a silver engraved napkin rung each (obviously - the OPs parents hage specified 'no silver' ) and a silver baby rattle. very off piste one of the god mother's to DS1 made quince vodka which she said she will keep in her own house and will present to him on his 18th birthday (4 years away... not holding our breath).

Otjerwise- money.

sorry for spelling- have an ill cat resting her head on my arm.

I've bought little stools, similar to this link
https://www.alwayspersonal.co.uk/products/personalised-childs-stool-wooden-christening-engraved-design?variant=41159974518974&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pmax%20%7C%20Pmax&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq8OIrqWaiAMV3YhQBh05YjeDEAQYAiABEgKxofD_BwE

I'd buy a children's bible.

I get a set of books. One relevant for each year to age 10, then 13, 16, 18, 21. And then I put a relevant message in each book. Wrap each one individually and then tie the stack with a bow. 🤷‍♀️ works for the people I've given it to.

Money in a card , all my nieces got the most useless gifts and 2-3 of some things like ridiculous silver thing's .

I usually buy a nice hardback version of a classic book like Winnie the Pooh.

A set of Arthur price children’s cutlery and the rest in cash to start their savings.

I know you said your budget is £30-50 but I've never spent that much on a christening/baptism gift and my children have never got anything remotely that expensive, even from grandparents. Feel free to ignore if that's the normal amount to spend in your family.

I would go for an illustrated children's bible. I got an illustrated children's version of the pilgrims progress for my baptism that I still love, 33 years later.

It'll be because of earlier experience of Christening gifts - I got a box full dumped on me when my DM was downsizing and then had to charity shop/sell on EBay to get rid of it all. Silver napkin rings (seriously, how many do you actually need?!?! None...), silver rattles (why?!), some particularly hideous picture frames.

For that reason I've tried to gift useful things that relate to the event. An age appropriate children's Bible. A small book or toy accompanied by a promise to take the child out somewhere each year as they grow up (as I feel a Christening is about accompanying the child as they grow in faith).

I genuinely did not understand the silver rattle thing, DH said it was 'traditional'. I'm not from the UK so I chalked it up to one of those strange things English people do.

I do this too (but usually fewer books! Toddler, child and teenager works fine). I get nice editions and write a message to them in each one

I'd usually buy a classic children's book, maybe an embroidered cushion with the alphabet on or a beautiful baby blanket.

Why not ask your cousins? Say you understand they don't want their home filled with loads of unwanted items but is there anything they really would appreciate?

No clothes, toys, decor or silver rules pretty much all christening presents out except books or vouchers for somewhere like John Lewis.

I've always given £50 worth of premium bonds

They want cash but are too polite to say so

Premium bonds are a lovely idea.

Thank you all! Have gone with premium bonds - I didn't realise you could get them for £25. For years the minimum spend was £100! Thank you