What can and cannot be given to a girl and a boy for christening, top 6 gifts and ideas

The rite of baptism has long been considered one of the brightest days in a person’s life. It is at the moment of its implementation that he begins to be accompanied by his own Guardian Angel, who protects him from everything bad. It is not for nothing that they say that you should not throw away clothes and accessories used at the time of baptism, since subsequently putting them on during a severe illness can help the baby recover. To understand what to give a boy for christening, you need to take into account several nuances.

Gifts from godparents

Already in ancient times, godparents could not present the same gift. So, for example, the godfather was required to pay for the ceremony performed in the church and give a pectoral cross with a chain. Such things are still considered mandatory for someone who has agreed to become a godfather. Mandatory gifts from the godmother are:

• baptismal clothes;
• set of towels;
• an icon with the face of a saint, whose name the baby is named.

Godparents can also give such traditional gifts as:

• kryzhma;
• Holy Scripture (Bible);
• Psalter;
• measured icon (an image of the face of the saint whose name the baby is named, made to the child’s height);
• unusual lamps, silver candlesticks for candles purchased in the church;
• embroidered bags designed to store the first cut strands;
• Orthodox prayer books;
• a set of cutlery made of silver;
• coins with the face of saints, belonging to the investment class, made of precious metals;
• souvenir toys made of silver (trains, cars);
• books with parables, Orthodox fairy tales;
• a set of silver rattles;
• amulet;
• icons depicting Jesus Christ, St. Panteleimon, Nicholas the Wonderworker, which, according to legend, protect children from troubles and illnesses.

These items can be ordered and purchased in parishes of monasteries and churches. Well, given the fact that all future godparents must undergo an interview before the ceremony, they can consult with the priest, which at the moment is a mandatory, traditional gift.

Interesting gift ideas for children

The giver wants his gift to be noticeable, unique, and useful.

Diaper cake

An original gift for a child will be a “cake” made from diapers. Depending on the size of the “cake,” you can pack from 30 to 50 diapers. To make a gift, in addition to diapers, they use a tray, elastic bands, ribbons, and bows. The technology is simple: diapers are rolled into a tube and secured with an elastic band.

Then place the folded diapers on a tray, securing them with a common rubber band and removing those that were on the diapers. For two- and three-story structures, a cardboard tube is placed in the center, onto which subsequent “layers” are strung. The elastic bands are covered with ribbons, the top is decorated with bows and small toys. Packed in gift wrap.

Decorations

It is appropriate to give a girl jewelry, including those made of precious metals and stones. But when choosing jewelry, you must remember that stones have magical powers: they can become talismans for a child or harm him. You should not give earrings, rings, necklaces made of pearls or opal. They attract tears and failures.

Sapphire, diamond, ruby, garnet bring health and success. Since ancient times, turquoise has been revered as a stone of happiness in the East. The talisman is selected according to the child’s date of birth: the sum of the digits of the days in the month, the serial number of the month in the year and the year are determined. The resulting amount is divided into numbers and added again. The resulting result is compared with the gradation. Sometimes they are guided only by the date of the month. For example, for a girl born on the 6th, 15th or 24th, jewelry with garnet, sapphire, and agate will be a talisman.

Synthetic stones do not have this property, so you can purchase jewelry based on your own taste.

Icon

For Baptism, it is recommended to give a child a personalized icon (the name of the saint is the same as the name of the convert). If there is no specific saint on this date, then the image for the gift is chosen according to the time period during which the veneration of the Mother of God, an icon and some saint occurs. The choice of icon of the Mother of God recommended by the Orthodox Church by date of birth:

• from January 21 to February 21 - Vladimirskaya, or St. Athanasius;
• from February 22 to March 22 – Iverskaya, St. Alexy;
• from March 23 to April 22 – Kazanskaya, St. George the Confessor;
• from April 23 to May 22 – Iverskaya, St. Tamara;
• from November 24 to December 21 – Tikhvinskaya, St. Nikolai.

In June-July, they choose the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” icon as a gift, in July-August – “The Protection of the Virgin Mary”, from August 24 to September 23 – the “Burning Bush” icon.

