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15 Baby Baptism Gifts That Bring the Blessings

These presents welcome baby to the world, to the Church and into your heart.
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By Martina Garvey, E-Commerce Editor
Updated March 7, 2024
baby baptism shoes and gold cross necklace
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A baptism—also referred to as a Christening—is a mark of passage in any child’s life. This religious ceremony welcomes baby into the Christian faith and acts as a reason for friends and family to gather and celebrate their latest blessing. While it certainly isn’t necessary, many attendees like to mark the special occasion with a baptism gift for baby.

Wondering what counts as an appropriate present? Not to worry: I’ve curated a thoughtful list of baptism gift ideas that are sweet, personalized and tie into the religious theme. I’ve attended many baptisms over the years—including one this past weekend—so I’m well-versed in the types of gifts to give at a baptism. Browse my pick of the best baptism gifts for girls and boys and get the lowdown on gifting etiquette below.

How We Chose the Best Baptism Gifts

Even if you’re not a godparent, a baptism present means a lot. These baby baptism gifts for boys and girls are sure to be kept as treasured mementos for years to come. Here’s how I selected them:

  • I leveraged my experience buying baptism gifts for my own friends and family. And to find the best possible options I combed through countless gifts online and looked for items from leading baby brands as well as small businesses.

  • I considered several factors when sourcing baptism gifts for this article, including quality, personalization options and religious symbolism.

  • I conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what gift-givers liked or disliked about popular baptism presents on the market. And, where possible, I didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

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Best Baptism Gifts

Christening shawl

Baltic Babies Shop Knitted Merino Wool Baby Blanket
Image: Etsy | BalticBabiesShop
Buying Options
Etsy|$76.81

A Christening shawl is wrapped around baby after the baptism has taken place. According to tradition this white baby blanket represents innocence and symbolises baby’s introduction to the Christian faith. While some families use an heirloom shawl, a soft white blanket makes a great baptism gift from a godparent or family member. In fact, at my cousin’s Christening last Sunday I gave the parents a merino wool blanket. This snuggly option from Etsy is similar to the one I purchased and is sure to go down a storm. It’s made from 100 percent merino wool, which is incredibly soft and has antibacterial properties. Plus, the heirloom-quality blanket can be used as a cozy throw for tummy time or a security blanket as baby grows older.

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Embroidered socks

Nyla Kelley Designs Monogrammed Cable-knit Baby Baptism Socks
Image: Etsy | NYLAKELLEYdesigns
Buying Options
Etsy|From $21.99

At a recent family Christening I attended, I spotted a baby wearing a pair of darling baptism socks and thought to myself: “What a great gift idea.” (I’m never off the clock folks!) And this knee-high pair featuring an embroidered cross totally fit the criteria for a thoughtful baby baptism gift. Personalize them with baby’s initials or keep it simple and stick to the embroidery, either way they’ll look adorable.

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Baptism picture frame

Lifetime Creations Personalized Baptism Picture Frame
Image: Etsy | LifetimeCreations
Buying Options
Etsy|From $26.98

Truth be told, you can never go wrong with a picture frame as a gift. And when it’s a personalized frame, laser-engraved with baby’s name and your favorite bible verse, it’s even more of a foolproof present. This baptism gift idea is perfect, since the child’s parents can use it to display a photo from the big day. What’s more, if you’re a godparent or someone else very close to the little one getting baptized and you have the budget, you could always surprise the family by booking a professional photographer for the reception. (You just might want to talk it out with them first to ensure they’re comfortable).

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Personalized children’s book

I See Me! God Loves You! Personalized Book
Image: Maisonette

Custom books are especially thoughtful baby baptism gifts from godparents. Through beautiful illustrations and rhyming poetry, this keepsake book carries a simple message about God’s unconditional love and protection. Personalize it with baby’s name, photo and a dedication message, and have it on standby any time you babysit. They’ll be sure to cherish those reading sessions forever.

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Custom baptism pillow

The Pillow Geek Personalized Baby Baptism Pillow
Image: Etsy | Thepillowgeek
Buying Options
Etsy|From $26.40

This decorative pillow is printed with all of baby’s baptism “stats” surrounding a hand-sketched baby bunny. From their full name and hometown to the date the blessed event happened and where the ceremony took place, all of the important details of their baptism will be on display. This sweet keepsake can be placed in baby’s room for them to cherish throughout their childhood.

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Porcelain figurine

Lamb figurine holding a cross
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon|$42.96

Do you remember your grandmother’s old Precious Moments collection while growing up? Well, then you’re about to take a trip down memory lane when you gift baby with one of their first (if not the first) Precious Moments ceramic figurines. The sweet keepsake features a baby boy or girl in their baptismal gown beneath a placard inscribed with the words “You are a child of God.” Not only is the piece a perfect fit for any baby’s nursery, but it’s also in stock and eligible for quick Amazon Prime delivery. Perfect for forgetful folks that wait to the eleventh hour to find a baptism gift for baby.

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Lamb stuffed animal

cuddle + kind Avery the Lamb
Image: cuddle + kind

Here’s a sweet godparent and godchild set, highlighting lambs (which are religiously symbolic, by the way). You’ll hold onto the big stuffed animal and baby takes the little one—it’s just another way to feel connected, and as they get older, they’ll love seeing your lamb out and about when they visit. Better yet, cuddle + kind is a brand that gives 10 meals to children in need for every doll sold, so not only is your gift heartfelt, it’s also charitable. What a great way to introduce your godchild to Christian morals!

