What to give a girl for christening: Top 50 gift ideas

Usually children are baptized at a very tender age, and taking this into account, you have to choose a gift for them. Not only things related to Orthodox themes will be appropriate, but also essential things that will help parents raise their little miracle. By the time the girl is at least one year old, she will have to change a bunch of clothes. After all, during the first year of life, a child grows very much. The child’s weight almost quadruples (and sometimes more), and his height almost doubles. So ordinary clothes can also be a good gift for a child. But if you want to give something that will last a lifetime, then you need to approach the choice seriously and with all responsibility.

What should natural parents do?

The christening of a girl is the most important event in a person’s life, regardless of age. Usually a child is baptized in the first year after birth, then the parents take full responsibility for the Sacrament that occurs. The Church recommends not delaying the ceremony, because the baby will have her own Guardian Angel. There are other advantages of early baptism: children at an unconscious age can more easily endure the ritual, but it is difficult for an older child or teenager to stand for a long time in the temple.

What the girl’s mother and father should take care of in advance:

1. Find the place where the baptism will take place, agree with the priest on the exact date and time.
2. Choose godparents. This is a responsible step that parents must approach with all responsibility. Godparents are responsible before God for the moral and spiritual development of the girl, so it is better to offer this to believers who are not indifferent to the fate and life of the baby.
3. Find a new name for your daughter. If in the church canons there is no corresponding name that was given to the girl at birth, then a consonant one is selected. In this case, it is advisable to contact a priest who will tell you which saints are venerated on the baby’s birthday or baptism. From this moment on, the daughter will have another heavenly intercessor, the holy great martyr, who will protect and help.

Every parent wants to give their child something amazing for the first Sacrament. According to tradition, gifts are brought by godparents and guests, and mothers and fathers set the festive table. But if you really want to please the baby, give her an educational toy or an electronic rattle. You should not give expensive gifts, because baptism is not a reason to demonstrate financial capabilities, but a great Sacrament, after which the daughter will become part of the Holy Church and acquire her own angel, regardless of the financial situation of the parents.

What is important to consider when choosing gifts

Before choosing a gift, you should ask young parents what exactly they need. Perhaps they already have a specific device or item. Conversation will help you avoid unpleasant situations.

When purchasing care products, you should pay attention to the composition of cosmetics. Products should not contain minerals, essential oils or other additives that can cause allergies.

When buying toys, it is important to consider the girl's age. If she is only a couple of months old, then she definitely won’t need a big car or bicycle anytime soon. Older children will not play with rattles.

The toy must be age appropriate

To make a beautiful gift, use a wicker basket and place all the items in it. You can also use ribbons or lace for decoration.

The gift should be complemented by a flower arrangement for the girl’s mother.

And when is it the other way around?! Check out gift ideas for your godmother's birthday.

Christening gift for a girl from her godmother

For the baby, the spiritual mother becomes a good helper in everything. She protects the girl from dangers, protects her, educates her religiously and educates her morally. Subsequently, the goddaughter and her second mother develop a trusting, warm relationship. The godmother helps the girl in any matter, supports, takes care of the state of her soul.

A gift from a godmother in honor of the first Sacrament is a talisman for life, so a woman should approach its choice responsibly.

What a godmother usually gives:

• An icon depicting a saint protecting a baby. Previously, icons measured according to the baby’s height were presented, but now it is allowed to give any icons, regardless of size.

You can buy an icon in a church shop, but an image ordered from a master will be of particular value. Before giving a gift, be sure to consecrate it in the temple.

• Icon with Guardian Angel. It is hung above the headboard so that it protects the girl from troubles and illnesses.
• Books of Holy Scripture. True believers believe that such literature is necessary for the moral and spiritual development of man.
• Christening outfit. Now they give special sets for girls, which include a kryzhma (a towel or diaper with Christian symbols, where the child is wrapped after being lowered into the font), a shirt, a cap, and booties. Additionally, you can embroider a cross on each item. Before the start of the Sacrament, things are consecrated, and after the procedure, the mother carefully keeps them all her life.

It is believed that baptismal clothing is a strong talisman. If the child becomes seriously ill, mothers wrap him in kryzhma or stroke him with another baptismal item. This should help the baby recover faster.

• Silver spoon. Recently, it has become a traditional gift from the godmother. On sale you can find beautiful sets with a tea or dessert spoon and a silver cup.

Handmade gifts

• Bead jewelery. Nowadays there are so many different materials from which you can make unique beads and bracelets. Choose subtle colors and create the perfect jewelry for your goddaughter.

• Home cake. There is no better dessert, this one is homemade. Choose a convenient recipe, decorate the cake with icing and write a cute inscription.

• Angels. On the Internet you can find a huge number of ways to make the very angel who will guard your goddaughter. Put all your soul and kindness into the gift.

• Bouquet of sweets. Buy different chocolates and sweets in the store and make a single composition out of it. The child will be happy when he sees such a gift.

