Catholic baptism gifts for boys and girls
The best baptism gifts point to what happens that day, when a baby becomes a child of God: a keepsake for the baptismal candle and white garment, a cross for the nursery, a guardian angel picture, or a Bible and books to grow into. Godparents often give the lasting one, and a card on every baptism anniversary is a gift too.
When they’re old enough for bedtime stories, Clara will be ready with saint and Bible stories and a first prayer.Get the app →More baptism gift ideas
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A keepsake for the candle and white garment
At Baptism the family receives a candle lit from the Easter candle and a white garment. A memory box, or a candle holder for a shelf, keeps them safe to light again on baptism anniversaries.
Best for: The family
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A cross for the nursery
A simple crucifix or cross to hang above the crib, the start of the family’s prayer corner. Choose one that hangs securely, out of reach.
Best for: A baby’s room
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A guardian angel picture
A picture of a guardian angel for the nursery, with the Guardian Angel prayer: the first prayer many children learn, prayed over them from the very first night.
Best for: Babies and toddlers
The Guardian Angel prayer → - 4
A Bible to grow into
A sturdy picture Bible for the first years, or a complete Catholic Bible for later. Write the baptism date and the godparents’ names on the first page.
Best for: Ages 0 to 6, then for life
Bible stories for kids → - 5
A rosary to keep for later
A first rosary is a lovely keepsake, but not a toy: beads can come loose and a cord can wrap around a small neck. Keep it out of the crib and give it to them when they’re old enough to pray it.
Best for: A keepsake for later
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The saint of their name
A picture or medal of the saint the baby is named after, kept in the nursery until they’re older. Their saint’s feast day becomes a second little birthday.
Best for: Every baby
Find the saint of their name → - 7
A baptism anniversary tradition
Write the date in the family calendar and keep it every year: light the baptismal candle, pray together and tell the story of the day. A godparent can send a card each year.
Best for: Godparents and the family
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A letter from the godparents
A handwritten letter for the child to open on their First Communion day: why you said yes, and what you will pray for them.
Best for: Godparents
A personal touch: the saint of their nameType the child’s first name to find their saint, the feast day and a little prayer, then print it as a card to tuck inside your gift. The name stays on your device.Make a saint name card →Free printables
All coloring pages →Coloring pages drawn like stained-glass windows, to print at home for the children at the party or for a quiet afternoon. Free for families, parishes and classrooms.
Questions about baptism gifts
What do godparents give for a baptism?
In many families the godparents give the white garment or the baptismal candle. Others give a cross for the nursery, a children’s Bible or a rosary to keep, and remember the child every year on the baptism anniversary.
What is a good baptism gift for a baby boy?
A guardian angel picture, a cross for his room, a picture of the saint he is named after, or a book to grow into, like Catholic Saints for Boys for when he is six.
What is a good baptism gift for a baby girl?
A guardian angel picture, a medal of Our Lady or her patron saint to keep until she’s older, a keepsake box for her candle and white garment, or a picture Bible.
Are rosaries and medals safe for babies?
Not to wear or play with. Beads and small parts can come loose, and cords and chains can wrap around a neck. Give them as keepsakes, kept out of the crib, until the child is older.
What happens at a Catholic baptism?
The priest or deacon pours water on the baby’s head three times “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. The baby is anointed with holy oil, dressed in a white garment, and the family receives a candle lit from the Easter candle.
More gift guides
First Communion gifts→
Catholic books for kids, by age→