A christening is one of the most touching family celebrations. Christening gifts blend tradition and practicality: godparents traditionally give symbolic items, while guests bring things the baby and parents will use. Here is what the godmother and godfather give, which gifts suit guests, what to give the parents, which flowers to choose and what to avoid. Ideas for mums-to-be: gifts for a pregnant woman. For more ideas, see new baby gift ideas.
The traditional split; families often agree their own arrangements.
What godparents give
Traditionally the godmother buys the kryzhma, the white cloth the baby is wrapped in after immersion in the font. It is kept for life as a charm. The godmother often also gives the christening gown or outfit, a bonnet or cap, and an embroidered towel.
The godfather gives the baptismal cross on a chain or cord and often pays for the ceremony. A lovely gift from the godparents is an icon of the child's patron saint. How to thank the godparents afterwards is covered in gifts for godparents.
Christening gifts from guests
A classic guest gift is a silver spoon for the first tooth, which becomes a family heirloom. Practical options include clothes to grow into, a blanket, a bedding set, a hooded towel, a play mat or a shape sorter. Keepsakes work too: a personalised birth certificate print, a box for the first curl and tooth, a photo album.
Money in a nice envelope is also appropriate, especially with a wish for the baby. If you don't know what the parents need, just ask; they are usually happy to share a list.
Gifts for parents and flowers
Don't forget mum and dad: the day brings them joy and nerves alike. A gentle bouquet for mum, a photo shoot voucher, a My christening album or a keepsake box make warm gestures. For flowers, choose pale shades without a strong scent: roses, hydrangeas, lisianthus or gypsophila.
What to write in the card
May your guardian angel always watch over you and your life be as bright as this day. Or for the parents: Congratulations on your little one's christening! May they grow up healthy, happy and surrounded by love. For more warm words, see our christening toasts.
What not to give
Avoid toys with small parts, clothes that ignore season and size, strongly scented items and gifts for the adults instead of the child. Don't buy christening items if the godparents have already chosen them; agree in advance. For slightly older babies, see first birthday gift ideas.
Christening flowers and gifts delivered
Congratulate the family: we deliver a gentle bouquet for mum, a teddy bear for the baby or a gift basket across Kyiv.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas