Everything about babies is fresh and new. We all look with a bit of awe on this new life stuffed full of unseen potential. The baptism of a baby is a beautiful statement by the family and loved ones around the child, that they will do all in their power to help guide this new life in the direction of a faith-filled life.
If you are blessed to be a close relative or near friend to believing new parents, then you may find yourself sharing in the memorable day when the baby is baptized. There will be a lovely ceremony at the church and more than likely a small reception afterward to which it is customary to bring a gift. But what kind of gift is appropriate for the occasion? Here are five suggested gift ideas for baby baptism.
A Photographic Memory
Parents and baby will be very occupied during the baptism ceremony so they would probably be very appreciative of someone offering to take pictures or video of the event. Still photos can be placed in an album and one particularly favorite picture could be placed in a frame ready to put on baby’s dresser or hung on the nursery wall.
A Piece of Jewelry
On the day of baptism, infant girls sometimes wear cross necklaces or bracelets with a cross charm. For baby boys or girls who are being baptized into the Catholic faith, a rosary would make an appropriate gift. Having a tangible reference to faith that was theirs from their earliest months of life contributes to a growing identity of belief.
A Gift of Reading
No list of gift ideas for baby baptism is complete without including a children’s bible or gifts of religious books for the family. There are beautiful illustrated children’s bibles which can be used at bedtime for years to come. Besides bibles, think about devotional books which help the family make daily practice of consecration to God. There are a variety of books which teach the catechism to children or which contain family prayers and blessings.
A Word of Thanks
Mom and dad will have lots of thank you cards to write following the baptism. Why not have some stationary printed with baby’s initials? Sending out letters on personalized stationary is a great way to celebrate and mom and dad will be impressed with your thoughtfulness.
The Printery House is an online Christian gift store where you can find these and many other gift ideas for baby baptism celebrations. Such a special day deserves a gift that can be treasured for years to come.