• Embroidered towel. Buy a towel and embroider it with the girl's name and christening date. This gift will be a reminder of this day.

Christening gift for goddaughter from godfather

As a rule, the godfather gives the baby a cross. It is desirable that the first pendant accompany the girl throughout her life, but often older children choose their own option, which they like best. However, the one with which the child was baptized is carefully preserved, reminding of the bright day when the person entered into spiritual life.

Usually godparents choose a product made of precious metal, sometimes even inlaid with stones. In fact, the cross can be simple, made of tin. Church shops most often offer silver attributes, since this metal is considered healing and does not have a negative effect on the health of a little girl.

In addition, the godfather can present a children's Bible and prayer book. As her goddaughter grows up, she will become familiar with biblical stories and read daily prayers with her mother.

The godfather also pays for the baptism ceremony and, if possible, helps financially organize the festive feast. An additional surprise from him will be the organization of professional photography or video shooting, so that parents will have video recordings and high-quality photographs as a souvenir of the great event.

Girl's christening clothes: dress

In the case of a girl's baptism, it is necessary to purchase a dress or shirt specially designed for this purpose, a cap with lace trim and booties. Sometimes the basic set also includes tights or other accessories. It all depends on the age of the baby and the time of year when the sacrament is performed. The material is not so important, but it should be pleasant to the touch, not cause discomfort to the baby, and also be suitable for the weather.

It is considered a good sign to choose a light shade for baptismal clothing, perhaps even white. The godmother can also make a set with her own hands; this will serve as additional protection for the girl, since such a thing will carry the energy of love and care.

After the sacrament, the kryzhma and baptismal gown are kept at home and under no circumstances are given to anyone. There is a practice of wrapping a child in it at the time of illness. Parishioners claim that this ensures a quick recovery for the baby and makes her calmer. For a year after the sacrament, the kryzhma is not washed.

Gift options from other relatives

Epiphany is a great holiday, to which close and distant relatives are often invited. This is an occasion to gather as a large family, congratulate the baby on her first Sacrament, wish her all the best, and present memorable gifts.

What relatives can give:

• Set of silverware. Even if the godmother gives the girl a silver spoon, such a gift will not be superfluous.
• Jewelry. A good option for a christening gift for a girl from her grandmother. You can choose any product: earrings, chain, pendant, bracelet, and optionally apply a commemorative engraving. When the granddaughter grows up, she will happily wear jewelry given by her beloved grandmother.
• Money. Grandfather usually gives an envelope with banknotes at christening so that parents can use them as they wish.

• Useful things in everyday life: bottle sterilizer, air ionizer, yogurt maker, bread maker, multicooker, powerful blender.

Find out in advance from the girl’s parents what they would like to receive. It is better to give a useful gift than to give something that you already have. Why does a baby's mother need two identical mixers or high chairs?

Is money the best gift?

Not really.
For christenings, it is better to give not material goods, but objects endowed with a sacred meaning that corresponds to the spirit of the event. For example, a godfather, according to a long-standing tradition, can take over donations to the temple where the girl is baptized. He can also pay for photography in the church. Guests and relatives can organize and provide a feast. You won’t give money directly, but at least you will reduce the costs of the ceremony, which will become a bright memory in the life of the family. Another option to give money is a certificate for a purchase in a children's store. If a young family needs help, it is easier and more tactful to provide it this way. On the one hand, you will not give banknotes, but the necessary items for caring for the child. On the other hand, parents themselves will choose what they need most, and this gift will fully correspond to their ideals.

What to give as a christening gift from guests?

According to tradition, invited guests present the child with memorable gifts. Options could be:

• Incense with the image of a saint who became the girl’s patroness. A small icon is placed next to the pectoral cross and is not removed.

Also called an incense bag is a bag of incense, which used to be placed in a crib or sewn to things to protect a child from demons.

• Baby clothes. For your little princess, choose things that are a little longer for growth, because children grow quickly in the first year, so there is a high probability that the little one will never wear a beautiful suit or dress.
• Certificate for a children's goods store. If you doubt the right choice, it is better to present your parents with a gift certificate, which they will exchange for the necessary things for their daughter.
• A set of bed linen. Items for the crib that depict cartoon characters look charming: beautiful princesses, funny animals, fairies and sorceresses. Along with a set of linen, you can give crib bumpers.

