Silver christening gifts have accompanied families for centuries. But which gifts are truly traditional – and why do these particular pieces hold so much meaning? This guide shows the seven classic silver christening gifts, explains their symbolism, and helps choose between tradition and contemporary design.
Typical Christening Gifts – What Is Traditionally Given for a Christening
In Christian tradition, baptism marks a child's entry into the faith community. The gift accompanying this moment was never merely decorative. It carried a message: protection, blessing, and the wish for a good life path. In Russia and throughout Eastern Europe, a clear hierarchy has emerged over generations as to which gifts are considered particularly meaningful and valuable.
Silver plays a central role in this. The precious metal symbolizes purity and durability in baptismal symbolism. Unlike porcelain or textiles, it withstands decades without losing its character. A silver christening gift is not an everyday object for a few months – it is a keepsake that, ideally, is passed down from one generation to the next.
The following seven types of gifts have established themselves as "typical." They form the core of what godparents, grandparents, and close family members choose for a christening.
The 7 Classic Silver Christening Gifts
💝 For every gift, we create a digital SilverVerse card in photo format — with a personal verse, as a high-quality photo print, and included free upon request.
Christening Coins and Birth Medallions
The christening coin is one of the oldest and most popular christening gifts. In our manufacturing tradition, these medallions are made of 925 sterling silver and enameled by hand – in blue, pink, or classic black. The "Stork and Child" motif symbolizes the beginning of life. With a personal engraving on the back – name, baptism date, a short blessing – the christening coin becomes an individual symbol of this special day.
Birth medallions work on the same principle but are not exclusively tied to baptism. They are especially suitable for families looking for a gift that honors both birth and baptism.
Discover birth and christening coins made of 925 silver
Gift Sets with Spoon, Cross, and Icon
A christening gift set combines three symbolic elements in one gift: the silver spoon for earthly well-being, the cross for faith, and the icon as a protective companion. This combination of three has its origins in the Orthodox baptismal tradition but has long been appreciated in Catholic and Protestant families as well.
The sets are presented in a high-quality gift box. Each element can be engraved – creating a gift that covers three dimensions: the material, the spiritual, and the personal.
Perfect for: Godparents looking for a comprehensive gift with meaning
Personalization: Engraving possible on spoon, cross, and icon reverse
Material: 925 Sterling Silver, partly gilded, with enamel decoration
Advantages: Three symbols in one gift box — tradition, faith, and personal dedication united
The Engraved Silver Spoon
The idiom "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth" is no coincidence. Since the 17th century, the silver spoon has been a wish for material prosperity and a carefree life. Given for a christening, it carries a double meaning: it is both practical – as the child's first spoon – and symbolic as a sign of abundance and care.
Our collection includes christening spoons with floral reliefs, angel engravings, and Niello decorations. Niello is a centuries-old technique of Russian silversmithing, in which a dark alloy of silver, copper, and sulfur is inlaid into engraved depressions. This process involves over 15 steps and is rarely practiced in Europe anymore. The result is high-contrast patterns that give the silver a depth and vibrancy that machine processes cannot achieve.
Discover christening spoons made of 925 silver
Small Folding Icons – Prayers in Silver
Folding icons are part of Orthodox religious tradition but are increasingly finding favor in Western families as well. The small, foldable silver tablets show patron saints, angels, or Madonna motifs. When closed, they fit into any child's hand; when open, they tell a story of faith.
What makes these pieces special: they are not mass-produced. Each icon is crafted in several steps – from casting to engraving to gilding individual details. As a christening gift, they represent the silent wish that the child will be accompanied and protected on their path.
Orthodox gifts and icons made of 925 silver
Christening Cross and Medallion
The cross is the most direct symbol of the Christian faith. Worn as christening jewelry, it reminds the child (and later the adult) of the day of admission into the community. In Russian tradition, the christening cross is presented by the godparent – an act that underlines the special responsibility of godparenthood.
Medallions with guardian angel motifs or blessings offer an alternative for families who prefer a more subtle symbol. Both variants can be personalized with an engraving on the back – for example, with the christening date or the child's initials.
Further reading: What does a godparent give for a christening?
Christening Cups Made of 925 Silver
The silver christening cup has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, it was a drinking vessel offered to the baptized during the ceremony. Today, it primarily serves as a symbolic keepsake – often with an engraving of the name and christening date, sometimes also with a baptismal verse.
Our collection includes christening cups in various sizes and styles: from simple and elegant to intricately ornamented pieces with enamel details. The christening cup is particularly suitable as a gift from grandparents who want to choose a piece that also finds its place as a decorative element in the nursery.
