Christening gifts?

[mumulala]

I have been invited to christening of friend's baby son, we are friends through work (both moved on now). I'm not a very close friend, don't know my of the closer friends or family. I'm not a churchgoer and have never been to a christening (except my own in the 70's).

So what is the done thing for gifts?

We did baby shower gifts etc so I know they have loads of "stuff".

I am no good at presents, don't even like receiving them as I generally buy things I need. is a voucher suitable?

Do you need to go, since you have no real interest in any of the constituent parts of the ceremony?

Anyway - don’t buy any tacky silver ornaments. Even the more expensive ones just clutter up the house, gathering dust.

Nor bibs and baby clothes - unless the parents are desperately short of money. They’re not really something precious for the baby.

Pearls or shares in something ought to be welcome!

Or a beautifully produced classic children’s book. (The Folio Society would be a good place to look.)

A voucher is a bit … unconsidered. Money should really only be a relatively substantial sum that will be invested for significant use in the future.

Doesn’t sound as if you’re thinking of a case of wine that’ll be ready to drink when the child turns 21?

No I actually am interested in the ceremony, I'm sorry if that didn't come across I have nothing but goodwill for the couple and baby and am very honoured to be invited, and am probably best described as agnostic and blah blah blah, loving that I'll be there for the special ceremony but don't want to be embarrassed by bringing an inappropriate gift.

You have given advice as to what not to bring, but I think that was where I started.... I can see a lot of rubbish ideas but what should I bring, as a somewhat peripheral guest? A bottle of wine to put away is not a bad idea at all, so thanks for that 🙂

Port lasts well and is a traditional christening present.
Silver photo frame? Jewellery (to wear when older)?

Jeweller is a lovely gift, hot diamonds do some nice lockets,
My children liked a wind up wooden music box, sold on Amazon and other places that they received.
I would stay away from the typical baby things and get something tasteful the child will appreciate in the future.
Royal Mint do sets of coins that are a lovely collectors gift.
What about money for premium bonds? I think the parent needs to open the account tho.
Enjoy the day

Crumbs - some of these are the type of christening gifts you might buy as a god-parent.
A 'normal' person would be more likely to give £10 for their future or a toy or something.

Depends on your budget really…

DD got a Lanka Kade Noah’s Ark but I think they’re quite expensive. Cheaper options would be a money box, nice set of books, embroidered baby blanket, nice soft toy etc.

Honestly if you’re not grandparents / godparents then I doubt there is much expectation for a very expensive or sentimental present.

Oh, maybe I wasn’t clear - a classic children’s book would be my idea of a decent, not expensive but still memorable gift. Something that will definitely be used.

I've been to a christening once and no gifts were expected, however some guests did books or baby clothes, but they were close relatives. My DH did a video with family photos using a church slideshow software, but then again he's the uncle of the baby's dad and he was asked to do so by his nephew.
I think something like a book or a toy would be enough.

Thank you! A book sounds like the thing. I am not a close relative or godparent so no I don't think a keepsake or sentimental gift is called for.