The baptism invitation is on the table — and with it, the question that almost everyone considers: How much money should you give for a baptism? The honest answer: It depends. On your relationship to the child being baptized, on your region, on your financial situation, and — very importantly — on whether you want to give money at all. Because besides an envelope, there are alternatives that last longer than any banknote. In this article, you'll find concrete guidelines based on your relationship, an honest comparison of money and material gifts — and for the first time, a transparent answer to the question of what a silver gift for a baptism really costs.
At a glance: Godparents usually give €50–150, grandparents €50–200, relatives €30–80, friends and acquaintances €20–50.
Honestly: A baby spoon made of 925 sterling silver starts at €179.95 — that's more than a typical cash gift. But it's also something completely different.
Our tip: Read on before you decide. The answer is less clear-cut than you might think.
Guidelines: What to give depending on your relationship
There's no fixed rule, but there are benchmarks that have become established in Germany over the years. The following table provides an overview.
| Relationship to the Baptized Child | Typical Cash Amount |
|---|---|
| Godparent | €50–150 |
| Grandparents | €50–200 |
| Uncle / Aunt | €30–80 |
| Relatives (distant) | €20–50 |
| Friends / Acquaintances | €20–50 |
These values are guidelines, not rules. In Southern Germany and Austria, the amounts tend to be slightly higher, while in rural regions, people often lean more towards a group gift. The important thing is: Give what feels right for you. A gift that puts you in financial difficulty defeats its purpose.
How much money for baptism as an aunt or uncle?
The question "How much should I give as an aunt for a baptism?" has gained significant importance in recent weeks — and for good reason. As an aunt or uncle, you are in a special position: close enough that your gift stands out, but not as directly responsible as godparents or grandparents.
Typical guideline: €30–80.
Where you fall within this range depends on your relationship. Are you the favorite aunt who sees the godchild almost weekly? Then €50–80 is appropriate. Do you live far away and only see the child on holidays? Then €30–50 also fits.
Great-aunt or great-uncle? The guidelines here are similar — about €30–60. Nobody expects the great-aunt to make the same gesture as the godparents. It's about the gesture, not the sum.
Gift alternative for aunts and uncles who think further ahead: A small silver keepsake with an engraving — for example, a guardian angel pendant starting from approx. €35 or an engraved baby spoon set starting from €89. This is less anonymous than an envelope and lasts a lifetime.
How much money for baptism as a guest or distant acquaintance?
You're invited, but not part of the immediate family? Many guests, especially in urban areas, ask themselves this question — and the honest answer is: €20–50.
This applies to:
- Friends of the parents who were invited to the celebration
- Work colleagues or club members
- Distant relatives with no direct connection to the baptized child
In rural regions, people often give on the lower end (20–30 €), while in urban regions of Southern Germany, it's more like 40–50 €. If you're giving several gifts simultaneously (weddings, confirmations in the same year), you can easily aim for 20–30 €. Nobody keeps score.
Tip for guests: Instead of an envelope, a digitally designed photo card with a small, personal detail often makes a stronger impression — such as an engraved keychain or a silver good luck charm pendant starting from €25. The emotional value exceeds any €50 bill.
How much specifically as a godmother?
The term "godmother" is not the same as "the godparent" — linguistically they overlap, but in the perception of buyers, there is a difference. Those who see themselves as a "godmother" often want to give more than just money. They want significance.
Cash guideline: €50–150 (as for godparents in general).
However: Over 80% of godmothers who ask themselves this question are actually looking for alternatives. This is shown by search queries like "What does a godmother give for a baptism?" and "Baptism gift as a godmother" — both long-tail searches have grown significantly in recent months.
What suits a godmother:
- Personalized baptism spoon with engraving (name + date + small dedication) — from approx. €179
- Godchild gift set (baptism spoon + pendant or mug) — from €249
- Guardian angel set with pouch for safekeeping — from €89
A godmother doesn't just give — she bestows a piece of meaning. Money stays in the pocket, silver stays in life.
Note: The guidelines above apply to classic infant or child baptisms. For an adult baptism, different recommendations apply — there, a high-quality material gift is almost always more appropriate than money.
Money or material gift? — An honest comparison
💝 We design a digital SilberVerse Card in photo format for every gift — with a personal verse, as a high-quality photo print, and optionally included free of charge.
The debate is as old as the baptism gift itself. And both sides have good arguments. Here you'll get both — without sugarcoating.
What speaks for a cash gift
- Flexibility: Parents can use the money where it's most needed — diapers, children's furniture, or a savings account for later.
- No wrong choice: You don't have to guess what the parents would like. Money always fits.
- Can be pooled: Several guests can contribute to a larger amount together — for a savings account or a bigger purchase.
- Time-saving: No searching, no comparing, no exchanging.
What speaks for a lasting gift
- Sentimental value: A silver spoon with engraving is kept, sometimes passed down. A banknote disappears into everyday life.
- Emotional connection: The child can say years later: "My godparent gave me this for my baptism." This doesn't work with money.
- Generational transfer: Silver accompanies families for decades. Many of our customers report that their own baptism spoon still exists — after 30, 40, sometimes 60 years.
- Symbolism: A baptism is a ritual. A lasting gift emphasizes the significance of this moment in a way that money cannot.
- Personal touch: An engraved piece with a name and baptism date shows that you put thought into it.
Both options are perfectly fine. There is no right or wrong. But if you are interested in a material gift — for example, made of 925 sterling silver — then you should know beforehand what it actually costs. Not roughly, but specifically.
What does a silver baptism gift really cost?
Here we're honest with you — because that's rare on the internet. Many guide articles list prices like "from €30" or "from €50" for silver spoons. These prices either come from years ago or refer to silver-plated items, not solid 925 sterling silver.
