Being asked to be a godparent is a genuine honour — and about ten minutes later comes the panic: what am I actually supposed to give?
Unlike a birthday present, a christening gift carries a bit of weight. It's usually the one gift from the day the family keeps, and often something the child is handed years later when they're old enough to understand who chose it. That's a lovely thing, but it does raise the stakes.
Here's a straightforward guide to what godparents traditionally give, what to spend, and how to choose something that still means something in twenty years.
What is a godparent actually expected to give?
There's no rule, but there is a strong convention: godparents give the keepsake gift — the significant, lasting one — while other guests give something smaller.
In practice that means most godparents choose a single meaningful piece rather than a bundle of baby items. The family will already have clothes, toys and blankets covered. What they won't have is something engraved with the child's name and christening date that goes on a shelf and stays there.
If you're not the godparent and you've landed here anyway, our complete guide to baptism gifts covers the full range for guests and family.
How much should a godparent spend?
Australian godparents typically spend more than other guests — but "more" is relative, and nobody is checking. A few honest guidelines:
- The gift matters more than the amount. A thoughtfully personalised keepsake beats an expensive generic one every time.
- Consider going in together. If there are two godparents, one substantial joint gift often lands better than two smaller separate ones.
- Personalisation is the multiplier. The same item, engraved with the child's name and date, becomes something the family keeps rather than stores.
Godparent gift ideas that last
The gifts that survive the years tend to fall into three groups.
1. The ceremony piece
A personalised christening candle is the traditional godparent gift, and for good reason — it's part of the ceremony itself, then becomes a keepsake afterwards. Many families light it again on christening anniversaries.
Browse personalised baptism & christening candles, and if you're unsure what to have engraved, our guide on what to write on a baptism candle walks through the wording.
2. The keepsake that holds the day
A personalised keepsake box is the gift parents thank you for years later. The christening bracelet, the cards, a lock of hair, the certificate — they all need somewhere to live, and a box engraved with the child's name becomes the natural home for them.
Have a look at our personalised keepsake boxes.
3. The piece they grow into
Some godparents choose something the child will wear or hold later — a piece of personalised jewellery put away until a milestone birthday, or an engraved frame for the nursery wall that moves with them.
If you'd rather give a few smaller things together, our guide to building a baptism gift basket shows how to combine them well.
Personalisation that makes it a godparent gift
The details are what separate a godparent's gift from a guest's. A few worth considering:
- The christening date — the single most important detail, and the one that dates the keepsake forever.
- Your name as godparent — "With love from your Godmother, [name]" turns the gift into a record of the relationship, not just an object.
- A short blessing or verse — a line of scripture or a few words of your own that the child can read when they're older.
- Matching pieces — a candle and keepsake box in the same font and finish look considered rather than assembled, and make a generous joint gift from two godparents.
Timing: order earlier than you think
This is where godparents most often come unstuck. Personalised pieces are made to order, so they can't be picked up on the way to the church.
Once you know the christening date, order with a couple of weeks' clearance if you can. Everything we make is personalised in our own Melbourne studio, usually within a couple of business days, then ready for pickup or posted Australia-wide. Melbourne godparents are welcome to visit our Caulfield showroom to see finishes in person and collect locally — no delivery wait.
Presenting it on the day
- Write a card. The gift will outlive the day; a handwritten note from the godparent is what the child reads later.
- Give the ceremony piece before, not after. If you've chosen a candle, get it to the parents ahead of time so it can be part of the service.
- Don't compete. If there's another godparent, a quick message to compare notes saves two identical keepsake boxes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a traditional godparent gift?
A personalised christening candle, a keepsake box, or an engraved piece of jewellery — something lasting rather than practical. Godparents traditionally give the keepsake gift of the day.
Should godparents give a bigger gift than other guests?
Usually, yes — but it's about significance rather than price. One well-chosen personalised keepsake is exactly right.
Can I have the gift engraved with my name as godparent?
Yes. Adding "from your Godmother/Godfather" alongside the child's name and date is one of the most meaningful ways to personalise it.
How far ahead should I order?
Personalised pieces are made to order, usually within a couple of business days. Order a couple of weeks before the christening so there's no rush — or choose local pickup from our Caulfield showroom.
Choosing yours
You've been asked because you matter to this family. The gift only has to reflect that — a name, a date, and something built to still be around when the child is old enough to ask who gave it to them.
Browse our full baptism & christening collection, or visit our Caulfield showroom — we're always happy to help a nervous godparent choose.
