How Much to Give for a Christening in Australia
A christening or baptism gift in Australia is usually a keepsake, something the child can keep or grow into, or a contribution to their future, rather than a big cash gift. Godparents traditionally give something a little more significant, while other guests give a smaller, thoughtful present or a card with a modest amount.
The A$ ranges below are a realistic guide. What you give depends most on your role, godparents sit at the top of the range, and on how close you are to the family.
How much to give for a christening gift
Most guests give in these ranges (AUD), with godparents and grandparents typically at the higher end:
| Your relationship | Typical gift (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Immediate family | A$50–A$200 |
| Extended family | A$50–A$100 |
| Close friend | A$50–A$100 |
| Friend | A$30–A$80 |
| Colleague or acquaintance | A$20–A$50 |
These are typical AUD ranges, not a required amount. A meaningful keepsake or a small contribution to the child's savings is always appreciated.
What changes how much you give
- Whether you're a godparent, godparents traditionally give a more significant or keepsake gift.
- How close you are to the family, grandparents and godparents give more than a family friend.
- Whether you give a keepsake or money, a christening gift is often a lasting item (a silver piece, a children's book, an engraved keepsake) or a contribution to the child's savings.
- Whether the parents have suggested a registry or a savings fund.
- Your own budget, a thoughtful keepsake need not be expensive.
Worked examples
You're a godparent
Around A$100–200, the higher end of the immediate-family range, or a lasting keepsake or a contribution to the child's savings of similar value. Godparents traditionally mark the occasion more significantly.
A close friend of the parents
Around A$50–100. A keepsake gift or a card with a modest amount towards the child's future is thoughtful and appropriate.
A colleague or more distant relative
Around A$20–50. A children's book, a soft toy, or a small keepsake with a warm card hits the right note.
Christening gift etiquette: do's & don'ts
Do
- Consider a keepsake, christening gifts are often things kept for years, a silver piece, an engraved item, or a special book.
- Think about the child's future, a contribution to a savings account or a bond is a practical, lasting gift.
- Give a little more if you're a godparent, it's traditional to mark the role.
- Include a card the family can keep with the christening mementos.
Don't
- Don't feel you must give cash, a thoughtful keepsake is often more fitting for a christening.
- Don't overspend if you're a general guest, a modest, meaningful gift is perfect.
- Don't forget to check whether the parents prefer contributions to savings over physical gifts.
- Don't stress about matching what godparents give, their role is different from yours.
Related reading: How much to give: the full guide, Gift amount calculator, How much to give at a baby shower.
Christening gift FAQ
Most guests give between about A$20 and A$100, with godparents and grandparents often giving A$100–200 or a keepsake of similar value. Give what suits your relationship to the family and your budget.
Godparents traditionally sit at the higher end of the family range, around A$100–200, giving a more significant or lasting gift or a contribution to the child's savings of similar value. A meaningful gift matters more than the exact figure.
Either is welcome. A traditional keepsake is treasured, while money into a savings account or a bond is a practical gift for the child's future and increasingly common. If unsure, a keepsake with a card is a safe, thoughtful choice.
If they've set up a registry or a savings fund, following it is easy and ensures your gift is something they want. Many families are happy with either a keepsake or a contribution, so a registry simply removes the guesswork.
Setting up a christening registry?
Add keepsakes and essentials from any store, or a savings fund for the child's future, and share one link. It's free to create.