In many cultures, a christening or a baptism is one of the most important events in a young child’s life. For Christians, Catholics and a myriad of other religions, a baptism celebrates a person’s entry into the church and the beginning of their spiritual journey. Usually taking place around the child’s first birthday, christenings are often a big celebration and are therefore usually commemorated with an extra special gift.
Much like many other religious events, it is customary that you bring a gift for the person being baptised. However, unlike these other religious events where you would generally give novelty items to the child such as toys, books, clothes and chocolate, a baptism gift is always a lot more personal. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to find the perfect baptism gift because not only does it need to be personal, but it needs to be age-appropriate too.
Luckily for you, Shiels has got you covered with our 10+ stunning baptisms and christening gift ideas!
Overview:
- What is an Appropriate Christening Gift?
- What Do You Buy For a Baby Boy's Christening?
- What Do You Buy For a Baby Girl’s Christening?
- What Do I Buy Someone for an Adult Baptism?
What is an Appropriate Christening Gift?
While it may vary depending on the age of the recipient and how close you are to them, the appropriate christening gift is typically something that can be kept as a memento for the rest of their life. Christening gifts therefore take the form of one of two things, a traditional gift or a contemporary gift.
Traditional Christening Gifts
Traditional christening gifts often involve some type of religious iconography. Common traditional christening gifts include cross necklaces and cross bracelets that are designed to symbolise Jesus on the cross and the ultimate sacrifice that Catholics believe he made for his people. There are also St. Christopher Pendants adorned with a patron Saint of travel and travellers, believed to provide protection in water and when travelling.
Another traditional christening gift is rosary beads and rosary necklaces. Rosaries are a piece of jewellery used in various religions including Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, Shinto, Islam and Buddhism, along with several others as a way to count the repetition of prayers, chants or mantras. It is for this reason that rosary beads are typically given to children and adults being christened as it is a beautiful way to celebrate them becoming a member of the church.
9ct Yellow Gold Cubic Zirconia Cross Pendant 21mm
$438.99
A classic design, this 9ct Yellow Gold Cubic Zirconia Cross Pendant 21mm is beautiful in its intricate details. A cross pendant is typically worn by Christians as a symbol of their faith and commitment to God. This piece is crafted… read more
Gold Plated Sterling Silver Engraved Cross Pendant
$29.99
$59.99
Gold Plated Sterling Silver Engraved Cross Pendant… read more
Contemporary Christening Gifts
In an attempt to alter traditions and create whole new ones, many are opting to purchase contemporary christening gifts rather than traditional religious gifts. And while this modern approach to gift-giving may seem less sentimental, it is actually quite the contrary. There are countless options out there for meaningful christening gifts that will be cherished forever. Whether it's baby bangles or some other type of kid’s jewellery such as a pair of earrings, a contemporary christening gift is an excellent way to introduce a loved one to the world of jewellery.
You could even go extra personal with gemstone jewellery adorned with the baptised child’s birthstone, an initial necklace or a charm bracelet so they could add more charms as they surpass more milestones. You could even gift them an elegant locket necklace with an image of the two of you together so you can always be close to their heart or perhaps an image that was taken during the christening.
9ct Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire 4mm Stud Earrings
$359.00
Graceful yet opulent, these 9ct yellow gold natural sapphire 4mm stud earrings will spruce up just about any look. They feature natural sapphire fixed in a 4 claw-set on a yellow gold plated body. Beyond the typical combinations and designs,… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Garnet 4mm Stud Earrings
$259.00
9ct yellow gold garnet 4mm stud earrings are subtle but bold, perfect to be worn and enjoyed all year round. This beautiful pair of stud earrings features a garnet stone set in a 4-prong claw that adds a splash of… read more
Christening Gift Ideas
What Do You Buy For a Baby Boy's Christening?
When shopping for christening gifts, most people will agree that baby boys are the hardest to shop for. Fortunately, from meaningful cross pendants to timeless curb chains and brooches, these five pieces are proof that you don't have to be a girl to wear jewellery and that there are plenty of gifting options that are suitable for a baby boy’s christening.
1. Sterling Silver Bluebird Brooch
Adorned with a single enamel bluebird embellishment, this playful brooch is crafted from a sturdy and durable sterling silver that will forever be in style. Featuring a user-friendly safety pin, whether fastened on a jumper or a dapper blazer, this unique piece is sure to be cherished by the baby boy for all time.
$79.50
Featuring an adorable bluebird, this sterling silver brooch will make a unique and memorable gift.… read moreSterling Silver Bluebird Brooch
$159.00
2. Sterling Silver Blue Bird ID Bracelet
A perfect addition to the bluebird brooch above, this charming silver bracelet is proof that you don’t have to be a girl to rock jewellery. Decorated with adjustable belcher-style links and a small ID tag that can be engraved with the child’s name or a special message, this is a piece that will grow with them as they grow.
Sterling Silver Belcher Blue Bird ID Bracelet 14+2cm
$34.99
$69.99
Sweet and delicate, this blue bird bracelet is simply adorable. The 14cm bracelet, with a 2cm extender, includes an ID plate.… read more
3. White Gold Cross Pendant
When a person is baptised and becomes a member of the church, it is likely that they will become very well-acquainted with religious iconographies such as crosses, rosaries and Virgin Mary artwork. With that said, this elegant yet simplistic white gold cross necklace that was made in Italy would make for the perfect introductory cross.