The images of Saints Sergius of Radonezh (September-October), Apostle Paul (October-November), Seraphim of Sarov (December-January) will be personalized icons for the newly baptized child. Icons purchased outside of the church must be blessed before donation.

Popular gift ideas

When puzzling over what to give a boy for a christening, you should turn to popular ideas. These include:

• clothes (it is important to check the sizes with the child’s mother);
• sets for bathing in the bathroom (it is worth asking your parents in advance what hygiene products they use, since babies are often allergic to certain products);
• walkers;
• blanket for the crib;
• a soft double-sided blanket (there are workshops that knit such items to order, embroidering a short protective prayer along their edge);
• bath sets (cocoon towel, allowing you to completely wrap your baby after taking a bath, bootie slippers, robe);
• children's digital photo frames;
• photo albums that allow you to record significant moments in your baby’s life by recording them and pasting in pictures.

Gift options for a boy

Some items can be served for both girls and boys. But sometimes guests doubt and don’t know what they are giving the boy for his christening. If you want to choose a suitable gift for a boy, you can always choose from many options.

Close relatives who come to a boy's christening give something valuable. This could be a set of silverware, which includes spoons, forks, and cups. Silver items will also serve as a wonderful souvenir and forever remind you of this significant event.

A bank coin with an image of an angel, church, or cross is an excellent gift that matches the theme of the celebration.

Things made of silver will last a long time, there is no doubt about it. Wonderful toys are also made from this metal - cars and boats.

A personalized icon or pendant with the image of a guardian angel will remind you of this wonderful event throughout your life.

The tolokar car will entertain the baby; he will be interested in moving around in it, imagining that he is driving a car.

All the boys will be delighted with the electric car. Even dads will find it interesting to control the toy car using the remote control.

A pool with balls will be great entertainment and will develop the little person’s motor skills and strengthen the nervous system.

What is customary to give at christenings?

Congratulating a boy on his christening is not so easy. The little man essentially doesn’t care, although many parents are sure that their kids notice and notice everything, despite the apparent lack of consciousness. There are a number of traditional gifts that will be useful not only for babies, but also for children of early and preschool age. These include:

• walkers;
• transformable high chairs for feeding;
• “swing” with an electronic panel;
• scops owl toys with a short prayer of protection embroidered along the outline;
• bedding sets;
• sleeping accessories such as pajamas, a sleeping cap, a blindfold (suitable for older children);
• Swedish wall bars (for children aged two years and older);
• "jumping ropes";
• Tolokars;
• sets of clothes, shoes (it is important to check with the parents in advance about the baby’s size);
• electronic wind-up musical toys;
• crib organizers;
• height meters.

Such surprises will be not only traditional, but also very useful. In any case, they will be useful to the baby, whose parents will definitely use them.

The meaning of the rite of baptism

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As a rule, long before the baby is born, parents already begin to think about who to take as godparents. Today this tradition has somewhat lost its original meaning.

Once upon a time, in distant dark times, when mortality was incredibly high, godparents, taking part in this ritual, gave their agreement to raise the child (both spiritual and physical), and took on enormous responsibility if the child’s parents will leave our world. Now, fortunately, this happens extremely rarely, and the function of godparents is reduced to a minimum of annual congratulations to their godchildren on their name day and birthday, and at a maximum to spiritual education and care for their charges.

Baptism is a special sacrament during which a person unites with God, opening for himself the path to a wonderful life (worldly and spiritual). Baptism is a symbol of faith and hope, as well as a huge invisible connection between all family members, immeasurable in its strength and depth.

Parental consent alone is not always sufficient for baptism. So, before the child turns 7 years old, the ceremony is allowed only with the consent of the child’s parents, because only during this period they bear full responsibility for the child before God. In the period from 7 to 14 years, in order to carry out the ritual, you will have to obtain the consent of not only the parents, but also the child himself, who can already make a decision. For those who have crossed the threshold of 14 years, parental consent is no longer required - they can make such decisions independently.

How to congratulate your baby on his baptism in an original way?

