OT - Baptism - how much to give?

[agentpleakley]

We live in Tennessee now but both of our kids were baptized/christened in Pittsburgh. The average gift they received was $50, however, they also received some very special presents -- i.e., a book of handwritten poems & illustrations; a cross, etc.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We are Baptists , so baptism occurs when the person makes the conscious choice to do so. When my son was baptized at age 10, we had cake at home he did not recieve money at all, he got a few cards from family members and a cd with contemporary Christian music. Also a devotional.

Another Baptist here and that is similar to how we did it and what others at our Church do. I have never heard of money for making this decision. I imagine it is different for those that baptize babies though.

My DS and DD were each around 11 when they made the decision. We went out to eat, grandparents and all, afterward.

 

[kribit]

This is a little off topic, but why are New Yorkers so quick to give more? Is it because it's a more lucrative area and they earn a higher salary?

It seems that New York has their own gift giving book. Since I've been reading here, the gifts are always way more than the norm in New York.

 

[lisaross]

i'm asking because i'm Jewish so really was not sure - i might think about the bond!

lisa

 

[Adi12982]

This is a little off topic, but why are New Yorkers so quick to give more? Is it because it's a more lucrative area and they earn a higher salary?

It seems that New York has their own gift giving book. Since I've been reading here, the gifts are always way more than the norm in New York.

I think it is because NY is a more expensive plane to live - things tend to cost more - so I'm guessing gifts are inflated too.

 

[ceecee]

I have never heard of a Baptism party or gifts for that matter. We did get a "christening" gift from Catholic family members when we dedicated DD as an infant, but I have never heard of baptism gifts. I certainly did get any nor did I expect any.

 

[emh1129]

I have never heard of a Baptism party or gifts for that matter. We did get a "christening" gift from Catholic family members when we dedicated DD as an infant, but I have never heard of baptism gifts. I certainly did get any nor did I expect any.

We have never given or received monetary gifts, either.
When our two children were baptized (Catholic) we received children's bibles, picture frames, a beautiful cross for the wall, etc. But the money sounds nice for starting up or adding to a child's savings account.
We had a reception at our home after the baptism- sort of a brunch/lunch type party and it was a lot of fun.

 

[NotUrsula]

For Roman Catholics, there is a whole industry in Baptismal / Confirmation gifts, including gift cards specially designed for giving cash/bonds, etc. http://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/baby.html
There are selections for newly baptized adults, too:

However, the giving of monetary gifts is very much a regional or ethnic tradition, and isn't universal even among Roman Catholics. In my area, only Italians generally give monetary gifts, everyone else usually gives devotional items or commemorative things like photo frames. Typical gifts would be religious jewelry, books, plaques, things like that.

 

[ellyn2000]

I think a savings bond is a great idea. I would only give a small gift and a card. I'm not speaking from experience because I've never been invited to a baptism party and did not have one (other than closest family) for my children. No gifts were given.

 

[Rootskate]

Funny that I saw this thread. I just asked my DH last night what we should give for his Niece's babys baptism this coming Sunday. They are having the service at the church followed by a party at a restaurant. He figured $100.00 would be appropriate. I think it varies depending on where you are in the country.

 

[DisneyFanatik]

We are also from NYC. We recently went to a baptism at Russo's on the Bay (If you're from NYC I'm sure you know where it is and that it is an extravagant place). It was just DH and I and we gave $250 - I actually felt like it was too little while I was sitting there, but the card was already sealed But this was an exceptionally fancy party. If I went to a baptism at a restaurant, and I brought my kids, I would probably give $150.

 

[writersblock42]

Well I am not Catholic so I guess we do things a lot differently. Basically, a bunch of people are baptized at the same time and they have a church dinner or picnic. Sometimes nothing at all. No gifts or anything like that.
However, I have been to a Catholic baptism in Baltimore and bought my niece a pair of cross earrings and my nephew a children's Bible.

 

[Teacher510]

I'm Irish Catholic, 10 miles outside Manhattan and I always give something of religious significance although many people just give a card with money. Usually $50 for one person.

 

[KiKi Mouse]

My daughters were baptized this past May. They received photo frames, crosses, books, and some monetary gifts. Monetary gifts were $50 on average and it all went into their education fund.
We had a BBQ at our home after with it being partly catered. We did not expect anything from anybody. We just wanted guests to share such a special day.
One special thing that we did get was that my oldest daughter's Godmother bought the cross necklace for her. My friend, the Godmother passed away in August...making the gift of the cross even more special and cherished.
I don't think there is one answer to your question as it seems to differ depending where you live. One thing is certain...people should not be expecting anything from you but your presence.

 

[buzz5985]

Boston Irish Catholic here. And we do give money at our baptisms. Religous items - Rosary Beads, etc. are left for close family to give to the child.

My DS and nephew are a couple of months apaprt, so what I did for them is buy them Disney Stock. My other nephew I did the same, and not that I think of it - I owe another newphew a share.

 

[andychris14]

Definitely cover your plate. Is it a fancy restaurant or casual? I would give $200(minimum) for my family of 4.
Hope all these answers help

 

[java]

We are also from NYC. We recently went to a baptism at Russo's on the Bay (If you're from NYC I'm sure you know where it is and that it is an extravagant place). It was just DH and I and we gave $250 - I actually felt like it was too little while I was sitting there, but the card was already sealed But this was an exceptionally fancy party. If I went to a baptism at a restaurant, and I brought my kids, I would probably give $150.

Again Only someone from NY will appreciate the magnitude of Russo's!

(we went to a wedding there once when the bride and groom came up from the floor- and the waiters danced around them with sparklers! I was on the inside)
I think the $125 is just right. And I have 4 children who have all been baptized and they received cash gifts from everyone in attendance. Except the Godparents- they gave a "gift" (meaning something like jewelry, the gown ect)

 

[The Disney Bunch]

Don't give any gifts! There are only so many bibles, rosaries & religious things that a child can have.
A bond is a great idea - I live in the NY area - I think $125 is a little much. $100 is better. That is what I gave my niece. Throw it in a bond & it goes a long way!
If you feel better giving the $125 - go for it - you are the giver. Have fun!

 

[Chris]

when my children were baptized they also received bonds, money and some small gifts. I always give cash when I go to a baptism.
I think what you are planning on giving is good.

 

[kimisabella]

We are also from NYC. We recently went to a baptism at Russo's on the Bay (If you're from NYC I'm sure you know where it is and that it is an extravagant place). It was just DH and I and we gave $250 - I actually felt like it was too little while I was sitting there, but the card was already sealed But this was an exceptionally fancy party. If I went to a baptism at a restaurant, and I brought my kids, I would probably give $150.

My sister had her first son's baptism at Russo's it was truly a mini-wedding with a cocktail hour, band, everything. It was a little over the top, but, if you have a lot of money, you can do whatever you want!!!!!