In Ukrainian tradition, godparents, known as kuma and kum, are almost family: they are chosen as a child's godparents and the bond lasts a lifetime. So a gift for them should be warm and thoughtful rather than formal. Here are gift ideas for a godmother and godfather for birthdays, christenings, from their godchild or simply as a thank-you, plus flowers, card messages and what to avoid. What godparents give the child is covered in christening gift ideas.
Ideas for different occasions; sincerity matters most.
Gift ideas for a godmother
Your child's godmother is someone you entrusted with what matters most, so her gift should show care. Consider jewellery with an initial or the christening date, a spa or manicure voucher, a lovely throw, a tea or coffee set, a scented candle, a book or a houseplant. For a keen baker, a quality cake tin or a coffee machine.
If the godmother is a close friend or your sister, feel free to choose something more personal, like a spa day, a photo shoot or a trip together. Ideas for sisters are in gift ideas for a sister.
Gift ideas for a godfather
A godfather will appreciate a leather wallet or belt, an engraved pen, a grill set, a flask, a multitool, a good knife, or an accessory for his car or hobby: fishing, sport, travel. Tickets to a match or concert you can attend together are a great option.
A gift for godparents as a couple
If the godparents are a married couple, one shared gift works well: a restaurant or couples’ spa voucher, concert tickets, engraved glasses, a throw with a hamper of treats for cosy evenings, or a framed photo with their godchild. For their wedding anniversary or housewarming, a gift like this from your family feels especially warm.
Godparents and parents often exchange gifts on big holidays too. For New Year and Christmas — a tree ornament with the godchild’s photo, a tea or coffee set, home baking. For Easter — a basket with Easter bread and eggs painted with the child. On 8 March a godmother gets a spring bouquet and a small gift, and a godfather on men’s holidays gets an accessory or treat for his hobby.
Christening gifts and gifts from the godchild
At a christening, parents often give the godparents symbolic thank-you gifts: embroidered towels, an icon, candles, engraved jewellery or an album. Later, on the godparents' birthdays, the most touching gifts come from the godchild: a drawing, a handmade card, a framed photo or a photo book of shared moments. For warm words, see our christening toasts.
Flowers for godparents
A godmother will love soft pastel bouquets of roses, lisianthus, gypsophila, hydrangeas or wildflower-style arrangements. A godfather suits a restrained boxed arrangement or a basket of treats. If giving on behalf of the godchild, add a small card with their drawing or signature.
What to write in the card
Dear godmother, thank you for being there at our family's most important moments. You're the best godmother we could wish for! or Thank you for your support and steady shoulder. May your life hold as much joy as you give our little one. A signature from the godchild makes the card special.
What to avoid
Avoid overly expensive gifts that oblige them to reciprocate, cash with no personal touch, generic supermarket gift sets and anything hinting at age or looks. More ideas for family and friends are in our gift ideas section.
Flowers and gifts for godparents delivered
Congratulate your child's godparents even if you can't visit: we deliver a bouquet, a gift basket or an arrangement across Kyiv.
What should I give my child's godmother for her birthday?
Initial jewellery, a spa voucher, a throw or tea set, a book, a houseplant and flowers.
What should I give my child's godfather?
A leather accessory, a grill set, a multitool, hobby gear or match tickets.
What do parents give godparents at a christening?
Symbolic thank-you gifts: embroidered towels, an icon, candles, engraved jewellery or an album.
What can a godchild give the godparents?
A drawing, a handmade card, a framed photo, a photo book or a video greeting.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
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