To congratulate your baby on his baptism in an original way, it is enough to start from his age. The following gifts are suitable for little children:

• modules for a crib with cars;
• projector night lights;
• air mattresses, sofas;
• busy boards;
• swing;
• certificates for shopping in children's shopping centers;
• a subscription to classes in the pool with mom;
• diaper cake (if we are talking about a baby).

Older children will be pleased to receive the following gifts:

• designers;
• electric cars;
• bicycles;
• rollers;
• hoverboards;
• gel ant farm;
• trampolines;
• ice sled;
• sets for drawing, modeling;
• magnetic chalk boards;
• 3-D puzzles.

When choosing such gifts, you should consult with your parents, since the baby may already have them. It is best to discuss donated items with them, since who, if not them, knows better what the boy needs at a given period of his development.

What if the baptism is for an adult?

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If an adult has decided to be baptized, this indicates his serious and conscious approach, as well as his deep understanding and attitude towards the sacrament. Here, godparents and guests need to be more attentive to actions and gifts, since they have the most sacred and deep meaning for the hero of the holiday.

When deciding what to give an adult godson as a christening gift, you can rely on the experience of infant baptism. It would always be appropriate to give a cross, a holy icon in whose name an adult was baptized, or a baptismal shirt. Such gifts will be especially appreciated by people of conscious age, as well as gifts made with their own hands...

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It is absolutely not necessary to make a perfect gift (sew, craft, knit). Even with minor flaws, such things will have special value and attractive power. You can embroider not the entire shirt, for example, but only the cuffs or collar. Choose beautiful threads, gold or silver.

Give preference to practical gifts for an adult godson, but so that they have their own zest. You can give mittens, socks, knitted scarves, sweaters, hats.

What do those invited to a boy’s christening give?

Having received an invitation to such a celebration, many begin to think about how to congratulate the baby.

Gifts from guests

Non-trivial and necessary gifts from guests will be:

• sets of clothes - it is not necessary that they are suitable for the child’s age. Such things can also be given for growth;
• rattle toys;
• baby monitor;
• knocking gurneys;
• sets of children's dishes;
• electric dryer for baby clothes;
• bottle sterilizer.

Surprises from grandparents

Christening day is special not only for the baby’s parents, but also for his closest relatives – grandparents. They can give their grandson things like:

• expensive icons;
• a chain of precious metals;
• a silver spoon and mug with a personal engraving;
• a valuable family item that is passed on by inheritance.

You can also ask parents what they currently need to care for their child. If we are talking about a newborn, perhaps the young mother and father have not yet had time to purchase a bathing slide, stroller or crib. Such gifts from grandparents will not only be memorable, but also very valuable and useful.

What is the best gift to give to relatives and family friends?

From relatives you can present your nephew with:

• playpen;
• bike;
• photographing for memory (it is important to discuss in advance with the parents whether they will agree to photograph the child at a young age).

Relatives and family friends do not have to rely on tradition when choosing a present for the baby. It is important that it is done with all your heart, and not just like that, then the benefits from it will be colossal. Many people wonder whether an envelope containing a certain amount of money would be appropriate. Perhaps this gift option in this particular case will be the most optimal.

What not to give to a godson or goddaughter

The choice of gifts for a spiritual son or daughter has no restrictions, except for alcohol, sharp and cutting objects, and money.

Alcohol

A gift of wine or a stronger alcoholic drink to a godson is not worthy of a godfather. Encouraging people to try intoxicating drinks at a young age is a sin. It doesn't matter whether it's a collectible wine or not. The Orthodox Church condemns drunkenness. A spiritual mentor should have a beneficial influence on the formation of character, instill faith in God, and not give rise to a bad habit.

Weapon

You cannot give edged weapons. According to popular belief, this will bring bad luck to the godson. Christians believe that evil will come with the knife.

Money

According to custom, godparents pay for the ceremony of the sacrament, purchase baptismal robes and a pectoral cross. Additionally, they can provide financial support to parents when organizing a feast. The souvenir from the godparents should remain with the godson as a memory. Money, like a gift, will be spent without leaving a memory.

But there is an ancient custom of putting coins in the swaddling cloth in which a child is wrapped before baptism, and in the baptismal font, so that he will be healthy and rich.

