Christening present from godparent

KentishLady

I have been asked to be my nephews godmother which I am really pleased about. I want to make him/get him a christening present which he can use as he grows up.

The parents have said that they don't want any "tat" and don't want to tell people what to get him - if people can't think of something for themselves then they are asking for money towards his trust fund. I really can't afford a lot of money and to be honest feel that I want to give him something that is really from me as this seems more appropriate than money.

The parents are not really church-going and are not really "into" religion as such. I'm not even sure that they believe in God.

So I am getting a little stumped and the christening is on 11th October.

I thought I would make him a wooden box for him to keep his keep-sakes in as he grows up. I could paint it and then put some small things in it - for example a photo album, a couple of relevant books (maybe bible stories or something).

I am looking for (cheap) ideas that are not tat that would be appropriate to go in the box.

I am going to write him a letter explaining what the box is for. If anyone can think of anything else I could put in that isnt too expensive I would be really grateful.

thanks

KL.

Paparika

Sounds like a great idea, although it maybe something you might want his parents to look after and start the keepsakes off, and give it to him when he is older and wants to keep things.

LilMissEmmylou

lol tbh if they arent into church and are telling people they dont want tat and wont give ideas i would guess the reason is that they are just having the christening as a way to get money. For that reason alone I would be sure to buy/make something! I think the memory box is a great idea - we have 2 of those for our DD and both are getting pretty full!

xcat_girlx

when my god-daughter was christened, i opened a bank account for her just for me to put into. kids get spoilt at birthdays and xmas, and with hers being the same time as xmas, i put money away for her instead & i want her to use it to either buy a car or go on holiday with her friends when shes 18 (like me & her mum did) then i feel like i've really given her something she would want, rather than loads of random little presents.

you could maybe borrow him for the day if your going to do your memory box and make prints of his hands and feet? or take him for a fun day out just the 2 of you and take loads of photos to put in.

hobbesy_2

I had this dilemma in the run-up to my godson and daughters christening this weekend. I went on etsy (the craft version of ebay) for ideas, and eventually went for a handmade quilt each which can be used now and kept for when they are older. A lot of etsy sellers are in the US and I've had to ship them over but for the time that has gone into them they really were quite cheap (I think it converted to £40 for the two inc shipping). They're not all the older style of quilts that you used to see, I've gone for slightly more modern looking fabrics, etc, but I think/hope they'll make a lovely keepsake. The same thing in the UK seems to sell for a hell of a lot more

moggylover

I think your memory box is a really lovely idea! Not sure I like the parents attitude much though:eek:

vixarooni

no the parents attitude is awful. What is the point of getting christened if you feel no religious beliefs? A naming ceremony or something would probably be more appropriate.

Anyway, my god mother got me a frame that i still have, i also got a st christoper necklace that i still wear sometimes now 22 years later! I think its nice to have something from being a baby that can still be used when they get older.

rosie-lee

What a lovely idea OP. I would be delighted that you put so much thought and effort into your gift, if it was for one of my children, i would be very touched.

Just another thought, we also received a lovely story book, a traditional one which we have put away so it won't get damaged in the toddler days but we will read from it to our daughter. The Godparent wrote inside it and we will keep it for DD. I know that some beautiful books can be bought very inexpensively from 'cheap' bookstores in town, far less than the RRP.

sooz

Quite agree that the attitude of the parents stinks.

Mind you, I do know some friends who arranged a christening & chose wealthy & successful godparents just so their little darlings would get good presents atleast til 18 and have great work experience opportunites, & hopefully so all would be invited to spend the summer in their villas

I'd go with a book - possibly a child's bible.

belfastgirl23

I think a traditional story book with lots of nice illustrations would be a lovely present!

Lunar_Eclipse

The memory box is a nice idea.

Both my girls received £100 of premium bonds from my sister (Godmother to her eldest niece) when they were christened which I thought was a lovely idea. Eldest also got £100 of shares from other Godparents.

Youngest got an initialled silver napkin ring and set of Beatrix Potter books from her three Godparents. (We did the traditional two Godmothers & one Godfather each since they're both girls.) The book set box has fallen apart despite the books being unread. Not sure we'll keep it long term, although I do feel guilty about that honest thought.

We also acquired four bible storybook from other guests. But since they are likely to get a Bible story book from the Church they are christened in (mine did), I would avoid this otherwise lovely gift idea.