Baptism is a rite that takes placemost kids. So sooner or later you will be on the list of those invited to such a celebration. Perhaps you will attend the celebration as a guest, or maybe as a godparent. Of course, no celebration is complete without gifts. Christenings are no exception. Of course, you will have a question - how to choose a gift for a child's christening? Choosing a gift for a child is not an easy task, and even more so on such an important day. I really want the gift to not only please the baby, but also bring tangible benefits. And this is very difficult to do - as a rule, children are most happy with toys. But toys get boring very quickly - this is how the child's psyche works. Moreover, christenings are not New Year or birthday. Certain traditions have been developing for a long time regarding this celebration - they should also be taken into account when choosing a gift. As you can see, the task is not an easy one. But do not despair - there are no hopeless situations. Let's try to figure out together what to give a child.
Gift from the godmother
Orthodox traditions very clearly define the gifts that a godmother must buy. The mother must buy a christening set, which includes:
- Kryzhma
The role of a baptismal cloak can be played by a beautiful large onea towel or a special christening towel with a cross embroidered in the center. As a rule, such christening towels are sold in church shops. But sometimes they can be found in stores specializing in children's goods. And if the godmother likes needlework, she can sew a christening towel with her own hands. Of course, for these purposes it is necessary to use only natural fabrics that are pleasant to the touch - after all, the baby will be wrapped in this towel after the font. And, of course, do not forget about the decoration - a beautiful braid will come in handy. After all, christening is a holiday!
- The Baptismal Shirt
The baptismal ceremony deserves no less attention.shirt. You can buy a ready-made one, or you can make it yourself. For example, in winter you can use a warm flannel romper or blouse, in summer the material should be thin - for example, cotton or linen. If you use a romper or blouse, you need to decorate it correctly. You can embroider a cross and the baby's initials on the back. Do not neglect this - the christening shirt is kept for life. And the grown child will certainly remember you with warmth.
Gift of the Godfather
Dad won't be left out either. The godfather's gifts are also very clearly defined:
- Cross
A cross is an essential attribute of baptism.It is put on the baby in the church itself, during the sacrament. It is up to you to decide what kind of godson to buy. If your finances allow, you can buy a gold cross. But if you don’t have such an opportunity, it’s not a problem, a silver or copper cross will perform its function no worse. The main thing is that the cross is given from the heart. Sometimes the question arises – should the cross be on a chain or on a ribbon? In principle, here too, everything depends on your capabilities. You can buy a chain – in extreme cases, if the child is too small, he will be able to wear it when he grows up. And if you decide to use a ribbon, buy it in a church shop – they sell ribbons of different lengths, with a convenient clasp.
- Icon
On the day of his baptism the child must receivea gift of an icon with the image of your Guardian Angel and/or a personalized icon with your heavenly patron. And it is the godfather who should give this icon to the child. Such an icon can also be bought in the church itself.
- All other expenses
It is the godfather who must pay all the expenses in the church related to the baptism. Therefore, it is worth finding out the approximate amount in advance, so as not to find yourself in an awkward situation.
Other gifts of godparents and guests
In case the godparents wantto give the child something else, it is best to consult with the parents. Do not be shy - now in this family you will become practically family. Therefore, it is much wiser to consult with the parents so that the gift is really appropriate, and not gathers dust on a distant shelf. Godparents can buy two different gifts. And if they plan to give something expensive, it will be quite appropriate to buy one gift for both. In the event that you are invited to the child's christening as a guest. You can give anything - the main thing is that this gift is given from the heart. By the way, it will be quite appropriate to ask the parents about what their child needs. And if there is such an opportunity, discuss gifts with other guests in advance - 3 identical teddy bears are unlikely to please the child. There are several practical win-win gift options for a child:
- Dishes
Ideally, you can give your child a silver onespoon or cup. Especially if this gift is personalized - ordering engraving is not difficult these days. Just a few minutes - and an exclusive gift is ready. Most likely, your cup or spoon will become the child's first personal tableware. And they will certainly remain favorites for a long time. And who knows - maybe after some time this particular cup or spoon will become a family heirloom? But even if you cannot afford such a gift, it does not matter. Any tableware store sells a huge number of various beautiful sets of children's tableware. You will certainly find exactly what you like. And a set of tableware will come in handy in any case.
- Gold decoration
If you are invited to a girl's christening andIf you have the necessary amount of money, it is best to buy some gold jewelry. Time flies and today's baby will very quickly become a young woman. And gold is always relevant. Therefore, such a gift will always be a joy.
- Educational toys
Educational toys will always be relevant –Fortunately, there is a huge selection in stores today. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the age of the child. It is unlikely that a one-year-old will find puzzles useful. And a six-year-old is unlikely to be pleased with an educational mat. If you find it difficult to decide on a toy, ask the seller for help.
- Bed dress
Don't be too quick to smile - bed linen andOther accessories are never superfluous. Of course, we are not talking about the cheapest cotton sets. Choose nice bed linen or a blanket - the baby's parents will certainly be happy with such a gift. Do not forget that children's bedding should be made exclusively from natural materials.
- clothing
Another gift option that is sure to pleasewill come in handy - it's clothes. Here everything is limited only by your capabilities and imagination. You can buy some kind of smart suit or dress, or something casual - rompers, blouses, pants, tights - depending on the age of the baby. If you decide to give clothes, be sure to find out the exact size of the child from the parents in advance. After all, if you buy clothes of a larger size - half the trouble, the child will grow into them sooner or later. And what if the clothes are too small? Therefore, be sure to play it safe and consult with the baby's mother. By the way, it is from the mother that you can find out what clothes will be most relevant. The only thing you should not give is shoes. After all, even knowing the exact size, you can buy unsuitable shoes - for example, the baby's instep will be too high. Shoes should be bought only after trying them on. After all, the health of the baby's feet depends on properly selected shoes.
- PHOTOSESSION
If you want to stand out in a special wayoriginality, you can give your little one… a photo shoot! Such a gift will surely delight, if not the baby himself, then certainly the parents. Of course, such a gift will not be cheap. But believe me – it will become an excellent memory for the baby’s entire life! And, as an adult, he will proudly show these photos to his children.
- Money
In case you prefer to go the routeleast resistance, you can bring an envelope with money as a gift to the child. Incidentally, such a gift has recently become increasingly popular. And it is no coincidence - parents probably know much better than anyone else what their child needs. However, remember that all children's things are quite expensive. Therefore, give an adequate amount of money, so as not to be known as a miser. Remember that a gift for a christening should be purchased with special care and love - then it will bring happiness to its little owner, and you can thus convey to him a piece of your warmth. When going to visit, do not forget about the hostess of the house and other children, if the baby is not alone in the family. It will be very appropriate to buy small souvenirs for children and flowers for the hostess of the house. And do not forget to take with you the most important thing - goodwill and a good mood. We advise you to read:
