Christening Etiquette - again!

[krazykoolkazza]

I've been invitied to a Christening but have now discovered it clashes with an existing family commitment.

Does anyone know the etiquette on whether one should still send a present in those circumstances? The child being Christened is not a family member and is the child of a friend whom I do not see regularly, or keep regular contact with. I have only seen the child once and do not expect I shall see him much at all in future as they live some distance away from us.

I have formally declined the invite and intend to send a Christening card for the day but do I need to send a present too? Would it be considered impolite not to? I'm not too up on etiquette

I'd just send a card - but perhaps an extra-nice handmade one or something.

I personally don't 'do' Christening presents unless I am a God-parent (and I have been known to buy presents for bag-openings!! )

I don't think it would be seen as at all rude not to send a present. The last christening I went to the parents seemed rather startled to be getting presents from anyone who wasn't a godparent.

I would just send a card. I would only get a present if going to the actually ceremony.

def no present especially if fairly new baby and you sent a baby gift

christening gifts are quite tricky anyway - my friend received lots of knick-knacks - pic frame/money box etc which was kind but she doesn't know what to do with them