To mention gifts in the christening invitation?

[Bankholidaybaby]

Not the invitation exactly - the information sheet I'm emailing to people who say they are coming. I wasn't going to write anything about presents, as that's not why we're having a christening, but then I thought: people are going to bring gifts so isn't it sensible to try to steer them in the right direction so that we don't get (as happened at my son's birth and at Christmas) clothes that are too small or too big but inappropriate for the weather when he'll fit into them.

I was thinking about putting something like: please don't feel you need to get the baby a gift - we invited you because we want to spend time with you, and share our baby's special day. If you do consider giving him a present, however, clothes for 6-9 months suitable for the spring, or 9-12 months for the summer would be very useful.

Or maybe I just say - if you'd like any ideas for presents, please ask me.

Or perhaps I don't say anything and hope things that don't fit are returnable.

Advice greatly appreciated.

Do not mention them at all.

You don't mention any about gifts. If someone decides they want to bring a gift, they will ask you or other family member about sizes etc.

I wouldn't say anything. People don't tend to give clothes for Christenings. More likely to be things for the child to keep and treasure.

Nothing. It will make you look greedy. If the clothes are too small & too late to exchange, then donate them to a refuge.

Don't mention gifts on the invite.

Clear shelving space for multiple silver money boxes.

Don't mention gifts. When my sons were christened guests who chose to give a gift gave them books, silver keepsakes or a little bit of money; you may find the same happens so you won't need to worry about clothes sizes.

Ok, books and keepsakes would be lovely.

To be honest, I was quite surprised by what was sent when I was born - I hadn't expected anything apart from from close family, but friends were very thoughtful and parcels kept arriving. It just seemed a shame that we were given things that he could never use. I guess there will be a food bank or charity shop that would welcome anything that he can't wear.

Oh, msasprey I hadn't thought of a refuge - that's a very good idea.

Presents for a christening will usually be very different. I recently gave some friends clothes in size 6-24 months for their 2 month old, but for a christening I'd try to get something that they can keep.

Why not just have a paragraph in your information sheet of news about baby "he is so big now, already wearing 6-9 month clothes" thrown in.

Do not mention anything about gifts or even 'hint' at clothing sizes, it will look unbelievably crass.

Some things are better left unsaid.

No, don't mention. I wouldn't give clothes as a christening present anyway. Traditionally we either give silver or equivalent (dn got a diamond cross), cash or a substantial present that will last the child several years.

You should not mention gifts at all.

Because, other than godparents, gifts aren't necessarily going to be forthcoming - this isn't a shower. (Prayers and contribution to the church collection being just fine to mark the Sacrament).

But many do; small token gifts are the norm (often with religious angle) and it would be a bit crass (and very grabby) to mention expectations for these.

Don't mention the gifts or you will find yourself starting a whole new thread in a few weeks time. Wedding lists are normal, christening lists are not.

I wouldn't buy clothes for a baptism present, but would buy a keepsake.

Xmas and birth are much more the time for clothing as presents

Leave people to bring presesents for your baby and don't say anything as it is there day for presents not yours really

Another no to gifts. It is not on at all.

Don't mention it. People generally don't give clothes as christening presents.

Another vote for not mentioning gifts. It would seem a bit tacky to me.

Oh God, no don't mention gifts. When mine were christened I did actually get clothes, and a few teddies. Only the godparents & my mil bought keepsake type gifts. I have no silver spoons, cups etc

It doesn't matter how you try to word it, mentioning gifts is extremely vulgar. Just don't.

It's grabby and rude. If I got an invite like that I wouldn't attend.

Do not mention gifts; as you say, this is not why you are having a christening.

Well,I disagree that mentioning gifts at all is grabby and entitled, but I don't like the wording about clothes sizes.

I genuinely don't see what's wrong with saying that you do not expect presents at all, but if guests want to give a small gift you are opening DSs child trust fund shortly, or similar.

I suppose it also depends who you have invited, as you know whether they will phone and ask about gifts anyway, or decline the invite purely because you mentioned the gift word