Christening Gifts: Choice Features and List of Options

Christening is a religious ceremony that not many parents carry out according to the canons according to traditions. Usually this celebration follows some general scenario of baptism, but not everything is observed even in preparation for the rite. The choice of godparents does not always take place with an emphasis on the church-going nature of the candidates, on their readiness to become spiritual mentors of the godson. Close relatives and friends often become godparents.

The godparents have an honorable role on this day: they are called parents in the church's understanding of this word, they take on the mission of spiritual education of the godson. Nobody will remove this role from them, therefore it is worth considering whether you are ready for it. Traditionally, his "new" parents give the godson a cross. Nowhere is it written that it must be precious - such a requirement is inappropriate, it can only be a personal decision of the godparents.

Should I buy a christening chain or not? Usually there is no need for this, for the ceremony you need a strong thread and a cross, the chain is a decorative detail. In principle, a baby does not need it. There is also no single decision on who gives the cross, mother or father (godparents). Today it is more and more a joint gift. If the baby's parents already have a cross, which also happens, they need to notify the godparents about this. Before the beginning of the ceremony, the cross must be consecrated in the church, if you buy a product in a church shop - there is no such need.

And if there are no clear rules with the purchase of a cross, then the godfather usually pays for the baptism ritual. Of course, you should not interfere with the parents in the agreement of the godparents if they decide to split the spending in half. This is just a tradition, not so indestructible that the payment for the ceremony has some special meaning. Moreover, it happens that the child does not have a godfather (there is only a godmother), in which case the parents sometimes pay for the ritual.

Kryzhma (today it is often replaced by a baptismal towel) is usually given to the child by the baptized godmother. After the ceremony, the baby is wrapped in it, and then the kryzhma is prescribed to be kept and protected. Sometimes you can hear the advice that the baptismal towel should be applied to the baby during the days of illness.

It was about traditional gifts, without which the ceremony actually does not take place. The baptismal dress can be prepared by one's own parents, and godparents can also present it - today it is not so important. But gifts on this day are presented not only to a baby (or an older godson). For example, a husband can make a gift to his wife (the godson's dad is to his mother), because this is a significant day for her.

All those invited to the baptism usually give something to the baby. And this is not necessarily a thing related to religion, church themes. Although why not give the baby the first Bible on the day of baptism? If a child grows up in a church-going family, the gift will definitely come in handy.

Consider what else you can give your child.

• Silver spoon. This is a traditional gift: in some families it is given at birth, but most often the present is presented at the christening. Such a spoon may not have practical significance at all, but symbolically, this gift is pleasant.
• Outfits. It is always appropriate, you can replenish the baby's wardrobe, which his parents will appreciate. Epiphany is a bright holiday, therefore the outfits may not be as practical as they are solemn. Light dresses, white shirts, elegant hats - all this will emphasize the solemnity of the event.
• Toys. Developing games are suitable for kids, and older children can be presented with something traditional - a bear, a doll. You can order designer toys that are made with a touch of vintage. Any kid is pleased to receive a teddy / velvet bear in a beautiful box and with a set of outfits. Girls will always be delighted with a classic doll.

But when we talk about christening, we do not always mean that the ceremony concerns children. People decide to go to church, and as adults, this decision is usually deliberate and well thought out. Such people no longer need godparents, but this does not eliminate the need to congratulate a loved one on such an important event. An adult girl can be given white flowers on this day according to the season, it is always pleasant, and the day is really important, deserving such a compliment. Often, adults are given spiritual literature, icons, which is quite in the spirit of such an event. You can give the girl a dress or a skirt in which you can go to church, a shawl and a scarf.

A young man who has been baptized can be presented with a commemorative icon, a prayer book, a chain for a cross. In a word, it is absolutely not out of place to celebrate with a gift such an important day for a loved one, at whatever age he comes to this decision.

A reciprocal gift to godfathers is also a tradition. Souvenirs with a Christian theme seem to be a logical choice. Figures of angels, embroidered textiles are the traditional choice in this case. Often, icons are given to godparents, they are brought from holy places.

And a few more options for what you can give to godparents.

• Hotels. Do not know what gift will please godfathers, give sweets. Get two small baskets, fill them with goodies. Sweets, chocolate, cookies specially baked for this occasion, nuts, honey, jam - all this is appropriate and, with proper decoration, looks quite festive. If you put red wine in a basket of kumu and kume, it will not be overkill. Although, the emphasis on alcohol is definitely not worth it.
• White towels... This is not something traditional and original, but rather a small exchange between the godson and godparents. If they give the baby baptismal towels, then the parents can present the same gift to the godfathers. White is the color of purity, beginning, and yet for the intended parents today is a special day, the beginning of feeling oneself in a new role. Therefore, a white terry towel can become a symbol of some kind of renewal.
• Outfits... It is quite appropriate if such gifts do not seem excessive to you. You can give the godfather a new shirt (in which you can visit the temple), and the godmother - a dress. If you have chosen relatives as godfather, such gifts are welcome.
• Candles and candlesticks... All of this can often be bought in church shops.
• Do-it-yourself napkins and tablecloths. If you are really anxiously awaiting baptism, you will begin to prepare for it in advance. And a good gift for godfathers will be tablecloths or napkins, paths for the festive table, which you will knit yourself (embroider). It is, indeed, an expensive and unique gift.

