Baby Baptism - Customary to bring gift?

[Dizzy for Dsny]

I'm going to a baptism for a family member next month and didn't know whether it is customary to bring a gift, or anything else? Having never been to one, I wasn't quite sure. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[kpm76]

Yes, it is customary to bring a gift. I usually give something small that is religious in nature or money.

 

[Patty3]

It is customary to bring a gift to a Baptism, also called a Christening in the Catholic religion. The amount of the gift usually depends on the closeness to the family of the child that is being christened. When our grandchildren were christened we gave them each $500. Nieces and nephews usually a check anywhere from $50 to $100. Good friends usually an outfit or two for the baby.

 

[pixiemomma]

I always give a cash gift.

 

[barkley]

in our region it is the custom to give SMALL gifts at a baptism, christening or dedication (nothing costly or major) because the emphasis is to focus on the religous significance of the event, and not on gifts (in fact some churches ask that no gifts be given beyond "spiritual support and encouragement"). therefore gifts generaly consist of small savings bonds, small stuffed toys, perhaps a religous statue (angel or the like) or an item of clothing.

 

[Kimmumum]

We always give savings bonds. Kids don't need much nowadays. They get so much. We figure the savings bonds can help them when they are in college. We give savings bonds for every occasion (birthdays, christenings, christmas etc) until the child turns 5.

 

[TEENEE]

A small gift is appropriate. My kids received savings bonds, crosses and picture frames.

 

[mannasn]

We are not Catholic, but our children have been baptized - as have many of our friends or family members. We have never given or received gifts at a baptism, but maybe we're the exception and not the rule (it appears that way). Regardless, I don't see anything wrong with bringing a small gift.

 

[Hannathy]

It is customary to bring a gift, are they having a lunch or brunch afterwards ?

I like to give something memorable like a baby cup or my new favorite a set of baby silverware. Depending on the amount I want to spend this can be an infant spoon or that and a toddler set.

 

[imsorry]

We always give money.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I always give money or a savings bond.. sometime a small picture frame that says my christening or something like that.

Your post just reminded me I need to start planning my kids christening. I have to do the younger 2 this summer.

 

[Nancyg56]

I usually give money.

 

[daisyduck123]

I usually get a gift from Hallmark. They have Baptism photo albums & picture frames.

 

[disneynutt1225]

The custom in my family (Italian and Catholic) is to give either cash or savings bonds.

 

[Dizzy for Dsny]

Thank you everyone for your advice and suggestions!

 

[AMcaptured]

Catholics normally give money to the child, we buy a savings bond in the child's name.

 

[jme829]

Some nice things my kids got were childrens bibles, bible story books (its never to early to read to your child!) and CD's of childrens bible songs/lullabies.

 

[pooh4evr]

Catholic here we have gotten rosaries, crosses to hang on the wall (Prescious Moments) prayer books picture frames, angel stautes and outfits- smaller meaningful things.

 

[Jennifer S]

I just got a picture frame that says My Baptism and had it engraved w/ the church name, date and baby's name. It was beautiful and only $19

 

[ducklite]

Each of my neieces and nephews has gotten a gold blanket pin with the miraculous medal for girls and a simple cross for boys. They have become cherished family keepsakes that my DS/SIL's hope the children will pass on to their own children someday.

For other family/friends it's generally a baptism/christening themed photoframe.

Anne