Godparent Gifts for a Christening: A Practical Guide

You've been chosen as godmother or godfather and have no idea what to give? It's the most common question among those getting ready for a christening. Generally, people spend between 150 and 300 €, split between a symbolic piece of jewelry and a cash contribution to the parents. In this guide you'll find concrete ideas for the godmother, for the godfather, and gifts that work for both, plus a simple way to figure out what the family really needs.

How much to spend on a christening gift

Godparents typically give between 150 and 300 €, an amount meant for a gift that lasts, not just a small token ( Money.it, 2024). It's not a strict requirement: it depends on the bond with the family and on financial means.

Many choose to split the amount in two: a symbolic object, like a piece of jewelry or a pendant, and a sum of money given directly to the parents. This combination works well because it pairs a physical keepsake with concrete help toward expenses, whether that's the layette, gear, or a fund for the child's future.

[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] People who've already been a godparent often share the same worry: fearing they'll get the amount or the gift wrong compared to other guests. In practice, the gesture matters more than the exact figure, and a gift chosen with care stays memorable even if it's modest.

Gift ideas for the godmother

The godmother almost always chooses a piece of jewelry: bracelets or necklaces in gold, silver, or rose gold remain the most traditional, most requested christening gift ( PianetaMamma, 2024). A pendant personalized with the child's name and date makes the piece one of a kind.

Among the most popular options are a rigid bracelet engraved with the baby's name, a necklace with an angel or cross pendant, and a stud earring in gold, meant to grow with the baby girl. A pendant with the birth or christening date turns a simple piece of jewelry into a personal keepsake.

If you'd prefer something less classic, a ceremony accessory works well too: an embroidered headband, a small shawl, or a christening gown if the family hasn't already bought one. In that case, it's always worth asking first, so you don't duplicate what's already been chosen.

Gift ideas for the godfather

The godfather often picks a watch, in leather or gold for a more formal gift, or in steel for a more casual, modern style; alternatively, jewelry like a ring or an engraved bracelet remains a solid choice ( Gioiellerie Cicala, 2024).

The watch is meant to be “grown into”: many families keep it until the child is old enough to wear it, perhaps for their first communion or confirmation. For that reason, it's worth picking a classic model, without details too tied to the trends of the moment.

Alternatively, a discreet piece of jewelry, like a small silver bracelet with an initial or the date engraved, works just as well and costs less than a watch. [UNIQUE INSIGHT] Those looking for something less conventional often choose collectible items, like a commemorative coin or a quality pen, meant to be handed over to the child when they're older.

Original ideas for both (godmother and godfather together)

If the godmother and godfather want to give a joint gift, the most popular options are a professional photo shoot, a hand cast, or an experience box to use once the child is older ( Lagioielleria, 2024). These are gifts that last, not objects that get used once and forgotten.

A photo shoot at home or in a studio is always a welcome choice: it captures a moment that might otherwise pass by without professional photos. A hand or footprint cast in plaster or resin, meanwhile, captures a stage that lasts a very short time, and many families wouldn't think of it on their own.

An experience box, a family weekend, a course, a trip to use in a few years, works well if the godmother-godfather duo wants to give something bigger without going for a physical object. A personalized photo album or a memory book to fill in over the first years is also a simple, well-liked idea.

If you're unsure what to pick, the most direct approach is to ask the parents if they've put together a complete christening gift list: it lets you see in real time what's needed and reserve something without risking duplicates with other guests. If you're looking for ideas beyond jewelry, you'll find a broader roundup in the guide christening gift ideas.

Frequently asked questions

How much should the godmother or godfather spend on a christening gift?

Generally between 150 and 300 euros, often split between a symbolic gift for the baby (jewelry, a pendant) and a cash amount given to the parents. There's no fixed rule: the gesture matters more than the figure.

What does the godmother usually give?

The godmother often gives a piece of jewelry: a bracelet or necklace in gold, silver, or rose gold, sometimes with a pendant personalized with the baby's name and christening date. It's the most traditional, most requested gift.

What does the godfather usually give?

The godfather often goes for a watch, in leather or gold for a more classic gift, in steel for a more casual style, or a piece of jewelry like a ring or an engraved bracelet.

Is it fine to give money instead of an object?

Yes, it's a common and welcome choice, especially paired with a small symbolic gift. Many parents prefer a financial contribution toward bigger expenses over another object that might go unused.

How do I find out what the family really needs?

The simplest way is to ask if they've created an online baby registry or christening list: you can see right away what's missing and reserve a specific item, avoiding giving something they've already received.

Sources

• Money.it, “How much money should you spend on a christening gift” — money.it (accessed July 20, 2026).
• PianetaMamma, “Gift ideas for the christening godmother or godfather” — pianetamamma.it (accessed July 20, 2026).
• Gioiellerie Cicala, “Christening godmother and godfather: unique and elegant gift ideas” — cicala.it (accessed July 20, 2026).
• Lagioielleria, “8 christening godparent gift ideas, from the most traditional to the most creative” — lagioielleria.it (accessed July 20, 2026).