The day someone gets baptized is a special one! It’s a day to mark dedicating your life to Christ and becoming new. To celebrate this special occasion, a baptism gift is typically bought for the one being baptized.
A gift should be as unique and special as the recipient. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best baptism gifts, with links on where to find them. We hope this inspires you for that special day!
The Significance of Baptism
In order to better understand the reason for being water baptized, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it: Jesus himself was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow.
“At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Mark 1:9 MSG
An act of obedience:
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
A public declaration:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus. It is a public confession of your faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.
Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptised is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.” Mark 16:16 MSG
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
In 2023, the Southern Baptist Convention baptized 226,919 people, a 26% increase from 2022. This is the third consecutive year of increased baptisms. However, the overall number of baptisms is still part of a negative trend that began in the early 2000s.
Baptism vs. Christening
Even though the words baptism and christening can be used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference. Christening refers to the naming ceremony (to “christen” means to “give a name to”) where as baptism is one of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church.
In the sacrament of Baptism, the baby’s name is used and mentioned, however, it is the rite of claiming the child for Christ and his Church that is celebrated. Baptism represents a deliberate act of identification with the person of Jesus Christ and his Church. This decision implies a personal relationship with Jesus that requires nurturing through such things as worship, prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual disciplines.
Be aware of what event you are attending, and make sure to ask for any clarification! A Christening gift is appropriate to buy and align with most typical baptism gifts.
Buying Baptism Gifts
If you or a loved one is getting baptized, you might consider purchasing or asking for gifts! This is a special day when you are renewed in Christ. The gift can be as simple as a gift card or as elaborate as a customized bible or other dedication. Gifts for moments like this will be keepsakes and something to always remember.
Typically, buying christening gifts or baptism gifts will stay within the theme. Baptism represents a new life and dedicating your life to Jesus. Therefore gifts will be mostly biblically based. Of course, the gift you choose is completely up to you, and also your relationship to who is being baptized.
When I was baptized as a child, I received a framed picture and note from my Dad to mark the occasion. This was a special gift and still remains hung up on their wall to this day.
By showing respect for the family’s faith, you’re making a heartfelt statement. Your very presence conveys gratitude for the invitation and a shared sense of joy in celebrating this momentous occasion in the new baby’s life. Yet, a considerate baptism gift can serve as a beautiful way to honor the sanctity of the event.
Top 10 Baptism Gift Ideas
The choice of the baptism gift is up to you, the buyer. The gift will also depend on if the recipient is for a child or an adult. Below are great gift ideas for girls, boys, teens, and adults alike! These gifts are ideas to inspire you and not the exact gift you should buy. The gift will depend on your budget and if you can get the gift delivered in time.
1. Jewelry
Gold waterproof necklace - $88-102
Blessed Is She Crucifix - $32
Birthstone Cross Bracelet - $19
2. Rosaries
The Blessed Mother Rosary - $28
White Rosary & Gift Box - $60
3. Bibles
NLT Compact Bible - $44.90
The Beginner’s Bible - $9.10
Men’s Study Bible - $28.49
4. Journals
Men’s Study Journal - $24
Pink Women’s Journal - $9
Abide Grey Journal - $15
5. Books
Any of these books are a great choice for a boy or girl getting baptized. A few options are geared towards young toddlers, and the other options can be aimed towards older children.
Bible Stories Sound Book - $24.99
The Biggest Storybook Bible - $15.43
Chosen Baptism Book - $14
Words of Wisdom (Customizable) - $39.99
My Baptism Book - $14.99
6. Toys
Wooden Noah’s Ark - $39.95
Mary’s Garden Puzzle - $22.99
7. Picture Frames
Wooden Frame - $16.99 or personalized for $24.99
Silver Cross Frame - $49
8. Artwork
Personalized Cross Artwork - $15.95
9. Compass
Jeremiah 29:11 Brass Compass - $32.90
10. Snow Globe
Lamb Snow Globe - $34.99
Gifts To Stay Away From
Now that you have a sense of what gifts you should buy for a baptism, let’s find out what gifts you should avoid. This is a meaningful event, so choose something that is personal. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money, but put some thought into it.
Gifts to avoid:
- gift cards (not personal)
- anything that mocks religion
- the wrong size item (clothes, shoes)
- not age appropriate gifts
- electronics for babies, or perhaps baby toys for teenagers
If you stick to our list of recommended items, you should do well to avoid these! Don’t stress, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience picking out a gift. Thankfully, most items can be ordered online and delivered within a week!
Mark the Occassion
We hope that you have a better idea of what gift to buy for a baptism! The choice is yours to make, based on price, delivery and of course, how well you know the recipient.
A gift if a special reminder that you are loved, and this is a time to celebrate. A gift is also a great way to show someone that you’re thinking of them. Maybe you can’t make it to the baptism event. This is where mailing a gift can be a great idea!