What Kind of Gifts Should Be Given for a Baptism?

Baptism gifts offer keepsakes for a child's first religious event.

Baptismal gifts commemorate a child's first religious event and may be cherished for many years. When choosing a gift, consider the child's age. Gifts such as personalized Bibles, religious jewelry, savings bonds or savings accounts make wonderful keepsakes for children of various ages, while a crib medal, baptismal blanket or bib is appropriate for a baby's baptism.

A Bible

A personalized Bible imprinted with the child's name and baptismal date is a wonderful way to commemorate a baptism and may be appropriate for babies and children of all ages. Many children's bibles are filled with colorful illustrations that may enhance scriptures and stories. A Bible may be used for Sunday school and is a keepsake that will be cherished for many years.

Religious Jewelry

Religious jewelry such as crosses are beautiful keepsakes to honor a special day. Close family, godparents or grandparents may choose a 14k or 18k gold cross with the baptism date engraved on the back to commemorate the day. The size of the cross should vary depending on a child's age.

Religious jewelry for babies and young children may also include baptismal bracelets. Many come in sterling silver and include cross charms with cultured pearls and crystal accents. These bracelets may be personalized with the child's name. A less expensive, yet equally appreciated gift may include a sterling silver charm depicting a baptismal scene with the child's name or baptism date engraved on the back.

Savings Bonds or Savings Account

Savings bonds are great for children of any age. Savings bonds may be purchased at most financial institutions in various denominations with the child's name. Placing the bond in the child's name would require the child to have a social security number, which is available to any U.S. citizen upon birth.

A savings account opened with money deposited in the child's name is a good alternative to a savings bond. A savings account also allows the giver to deposit money on other special occasions such as birthdays or Christmas to help build towards a college education.

A Crib Medal

A crib medal is a distinctive keepsake for a baby's baptism and may be cherished for many years. A sterling silver crib medal is designed to hang on a baby's crib and usually depicts images of guardian angels, which are meant to protect and watch over the sleeping baby. Crib medals may be presented in a silver or wooden keepsake box, which bears the child's name and baptism date.

References

• Baptism and Christening Keepsakes: Personalized Child's Bilble
• Obyrne Religious Goods: Crib Medal