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Silver bracelet

Kay Jewelers Baby Bangle Bracelet
Image: Kay Jewelers
Buying Options
Kay Jewelers|$99.99

When it comes to the best baptism gifts for girls, you can’t go wrong with jewelry—and this sterling silver baby bracelet is a beautiful choice. Add it to the list of traditional yet not overdone baptism gifts for goddaughters. It features delicate floral engravings and a snap-lock clasp, and is lightweight, perfect for baby’s itty bitty wrist.

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A card with a charitable contribution

Hallmark Signature Paper Wonder Pop Up Card
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon|$12.60

You can’t forget the card! This adorable polka dot card is emblazoned with “Sweet Little Blessing” on the front and a surprise Noah’s Ark-inspired pop-up design inside. Your heartwarming entry inside is sure to be remembered, as will a charitable donation—of any amount—in baby’s name. Of course, you’ll want to choose a cause that means something to you and/or baby and their family, whether that's to the World Wildlife Fund (which is on-brand with your card) or to another charitable organization that’s close to your heart.

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Printed baby onesie

Woman Life Clothing Cool Like My Godmother Onesie
Image: Etsy | WomanLifeClothing
Buying Options
Etsy|$11.70

While there’s no rule that says a godparent needs to gift baby their christening gown, it’s common practice (in some churches) for godmothers to dress the guest of honor in their baptismal best and prepare them by brushing their hair, putting on their shoes and fastening their bib or bonnet. If you’ll be helping with their formal ensemble, then it would be a cute idea to gift them a comfortable onesie to change into once all of the pomp and circumstance has concluded. We adore this one that says “cool like my Godmother.” How cute!

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Personalized quilt

Company Twenty Six Personalized Baptism Quilt
Image: Etsy | CompanyTwentySix
Buying Options
Etsy|From $48
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Child-friendly Bible stories

Cottage Door Press Baby's First Bible Stories
Image: Amazon

At a baptism, godparents make a commitment to help guide their godchild practically and spiritually. So it’s no surprise that a children’s Bible is one of the most popular baptism gifts from godparents. Suitable from birth up to 2 years, this book features a collection of classic Bible stories retold in simple language alongside colorful illustrations. Plus, the thick padded cover and sturdy board book pages are durable enough to withstand plenty of wear and tear.

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Teddy bear and pewter mug

Babyblooms Bertie Bear's Traditional Pewter Christening Tankard
Image: Maisonette
Buying Options
Maisonette|$157

Like to keep things classic? Consider a commemorative keepsake for baby’s baptism gift. This bundle includes an old-fashioned teddy bear—complete with a knitted jumper that can be personalized with baby’s name—and a traditional pewter tankard with a matching teddy motif. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but this gift is one that can be passed down through generations.

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Personalized baptism print

Printabetter Personalized Baptism Printable
Image: Etsy | Printabetter
Buying Options
Etsy|$10.98

Nursery decor and wall art are some of our all-time favorite gifts, but they don’t always come quickly (especially if you’re having a piece framed and matted). That’s what’s so great about a digital download. You can purchase a design you like from an Etsy seller, receive the high-resolution digital files minutes later and then bring your print to a local print-and-ship shop or Staples to have it printed for you in the dimensions you want. Pick up a frame and add it yourself, and you’re golden for the next day! This sweet-as-honey Winnie the Pooh illustration is just delightful, and you can personalize it with your godchild’s name and yours above and below quotes that read “Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.” Oh, bother, it’s perfect.

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Nursery night light

Enjoy the Gifts Shop Personalized Nursery Night Light with Name
Image: Etsy | EnjoyTheGiftsShop
Buying Options
Etsy|$34.44

Nothing says “I promise to never leave you in the dark” more than a nursery night light. This personalized pick features baby’s name and baptism date printed in white on acrylic. There are three dynamic plaque styles to choose from, with a different cross style and scripted typeface for baby’s name, all surrounding the well-known bedtime prayer. You can order the night light as-is or choose to add on a personalized ornament with baby’s name to make it all the more meaningful.

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Baptism Gift Etiquette

First things first: Baptism gifts aren’t required—in fact, some baptism invitations explicitly ask guests to skip them. That being said, most parents appreciate them, and baby will too (even if not for a few years). So, what to give for a baptism gift? It depends on your relationship to both the child and their family.

It’s customary for godparents to give their godchildren baptism gifts, and vice versa. Gifts given by godmothers and godfathers are typically more personalized than other baptism presents, considering the godparents’ special roles. A keepsake bearing a custom message makes an excellent baptism gift for your godson or goddaughter, but that’s not your only option. Have you ever heard the phrase, “born with a silver spoon in their mouth?” Silver feeding spoons symbolize good fortune, which is why they (and nowadays, any other silver items) are often gifted as baptism gifts from godparents wishing prosperity on their godchildren.

If you’re another guest, you’re also welcome to bestow a thoughtful present. Traditionally, gifts for baptism are religious in nature, but don’t fret if you don’t know much about the faith (you might not even share it, and that’s okay!). Feel free to get creative, and remember, personalization is always a sweet touch that shows how much you care. When all else fails, a financial contribution, like a savings bond, is also an appropriate baptism gift, as is a simple card expressing your well wishes. It’s customary to give baptism gifts at the reception following the religious ritual, but you can also send your present to baby and their parents postevent—especially if you’ve been invited to the celebration but have to miss it.

About the writer:

Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear, maternity fashion and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.

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