Christening Gift Ideas (UK): Keepsakes That Last

The best christening gifts in the UK are keepsakes that last: a children's Bible, an engraved box, a christening candle, a photo frame, or a letter for the child to open when they are older. Jewellery works as a keepsake to put away or as a gift for mum; babies should not wear it.

What makes a good christening gift?

A baby will not remember the day, so the gift is really for two people: the parents now, and the child in fifteen years. Good christening gifts tend to:

• Last. Something that can sit on a shelf or in a memory box for years.
• Carry the date or a verse. It links the object to the day.
• Be safe. Nothing small, sharp or breakable that a baby could get hold of.
• Be easy to store. Parents of a new baby are short of space.

Christening gift ideas

A children's Bible

A well-illustrated children's Bible is used from toddlerhood to bedtime stories at seven or eight. Write a dedication inside the front cover with the christening date and your name.

An engraved keepsake box

A wooden or tin box for the christening certificate, cards, a lock of hair or the order of service. Engraving the name and date makes it personal. Order early, because engraving adds time.

A christening candle

Many churches give the family a candle during the service. A decorated candle that the family can light again on the anniversary of the christening is a lovely tradition to start.

A photo frame or album

A frame for the christening photograph, or an album the family can fill in. Simple and always used.

A letter for when they are older

Write a letter about the day, why you were there and what you hope for them, sealed with "to open on your 18th birthday" (or confirmation, if the family expects one). Godparents often find this the most meaningful thing they give.

Savings or a book to grow into

A contribution to the child's savings, or a classic book with a dedication, are practical gifts parents appreciate.

Can you give jewellery as a christening gift?

You can, but think carefully about who will wear it. Necklaces, small charms and anything containing glass are not safe for babies or young children to wear: they are a choking and strangulation risk. If you want to give jewellery:

• Give it as a keepsake for later. Explain in the card that it is for the parents to keep until the child is old enough.
• Give it to mum. A small piece she can wear on the day, as a reminder of her child's baptism, is a thoughtful gift for a new mother.

Our Mustard Seed Faith Necklace fits the second idea well. It is a clear glass vial about 2.3 cm tall holding one real mustard seed, sealed with a cork stopper, with a small round stainless-steel charm stamped "faith" at the chain end. The chain is polished stainless steel in a silver tone (not sterling silver), 45 cm with a 5 cm extender. It costs £16.99 with free tracked UK delivery. It is made for adults and older children, never for a baby to wear.

How much should you spend on a christening gift?

There is no fixed amount and no official guide. Spend what you can comfortably afford. Godparents often give a little more, or plan a small gift each year, but a guest bringing a card and a modest present is completely normal. If you would like to give money, a card with a contribution towards the child's savings is welcome.

What to write in a christening card

Keep it warm and simple. For example:

• "Welcome to God's family, little one. With love and prayers on your christening day."
• "We are so happy to share this day with you. May you always know how loved you are."
• From a godparent: "I promise to pray for you, to be there for you, and to cheer you on. With all my love."

A blessing many families love, from the Old Testament:

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24–26 (KJV)

Christening or baptism: does the gift change?

In the Church of England, "christening" and "baptism" usually mean the same service for a baby. The gift ideas above suit both. If the person being baptised is an adult, the ideas are different; see our guide to adult baptism gifts.

Ordering for a christening date

If the christening is on a fixed date, check the delivery estimate on our shipping page and order with a margin. We deliver to UK addresses only.

More guides: what godparents give for confirmation and all our gift guides.

Quick answers

What is a good christening gift in the UK? A children's Bible, an engraved keepsake box, a christening candle, a photo frame, or a letter to open when they are older.

Is jewellery a suitable christening gift? Only as a keepsake for the parents to put away, or as a gift for mum. Necklaces and small charms are not safe for babies or young children to wear.

How much should I spend on a christening gift? There is no fixed amount. Give what you can comfortably afford; a card and a modest gift are normal for guests.

What should I write in a christening card? A short welcome and blessing, such as "Welcome to God's family, with love and prayers", and perhaps Numbers 6:24–26.

Last updated: 23 October 2026.