What Do Godparents Give for Confirmation? UK Guide

There is no fixed rule for what godparents give for confirmation in the UK. Common choices are a Bible or prayer book, a cross or a small piece of faith jewellery, a keepsake, money towards something they want, or a letter to keep. Most godparents pair one of these with a card saying they will keep praying for their godchild.

Is a godparent expected to give a confirmation gift?

Not formally. Nothing in the service requires it, and no family should feel a godparent owes them a present. In practice most godparents do mark the day, because it is the moment their godchild says the promises that were made for them at their baptism. That link is worth mentioning in your card. If money is tight, a letter and your presence at the service mean a great deal.

What is the godparent's role at confirmation?

It depends on the church. In the Catholic Church, each candidate has a sponsor, who stands behind them and places a hand on their shoulder during the confirmation. The Church encourages candidates to choose one of their baptismal godparents as sponsor where possible, so you may be asked. The sponsor is expected to be a confirmed, practising Catholic.

In the Church of England, customs vary by parish. Some candidates have sponsors who stand with them; others simply invite their godparents to come and celebrate. If you are unsure, ask the family or the parish what they would like you to do on the day.

Popular confirmation gifts from godparents

A Bible or prayer book

A Bible of their own is the classic choice, especially a well-made edition they will keep. A journalling Bible suits someone who likes to write. Catholic godparents often give a prayer book, a missal or a rosary. Check with the parents first in case the parish already gives candidates a Bible.

A cross or faith jewellery

A small cross, a medal of their confirmation saint, or a mustard seed pendant are all traditional. Choose something plain enough to wear every day. A verse to go with it gives the gift a story they can explain.

A keepsake

An engraved box, a framed verse or a photo frame for the confirmation picture. Keepsakes suit a godchild who is less likely to wear jewellery.

Money or a contribution

Many godparents give money, either on its own or tucked inside a card with a smaller gift. For an older teenager, a contribution towards a youth weekend, a summer camp or driving lessons can feel more grown-up than another object.

A letter

A letter is the gift godchildren most often keep. Tell them what you remember from their baptism, what you have prayed for them since, and what you hope for them now.

How much should a godparent spend?

There is no standard amount, and you will not find an official figure. Spend what you can comfortably afford. Some godparents agree a rough budget with the other godparents so nobody feels outdone. A thoughtful small gift with a letter is always enough.

Gifts for a goddaughter or a godson

The ideas above work for both. For a goddaughter, a small pendant or a journalling Bible is popular; our guide to confirmation gifts for girls has more ideas. For a godson, think about a plain cross on a chain or cord, a sturdy Bible cover, a good pen with a notebook, or money towards something he is saving for.

What about an adult godchild?

Adults are sometimes confirmed later in life, and a godparent may still want to mark it. A study Bible, a book by a writer they admire, a framed verse or a meal together all suit an adult. A letter matters just as much at 35 as it does at 13.

What to write in a confirmation card from a godparent

Mention the promise you made at their baptism and the one they are making now. For example:

• "When you were baptised, I promised to pray for you. Today you made those promises for yourself. I couldn't be prouder."
• "However far away I am, I'm still praying for you. Love from your godmother."

A verse that suits a godparent's card:

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4 (KJV)

If you are considering a necklace

Our Mustard Seed Faith Necklace is a clear glass vial about 2.3 cm tall holding one real mustard seed, sealed with a cork stopper. A small round stainless-steel charm stamped "faith" sits 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 14-day returns. The verse behind it is Matthew 17:20; our page on what a mustard seed necklace means explains it so you can write it in the card.

If the confirmation is soon, check the current delivery estimate on our shipping page.

More ideas: Christening gift ideas and all our gift guides.

Quick answers

What do godparents usually give for confirmation? A Bible or prayer book, a cross or faith jewellery, a keepsake, money, or a letter. Many give one of these with a card.

Do godparents have to buy a confirmation present? No. It is a custom, not a rule. A letter and coming to the service are enough if money is tight.

How much should a godparent spend on a confirmation gift? There is no set figure. Give what you can comfortably afford, and agree a rough budget with the other godparents if that helps.

Can a godparent be the confirmation sponsor? In the Catholic Church a baptismal godparent is encouraged to be the sponsor if they are a confirmed, practising Catholic. In the Church of England the custom varies by parish.

Last updated: 23 October 2026.