My niece is getting baptized in the Catholic church next week. Should I get her something? We are not Catholic (or religious) so I'm not sure what to do! Any gift suggestions?
Also, are baptisms short/long? I am nervous about my 2 year old!
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Yes, I do give gifts for baptisms. A little bible. A darling cross necklace. A precious moments type figure. But if you feel disingenuous giving any of these types of gifts because you aren't religious, then maybe just give money in a card.
ETA: The length of the baptism depends on if its being conducted during a full mass, or during a special baptism type mass. But you could also stand up in the back of the church to walk your LO around if LO gets antsy.
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@MrsMcD: Thank you!!!
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@autumnlove: Churches do (or should) love little kids and all the sounds they make. So don't feel bad about bringing your little one.
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I do bring a gift. The baptism will probably run between 30 minutes and one hour, and they'll expect little ones. These are my go-to baptism gift: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SaintlySilver. I try to pick one for the LO's name or birthday. We got more bibles/crosses/rosaries etc for DD's baptism than anyone could ever use. (Not meant ungratefully - just a head's up!) I don't think it's inappropriate to just bring a card or a quiet little book/toy for church if you don't feel comfortable giving something religious.
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@MrsMcD: @rattles: Not to threadjack, but as a godparent who is not religious (I don't even know if we're technically supposed to be a godparent hahah), what kind of gift would you get? Same vein, just a larger budget for the gift?
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Yes, we do, but it doesn't have to be big, or particularly religious, if you're not religious. We generally give a keepsake of some sort, or a small savings bond or check. I think my baptism money is what started my college fund. You could also do something like a nice blanket or a pretty frame.
As far as short or long, it depends on whether it's a private baptism, and whether or not it is being performed during a Mass. If it's private and not during a Mass, it might only be 20 minutes. If during a Mass, but only one baby is being baptized, it will be about an hour and 15 minutes. If there are more than one baby being baptized outside of a Mass, it might be 45 minutes or so. But baptisms are generally pretty kid-friendly, as lots of babies have siblings and cousins there to witness it!
BTW, if you've never been to a baptism, the best part is the smell of the Chrism oil on the baby afterwards. Baby will be anointed on his/her chest and head, and it smells sooooo good. So hold the baby if you can. It's yummy
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@NorCalWayfarer: I would say just something special-it doesn't have to be religious! The point is that it's a special day-do what feels right to you to commemorate it.
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We give $$
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I've given money, a personalized rosary, children's bibles and prayer books in the past. You can find the books at Barnes and Noble. Things Rememered has same-day personalization services and some nice religious items. I recently saw some nice artwork for a nursery that was baptism-themed on Etsy.
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I usually give money. Don't worry about bringing a 2 year old - baptisms are usually full of noise!
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I always give a religious book that they can take to church. And yeah, your 2 yo will be welcome, so don't worry. Just take some books and quiet toys.
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I always give a gift
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Yes - but I usually do money, and then maybe a little something like a frame to go with it.
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Yep money and a keepsake gift
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