A christening is a day to welcome a new baby, and the traditional gift is something that can be kept for years: engraved, personalised or simply well made. The baby will not remember the day, so these gifts are really for the child to find later and the parents to treasure now.
Below you will find keepsakes, books, practical presents and a few gifts for godparents. Everything is gender-neutral unless noted, so it works whether the baby is a boy or a girl, and each idea has a price band to keep things simple.
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Our three favourites
Keepsakes to treasure
Traditional gifts that grow more meaningful with time.
For a classic keepsakeAn engraved silver-plated christening cup
A small cup engraved with the baby’s name and the date is a time-honoured present. Allow a couple of weeks for engraving, and double-check the spelling and date before you order.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the proud parentsAn engraved photo frame
A frame with the date of the christening gives the family somewhere to put the best photo of the day. Choose a standard frame size so it fits a normal print.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For keeping the little thingsA personalised keepsake box
A wooden box with the child’s name can hold the christening card, a lock of hair or a first outfit. Pick a plain finish if you are not sure of the family’s taste.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Books and bedtime
Presents for the first stories, and the ones that come later.
For the future bookwormA personalised storybook
A picture book with the child’s name woven into the story feels special even for the youngest listeners. Check the proof of the name before you confirm, and allow time for printing.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For bedtime routinesA hardback bedtime story collection
A good collection of classic tales or nursery rhymes will be read many times over. Choose a sturdy hardback, and avoid anything with a very small print size.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For a lifelong companionA first teddy bear
A soft bear in a gift bag is a gentle, traditional present. Look for the UKCA or CE mark and age guidance on the label, and keep it out of the cot for very young babies if the label advises it.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Practical gifts
Useful things that parents will thank you for.
For snuggles and photosA personalised baby blanket
A soft blanket embroidered with the baby’s name is useful in the pram and lovely in photos. Check the washing instructions and choose a neutral colour.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
A muslin cloth gift set
Parents of babies can rarely have too many muslins, and a gift set looks neat in wrapping. Look for pure cotton and check the pack size.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
A handprint and foot print clay kit
A kit lets the family capture tiny hands or feet in a frame, which is a sweet memento of the year. Follow the drying instructions closely, and try it when the baby is calm.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For godparents
A thank-you for taking on a special role.
For a new godparentA godparent keepsake bracelet
A simple bracelet engraved with a short message is a thoughtful way to say thank you. Check the clasp and size, and keep the gift receipt in the box.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For a heartfelt thank-youA framed godparent print
A print with a short poem or the child’s name makes a lasting token for the wall. Choose a standard frame size and confirm the wording before it is printed.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For a warm welcome to the roleA godparent mug and card set
A mug with a short message and a card from the parents is a friendly, low-key present. Wash it by hand if it has a printed design, and check the size is suitable for a normal cup of tea.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Customs differ
Christening traditions vary between families, churches and faiths, and naming days are usually more informal. If you are unsure what suits the occasion, ask the parents.
Baby products
For soft toys and other baby items, look for the UKCA or CE mark and the age guidance on the label.
FAQ: questions people ask
What is a traditional christening gift?
Silver is the classic, such as an engraved cup, spoon or money box. Many people also give a Bible, a book of prayers or a small keepsake box. The idea is to give something that can be kept for years and perhaps passed on later.
How much should I spend on a christening gift?
There is no fixed amount. Friends and relatives often choose something modest, while godparents tend to spend a little more. Pick what feels right for your budget and your relationship, because a thoughtful, personal item matters more than the price.
What should a godparent give?
Many godparents give a lasting keepsake, such as an engraved item, a special book or a savings contribution. Others give a small gift at the christening and mark each birthday or Christmas with a book. Ask the parents if they have a preference.
Is it okay to give money at a christening?
Yes, many families welcome a gift towards a savings account for the child. If you do, put it in a card with a short message so it feels personal. You could also add a small keepsake to go with it.
What can I give if I cannot go to the christening?
Send a gift to the parents’ home with a card, ideally in the week before or after the day. A personalised item such as a blanket, book or keepsake box is easy to post and makes the child feel included.
