What is an Appropriate Gift to Give for a Christening or a Bris

Do I need to bring a gift? Do I bring a gift or money? If I bring money, how much is enough? What if it is a teen or an adult being baptized? What do I bring then? If I am a godparent or the grandparent what do I give? As a guest, what do I bring? What is an appropriate gift for a Christening or Bris? So many questions but this article will keep it simple and to the point.
First off, YES, a gift is appropriate, whether it is a baby’s christening, a teen’s or adult’s. However, the gift may or may not, be the same. Most people just think of a baby when they hear the word, christening. For many reasons, this many not be the case. So today we will cover all the bases.
For a baby’s christening, several ideas come to my mind. Depending on how close you are to the child or the family, your gift may be determined by that decision. For example, if you are the godmother, you may want to give a different kind of gift then a guest attending. Now, that doesn’t mean if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, that you need to spend more, just something different.
Let’s start with a godparent or grandparent. No one needs to ever know how much you spend, rich or poor. Good suggestions would be a Bible & write a meaningful note or letter inside with words from your heart that they can look back on and cherish. A baptismal frame, with a picture of the two of you on that special day, engraved or personalized. Some purchase a baby ring. (Mine, still doesn’t fit, but once in a while I still take it out and look at it. It was always too big; someday I will get it fit to size. Maybe now is the time.) Or some other form of jewelry.
For guests, I stress again, no one needs to know how much you spend. It is not important. The family wants you there for one reason and one reason only. To share their baby’s christening with you! Some guests give the same christening gifts as the above. Other suggestions are a musical christening gift, a silver spoon, an embroidered christening blanket, a nativity set or an “I Love my Godmother or Godfather” Bib. Precious Moments has a search area on their website that you can search by occasion. You can also purchase Christening gifts from the Vatican. Crystal gifts and christening gifts from the Vatican are a wise selection for teens and adults. In addition, christening gifts that are engraved, such as personalized frames, personalized albums and jewelry boxes are ideal for older baptismal recipients.
A Bris is a little unique. The gifts given range from foods like Jewish delicacies or a baked dessert. Blankets, toys or clothing are also excellent choices. Of course money is also an option. Money is an option for both a christening or a bris. If you choose this option, consider a U.S. Savings Bond instead of a check. With a U.S. Savings Bond, you purchase it for half as much as it will be worth once it matures. So it will cost you less now, but be worth double later, if not cashed pre-maturely. Also, parents tend to hold the bond to maturity instead of you just doling out a check that can easily be cashed right away. Whatever your christening gift is, I’m very sure it will be appreciated and welcomed. Again,always remember, you were invited to the christening to spend time with them and it is not about the gift you bring, but your presence. Mary Ned is the author and writes for Babies Christening Outfits. Christening Gifts & Accessories