• Toys. Children's stores have a huge selection of educational and musical toys, teddy bears, talking dolls with strollers and outfits, but choose a gift that will suit the girl's age. You can buy a toy that will be of interest to the hero of the occasion when she grows up a little.
• Photo album. Order a unique handmade album, where parents can post childhood photographs of their daughter and write down comments so as not to miss a single important moment in the child’s life.
• Digital photo frame. Another useful and original gift in which you can upload any photos, including from the baby’s christening. It is important to choose a quality product so that it lasts as long as possible.
• Baby monitor. An indispensable device for those who raise children without outside help. When mom needs to leave, she immediately finds out that her daughter has woken up, burst into tears, and is calling her to her. The main selection criterion is that the baby monitor must be of good quality, produced by a well-known manufacturer, then it will not fail at the most crucial moment.
• Children's dishes. Very soon, in addition to the bottle, the baby will need her own plate, spoon, and mug. Choose a bright set with a fun pattern, made from safe plastic, that will turn breakfast or lunch into a fun activity.
• Developmental mat. An arc with interesting hanging toys will captivate the girl for a long time, especially if they make different sounds and are equipped with lighting effects. For young children, rugs are specially made in different colors, since it is difficult for them to concentrate on one object, sound or color.

What other gifts can be given at christenings:

• diaper cake;
• playpen;
• game center;
• wheelchair;
• baby blanket;
• push toy;
• bike;
• stroller;
• Chair for babies;

• sled;
• set of towels;
• bath toys;
• interior doll;
• box for the first tooth;
• silver or gold pin;
• a beautiful lamp for a children's room;
• fabric pillows in the shape of letters;
• a set of hygiene products for the baby (diaper cream, powder, shampoo, baby soap for bathing);
• interactive book for the little ones;
• pendant or figurine in the form of an angel;
• small silver bells (they are usually hung above the baby’s crib).

Gifts for guests

Family friends are also wondering what to give the child for christening from guests? You shouldn’t blind your parents with luxury and generosity that they won’t be able to respond in kind to. It is better to make modest and necessary gifts. It is not at all necessary to give symbols of faith if you are not very savvy in this matter, or are generally far from the church. It’s enough to choose what will be useful for the baby at this stage of development:

1. Photo frame in the shape of a family tree;
2. Puzzles (can be of religious content);
3. Prayer Book or Lives of the Saints;
4. Certificate for a children's store or certificate for a photo shoot;
5. A custom-made cake with the girl’s name (you should talk to the owners about this, otherwise they might have already bought the treat);
6. Details of children's clothing;
7. Set of bathing oils;
8. Set of children's organic cosmetics;
9. Paintings on religious themes for the nursery;
10. The children's designer.

Who gives a cross for a girl's christening?

The vest is an integral symbol of the Sacrament of Baptism. After dipping into the font three times, the priest puts a cross on the baby’s chest. It is believed that it heals the soul, protects, and replenishes God's grace. Adults who have decided to be baptized choose a cross on their own and give it to the child.

In Orthodoxy there are no clear instructions on who exactly should buy a cross. By agreement, it can be presented by godparents, grandparents, and close relatives. It is important that it is first consecrated in the temple and presented to the girl with good, pure thoughts. Usually a rope or chain is given along with the pendant.

Most often, the godfather gives the girl a vest with a chain, and the godmother gives her baptismal clothes and kryzhma. Also, both godparents present their goddaughter with icons.

Sacrament of Baptism

Indeed, this is an important event in everyone’s life. At this moment, a person’s spiritual rebirth occurs. It is believed that on this day the child acquires a middle name and a Guardian Angel. He becomes under his protection and attention. Since ancient times, our ancestors performed this ritual and considered it obligatory.

The sacrament of baptism includes lighting the water, anointing the child with special oil and dipping the child into sacred water three times. The mother accepts the baby from the bath.

3 days before the sacrament, godparents should fast.

After visiting church, the closest people gather at home at the table and celebrate this important event in the family circle.

Which icon should I give for a girl’s christening?

Believers are often interested in what is suitable for a baby’s christening. Priests advise choosing the following:

• With the face of a saint in whose honor a girl was baptized, for example, the Great Martyr Anastasia, Julia (Julia) Martyr.
• With the image of a guardian angel. Parents often hang such an icon over the baby’s crib so that he protects her from all sorts of adversity.
• With the face of a saint who is remembered on the girl’s birthday or baptism. For example, on December 4, the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple is celebrated, so an icon with the Mother of God would be a suitable gift.
• With the image of Matrona of Moscow or Panteleimon the Healer. Such icons are given to children with poor health so that the saints can help them recover as quickly as possible.
• Icon of the Mother of God. When the girl grows up, she will turn to the Mother of God in difficult periods of her life, as well as at significant moments for guidance on the true path.
• Icon of Jesus Christ. Regardless of the age and gender of the child, an image of the Son of God should be in every home. Thanks to him, prayers are delivered faster.

In fact, it is not so important what exactly will be the christening gift. These can be expensive jewelry, useful things, handmade souvenirs, and pleasant little things. It is important to present any surprise from a pure heart, with an open soul and bright thoughts.

What not to give

There are no strong restrictions here. The only thing that is not recommended to give is a large pectoral cross. They say that it symbolizes the cross that a person needs to carry through life.

Consult with the girl’s parents, they will definitely tell you what is best to choose and what is not worth it. You may not want to give expensive gadgets, such as a phone or computer. They will not be entirely appropriate. It is better to choose something beautiful and symbolic.