Silver christening gifts have accompanied families for centuries. But which gifts are considered truly traditional – and why do these particular items hold so much meaning? This guide presents seven classic silver christening gifts, explains their symbolism, and helps you 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 journey. In Russia and across Eastern Europe, a clear hierarchy has developed over generations regarding which gifts are considered particularly meaningful and valuable.
Silver plays a central role in this. The precious metal symbolizes purity and permanence in baptismal symbolism. Unlike porcelain or textiles, it withstands decades without losing its character. A silver christening gift is not a utilitarian object for a few months – it is a keepsake that, ideally, is passed down from one generation to the next.
The following seven gift types have become established 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 of charge if desired.
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 hand-enameled – in blue, pink, or classic black. The "stork and child" motif symbolizes the beginning of life. With a personal engraving on the back – name, christening 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 particularly 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 triple combination originated 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 – thus 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 back
Material: 925 sterling silver, partly gilded, with enamel decoration
Advantages: Three symbols in one gift box – tradition, faith, and personal dedication combined
The Engraved Silver Spoon
The saying "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 as a christening gift, it carries a dual 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 embellishments. Niello is a centuries-old technique of Russian silversmithing where 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 belong to the Orthodox faith tradition but are also gaining popularity in Western families. The small, hinged silver tablets show patron saints, angels, or Madonna motifs. Closed, they fit into any child's hand; opened, 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 immediate symbol of the Christian faith. Worn as christening jewelry, it reminds the child ( and later the adult) of the day of their reception into the community. In Russian tradition, the christening cross is presented by the godparent – an act that underscores the special responsibility of the godparent's role.
Medallions with guardian angel motifs or blessings offer an alternative for families who prefer a more discreet 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 child during the ceremony. Today, it primarily serves as a symbolic keepsake – often engraved with the name and christening date, sometimes with a christening verse.
In our collection, you will find christening cups in various sizes and styles: from simple and elegant to elaborately 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 children's room.
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 clergy to pour water over the head of the baptized.
As gifts, christening bowls and shells hold a special position: they are not only a reminder of the baptism but were part of the ceremony itself. After baptism, they are often used as decorative bowls or storage for 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 and 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 an item "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 are meant to accompany the child throughout their 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 item into a personal keepsake. It is this step that 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 handmade in a silver manufactory embodies 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 presents itself as an either-or in practice. Many families look for pieces that combine both: the symbolic power of tradition with a contemporary aesthetic.
In our manufactory, this means specifically: 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 baroquely ornate to carry meaning. And a cross can be simple yet powerful.
The type of personalization has also changed. In addition to classic name engraving, we offer christening verses, zodiac symbols, or individual dedications. This creates a gift that bears the giver'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, elegantly packaged. Each element individually engravable.
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. They all combine symbolism with durability and can be personalized with engraving.
What is the difference between a christening coin and a birth medallion?
A christening coin is specifically designed for the christening ceremony and often features 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 traditions. Alternatively, many godparents choose a gift set with a spoon, cross, and icon to honor the special role of the godparent with a comprehensive gift. More on this: What does a godparent give for a christening?
Are silver christening gifts also suitable for Protestant christenings?
Yes. Silver christening gifts are ecumenical. While some items – like folding icons – have their origins in Orthodox tradition, christening spoons, christening cups, and engraved medallions are appreciated in all Christian denominations. The symbolism of protection, blessing, and durability is universal.
Can typical christening gifts also be given retroactively?
Absolutely. Most silver christening gifts unfold their meaning not only on the day of the ceremony. An engraved christening spoon or a christening coin with a date is a meaningful gift weeks or months after the christening – especially if the engraving bears the actual christening date.
To the guide: Silver Christening Gifts – The Complete Guide 2026
See also: What does a godfather give for a baptism? · Engraved silver spoons for baptism · All gifts for baptism
Beyond the seven classics: In our guide Gifts for baptism: meaningful ideas that last you will find all meaningful gifts for baptism sorted by occasion, giver and budget.
Special occasions: The 7 classics above are suitable for infant baptism. 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 engraving, take a look at our collection personalized baptism gifts made of 925 silver — there we only have pieces that are actually engravable.
For an adult baptism the classics shift – an orthodox baptism spoon and zodiac sign cutlery instead of a baby spoon. See Baptism gifts for adults.