Christening Gifts :-/

[Moosmum1]

Ok, so I know there are a few posts regarding a similar subject, but none have really helped with my concern, so here we go...

My DD's christening is coming up, we're having it later then most, she'll be three when the time comes. We know that the majority of people will buy gifts in some way, and don't want money wasted on the usual silver money boxes/birth certificate holders etc etc, she has a lovely money box and doesn't need for anything like that. I don't want to ask for money as I think it's in bad taste, but what I'd like to do is find (or have made) a lovely cross pendant as a keep sake and ask that if anyone would like to give a gift, perhaps they could contribute towards the pendant directly to the jewellers. Is this rude/tacky etc or would you find this acceptable? Do you think guests will see this as a nice idea for a keepsake for my dd?

How much is the cross, they aren't usually inexpensive, do you need everyone to chip in for that? Could the godparents get that and let everyone else get whatever they want?

Are usually inexpensive that should have said

Yes they can be inexpensive, but we were thinking of something a little bit special that perhaps one day she'll give to her daughter on the day of her christening, and whilst we could get it as a gift from us we just thought it saves people wasting their money on unwanted trinkets... Gosh that makes me sound so ungrateful

Please don't mention gifts. It is tacky.

If you don't want people wasting their money on trinkets, how about doing something similar to what people often do at funerals ('no flowers, donations to mums favourite charity') - not sure I know how to word it for a christening, but suggest maybe a children's charity of some sort for charitable donations?

What is the cost of the special cross?

If I were a guest I would be happy to contribute but you will find people who are offended at the idea of chipping on for something you want to give your DD.

For a child that age I'd probably put some cash in the card for a gift anyway so maybe just don't say anything then if you get any cash gifts or if people actually ask what you'd like then get the cross with those.