Etiquette for a baptism

[chody47]

I've been invited to a baptism this weekend. I've never been to one before so am unsure of the etiquette. Is this a gift-giving occasion? If so, what's appropriate? Anything important I should know?

[Floweryfields]

Yes usually give a gift - things like photo frames, keepsake boxes, etc are what I've usually bought.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

I tend to give gifts at a baptism/christening - for a child, usually just a small token (eg a small Bible Story book, like Noah's Ark) and a card. For an adult baptism, I would probably go along the Christian gift line but give in accordance to how close I was to them, like a birthday gift.

If this is for a child, be aware that the people in the Church usually say en masse that they will help to impart Christian values to the child as he or she is growing up. Something to be aware of - you can, of course, remain silent here if this goes against core beliefs or ethics.

[Ms_Fi]

I'm not really religious so I don't give traditional baptism gifts - I prefer to give a wooden toy as I think the symbolism of wood is appropriate for a baptism.

The only thing I can think is to make sure you have plenty of change for the collection plate/bag if the baptism is in a church.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

[chody47]

Yes it is for a child - an 8 monthish old to be exact. If anyone else wants to throw gift ideas at me feel free. Religion is not something I've ever been exposed to in my life. I have no issues with it or anything like that, it's just not what I've grown up with so I'll admit that I'm clueless!

[Tinks]

Baptisms are usually performed at a normal church service so expect to have to sit through all that before the actual Christening starts.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Here's some Christian-themed gift ideas, depending on budget:

"Me Too" stories - I really enjoy these ones as they encourage talking about the book and the child's ideas of the world (eg "who likes baking?" or "what do dogs say?")
Toy Noah's Ark (these can get expensive!)
Small book of baby/toddler prayers
Child's Bible - there are loads of beautifully illustrated ones around.
Jewellery (eg small cross necklace)
A stone with the date of the Christening and a bible verse on
Pair of goalkeeper's gloves for football (as per the joke: Jesus and the disciples were playing football. Jesus was the goalie. Peter shoots and... Jesus saves!)

[chody47]

Baptisms are usually performed at a normal church service so expect to have to sit through all that before the actual Christening starts.

Well I guess I'll get to experience church then!

[sangie]

If your not comfortable with religious themed gifts some other ideas are: money box, books, photo frame, clothes?

[Floweryfields]

Baptisms are usually performed at a normal church service so expect to have to sit through all that before the actual Christening starts.

Not always - most recent one I went to was just a baptism and nothing else and I've been to several like that.

[Taryn]

I suggest staying away from a money box. Evie got 6 silver money boxes for her christening! She got some nice shoes from 'seed' which were gorgeous. And also some jewelry xo

[OceanPrincess]

Sometimes the baptism part comes at the start of the service... just to mix things up

If it is part of a standard service (the time might be an indication of that - if it is relatively early on a Sunday morning, probably is part of the service as most churches run their standard Sunday service in the morning), don't feel you have to do what the congregation does, ie singing or communion, but likewise, if you want to participate, go for it. There will probably be someone leading the service who says things like "Please stand and sing" and there will be a song book or words displayed somewhere if you feel like participating.

So it could be an hour or longer if it is part of a standard service.

As for gifts - we received a gorgeous children's bible for DD's christening, but the story book ideas might be a better route JIC someone else goes a bible! Have a look at Word or Koorong online (Christian bookshops) - they might even have a "gift idea" section.

[surprised]

Have fun! Don't feel that you need to put anything in the collection plate... Visitors to churches should never feel as though it's expected. I wouldn't go crazy on a gift either. A nice ornament, book or toy would be totally adequate. Or even a CD of kid's music.

[HotI]

gifts with the child's name on are nice- a mirror, brush, cup, stickers, towel