Traditional Christening Presents From Godparents
Many godparents get confused though as to how traditional or modern the christening presents should be. Keeping in mind the gift should be a reflection of the permanent role you will play, it’s easy to get lost in the pull between what you think the situation dictates and what you think would be interesting for the child.
We will break christening presents into two categories: traditional gifts and more modern gifts. This article focuses more on the traditional side first.
Extremely traditional christening presents - we’re talking the early 1900’s and before here - can be appropriate for a very conservative family OR if you want to give multiple gifts. Classic etiquette dictates that the child be given a silver christening mug and utensil set by the godfathers, and a robe or cloak via the godmothers.
Let yourself be the guide on this one - if a very traditional image is what you would like to present, or you know the family would deeply appreciate the gesture, giving these very traditional christening presents is a wise choice.
Do keep in mind the child though. A fine cloak and mug might be very symbolic now, in two decades he or she might want something a little more modern. In this case, giving the traditional Christening Presents as a nod to the past as well a more timely gift is appropriate.
If you believe it to be okay to break out of this very traditional mold and not worry about impressing tradition, there is still a wide variety of christening presents. Silver jewelry is good choice. Consider a crucifix or cross design necklace or ring, sized for a young man or woman. Your godchild can grow into it when they come of age.
Leaving transient items are not good - the child will outgrow clothes, for example, and some little children’s story books are more appropriately given as childhood birthday presents, not Christening Presents.