Is it worth giving money?

Nobody canceled such a gift for baptism. It can be presented when the person invited to the holiday knows little about the young family and simply does not know what they might need. And after presenting an envelope with an amount that on average can vary from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles, he will definitely be sure that he has not offended anyone.

In general, the decision on how much he will offer as a gift is determined by the donor himself. It all depends on his financial condition, social status, and the closeness of his relationship with his young family. You should not put your last money in an envelope or lend it, since baptism is a bright holiday and all gifts should be given with a pure heart and bright thoughts.

What to give as a gift from your godfather: useful tips

The spiritual parent accepts responsibility before God for the boy, for the spiritual education of his cross. Among the main gifts from him are:

• pectoral cross. Choose an attribute for baptism according to your financial capabilities. There are copper, silver, gold, and wooden versions of products. It is better to buy them at the temple. If you purchased a precious item in a jewelry boutique, the priest will bless it before placing it around the boy’s neck;
• a chain made of the same metal as the cross; you can purchase a special ribbon made of natural material of the appropriate length;

• As a bonus, an Orthodox pectoral icon with the face of the Saint will be suitable for the gift - the church ministers will help you choose the appropriate option. You can choose an inexpensive attribute or a product made of valuable metal;
• a talisman or talisman against the evil eye or a silver bell is a powerful protector against all bad weather. Also acts as an additional gift from the godfather;
• two-in-one stroller: with a cradle and a walking block. Perhaps mom and dad haven’t had time to acquire such transport yet;
• payment of expenses associated with the baptismal ceremony is done by the godfather, although by agreement the child’s parents can also pay for the services of the church;
• photo session in the temple - photo and video filming of the baptism ceremony, it can be financed by the godfather at will, making it as a gift to the baby.

How to choose a present for an adult?

When adult men make the difficult decision to undergo baptism, they are not required to take godparents. However, being invited in such a role, godparents are obliged to congratulate the godson on finding a Guardian Angel. It also happens that in adolescence, after a “conference” with their parents, young men decide to be baptized.

At the baptism of a teenager, you can give traditional gifts, as well as buy something useful for the boy. Gadgets that will make his school life much easier will be useful. An excellent option would be a subscription to a computer club to learn the art of programming. Perhaps the young man is interested in sports, which means he will like home exercise equipment or new roller skates, skates, a skateboard, or a hoverboard.

An adult man who has been baptized can be presented with both church gifts and practical things that will serve his daily needs. Excellent options in such cases would be:

• organizers;
• beard care kits;
• certificate for a sightseeing tour of your hometown by helicopter;
• certificate for visiting a massage therapist;
• tickets to a concert of your favorite artist;
• household appliances that he needs daily (especially if we are talking about an unmarried man).

What is better not to give?

It is unacceptable to give alcoholic beverages on this day, with the exception of Cahors - church wine, symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ, as well as money. On the other hand, money is a good gift, especially if the giver does not know how to please the family on this bright day. But they should be a useful addition to the main themed gift.

Thus, baptism gifts can be varied. There are many ideas. Godparents usually give everything related to Christian themes, and other guests simply give useful things.

How to thank your godparents?

All clergy say that when choosing godparents for their child, parents should be confident in these people. They become the closest to the baby, and if something happens to his family, they will be the ones who will have to take care of his bright future. For this reason, it is also customary to give gifts to the godparent and godfather after the ceremony at a family celebration, thereby thanking them for taking on such responsibility. Most often, it is customary to give godfathers:

• small icons, for example, travel icons;
• memorable souvenirs (pendants, chains, brooches, packed in church-themed boxes);
• figurines of angels;
• sets of personalized napkins, towels;
• keychains, pendants, and other souvenirs made of silver, with engraving reminiscent of such an important date;
• inexpensive household appliances (sandwich makers, juicers, blenders, coffee makers);
• sets of beautiful dishes;
• bedding sets.

Naturally, it is better to find out in advance what the godfathers will be happy about, especially if this is not a pair of lovers, but people who are far from each other. They will have to choose gifts taking into account their interests, wishes and hobbies.

When is the baptism ceremony performed?