9ct White Gold 30mm Cross Pendant 9W
$268.00
$418.00
A classic cross pendant is simple and delicately empowers you to show your faith. Made in Italy… read more
4. Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Sitting on a square medallion pendant with an intricate and slightly edgy diamond-cut pattern, this cross immediately captures the eye with its incredibly regal design. Timeless and versatile, the recipient will get wear out of it at any age.
9ct Yellow Gold Cross On Square Medallion Pendant
$299.50
$599.00
This beautiful 9-carat yellow gold pendant features a cross set on a rectangular medallion. A honeycomb texture sits behind the polished gold cross, adding depth to the piece. This pendant is the perfect way to show your faith or to… read more
5. Yellow Gold Curb Chain
Expertly crafted, this elegant 9-carat yellow gold curb chain is the perfect way to elevate an outfit at any age. Boasting seamless curb-style links, this chain is a statement piece that the recipient is bound to have in their jewellery box for many years to come. Not to mention, it’s a unisex chain, so it might even be handed down to their children one day.
9ct Elegant Yellow Gold Copper Filled Curb 45cm Chain
$249.00
$499.00
Expertly crafted, this 9ct elegant yellow gold copper filled curb chain is perfect for the days when you cannot decide on which chain to wear. Featuring seamless and highly polished curb links, this chain is a definite statement piece. Not… read more
What Do You Buy For a Baby Girl’s Christening?
Compared to boys, shopping for a baby girl’s christening gift is a walk in the park. Although, that is not to say it can’t be difficult to find the perfect gift. That’s why the ideal christening gift for a baby girl is one that is the perfect mix of classic and contemporary, something that we believe these five christening gift ideas for baby girls embody so well.
1. Sterling Silver Baby Psalm Bangle
Crafted from stylish and durable sterling silver, this baby bangle is bound to be cherished forever. Embossed with the script: ‘may God bless you with happiness and joy’, the bangle is expandable – allowing room for them to grow into it more. There are also no hanging adornments, so it does not pose a choking risk.
Sterling Silver Baby Psalm Bangle Expandable 40mm
$40.00
$80.00
For a sentimental gift, this sterling silver baby bangle is perfect. Features intricate script with 'May god bless you with happiness and joy'.… read more
2. Yellow Gold Angel Pendant
Perfect for those who love the symbolism of an angel and feel in need of guidance or protection, this stunning yellow-gold angel charm is sure to delight. Featuring feminine swirl embellishments and a shiny 9-carat lustre, this gold pendant is the perfect balance of tradition and contemporary style – especially since angels are a prominent symbol in the Christian faith.
9ct Yellow Gold Angel Pendant
$79.00
$159.00
A beautiful 9ct Yellow Gold Angel Pendant with open wings and wonderfully detailed appearance. Perfect for those who love the symbolism of an angel, or feel in need of guidance and protection. Embellished with gold swirls and breathtaking with its… read more
3. Yellow Gold Rosary Chain
Featuring a delicate yellow gold chain, this dainty and modern rosary necklace has ten beads in each section, allowing the wearer to keep count of the amount of Hail Marys said in prayer. With each section referred to as decades, it allows them to complete the steps of a rosary that involves reciting the Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory Be. Complete with a Virgin Mary medallion, this piece is classic yet incredibly fashion-forward.
9ct Yellow Gold Rosary 40.60cm Chain
$599.00
$1,199.00
Whether you choose this rosary bead necklace in 9ct Yellow Gold 40cm Chain for fashion or for faith, it will make a beautiful choice.… read more
4. Yellow Gold Greek Baby Bangle
Symbolising eternity, unity and the ‘eternal motion of things’ with its unbroken and seamless jagged pattern, the Greek Key is an iconic symbol of Ancient Greece and continues to be an important image today. This is why this elegant gold baby bangle is sure to be the perfect christening gift. Crafted from solid 9-carat gold, this piece oozes luxury as well as sophistication.
9ct Yellow Gold Greek Baby Bangle
$399.50
$799.00
After a special present for a newborn? This 9ct Yellow Gold Baby Bangle is the perfect gift for them to remember you by. Show your love with this special bangle crafted from luxurious gold, a gift that will be remembered… read more
5. Sterling Silver Claddagh Baby Bangle
The Claddagh is a prominent Irish jewellery design that originates from Galway City. It features two hands holding a heart that is adorned with a crown on top. Symbolising friendship, loyalty and love, this silver bangle adorned with a single sparkling zirconia stone is a meaningful yet contemporary christening gift idea for the little girl in your life.
Sterling Silver Claddagh Hinged Baby Bangle
$49.99
$99.99
Spoil your baby with this sterling silver claddagh bangle… read more
What Do I Buy Someone for an Adult Baptism?
There may come a time in your life when you are invited to an adult baptism. Christenings for adults are not as common as they are with children, however, they do happen. Much like shopping for children’s gifts, you can pretty much take the same approach when buying gifts for an adult whether it’s a cross necklace, birthstone jewellery, lockets, rosary beads, or initial jewellery. Alternatively, you can go for functionality with watches or opt for some sparkle with diamond jewellery or an affordable jewellery set.
Sterling Silver Gold Plated Round Initial "S" Pendant On 45cm Chain
$69.50
$139.00
Sterling Silver Gold Plated Round Initial "S" Pendant On 45cm Chain… read more
Sterling Silver Gold Plated Round Initial "E" Pendant On 45cm Chain
$69.50
$139.00
Sterling Silver Gold Plated Round Initial "E" Pendant On 45cm Chain… read more
And there you have it, 10+ beautiful christening gift ideas that are perfect for boys, girls and adults! At Shiels, we have a wide range of jewellery pieces that are perfect for celebrating a christening. Shop online or in-store today.