But the main gift is still an invitation to a festive christening dinner (if you arrange it, of course). If you wish, you can arrange invitations, hand them in advance. You can arrange lunch at home, in a restaurant, or outside the city - all options are worth considering, there are no strict rules here either.

If you are arranging a holiday at home, all guests, without exception, can prepare in advance small bags (boxes, pouches) with treats that they will take home. As a rule, sweets, cookies, fruits, nuts are put in such bags, you can dessert jars of honey and jam.

If in your family, surrounded by it, it is customary to give gifts made with your own hands, this is great - you can only be envied. And christening is a reason to continue the tradition. This is a very intimate holiday, delicate, tender, because money in envelopes and certificates to specialized stores, although they will not be superfluous, do not go a little with the very mood of christening.

You can make many useful things with your own hands as a gift.

• Hats. If a child is still young, he most likely has a whole set of hats - for different weather, and for a different outfit. Today, there is a whole fashion for hats for babies: often these are retro models in which children resemble gnomes. Even not the most experienced knitters can knit such products. Present a whole set of hats to your baby - two light ones, two warmer. You can't buy such hats anywhere! Not a bad gift for a granddaughter from a grandmother. By the way, with good work, it can be inherited.
• Chair for babies. If the grandfather is a real master, then he will probably be able to master such a structure as a highchair. This will be a very valuable gift from my grandfather, a personalized one. By the way, a project can be a family project: grandfather makes a wooden structure, grandmother paints and decorates it. A truly exclusive gift will turn out!
• Commemorative toys... If someone in the family makes interior dolls, toys, then it is stupid not to use such a talent with regard to a gift for a child.Not all of these toys are for fun, but they are symbolically beautiful. Textile bears, hares and chanterelles will decorate the baby's room and will be a lovely reminder of the day of christening. Very often, such aroma toys are made: a bag is sewn into the belly of a hare or a bear, for example, with lavender or a mixture of soothing herbs. Placing the toy next to the baby's crib can help him fall asleep.
• Holiday sweets. A good gift if a special dessert is missing for a baptismal dinner. You can directly ask relatives or friends who are skillful at making sweets to give you a set of holiday cupcakes, gingerbread, make a cake or pie.
• Room decor. Another practical idea is that if the child's mother invites her friends to a christening, as a gift she can ask them to festively decorate the room where the gala dinner will be held. For this day to pass without a hitch, without a hitch, so that everything around corresponds to the solemnity of the event, the appropriate decor will definitely not be superfluous.
• PHOTOSESSION. If one of the guests at the christening, as you know, is engaged in photography, ask him to gift you a photo session. Small, modest, but still it will be a good memory of an important event. And you will not be bothered by the thought that the holiday has passed, and you have not had time to take "normal photos".
• Bed linen sets. Today, more and more often, skillful relatives make blankets, sheets, pillowcases for a baby in a crib. The choice of materials is huge, and you can always learn to sew. This is a useful gift, beautiful, uniquely necessary for the baby.
• Commemorative cross stitch. Many craftswomen today sew to order work with some kind of beautiful image and skillfully embroidered date of baptism and the name of the child. Then the embroidery is placed under the frame, and it decorates one of the walls of the house. Cope with such work can be those who are well versed in needlework.

There are a lot of ideas, it all depends on the creative direction where you are really strong. If you are decorating surfaces, you can make a beautiful box where the baby's curls, the first pacifier and the first tooth that fell out will be stored.

If guests directly ask the parents what to give the child, this is often the best scenario. But if there were no clear wishes, you have to think for yourself. Giving money is the easiest thing to do, but you need to be sure that it will be accepted as normal. The fact is that not all families consider it normal to give money. And formally, this is the correct opinion: there is nothing easier than getting a couple of bills out of your wallet and putting them in an envelope. It is much more difficult to go shopping, choose a gift, and package. And if you do it yourself - it really is work, time, effort.

But if there is a convention about a financial gift, then you can respond to it. The amount of gifts depends on your capabilities and ideas about how much they give for the holiday.

What, besides money, guests can give:

• toys - the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to a small child;
• kids outfits - we advise you to give things a little for growth;
• books - a true Christian for knowledge and education, therefore, even a very small child can be presented with a book (he will appreciate it in the future);
• appliances, gadgets, gadgets - from strollers and playpens to baby monitors and humidifiers (very practical and convincing gifts);
• certificates for children's stores - quite in the spirit of the times, and not money in kind, and some choice for parents;
• bathing sets - today they are so beautiful, diverse that they will interest not only the baby, it is difficult to resist and not buy.

Going to the christening, support the festive mood of your loved ones: give the baby's mother flowers, dress smartly, let everything on this day glorify his main event, let it bring you closer together.

It is very important that, together with the gift, you give your loved ones your attention - if the baby is walking on the arms, fondle him, give the young parents a little rest.

For information on what to give your child for christening, see the next video.