Christening & Baptism Gifts

A christening or baptism gift is often the very first heirloom a child receives. Traditionally it is something silver – a cup, a spoon or a frame – or a keepsake with a cross, chosen to be kept and passed down. Here are our favorite christening and baptism gifts, for godparents, grandparents and guests.

Silver for the Ceremony and Beyond

Cunill Sterling Silver Baptismal Shell

A sterling silver shell from Cunill, the traditional shape for a baptism and a meaningful keepsake for the family afterward.

Cunill Beaded Sterling Silver Baby Cup

Cunill made this beaded cup to welcome a newborn or commemorate a baptism. It is handmade of 925 sterling silver – an enduring gift meant for generations.

Christofle Beebee Silver-Plated Baby Cup

A silver-plated baby cup from Christofle's Beebee line, made in France by the Paris silversmith founded in 1830.

Christofle Talisman Baby Spoon – Ivory

A silver-plated baby spoon in Christofle's Talisman design with ivory accents – a sweet companion to a baby cup. See all of our baby gifts.

Crosses to Keep

Herend Cross

A hand-painted porcelain cross from Herend, 4.75 x 2.25 in, in fishnet colors including blue, raspberry, key lime, butterscotch, green and rust. For a smaller piece, choose the Herend Miniature Cross.

Michael Aram Foliated Cross Sculpture

A cross sculpture handcrafted in metal in the Michael Aram workshops, in gold or silver – lovely on a nursery shelf now and a bedroom dresser later.

Jay Strongwater Sacred Jewel Cross Ornament

A jeweled cross, hand-enamelled and hand-set with crystals by Jay Strongwater, to hang on the tree every Christmas as a reminder of the day.

Frames and Keepsakes

Cunill Abbey Cross 4x6 Sterling Silver Frame

A non-tarnish sterling silver 4x6 frame with an Abbey Cross design – made for the christening photo.

Match Pewter Baby Frame

A baby frame handmade in pewter by artisan families in northern Italy. It is also offered in an engraved version.

Herend Baby Shoe

A hand-painted porcelain baby shoe from Herend, in blue, raspberry or multicolor designs – a keepsake to set beside the christening photo.

Gifts from Grandparents and Family

Grandparents often choose the most traditional piece – a silver cup or a baptismal shell – to begin a lifelong collection, while aunts, uncles and family friends add a frame, a cross or an ornament. If several relatives are giving, coordinate so the gifts form a set: a cup from one, a spoon from another, a frame for the christening photo from a third.

What to Write in a Christening Card

A short, heartfelt message is all it takes. Welcome the child by name, share a wish for the years ahead, and, if you are a godparent, a line about the role you are honored to take on. Many families keep christening cards with the gift, so a few words written by hand will be read again years from now – perhaps by the child on their own wedding day.

Christening Gift Etiquette

Godparents traditionally give the most lasting gift – a silver cup, a cross or a keepsake that marks the faith.
Guests can choose a smaller keepsake, such as a frame, a spoon or an ornament.
Bring it to the celebration, or send it ahead so the family can display it on the day.

More Crosses for the Nursery

A cross is the most traditional christening keepsake – one to hang on the nursery wall, stand on a shelf or add to the tree each Christmas. A few more to choose from:

Herend Bunny with Cross Figurine

A little Herend bunny holding a cross, shaped, glazed and painted entirely by hand in Hungary. It comes in a range of hand-painted fishnet colors – blue for a boy, raspberry for a girl, or a color to match the nursery.

Jay Strongwater Francis Jeweled Cross Figurine

A standing jeweled cross in hand-enameled metal, hand-set with crystals and designed in New York – a godparent's gift that will stay on display for years.

Michael Aram Tree Cross Sculpture

A limited edition sculpture, signed and numbered, in which traditional crosses are embellished with vines and leaves as symbols of life and renewal – a motif drawn from Michael Aram's Armenian heritage and the Tree of Life. Each piece is individually crafted, so no two are exactly alike.

Michael Aram Eternity Cross Ornament

A handcrafted metal cross ornament – a small first-Christmas gift that can be hung on the tree every year after the christening.

Jay Strongwater Metallic Bejeweled Cross Ornament

A cross ornament in hand-enameled metal with hand-set crystals, to mark the baptism on the family tree.

Angels and Prayer Keepsakes

Guardian angels and prayer boxes are gentle gifts for a christening – something to watch over the crib now and to be kept for a lifetime. See all Herend religious figurines.