<p>Hubby and I are going to a baptism this weekend. I have not been to one in probably close to 30 years. There will be a “reception” afterwards at a local restaurant. Just wondering what the current trends for gifts are. And I realize the gift trend may be a regional thing like weddings are. This will be in northern NJ.</p>
<p>Way back when, I think I gave a savings bond. Those don’t seem to be as popular today. I am thinking I will give a check, but what amount? And would I make the check out to the baby or the parents?</p>
<p>Is it a Catholic baptism? H is protestant clergy, but his brother converted to catholicism when he married, and we recently attended a baptism for their youngest.</p>
<p>We had already given a baby gift when the baby was born, but H’s sister checked into the tradition and reported a small religious gift would be in order.</p>
<p>I found a little figurine of an angel in the baby section of a gift shop and that’s what we gave. I have no idea if it was appropriate or not. There was a table for gifts at the reception following the baptism, but none were opened at the reception.</p>
<p>We’re in the midwest, and it may be one of those things that varies by denomination, custom and region!</p>
<p>If the baby has a saint name (and catholic) even a middle name, can get that saint statue. A cross to hang over a door way. A plaque with the “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. A guardian angel of some sort. I also think some religious based children’s books would be very nice. Stories the parent could read to a little one. The story of Noah …kind of thing.</p>
<p>One of our boys received a framed print of the Bible story the mustard seed. There was a painted image and the parable in calligraphy. It still hangs in his room. - It tells how something so small can grow to give so much!</p>
<p>Are the parents practicing the faith? I ask this because as a Protestant pastor, a large percentage of the parents who want their kids “done” (yeah, they actually use that word) are not practicing the faith, so religious gifts may not be appreciated. That being said, I present every child I baptize with a children’s Bible or religious story book.</p>
<p>Christian bookstores sell a lot of cute baby books. One I particularly like is a Bible-themed ABC book.</p>
<p>KKmama ~ I don’t know if they are practicing. We went to the parents’ wedding and it was not a full mass. It was actually pretty short and sweet ~ 20 minutes or so. So I am not sure what to expect with the baptism.</p>
<p>I have a 1 yo old and 4 yo nephew. I was the godmother for the 4 yo, but also attend the 1 yo’s baptism. In both instances, two different Catholic churches, the baptismal ceremony was held after the mass. There maybe more than one child being baptized that day. With one child, it was about 15 minutes long. All of those there for the ceremony were invited to gather around the baptismal font with the parents and godparents standing near the priest. </p>
<p>I gave both little babies a religious gift (I honestly don’t recall what at the moment) and a savings bond or check for their college funds. Can you imagine the cost of college in 14 or 17 years?</p>
<p>I don’t know if it has changed, but when we received savings bonds for our kids’ baptisms, the bond just came in the mail, with no indication of who sent it. Thank goodness those who sent bonds mentioned them to me. So if you do send a bond, be sure to send a card that says that a bond will be arriving in the mail in a few weeks.</p>
<p>I received some savings bonds and cards from loved ones for our kids’ baptisms. There are bibles–our kids liked the children’s bibles with colorful pictures. A check made outo the parents in a card is nice–have received varying amounts$10-$100 and everything in between. My sister has given nativity scenes as baptism gifts too. Will be attending my great nephew’s event in about a month.</p>
<p>We received things like a gold cup with his name on it, beatrix potter bowls, silver spoons, etc. None of which were very useful. I like the book ideas or the frame for the wall. Not thrilled with the cash idea.</p>
<p>We were happy with cash. We put all of the kids cash gifts over the years into accounts we opened in their names. S’s grew so it would have covered >a semester of tuition. D’s would have covered two years of food for college. We gave each kid their funds when they turned 18.</p>
<p>Savings bonds. We were sure to send thank you letters twice. Once from us when the bond was received and once from D when she graduated from college.</p>
<p>Who is getting or giving savings bonds now? Don’t they require you to have the Social Security number when it is purchased? I think most parents would be reluctant to give out this info. Years ago, they didn’t require the SSN.</p>
<p>I recently attended a protestant baptism and, thinking they’d have lots of photos of the big day, gave them a nice silver picture frame. Could include a gift card to a photo shop for enlargements, etc.</p>
<p>You could also give them a gift certificate for a photo book of the happy day. Those are available for as little as $25 or less, and even Costco carries them.</p>
<p>crucifix
statue or something representing the patron saint.
a Jesus baby (my kids loved their soft Baby Jesus and they would cuddle with it when upset).
a children’s bible
a children’s book of saints
a rosary (if you can get it blessed by a priest, even better. My sister just returned from Rome with rosaries for all us blessed by the new pope).
a religious themed light switch plate cover
or, of course, a check. :)</p>