Christening Gifts - Ideas and Recommendations
Have you just been invited to a dear one’s Christening service, and wondered what the modern day etiquette in attending this important event may be? Here at Smart Gift Solutions, we’ve put together a little list of key British Christening traditions, to ensure you’re clued up on what to expect! Of course, these aren’t set in stone ideas, and each Christening will vary depending on the family… but here’s some important information we thought you’d find useful!
The Christening will be a short service of 20-30 minutes – as the little one can’t be made to concentrate for too long! Gathered in a local Church, with both close family and friends, it’s a beautiful way to welcome the birth of a child with loved ones. Contact the family and ask if the ceremony will be a formal event, so you’re sure to know whether to dress up or down! But as it is in a Church, we suggest you make your best effort.
What should the baby wear? Traditionally, the little one may sport a classic white or cream gown for the event - a symbol of their purity. Depending on the family, this may be a precious heirloom given to the baby from relatives or specifically bought for this occasion as a new garment. Alternatively, a family may choose to dress their son or daughter in a contemporary outfit, as a gown is no longer necessary. Whatever the family choose, we’re sure the baby is bound to look adorable!
Another important aspect of Christenings is choosing the godparents, which can be a daunting task for any parent! With this role, you’re committing to being an important part of their life, so it is key for the mother and father to choose carefully. A British custom is the baby girl will have two godmothers and one godfather, whilst a baby boy will have the reverse, with two godfathers and one godmother… yet, in recent years, it is the decision of the parents on how many godparents their newborn has!
What gift should the godparents bring? This may range from providing parent’s with a starting fund for the little one, investing in a bespoke jewellery piece to save until the child’s 18th birthday or a traditional silver-themed keepsake for the newborn. Either way, it is important to turn up with something special and thoughtful, to welcome the child into the world and show your commitment to your responsibilities! It’s your first chance to prove you’re the right candidate for the role.
After the Christening service, the family and guests will move the location to continue the celebrations at an informal party! Whether it was a morning, lunch or afternoon Christening service will affect the theme of the party… as it may be light snacks or an evening meal with all the family and friends to celebrate.
If you’re not religious and do not want to participate in a christening for your baby, a more contemporary and increasingly popular ‘naming ceremony’ is available. Although it bears no legal status, it’s a great way to still invite friends and family to celebrate the birth of your little one, if you do not want to gather in a Church!
Top 10 Christening Gifts
A hugely popular gift category here at Smart Gift is our Christening gifts, and we endeavour to find you wonderful keepsakes to present on a child’s special day. We’ve set up a list of awesome Christening keepsakes to present to your loved one as it’s an important occasion needing a very set of special gifts!… we’ve made sure you won’t be short for christening gift ideas!
We recently stumbled upon The Drifting Bear Co.’s absolutely gorgeous Phase of the Moon Clock and think it’s the perfect Christening gift for all new parents. The unique keepsake can adorn the new family home, and both the baby’s name and birth date can be inscribed on the surface to make it extra special.
A beautiful design for a traditional keepsake is My 1st Years’ Ivory Bible, personalised with both the baby’s name and Christening ceremonial date, creating a gift they can treasure forever as a reminder of their special day.
Sophia Victoria Joy’s hand-crafted Christening Keepsake Box is a delicately gorgeous design, carved with little stars and personalised with the new baby’s name. It’s a gift all parents can love and use for their most precious keepsakes, orderable in small, medium and large!
We recently discovered a perfect gift for the godparent to purchase, to show their true commitment and love for the child. Modo’s classically designed and beautifully crafted cushion makes a unique keepsake. Embroidered with a heartfelt poem to the little one, it can be personalised with your name to add a special touch. It’s a delightful Christening idea we think is great!
The Little Boy’s Room’s engraved Noah’s Ark Money Box is a stunning, unique creation to complete any child’s nursery. Finished with silver, it combines both a traditional and contemporary gift for the new parents and child to treasure.
Our very own Silver Baby Rattle is a traditional gift for new parents to cherish forever. Presented in a luxurious silk presentation box, you can personalise the toy with the child’s name to make it extra special and to forever remind the family of their wonderful day.
From Lucy’s gorgeous range of ‘The Day You Were Born’ personalised prints are a delightful gift for the baby’s nursery, as a reminder of the special day they came into this world! Available in a range of colours and designs, you’re sure to find a wall print that suits the new family perfectly!
We think this Gift of Sleep Kit for the new Mum is a brilliant Christening gift as a thoughtful treat for the yummy mummy! Although Christening gifts are traditionally for the child, there’s nothing wrong with treating the parents as a sign of good will!
Born Bespoke’s adorable personalised Christening Shoes are a quirky keepsake for the new parents! They can be worn by the little one on the day (so make sure you give the gift before the big day…) and can be treasured forever after in a wonderful keepsake box.
We’re loving Clouds and Current’s exclusively designed Christening Hanger, with a beautiful personalised name design incorporated into the gift. In gorgeous tarnished wood and engraved with the date, it’s a once in a lifetime keepsake!
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