View christening cups made of 925 silver
Christening Bowls and Christening Shells
Silver christening bowls are among the most sacred christening gifts. They are traditionally used in the ceremony itself to hold the baptismal water. A silver christening shell – often designed in the shape of a scallop shell – is used by the clergyman to pour water over the head of the baptized.
As gifts, christening bowls and shells hold a special place: they are not only a reminder of the baptism but were part of the ceremony itself. After baptism, they are often used as a decorative bowl or a place to store small treasures – an object that changes its purpose but retains its meaning.
Christening bowls and christening shells made of silver
CHRISTENING GIFTS MADE OF 925 SILVER
Discover the complete christening collection
From christening spoons to gift sets to christening bowls — all pieces made of 925 sterling silver, with engraving option and in an elegant gift box.
To the christening collectionWhat Makes a Christening Gift "Typical"? – Tradition and Symbolism
Not every silver gift is automatically a typical christening gift. What makes a piece "typical" is the combination of three elements:
Symbolism: The gift carries a meaning that goes beyond its material value. The spoon stands for prosperity, the cross for faith, the icon for protection. Every classic christening gift tells a story.
Durability: Typical christening gifts are designed to last. They should accompany the child throughout life – and ideally be passed down to the next generation. Silver fulfills this requirement like hardly any other material: it ages beautifully, can be cared for, and retains its value.
Personalization: An engraving with a name and date transforms a high-quality silver piece into a personal keepsake. This step is what makes the difference between a beautiful object and a christening gift with a story.
In Russian and Eastern European tradition, a fourth dimension is added: craftsmanship. A piece crafted by hand in a silver manufactory carries the care and intention of the artisan. This connection between human and material is what industrial products cannot offer.
Modern Christening Gifts with Traditional Value
The question of whether a christening gift should be traditional or modern rarely arises as an either-or in practice. Many families seek pieces that combine both: the symbolic power of tradition with a contemporary aesthetic.
In our manufactory, this specifically means: Classic forms – the spoon, the cross, the icon – are combined with modern surfaces, subtle gilding, and clean lines. A christening spoon does not have to be baroque to carry meaning. And a cross can be simple yet powerful.
The type of personalization has also changed. In addition to classic name engravings, we offer baptismal verses, zodiac symbols, or individual dedications. This creates a gift that bears the sender's signature – literally and figuratively.
Further reading: Engraved Silver Spoons for Christening – Tradition That Endures
FOR GODPARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS
Christening gift sets — spoon, cross and icon in one box
Thoughtfully assembled, exquisitely packaged. Each element can be engraved individually.
View gift setsFrequently Asked Questions about Typical Christening Gifts
What is traditionally given for a christening?
The seven classic silver christening gifts are: christening coins, gift sets (spoon, cross, icon), engraved silver spoons, folding icons, christening crosses and medallions, christening cups, and christening bowls. All of them combine symbolism with durability and can be personalized with an engraving.
What is the difference between a christening coin and a birth medallion?
A christening coin is specifically designed for the baptismal ceremony and often bears Christian motifs or blessings. A birth medallion celebrates the beginning of life more generally – for example, with a stork motif and birth data. Both can be engraved; the occasion determines the choice of motif.
Which christening gift is suitable for the godparent?
Traditionally, the godparent presents the christening cross – a custom deeply rooted in Orthodox and Catholic tradition. Alternatively, many godparents choose a gift set with a spoon, cross, and icon to honor the special role of godparenthood with a comprehensive gift. More on this: What does a godparent give for a christening?
Are silver christening gifts also suitable for Protestant baptisms?
Yes. Silver christening gifts are ecumenical. While some pieces – like folding icons – have their origins in Orthodox tradition, christening spoons, christening cups, and engraved medallions are valued in all Christian denominations. The symbolism of protection, blessing, and permanence is universal.
Can typical christening gifts also be given retrospectively?
Absolutely. Most silver christening gifts do not only unfold their meaning on the day of the ceremony. An engraved christening spoon or a christening coin with the date is a meaningful gift even weeks or months after the baptism – especially if the engraving bears the actual christening date.
To the guide: Silver Christening Gifts – The Complete Guide 2026
See also: What Does a Godparent Give for a Christening? · Engraved Silver Spoons for Christening · All Christening Gifts
Beyond the seven classics: In our guide Christening Gifts: Meaningful Ideas That Last, you will find all meaningful christening gifts sorted by occasion, giver, and budget.
Special occasions: The 7 classics above are suitable for infant baptisms. For an adult baptism or the baptism of older children, other recommendations apply.
Tip for an heirloom gift: If you want to give one of the classics above with an engraving, check out our collection personalized christening gifts made of 925 silver — there we only have pieces that are truly engravable.
For an adult baptism, the classics shift — orthodox baptismal spoon and zodiac cutlery instead of baby spoons. See Christening gifts for adults.