Silver christening gifts have accompanied families for centuries. But which gifts are considered truly traditional — and why do these specific pieces carry so much meaning? This guide presents the 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 baptism
In the 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 developed over generations regarding which gifts are considered particularly meaningful and valuable.
Silver plays a central role in this. In baptismal symbolism, this precious metal represents purity and endurance. Unlike porcelain or textiles, it survives for decades without losing its character. A silver christening gift is not an item for everyday use 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 established themselves as "typical." They form the core of what godparents, grandparents, and close family members choose for a baptism.
The 7 classic silver christening gifts
💝 For every gift, we create a digital SilberVerse card in photo format — with a personal verse, as a high-quality photo print, and included free of charge upon request.
Christening coins and birth medallions
The christening coin is one of the oldest and most popular christening gifts. Our 925 sterling silver coins are available with blue or pink enamel or in a classic black patinated finish. The "stork and child" motif symbolizes the beginning of life. With a personal engraving on the back — name, baptism date, a short blessing — the coin becomes an individual symbol of this special day.
Birth medallions work on the same principle, but are not strictly tied to the baptism. They are particularly suitable for families looking for a gift that honors both birth and baptism equally.
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 has its origins in the Orthodox baptismal tradition but has long been cherished by Catholic and Protestant families as well.
The sets are presented in a high-quality gift box. With an engraving — we will check which parts are suitable for you — a gift is created that covers three dimensions: the material, the spiritual, and the personal.
Perfect for: Godparents looking for a comprehensive gift with meaning
Personalization: Engraving on request, depending on the item
Material: 925 sterling silver, partially gold-plated, with enamel decoration
Benefits: Three symbols in one gift box — tradition, faith, and personal dedication combined
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 seen as a wish for material prosperity and a carefree life. Given for a baptism, it carries a double meaning: it is practical — as the child's first own spoon — and symbolic as an emblem of abundance and care.
Our collection includes christening spoons with floral reliefs, angel engravings, and niello decorations. Niello is a centuries-old Russian silversmithing technique where a dark mass is fused into engraved depressions. This process involves about 15 work steps and is mastered by only a few workshops. 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 increasingly finding popularity in Western families. The small, hinged silver plaques show patron saints, angels, or Madonna motifs. When closed, they fit into any child's hand; when 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 the gilding of individual details. As a christening gift, they represent the quiet 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 baptismal jewelry, it reminds the child (and later the adult) of the day of their admission into the community. In the Russian tradition, the baptismal cross is presented by the godparent — an act that underscores the special responsibility of the godparent role.
Medallions with guardian angel motifs or blessings offer an alternative for families who prefer a more understated symbol. Both variants can be personalized with an engraving on the back — for example, with the baptism date or the child's initials.
Further reading: What does a godparent give for a baptism?
Christening cup made of 925 silver
The silver christening cup has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, it primarily serves as a symbolic keepsake — often engraved with the name and baptism date, sometimes with a baptismal verse.
Our collection features 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 nursery.
View christening cups made of 925 silver
Christening bowls and shells
Silver christening bowls are among the most sacred christening gifts. They are traditionally used during the ceremony itself to hold the baptismal water. A silver baptismal shell — often shaped like a scallop shell — serves the clergy to pour water over the head of the person being baptized.
As gifts, christening bowls and shells have a special status: they are not just reminders of the baptism, but were part of the ceremony itself. After the baptism, they are often used as decorative bowls or storage places for small treasures — an object whose purpose changes, but whose significance remains.
Silver christening bowls and shells
CHRISTENING GIFTS MADE OF 925 SILVER
Discover the complete christening collection
From christening spoons and gift sets to christening bowls — all pieces made of 925 sterling silver, many with engraving options.
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 are meant to accompany the child for a lifetime — and, in the best case, be passed on to the next generation. Silver fulfills this requirement like almost no other material: it ages beautifully, can be maintained, and does not wear out.
Personalization: An engraving with a name and date transforms a high-quality piece of silver into a personal keepsake. This step is what makes the difference between a beautiful object and a christening gift with a story.
In the Russian and Eastern European tradition, a fourth dimension is added: artisanal origin. A piece handmade in a silversmith workshop carries the care and intention of the artisan within it. It is this connection between human and material that industrial products cannot offer.
Modern christening gifts with traditional value
In practice, the question of whether a christening gift should be traditional or modern rarely presents itself as an either-or. Many families look for pieces that combine both: the symbolic power of tradition with a contemporary aesthetic.
In our selection, this means specifically: classic forms — the spoon, the cross, the icon — are combined with modern finishes, subtle gilding, and clean lines. A christening spoon does not need to be adorned in the baroque style to carry meaning. And a cross can be simple and powerful at the same time.
The type of personalization has also changed. In addition to classic name engraving, we offer baptismal verses, zodiac symbols, or individual dedications. This creates a gift that bears the handwriting of the giver — both literally and figuratively.
Further reading: Engraved silver spoons for baptism — tradition that lasts
FOR GODPARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS
Christening gift sets — spoon, cross, and icon in a box
Thoughtfully put together, beautifully packaged. Engraving on request.
View gift setsFrequently asked questions about typical christening gifts
What is classically given for a baptism?
The seven classic silver christening gifts are: christening coins, gift sets (spoon, cross, icon), engraved silver spoons, folding icons, baptismal 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?
The christening coin is specifically designed for the baptism ceremony and often carries Christian motifs or blessings. A birth medallion celebrates the beginning of life in a more general way — 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 a godparent?
Traditionally, the godparent presents the baptismal cross — a custom deeply rooted in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions. Alternatively, many godparents choose a gift set with spoon, cross, and icon to honor the special role of the godparent office with a comprehensive gift. More on this: What does a godparent give for a baptism?
Are silver christening gifts also suitable for Protestant baptisms?
Yes. Silver christening gifts are ecumenical. While some pieces — such as folding icons — have their origins in the Orthodox tradition, christening spoons, cups, and engraved medallions are appreciated in all Christian denominations. The symbolism of protection, blessing, and durability is universal.
Can typical christening gifts be given after the fact?
Of course. Most silver christening gifts unfold their significance beyond just the day of the ceremony. An engraved christening spoon or a coin with a date is a meaningful gift even weeks or months after the baptism — especially if the engraving bears the actual baptism date.
To the guide: Silver christening gifts — The complete 2026 guide
See also: What does a godparent give for a baptism? · Engraved silver spoons for baptism · 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 an infant christening. For an adult baptism or the christening of older children, different recommendations apply.
Tip for a keepsake gift: If you would like to give one of the classics above as a gift with an engraving, take a look at our 925 sterling silver christening gifts — we would be happy to check for you whether a piece can be engraved.
For an adult baptism, the classics shift — an Orthodox christening spoon and zodiac cutlery instead of a baby spoon. See Christening gifts for adults.