When your godchild is getting baptized, it can be both exciting and stressful. Getting gifts for the child can be difficult. They tend to outgrow pretty much anything you buy for them and their parents may or may not want their child to have certain items. Here’s how to avoid confusion while supporting your godchild from the heart.
Talk With The Parents
Talk with the parents about the types of gifts that are appropriate or that the parents would find acceptable. This is also a good idea when you just don’t know what to buy the child. Parents will have a good idea of what’s needed, what they can or will buy, and what they can’t or won’t.
So, for example, does the child need a teddy bear, or a new blanket, or just some basic clothes like socks and onesies? These are items that you can pick up almost anywhere, and while they won’t last long, they will be appreciated. Some parents will have already purchased a lot of clothes for their children, and they may only want you to get them a keepsake toy.
Get The Christening Gown
One idea is to buy the christening gown. Christening gowns come in a few different colors, with the most common or prominent being white. But, pastel colors are also available, especially yellow or an off-white color.
The gown is an integral part of the ceremony, so you would be making a major contribution to it. It would also be a wonderful way for you to show your support for the child.
Silver Is Always In
Silver spoons, a picture frame, or some other keepsake is almost always a good gift idea. These aren’t things that the child will immediately appreciate, but they are things that will appreciate on their own over time. If it’s something like a photo album or frame, then you can also add a picture of you holding the child.
You can also get the album, spoon, or whatever else you decide to purchase inscribed with the child’s name, his or her birthdate, and the day of the christening or baptism.
These types of gifts tend to be gifts that children grow up to appreciate through the memories that are associated with them.
Know Your Duties
Godparents are often part of the ceremony. If you’re never taken part in a christening or baptism before, talk with the pastor about what you will be responsible for. Usually, you’ll be asked to speak for the child during the ceremony, since they cannot speak for themselves. You will also become the sponsor for the child and will take on certain lifelong responsibilities, like making sure that the child is brought up in the Christian faith, attends church, and forms a relationship with both God and the church.
While you’re not a legal guardian, you are considered a spiritual one. It’s expected that you will support the child in some way, shape, or form, even though you have no legal duty to do so. It’s a big responsibility, and being asked to be a godparent is not something you should consider lightly.
Diane Leclair is a greeting card vendor and grandmom of six. When she has the time, she likes to write about life and family to help people relax and enjoy themselves more. Look for her enlightening articles on many of today's top websites and blogs.
Talk With The Parents
Talk with the parents about the types of gifts that are appropriate or that the parents would find acceptable. This is also a good idea when you just don’t know what to buy the child. Parents will have a good idea of what’s needed, what they can or will buy, and what they can’t or won’t.
So, for example, does the child need a teddy bear, or a new blanket, or just some basic clothes like socks and onesies? These are items that you can pick up almost anywhere, and while they won’t last long, they will be appreciated. Some parents will have already purchased a lot of clothes for their children, and they may only want you to get them a keepsake toy.
Get The Christening Gown
One idea is to buy the christening gown. Christening gowns come in a few different colors, with the most common or prominent being white. But, pastel colors are also available, especially yellow or an off-white color.
The gown is an integral part of the ceremony, so you would be making a major contribution to it. It would also be a wonderful way for you to show your support for the child.
Silver Is Always In
Silver spoons, a picture frame, or some other keepsake is almost always a good gift idea. These aren’t things that the child will immediately appreciate, but they are things that will appreciate on their own over time. If it’s something like a photo album or frame, then you can also add a picture of you holding the child.
You can also get the album, spoon, or whatever else you decide to purchase inscribed with the child’s name, his or her birthdate, and the day of the christening or baptism.
These types of gifts tend to be gifts that children grow up to appreciate through the memories that are associated with them.
Know Your Duties
Godparents are often part of the ceremony. If you’re never taken part in a christening or baptism before, talk with the pastor about what you will be responsible for. Usually, you’ll be asked to speak for the child during the ceremony, since they cannot speak for themselves. You will also become the sponsor for the child and will take on certain lifelong responsibilities, like making sure that the child is brought up in the Christian faith, attends church, and forms a relationship with both God and the church.
While you’re not a legal guardian, you are considered a spiritual one. It’s expected that you will support the child in some way, shape, or form, even though you have no legal duty to do so. It’s a big responsibility, and being asked to be a godparent is not something you should consider lightly.
Diane Leclair is a greeting card vendor and grandmom of six. When she has the time, she likes to write about life and family to help people relax and enjoy themselves more. Look for her enlightening articles on many of today's top websites and blogs.
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