Godparent Gifts: Both Directions, Done Right

Godparent gifts flow in two directions, and people muddle them constantly: gifts from godparents to the child (the famous tradition), and gifts to godparents from the parents (the newer, growing one). This guide covers both — plus the newest arrival, the ‘will you be my godmother?’ proposal gift.

Asking someone to be a godparent

Increasingly, the ask comes with a small gift — the godparent proposal. It doesn't need to be grand: a keepsake with the child's name and ‘Will you be my Godmother?’ does the job, and becomes the memento of the moment they said yes. If the christening date is set, include it; the object then bookends the whole story.

What godparents give the child

The traditional lane, covered in depth in our christening gift etiquette guide: godparents give the keepsake that lasts. The shortlist —

• The personalised bible — the oldest tradition and still the clearest godparent signal
• An engraved keepsake with name and christening date, from the christening gifts range
• Jewellery to grow into — a personalised bracelet bought for the adult they'll become

And the long game: the godparent who gives the christening keepsake traditionally returns at the 18th birthday with its adult counterpart. Two gifts, eighteen years apart, telling one story.

Thanking your godparents — gifts TO them

On the day, parents increasingly give the new godparents a small gift: something marking the role, not just the occasion. What works:

• A keepsake inscribed with the child's name and “Godmother” / “Godfather” and the date — the role, made official in an object
• A frame for a photo from the christening — send the photo after, and the gift completes itself
• The toast option: a personalised glass engraved ‘Godfather’, used at every family gathering since

Budget: £15–£30 per godparent. It's a thank-you, not a dowry.

Godparents without the church

Guideparents, oddparents, honorary aunts — naming ceremonies and informal versions carry the same gift logic minus the bible. The keepsake-with-name-and-date rule covers every variant; only the explicitly religious pieces need swapping for neutral keepsakes.

The quick answers

• Do godparents give a christening gift? Yes — traditionally THE keepsake of the day.
• Do parents give godparents a gift? Increasingly yes, small and role-marking.
• Safest choice either direction? Name, date, role, engraved.

Both directions covered: christening gifts and personalised bibles, each made unique with a name and date.