topic Re: Baptism Gift Question in Community Chat

Baptism Gift Question

SAM55 — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:00:34 GMT

I havne't been invited to a baptism in years and years. Would those reading this share their thoughts on what my husband and I should give a dear girl and her husband on their first baby's baptismal? I've known this girl forever, she grew up with my niece and I think of her as a niece. Also, my son who is single got invited (lives separately). How much should he give? Thanks in advance! I'd like to give a check because I don't know if they're religious, attend church, etc.....

Re: Baptism Gift Question

Love my grandkids — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 18:35:20 GMT

@SAM55 I'm 76 and Catholic and don't ever recall monetary gifts being given at a Baptism but maybe things have changed. When I was young a card was given but gifts were not customary.

Maybe you'll get some ideas here. You could always call the office of your local Catholic church and ask, i'm sure they would be most helpful.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

SAM55 — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:02:09 GMT

I'm Catholic and my sister, friends, cousins are telling me to give a check, I just don't know what's appropriate.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

CelticCrafter — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:07:49 GMT

If it were me, I would give a check. The amount would have to be up to you and your son.

I wouldn't give any type of religious article or picture frame. I see so many of those type of things on the Freecycle groups I belong to.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

ninjawife — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:07:59 GMT

I am catholic and it was always custom to give a monetary gift. We used our DDs gifts to open up savings accounts for them.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

SAM55 — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:23:37 GMT

As a married couple -- $100? $150? More? Less? I'm in a quandary!

Re: Baptism Gift Question

CelticCrafter — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:49:35 GMT

@SAM55 wrote:
As a married couple -- $100? $150? More? Less? I'm in a quandary!

@SAM55 what would you give your niece? Base it off that.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

tipsy — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:52:07 GMT

@SAM55 wrote:
I havne't been invited to a baptism in years and years. Would those reading this share their thoughts on what my husband and I should give a dear girl and her husband on their first baby's baptismal? I've known this girl forever, she grew up with my niece and I think of her as a niece. Also, my son who is single got invited (lives separately). How much should he give? Thanks in advance! I'd like to give a check because I don't know if they're religious, attend church, etc.....

@SAM55 since they are baptizing their baby they must be somewhat religious & most likely attend church. If they're Catholic they would need to be parishioners of the church where the baby is being baptized.

I think $100 from you & your husband & $50 from your son would be fine.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

Marsha2003 — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:53:20 GMT

I would say $50 to $100 would be reasonable.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

ECBG — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 20:02:14 GMT

I would give a new $50 or new $100 bill in a beautiful card for her collage fund.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

Love my grandkids — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 20:11:50 GMT

@SAM55 I was glad to read the responses as at 76 I am not "in the know." A modest check sounds like a good idea.

And I agree about not giving religious stuff. Most practicing Catholics have enough of that!

I hope you enjoy the experience.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

ROMARY — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:05:54 GMT

My first thought was/is a silver plated frame which would be used for many, many years. Displaying the child's important, special times in his/her growing up life.

Money/check is nice, too, if the parents save those monetary gifts for the child. Bank account, etc.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

Twins Mom — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:34:54 GMT

And if the dollar amounts suggested seem a bit daunting, don't hesitate to make it less. Even a $30 gift with card I feel would be a lovely gesture.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

SaveTheTurtles — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:27:21 GMT

Back when my kids were babies it was customary to give a savings bond. Nowadays I would just give a check or cash.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

MJDinVegas — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:29:34 GMT

Hi, @SAM55 ! I am Catholic and I just so happen to volunteer each Monday in our Parish Gift Shop. We have many items available as Baptismal gifts: Picture frames, nightlights, small statuary, piggy banks, rosaries, baby jewelry (this seems impractical to me) and other devotionals. Prices are generally under $40.

ETA: Many Parishes at least in our area have gift shops.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

JFD12 — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:34:47 GMT

Hi @SAM55! I am Catholic, and what I have done for the past three or four baptismals in my family is that I've ordered beautiful rosary beads from Etsy (hope it's okay to mention that here), with the baby's name on it, and you can also add different medals to the rosary, if you'd like. They're so pretty! If you go to their website and type in "baptism gifts" .. all types of gifts will pop up! You'll also see all the rosary beads for either boys or girls! Hope this helps, if you didn't want to give money. 💜 Just make sure to order in advance. 🤗

Re: Baptism Gift Question

shoekitty — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 01:25:22 GMT

When I went to babys dedications or baptism I cave a tiny bible, and a little cross necklace for later. But if they are older IDK, I woukd have to know faith sect and age. I was baptized at 46. Non denominational. They had a little bbq, but I didn't receive anything but cards and the gift of the Holy Spirit

Re: Baptism Gift Question

msgb — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:18:08 GMT

I have given in the past a silver photo frame.

I have also given to my niece that I am the godmother to a ceramic cross that was then put on the wall of her bedroom.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

maisiebrook — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:35:38 GMT

We attended a baptism a few months ago and gifted $100 cash.

This is from the website "Love to Know" updated in 2022.

Monetary Gift for Baptism

Financial gifts are also an appropriate option for baptism. If you bring this type of gift, don't leave it on the gift table. Instead, give it directly to one of the parents while offering words of congratulations for their baby's big day.

If you are the godparent, $100 to $150 would be a good amount to consider.
If you are a close family member, $50 is acceptable, though less would be fine as well.
For guests, any amount would be fine.
Savings bonds are another nice option to consider.

Re: Baptism Gift Question

Stray — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:01:17 GMT

I was brought up Protestant & we never gave money. The traditional gift was a monogrammed bible. My niece’s grandchild was the last Baptism I attended which was 4 yrs ago & I gave a monogrammed silver cup.