Christmas Gifts for a Godchild (UK): Ideas by Age
Good Christmas gifts for a godchild depend on their age: a keepsake decoration or a board-book Bible for a baby, a storybook Bible or nativity set for a primary-school child, subtle faith jewellery or a journal for a teenager, and a letter or a meal together for an adult godchild. Many godparents add one decoration each year.
Do godparents give Christmas presents every year?
There is no rule. Some godparents give a present every Christmas until their godchild turns 18; others send a card and save gifts for birthdays and milestones like confirmation. What matters most is staying in touch. If money is tight, a card with a handwritten note each year is a lovely habit, and it is what many godchildren remember.
Christmas gift ideas by age
Babies and toddlers
At this age the gift is really for the family to keep.
- A "baby's first Christmas" or nativity decoration, dated, to hang every year.
- A board-book Bible or nativity story that can survive being chewed.
- A soft toy from the nativity: a sheep, a donkey or a star.
- Something for their keepsake box, such as a dated ornament or a letter.
Avoid jewellery and anything small for babies and toddlers: small parts are a choking risk.
Primary-school age (around 4 to 11)
- A storybook Bible with good illustrations, to read at bedtime.
- An Advent activity, such as a calendar with Bible readings or a nativity to build day by day.
- A wooden or fabric nativity set they are allowed to play with.
- A Christian picture book or chapter book you have read first.
- A trip together, such as a carol service, a Christmas play or a walk to see the lights.
Teenagers
Teenagers usually prefer something subtle that does not feel babyish.
- A small piece of faith jewellery they can wear to school or at weekends.
- A journal or a journalling Bible.
- A devotional written for teenagers.
- A gift card for a bookshop, with a note suggesting something you have enjoyed.
- Money towards a youth camp or festival.
Our guide to Christian gifts for teenage girls has more ideas.
Adult godchildren
The relationship changes, but it does not have to stop.
- A letter, telling them what you have prayed for them over the years.
- A meal or a coffee in the Christmas holidays.
- A book you think they will value.
- A piece of faith jewellery for a goddaughter or godson who wears it.
- Something for their home, such as a framed verse or a decoration for their first tree.
Start a Christmas tradition
Small traditions make godparents part of a child's Christmas memories.
- One decoration a year. By 18 they have a box full to take to their own home.
- A Christmas book each year, with a dedication inside.
- A carol service together, followed by a hot chocolate.
- A yearly letter, kept in an envelope for when they are older.
What to write in a godchild's Christmas card
Keep it personal:
- "Happy Christmas to my wonderful godson. I'm praying for you this year and every year."
- "So proud to be your godmother. Have a joyful Christmas."
A Christmas verse to add:
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (KJV)
If you are considering a necklace
For a teenage or adult godchild, our Mustard Seed Faith Necklace is a small gift with a story. 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 is £16.99 with free tracked UK delivery, and each necklace ships free if you are buying for several godchildren. It is for older children and adults only.
Delivery times are estimates and December is busy for every carrier. Check our shipping page and order early.
More ideas: Christian Christmas gifts under £20, church Secret Santa gift ideas, what godparents give for confirmation and all our gift guides.
Quick answers
What should I buy my godchild for Christmas? It depends on age: a dated decoration or board-book Bible for a baby, a storybook Bible or nativity for a young child, subtle jewellery or a journal for a teen, and a letter or meal for an adult.
Do godparents have to buy Christmas presents? No. Many do, but a card with a handwritten note each year is a lovely alternative.
Until what age do godparents give Christmas presents? There is no fixed age. Many godparents give presents until 18 and then switch to a card, a letter or a meal together.
What is a good Christmas tradition for a godchild? One decoration a year, a Christmas book with a dedication, or going to a carol service together.
Last updated: 23 October 2026.