Christening gifts and baptism keepsakes
The best christening gifts are keepsakes the child will keep for life, such as a children's bible, an engraved mug or a certificate holder, or a contribution to their savings. Godparents usually give the most lasting piece, and a card with a note to the child suits every gift.
What to give for a christening or baptism
A christening or baptism gift is less about what a baby needs this month and more about something they will keep. Think of three kinds of gift: a keepsake (silver, pewter or a box for their first tooth and curl), something tied to the family's faith (a children's bible or a cross to wear when older) and something practical for the years ahead (a savings fund or an outfit for the day).
If the parents have set up a christening registry, buy from it or add to its wishing well; they chose those things for a reason. If the family is not particularly religious, or is holding a naming day instead, keepsakes and savings work just as well. Leave out the faith gifts unless you know they would be welcome.
If you visited with a gift when the baby was born, a christening gift can be smaller or more personal.
Godparent gifts
Being asked to be a godparent is an honour, so choose a gift with some weight to it: something with the child's name and the date, made to last, that they will find in a drawer at 21 and still want. For what to spend, see how much to give at a christening; this page sticks to ideas, and the gift ideas by occasion hub covers other celebrations.
- Jewellery to keep for later: a cross, medallion or bracelet they can wear when they are older.
- An engraved silver or pewter piece: a christening mug, a money box or a first tooth and curl box.
- A children's bible with a written dedication inside the front cover.
- A letter to open at 18, telling them about the day and why you said yes.
- A first savings account or a contribution to one, topped up on birthdays if you like.
- If you are not sure about the family's faith, ask the parents before choosing a religious gift.
Christening gift ideas by budget
Prices were checked on Australian retailer sites in October 2026 and change often. Use the examples to judge the band.
Under $50
- Children's bible: A simple, sturdy edition they can grow into. One was about $19.99 at Koorong, Oct 2026.
- Illustrated children's bible: A hardback with pictures for reading together.
- Photo frame for the day: A silver-look frame with a cross detail, for a photo from the ceremony.
- Baby keepsake book: Somewhere for the parents to record firsts, including the christening. One was about $12 at Target, Oct 2026.
- Soft toy in a keepsake box: A classic storybook character in a box that keeps it nice.
- Board book with a dedication: A classic picture book with a note from you inside.
- Baby photo album: For the ceremony photos and the ones that follow.
$50 to $100
- Certificate holder: Keeps the baptism certificate safe and on display.
- First tooth and curl box: A small silver-plated box for two of the first keepsakes.
- Musical box: A small music box for the nursery shelf.
- Cross pendant to keep for later: An adult-size pendant put away until they are old enough to wear it.
- Adventure bible for early readers: A bible they can read on their own in a few years.
$100 to $250
- Christening plate and mug set: A china set made for the occasion.
- Money box: A keepsake and a first lesson in saving.
- Baby bracelet: A small bracelet for special days. Ask in store whether engraving is available.
- Christening outfit: Something to wear on the day, if the parents have not chosen one yet. Check with them first.
- Pewter christening mug: A keepsake made to last, boxed. A Royal Selangor christening mug in a gift box was about $239 at David Jones, Oct 2026.
- Heirloom blanket: A soft blanket that becomes the one they drag everywhere.
$250 or more (best as a group gift)
- Engraved gold bracelet or bangle: A piece from a jeweller with the child's name and the date. Prices depend on the gold weight, so get a quote before the family pools for it.
- A savings fund for later: Godparents, grandparents and extended family put money towards one fund for school, a first car or travel at 18. Good for a family who already has plenty of baby things.
Engraving and timing
- Engraving takes time. Check the shop's engraving and delivery time when you order, or give the gift on the day with a note that the engraving is coming.
- Keep it short: first name, the date and the church or place if it fits.
- Check the spelling of the name with the parents. It is the one mistake you cannot fix.
- Bring the gift to the lunch or morning tea after the ceremony rather than into the church.
Pool for one keepsake or a savings fund
Godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can pool towards one lasting gift, such as a gold bracelet or a savings fund for when the child turns 18, instead of a pile of small toys they will outgrow.
- Create a free registry for the occasion.
- Add a wishing well.
- Share one link with everyone who wants to chip in.
- Buy the gift once you know the total.
Setting up a registry with a wishing well is free. Guests can chip in by bank transfer, in cash or in store with no EasyRegistry fee. Card and PayPal contributions are a Premium feature ($39 one time), and card funds are released when the registry closes.
How a group gift wishing well works, and how much to ask each person for
Christening gift FAQ
There is no set figure, and it depends on what you can afford and how close you are to the family. Our separate guide to how much to give at a christening covers this, so it is not repeated here. A thoughtful keepsake matters more than its price.
Yes. A contribution to the child's savings is a practical gift, especially from godparents or grandparents. If the parents have set up a christening registry with a wishing well, contribute there and add a card with a note to the child.
A card is the minimum, and a small gift or keepsake is a kind addition. If you are close family or a godparent, choose something more lasting. If the invitation says no gifts, a card is enough.
Most keepsakes suit any child: bibles, frames, money boxes, mugs and savings funds. Clothing and some jewellery are the exceptions, so check with the parents if you are buying an outfit.
The same keepsakes work without the religious pieces: an engraved mug or money box, a keepsake book, a photo frame from the day, or a contribution to their savings.
Keep it simple: welcome them, wish them a happy life and, if you are a godparent, say you will be there for them. Two or three warm sentences are enough.
Planning a christening?
Create a free registry for the christening so family and godparents can see what you would like, with a wishing well for a savings fund.