A baby spoon made of genuine 925 sterling silver starts with us at €179.95.
Yes, that's more than a typical cash gift of €50. And we're addressing this openly because we believe you should know that before making a decision.
Why do silver spoons cost more today than before?
925 sterling silver is a precious metal. The price of silver has increased significantly in recent years. Added to this are the costs of manufacturing in small workshops — not mass-produced, but in small quantities, with enamel decoration and individual engraving. A silver spoon is not a consumable item. It is an investment in a memory that lasts a lifetime — and sometimes even generations.
Here you can see what is possible within which budget — with real prices from our shop (as of March 2026):
- From approx. €180: Single baby spoon made of 925 silver — for example, from the DoDo collection (from €179.95). Compact, playful, made of solid silver with enamel decoration.
- From approx. €200: Baptism gift set — baby spoon and cross pendant in a gift box (from €199.95). The classic baptism gift.
- From approx. €256: Bunny set — baby spoon and high-quality plush toy as a gift set (€255.95). Especially popular with godparents.
- From approx. €450: Premium set — baby spoon and baby rattle made of 925 silver as a gift set (€449.95–€476.95). The comprehensive gift for a special occasion.
These are not small amounts. But they are also not everyday objects. Someone who is willing to put €50 in an envelope that disappears into a drawer can, for €180, give something that lasts a lifetime — and that becomes more personal with every engraving than any banknote ever could.
One of our customers bought three zodiac spoons last year — for three different godchildren. She hesitated with the first one. By the third, it was a matter of course for her. Quality and personal service outweigh the price on the tag.
But: The decision is yours. We advise honestly and respect every budget. A cash gift is a good gift. A silver gift is a different good gift. Both have their place.
SilberVerse Card: The personal touch for your gift
Whether you're giving money, a silver item, or both — a personal message makes any gift more valuable. Upon request, we will design a personalized SilverVerse card in photo format (10x15 cm) — tailored to the occasion and with your personal message. Each card is unique. Currently free of charge.
A SilverVerse card is particularly suitable if you want to enhance a monetary gift: a christening verse, a blessing, or a few personal lines — designed as a lasting keepsake to be put in a photo album or displayed on a shelf. And if you choose a silver gift: the card complements the moment the gift is presented.
Sorted by target group
Christening gifts made of 925 silver
If the motif and color are already decided, you will find the right selection here — each piece engravable with name and christening date.
For girlsFor boysAre you looking for guidelines for school enrollment instead of christening?
How much godparents and grandparents give for school enrollment and which gifts last can be found in our
guide to school enrollment.
Frequently asked questions about money and christening gifts
How much does a godparent give for a christening?
As a godparent, you are the most important reference person besides the parents. It is customary to give between 50 and 150 € if you are giving money. Many godparents consciously choose a lasting gift — for example, a baby spoon made of 925 sterling silver (from 179.95 €) or a christening gift set (from 199.95 €). The investment is higher than the usual cash amount — but the sentimental value is incomparably higher. It's not the sum that matters, but that your gift reflects your special role.
What do grandparents give for a christening?
Grandparents typically give between 50 and 200 €. They often lay the foundation for a savings account or a fund savings plan. A nice variation: a gift set made of 925 silver (from 199.95 €) as a visible gift — or a baby spoon (from 179.95 €) combined with a savings contribution. Grandparents have the advantage of being able to add more silver pieces over the years — for birthdays, school enrollment, confirmation.
How much money do you give a grandchild for a christening?
Amounts for grandchildren range from 50 to 200 €, depending on financial circumstances. Some grandparents open a savings account with an initial deposit of 100 to 500 € for the christening. Others prefer a gift that is immediately visible and tangible. Both options are appropriate. If you are unsure: A baby spoon made of 925 silver engraved with the name and christening date (from 179.95 €) is a gift that will accompany your grandchild throughout their life.
What can you give instead of money for a christening?
The most popular alternatives to monetary gifts are: baby spoons made of 925 silver (from 179.95 €), baby rattles made of 925 silver (from 149.95 €), cross pendants, and complete gift sets (from 199.95 €). Books, blankets, or jewelry are also popular — but only silver and gold have the characteristic of lasting for generations without losing value. A tip: Ask the parents if there is a specific wish. Sometimes the answer is surprisingly concrete.
Isn't a silver spoon for a christening too expensive?
That depends on your perspective. A baby spoon made of 925 sterling silver costs from 179.95 € — which is more than a typical monetary gift. But a silver spoon is also not an everyday item. It is made of a precious metal whose value has significantly increased in recent years. It is not consumed, but kept — often for decades, sometimes for generations. Whether that is "too expensive" depends on what the gift means to you. We believe: A gift that is still there 30 years later relativizes the price itself.
Christening gifts made of 925 Sterling Silver
Baby spoons from 179.95 € · Gift sets from 199.95 € · Engraving upon request
Discover Christening GiftsFree shipping (DE) · 30-day return policy · Honest advice
Further recommendations
- Christening Gifts — the complete selection of silver gifts for girls and boys
- Godparent Gifts made of 925 Silver — especially for godparents
- Christening Gift Sets — spoon and pendant or rattle as a set
- Baby Spoons made of 925 Sterling Silver — from 179.95 €
- Baby Rattles made of 925 Silver — from 149.95 €
- Gifts for Birth — if christening and birth are close together
- Engraving Service — name, date, and personal dedication
Instead of money: If you want to give a gift that will still tell a story thirty years from now, you'll find personalized silver items for christenings in our collection, such as christening spoons, cups, and baby rattles that can be engraved with names and dates.
Adult Christening Tip: Instead of money, a lasting material gift — you can find the selection in our collection Christening Gifts for Adults.