What does a godfather give for a baptism?

As a godparent, you make a promise that extends far beyond the christening ceremony. You accompany your godchild on their journey, acting as a confidant, sometimes a guide, and always a point of contact. The christening marks the beginning of this special relationship — and your gift can reflect that. It's not the quantity that matters, but the meaning. A single engraved silver spoon with your godchild's name says more than a whole basket full of mass-produced goods.

925 sterling silver has been the material godparents choose for christenings for centuries. It stands for purity, protection, and durability. It can be engraved with the child's name. It outlives generations without losing its value. And when your godchild grows up, they will take the silver spoon from the shelf and know: "My godparent gave me this. On the day of my christening."

What Godparents Most Often Give — And Why

The most traditional christening gift from a godparent is the engraved silver spoon. The English idiom "born with a silver spoon" has, since the 14th century, represented the wish for a good start in life. An engraved christening spoon made of 925 silver symbolizes exactly that: nourishment, protection, prosperity. It is available with an angel motif, with the child's zodiac sign, with enamel accents in blue or pink, or simply polished. More details here: Engraved Silver Spoons for Christening.

Those who want to give more than a single spoon opt for a gift set. A children's cup plus a baby spoon from the same line, in a gift box — the child receives their first own cup and their first own spoon, together a small ensemble that belongs together like godparent and godchild. For boys, there is the Angel Set in Blue, for girls the Angel Set in Pink. If you want a gender-neutral gift, choose the stars design — polished silver without a color code that works for any child. The engraving with the individual name makes the piece personal, not the motif.

A particularly emotional choice is the silver baby rattle — it jingles with the first grasp, shines in the light, and becomes a keepsake on the nightstand after the baby stage. The tradition of the silver rattle dates back to the 16th century. Some godparents give a rattle and a spoon together — so the child has two pieces that belong together from the beginning.

For Orthodox christenings, there are sets with an icon and cross pendant: a silver spoon, a folding icon (guardian angel or Kazan Mother of God), and a wearable cross pendant made of 925 silver. These sets combine the spiritual with the material — exactly what christening as a sacrament means. And for a grander gesture, a children's cutlery set is suitable — spoon, fork, small knife with the child's name, accompanying them from their first porridge to the family table.

If the Gift is to Become a Work of Art — Niello from Veliky Ustyug

For godparents seeking something truly extraordinary, there are the Niello pieces from the SevChern manufactory. Niello is a black sulfur-silver alloy melted into the engraved linear relief at 800 degrees — a deep black ornament on polished 925 silver that does not fade and becomes more contrasted with every polish. The Niello christening cup with angel motif is the piece that guests at the christening will stop at and ask, "Where did that come from?"

The answer: from Veliky Ustyug in northern Russia, one of the three major Niello centers in Russia (alongside Tula and Kubachi in the Caucasus). The SevChern manufactory has been working in this tradition for 340 years, officially recognized as Russian folk art. Each piece goes through 15 steps — from the first shaping of the silver to the final polish. A Niello christening cup is not a mass-produced gift. It is a work of art that your godchild will one day show their own children.

Engraving, Budget, and the Personal Touch

Most godparents invest between 80 and 300 Euros in the christening gift. A single baby spoon with engraving starts at around 80 Euros, a gift set with a cup and spoon at around 700 Euros, a Niello christening cup at around 1,200 Euros. More important than the budget is the meaning — a small engraved spoon with the godchild's name is more personal than an expensive item without a connection.

Every piece can be engraved upon request: godchild's name, christening date, "Your godparent [Name]", a short blessing. Some godparents also have the child's zodiac sign engraved — making the gift not only by name but cosmically unique. With every personalized item, we include a free SilberVerse card — the letter that tells the story behind the gift.

By the way: If the christening takes place months after the birth, as a godparent, it's best to give twice. A small item for the birth (spoon or rattle), and the main gift for the christening (cup, set, Niello piece). This way, the child has a cohesive mini-family silver after both occasions. The complete timeline can be found here: Silver Gifts for Baby — from Baby Shower to 1st Birthday.

Frequently Asked Questions for Godparents

What is the most popular christening gift from a godparent?
The engraved silver spoon — a tradition for centuries. After that: gift sets of cup and spoon, and for Orthodox families, sets with an icon and cross.

Should I, as a godparent, give money in addition?
A matter of taste. Many godparents give a silver item as the main gift and forgo money. Others combine a smaller item with a money envelope. Both are perfectly fine — the gesture counts.

What should I engrave on the christening gift?
The most popular engravings: the godchild's first name, the christening date, "Your godparent [Name]", or a short blessing like "God's blessings be with you". Initials also work, especially on small spoons.

Boy or girl — does it make a difference for the gift?
Silver is gender-neutral. The difference lies in details like color (blue/pink enamel) or motif (teddy bear boy/princess). If you're unsure: polished silver without a color code always works. Guides for boys and girls.

Can I order at short notice?
For stock items with engraving, within a few days. Recommendation: order 2-3 weeks before the christening.

All christening gifts: Gifts for Christening (over 190 items) · Ready-made Sets · The Complete Guide · What Grandparents Give