Gifts for an Infant Baptism
Infant baptism, also known as christening, is the Christian practice of baptizing babies into the Christian faith. When an infant is baptized, it's customary for parents to send out invitations to friends and family to share in the celebration of the event. Although not everyone is able to attend a baby's baptismal service, it's important to recognize this special event by sending a card and gift. Often people who receive invitations to a baby's baptism aren't sure what gifts would be suitable or appreciated. Because a baby won't remember his baptism, it's important to choose a gift that is also for the parents as a sign of your congratulations and support in the child's spiritual development.
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Catholic Baptism Gifts
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There are many Catholic gift and book stores where you can find gifts for infants being baptized. Popular gift items include crosses, rosaries, baptismal gowns, religious pictures and socks. For people living in areas where there isn't a Catholic store nearby, there are many online sites for ordering gifts.
Gifts for Protestant Baptisms
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Christian book stores are an excellent source for finding gifts. Except for rosary beads or items specific to Catholic theology, most gifts intended for Catholic infant baptisms can be used for babies baptized into a Protestant faith, although a few differences do exist. For example, less liturgical denominations, such as Methodists refer more to Jesus as the good shepherd, placing more of an emphasis on Jesus rather than God.
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Jewelry
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Jewelry gifts can be a treasured keepsake enjoyed not only by the recipient but also by those who receive them as they're passed down in families. Although a baby may not be old enough to wear jewelry, she'll appreciate items such as bracelets and necklaces commemorating her baptism when she grows older. There are specially made necklaces and bracelets intended for christening gifts which may include gold or silver-plated crosses, besides other religious symbols.
Bibles and Books
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There are various children's bibles from which to choose such as "The Children's Everyday Bible." Baby bibles are usually gifts given by godparents. Many bibles for babies are made of lace and eyelet covers for an ideal baby keepsake. The book, "Today I Was Baptized," written by Dianne Ahern, relates the story of a baby's baptism including information about the history of baptism and traditions linked to it. The book also allows parents a page for recording the details for their baby's special day.
Homemade Gift Ideas
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A homemade gift can be treasured not only by the parents, but also by the baby as he grows up and begins to appreciate the significance of his baptism. A baby's baptism can be remembered by gluing a picture of the baptism on a plaque, with a copy of the baptismal certificate or invitation to the baptism. An old shoebox can be converted into a baptism keepsake box for filling with photos, cards, a christening gown and other keepsakes. Filling a shadow box with mementos is another crafty gift idea.
Cross Stitched Heirlooms
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One of the most cherished keepsakes is one in which the giver takes the time to cross stitch an heirloom. Many needlework stores sell cross stitch kits where stitchers can stitch the name of the baby and date of the baptism after the design is stitched. In addition to using commercial charts and kits, stitchers who have computerized cross stitch software can easily convert a picture into a chart for cross stitching.
Considerations and Warning
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The subject of when to baptize a child has continued to be a hotly debated topic throughout the centuries with some denominations contending infant baptism doesn't line up with Scripture. The denominations that practice infant baptism include those such as Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterian, Methodists and others. On the other hand, other denominations such as Baptists and Pentecostals oppose the practice of baptizing babies. When receiving an invitation to an infant baptism, it's better to acknowledge it, offering your prayers and a card or gift rather that argue any opposing theological beliefs.
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