What to Give for a Baptism Gift: 11 Thoughtful Ideas

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Baptisms are joyous celebrations of faith, and as with any celebration, it’s always nice to bring a special gift. Maybe your friend, godchild, or baby niece or nephew is getting baptized, and you don’t know what exactly to bring them. No worries because we’ve got the best, most thoughtful gift ideas for any and all baptisms! Keep reading to learn what gifts are customary to give at a baptism.

Things You Should Know

Gift a cross necklace, cross bracelet, or other piece of religious jewelry.
A prayer book, baptism book, or personalized bible also makes a wonderful gift.
Your gift doesn't have to be a material thing. Playing a song at the baptism or donating to the family's church are also great gifts.

1

Rosary

Rosaries are not only prayer tools but beautiful keepsakes. These beads are symbols of protection and faith in the Roman Catholic Church.^{[1]
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Research source} A rosary can be the baptism gift that keeps on giving for a baby or young child, as they can use their beads to pray for years to come.
- Make the present even more special by customizing the rosary. Have a sweet message or “Baby’s First Rosary” carved into one of the beads.^{[2]
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2

Children’s baptism book

Picture books can help children learn about their religion. Head to a Christian bookstore or go online and find a book about baptism. If you’re attending the baptism of a baby, they won’t be able to read the gift themselves just yet, but it can be read to them. The pictures and story can help children learn about their faith and start understanding religious terms for years to come.^{[3]
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- Who says someone has to be a child to enjoy a picture book? Consider gifting a children’s baptism book to adults as well—they’re young at heart, after all!

3

Personalized baby blanket

Baby blankets are practical and lifetime keepsakes. What baby doesn’t need more blankets? This gift is useful for the family and can become a staple in the child’s life as they grow. Have the blanket customized with the child’s name, baptism date, and perhaps a specific Bible verse.^{[4]
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Research source} Consider having one of these verses embroidered on the blanket:
- ”Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)^{[5]
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- ”Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 28:19)^{[6]
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- ”For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)^{[7]
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4

Engraved photo frame

Photo frames are a beautiful way to display memories from a special day. Find a frame that says “Baptism,” or have one customized at a local craft or Christian store. Put the baptized person's name, baptism date, and/or even a Bible verse on the frame—make it unique and special to them! Then, at the baptism, have a group picture taken so the memories can live on for years to come.
- If you’re not a religious person yourself, this is the perfect gift! The frame doesn’t have to have anything religious-specific on it. A name or thoughtful quote is enough to make it special.

5

Cross necklace, pendant, or bracelet

Religious jewelry is a perfect long-lasting gift that’s simple yet thoughtful. To Christians, a cross symbolizes faith.^{[8]
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Research source} Gifting a cross necklace, pendant, or bracelet is a great way to honor the baptized person’s religion and beliefs. They can wear their cross with pride for the rest of their life!
- Consider choosing a silver piece of jewelry, as silver often represents prosperity for a new beginning.

6

Personalized Bible

A Bible is a great way to encourage faith and a religious practice. Show support for your friend, godchild, or family member by giving them a customized Bible after the baptism. Pick a Bible that’s appropriate for their age, like a beginner’s or young adult’s Bible. For an extra personal touch, have their name embossed on the front of the cover with the date of their baptism.^{[9]
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- There are many different versions of the Bible, so check with the baptized person's family or church to see which text they’ll study the most.^{[10]
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7

Prayer book

Prayer or devotional books help guide future religious studies. Individual study is often paired with church services and group activities in the Christian faith. Devotional books provide a prayer or scripture to study each day, making them an excellent gift for someone devoted to their faith.^{[11]
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- Pick a devotional book that aligns with the person’s interests and personality. Books about devotions for women or morning prayer and reflection are great options.

8

Religious artwork

A piece of religious artwork can be a beautiful addition to a Christian home. Gift the baptized person with a cross they can mount on their wall or a painting featuring a scene from the Bible. This way, they can have a symbol of their faith in any room they’d like!
- Try to match the artwork with the baptized person’s decor and personality. For instance, if a baby is being baptized, consider gifting a piece of art that matches the colors of their nursery.

9

Donation

Making a financial contribution to the church shows you care about them. Although baptism is a sacrament for an individual’s faith, it also celebrates the people surrounding them. The baptized person's family and congregation will be their religious support system from here on out, so consider making a generous donation to help fund their religious journey.
- Try calling the church to see what projects or fundraisers you can specifically help with.
- This gift is great for older children and adults, but it can also show support for a religious family baptizing their baby.

10

Help with the reception

Your time, assistance, and culinary skills are an incredibly thoughtful gift. Planning a baptism and a reception can be time-consuming and taxing. Reach out to the family and see how you can help support them. Sometimes, something as simple as a casserole or cheese platter can mean the world!
- Offer to pay for catering if there will be lots of people attending the baptism and reception.
- If you aren’t comfortable giving a religious gift, this is a perfect idea.

11

Get creative at the baptism

Playing music or taking photos at a baptism is a unique and thoughtful gift. Who says your gift has to be tangible? If you’re musically inclined or have a photographic eye, consider offering your artistic talents at the celebration for free. Bring your guitar, play the church’s piano, or give the family a complimentary photoshoot. Donating your talents can help make the day even more memorable.