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It is recommended to carry out this ritual as early as possible. Again, with reference to distant dark times, when the mortality rate was high not only for adults, but also for children.

However, today it is not uncommon for adults to be baptized. Despite the recommendations to carry out baptism as early as possible, it is the baptism of an adult that is considered the most complete and meaningful process, since a person approaches this consciously.

There is another interesting fact about when it is necessary to baptize children. Previously, when baptism was taken more seriously, people chose a later time to perform this rite. They wanted to enjoy sinful deeds all their lives, and resorted to baptism almost on their deathbed in order to enter heavenly life cleansed of filth and sinfulness. However, the church quickly saw through the evil plan of the cunning people and began to fight this trend, demanding that baptism be performed already on the eighth day after the birth of the baby.

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It is not recommended that the child’s godparents be his own parents, and we have already discussed the reasons for this - the child must have a reliable rear in case something happens to his parents. Once you have chosen godparents for your child, they take on enormous responsibility for the process. And the main manifestation of their responsibility is the choice of a gift for a godson or goddaughter. The chosen gift will indicate a reverent and touching attitude towards the child, as well as towards the event itself, which occurs only once in the baby’s life.

How useful is it to give gifts to your baby that are not christening themed?

People who were not present in the church during the ceremony can present something useful for the young parents and baby. Among such presentations, the leading positions are occupied by the following ideas:

• gift baskets containing a selection of personal hygiene essentials;
• kits for creating casts of arms and legs;
• a diary for mom, which will be of interest to the child as he grows up;
• teethers (there are never too many of them);
• set of bottles and nipples;
• educational mats;
• thermal bags for storing bottles with pre-prepared mixture;
• a teeth cleaning kit designed for babies;
• booties-sneakers that come with a hat;
• educational books;
• rocking toys;
• fitball;
• baby car seat.

Typically, such gifts delight the parents, and over time, the growing boy. An option could also be a large toy car (for example, a dump truck), where you can put/plant the baby and roll him around, observing safety measures.

Christening gifts from grandparents

Representatives of the older generation treat their grandchildren with endless warmth and trepidation, and on the day of baptism they have the opportunity to present them with a good memorable gift. Such things can be useful in the everyday life of children or have a religious nature and be given for educational purposes.

Gifts from grandfather can be different, especially interesting are those made with your own hands:

• this is a beautiful wooden or birch bark box or basket for your granddaughter, in which you can put sweets and fruits;
• a personally assembled model of a car, helicopter or ship;
• souvenir figurines made of wood or plaster in the form of angels;
• pieces of furniture, such as a homemade children's high chair, a book shelf or even a desk for a schoolchild.

Gifts from a grandmother are clothes sewn for her granddaughters, a suit, a dress, a beautiful blouse, a knitted scarf with a hat, multi-colored socks or a picturesque cross-stitch or satin stitch painting in a beautiful frame, which can become a family heirloom.

Also, inexpensive souvenirs on religious themes can be memorabilia - figurines made of metal, porcelain, ceramics depicting holy saints, small icons and medallions with the face of the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary, original church candles, bronze bells with an angel, vessels for fir trees, incense and special jugs for ablution.

How to make your christening congratulations memorable?

Whoever gives a gift always hopes that it will be pleasant and memorable. In order for this to happen, sometimes it is enough to decorate your gift in an unusual way, for example, in bright wrapping paper. It would be useful to offer assistance to young parents in organizing the holiday and decorating the room where the celebration will be held after the ceremony.

Naturally, we should not forget that we need to congratulate the child’s parents, in particular the mother. She will be especially pleased to receive a bouquet of beautiful flowers, as well as a “sweet” or “fruit” basket. It’s worth asking, of course, whether the young mother is breastfeeding, so that when decorating the basket you don’t put in something that she won’t be able to eat. When choosing a gift, it is important to take into account all the wishes of the baby’s parents, and also ask what other invitees will give. Otherwise, you can give two identical gifts, which will not be particularly pleasant.

