OT - Baptism - how much to give?

[lisaross]

We were invited to a Baptism for my neighbors grandaughter - it is going to be at a restaurant - the mom use to be my baby sitter - its me my husband and two kids going - how much to give?

i was thinking 125.00??? we are in NYC

thanks

 

[Vickie46]

ok.. my neighbor's child just got baptize and I gave the child a nice card.. but no money..

 

[englishteacha]

The baptism is at a restaurant? Or the after-baptism party? I hadn't heard of baptism/christening gifts before, besides maybe a card to put in baby's book. $125 seems like a lot of money. What about something special for the baby or for the family?

 

[lisaross]

the 'baptism is at the church but in the evening they are throwing a party at a restaurant and my family was invited

 

[kimisabella]

This is one of those threads where you are going to get alot of different answers based on different regions, cultures, ect... That said, a baptism party in a restaurant is the norm for this area. What you are going to give is a good amount.

 

[Lisa_M]

When me and my sisters were baptized, we were given alot of savings bonds. I have no idea what the norm is. Whatever you decide to give should be fine.

 

[kribit]

I just went to a baptism/christening and gave a $50 savings bond. I thought it was a good amount. $125??? yikes....I must be cheap.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I give $100+. For NYC $125 seems about right.

 

[stephbillalec]

We got quite a few savings bonds for our kiddos at their baptisms. I'd say get a $200 savings bond which you can purchase for $100

 

[dizagain]

Wow! We live in Tennessee and my third child will be baptized (Protestant church-does that make a difference?) this weekend. We have about 7 family members coming into town for the service and we will be taking them to lunch afterwards - no party in this situation as that is not the custom. I remember the grandparents giving my girls special books and maybe a stuffed bear with a baptism gown on. I am not expecting anything - hadn't thought of it until now!

I think that sounds like such a generous gift and I know they will appreciate it!

 

[tinatark]

Is the "rule" that you give at least the cost of your meal?

 

[CheapMom]

If it were me, I would probably purchase a children's bible or a rosary or similar for the child when she gets a little older. I have 3 children- all baptized Catholic in Baltimore, MD. We had a party for each and received a few small gifts like mentioned above- Some just brought cards and some people brought nothing. I didn't expect gifts. The one gift that I thought was particularly sweet was a given to my DD by her Godfather on her baprtism day. It is a tiny music box that plays "Yes Jesus Loves Me". She is almost 12 and she still keeps that box in a place of honor on her nightstand.

I am not sure if my expectations reflect norms of my religion, my city, or just my family but just wanted to share my experience.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

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.

 

[rie'smom]

In our area, parties after a Baptism are common. Some people bring gifts, others don't. The gifts are more of the shower type and I've never heard of money given to the baby but it is a good idea.

 

[mickeyfan2]

In our area, parties after a Baptism are common. Some people bring gifts, others don't. The gifts are more of the shower type and I've never heard of money given to the baby but it is a good idea.

In our family and area the only gifts given are by the Godparents. The Godmother buys the outfit to be warn, bathes and dresses the baby. She is the "mother" for the day. The Godfather buys a religious item (bracelet, pin, necklace, etc.) that he puts on the baby after the baby is dressed. All others give cash or savings bonds. The money is put into the babies savings account and kept for when they are older.

 

[disneynutt1225]

My cousin's baby was just Baptised a month ago. I gave $100 - that seems to be the norm around here.

 

[allison443]

I am from NYC originally and still live in the area, what the OP suggested seems about right to me. I would give $100 or $125.

 

[canwegosoon]

When my kids are 9yo(and they were baptized 7 months-so 8years ago) the average gift was $30(25-35;many $50 bonds) from cousins and friends, the grandparents gave more, but I was shocked. This was a baptism, and a dinner in an very nice restaurant(because I could not fit the people in my home). While shocked because I had been giving 50(I didn't think that the 50 was over giving...but I guess that's why I was shocked) to all the baptisms I had been to-and most had a fire department room luncheon, honestly I did not care how much people gave -I was just thrilled that they wanted to come to see my children baptized. The out come was that I now no longer attend baptism of family members that did not attend, but I still give a $50 check and a small gift like a cross.

So OP give what you want- but I think it is nice that you are going to the baptism.

 

[SunKat]

I agree with the other posters from the NYC/Long Island area. The amount you suggested seems about right.

 

[ICF]

If it were me, I would probably purchase a children's bible or a rosary or similar for the child when she gets a little older. I have 3 children- all baptized Catholic in Baltimore, MD. We had a party for each and received a few small gifts like mentioned above- Some just brought cards and some people brought nothing. I didn't expect gifts. The one gift that I thought was particularly sweet was a given to my DD by her Godfather on her baprtism day. It is a tiny music box that plays "Yes Jesus Loves Me". She is almost 12 and she still keeps that box in a place of honor on her nightstand.

I am not sure if my expectations reflect norms of my religion, my city, or just my family but just wanted to share my experience.

Myself and kids have all been baptized Catholic here in Indiana and the gifts they received, and we have given to others, have been very similar to what you described. They received childrens bibles, rosary's, crosses and the like when we have gotten gifts. Never has anyone that I know ever received that kind of money...even if there was a small party afterwards.

For $125....I'll gladly get baptized again!!