Unusual gifts

Are you looking for something original? There are a lot of such things. For example:

1. A voucher for a photo shoot
   is a great gift idea. Today, when everything is on disk, "normal" photos have even more value.
2. Piggy bank
   - you can give your child a gift (for example, in an envelope and in the form of a fixed transfer) or give a piggy bank with a symbolic amount in the middle. You can choose a standard “pig” or a more decorative one made of metal.
3. A silver brush
   is a gift that will be more of a decoration than an item for everyday use. But if you are looking for an unusual and original gift, a silver brush is a hit.
4. Medallion
   “ My Wish ” . It looks like an elegant piece of jewelry on a chain, but inside there is a card with written wishes for the baby.

A gift from people who have been chosen as godparents will forever remain in the memory of children and parents, so it should make the biggest impression.

Gifts for girls

What to give to your goddaughter for christening from her godmother? Medal

,
rings
,
earrings
are the most common options for a girl on the occasion of baptism. But sometimes it’s worth giving free rein to your imagination and choosing a unique gift that will preserve the memories of this event.

1. A music box
   with a rotating figure on the lid is a charming souvenir that makes soft and pleasant sounds. Children love them and will be able to enjoy the sounds and mood it produces.
2. A special type of gift for baptism is graffito
   - a souvenir in the form of a medallion, most often with an image of an engraving of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3. A silver rattle
   is an alternative to classic jewelry. This unique gadget can be a wonderful gift for a little princess.
4. Engraved bedding
   is an elegant and versatile gift that can decorate a child's crib.
5. Knitted shoes
   . A little lady will surely appreciate a beautiful gift in the form of handmade knitted shoes with romantic decorations in the form of flowers or ribbons.

6. 
   The cross and the baptismal swaddling cloth are attributes that need to be preserved

7. A decorative box
   is an ideal idea for a surprise. You can store not only jewelry in it, but also small souvenirs for the girl.
8. A mystery box
   is a place for a child’s footprint or hand. With the attached stand, you can add an additional, interesting decorative element to create a unique keepsake for your little lady.
9. An original baptismal gift will accompany the child for many years. Over time, every girl will excitedly look through her memorabilia that will remind her of this special day.

Original baptism gifts for a boy

A special day requires a unique setting. If you are wondering what to get your godson from your godparents?

In fact, these gifts are no different from those chosen for girls.

1. Soft pillow with a photo of
   the main character of the event.
2. A man with prints
   , funny subtitles or quotes, attracts attention with interesting graphics.
3. Bib with prints of costumes
   : uniforms of a policeman, fireman, football player.
4. Magic box with engraving
   .
5. A bouquet of blue socks
   is a composition that will surprise guests. On a satin ribbon you can order embroidery with the child's name and baptism date. This bouquet will never fade and can be stored for years.

Here are a few more options:

1. photo frame
   with space for hand and footprint.
2. Blue carousel
   with ponies.
3. A silver pacifier
   is an excellent alternative to classic jewelry. Some models allow you to engrave your name.
4. A souvenir piggy bank
   in the shape of a racing car, ship or football shoe.
5. Diaper cake
   . Intricate designs made from disposable diapers are decorated with special figurines of fairy-tale characters creating multi-story cakes.
6. Electric cars
   - adult car miniatures are very popular as baptismal and birthday gifts.

Let's not be afraid of original ideas. Non-standard, unique and sometimes funny gifts will remain in the memory for a long time and will make this day even more special.

Which icon should I give for christening?

Orthodox gifts are always relevant at christenings. This could be the image of the baby’s patron saint, with the face of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - this is a universal icon for a boy, or an icon of a guardian angel. Often sick children are recommended to have an icon of St. Panteleimon the Healer, and the face of St. Matrona is a talisman of troubles and misfortunes.

The icon of the Savior will be appropriate under any circumstances. If you find it difficult to choose, you can always ask a priest for advice.

Guest gifts

Those invited to the christening can give any gifts for the baby; they do not have to be themed.

List of guest gifts:

• soft toy in beautiful packaging;
• bed linen sets;
• terry towel;
• baby blanket;
• photo frame with photo album;
• elegant clothes;
• playpen, walkers, rocking chairs;
• bathing items.

The list can be supplemented at your discretion. The main thing is that a christening gift should be given from the heart.