Do people expect presents at christenings?

Chia

We've been invited to a christening; where I'm from this is a religious ceremony and that's the point of it, but these people aren't religious, so - is it the done thing here to give presents at christenings? And if so, I'm guessing they would want toys for the kid? Or money? I got a card but then realised they probably expect more.

(What the child will actually need in that household is help getting acquainted with cuisine that isn't chip- or sausage-roll-based once it's on solids, but I fear that cause is just about lost. Good for Iceland, not good for the future NHS budget.)

Alikay

Yes, I think the norm is to give a gift or some money to go into junior's first ISA .

victory

Yes money or a gift usually.

mich13x

This is something I never understand, you clearly don't like these people from your judgemental post so why bother sharing what will be a happy day for them with your miserable attitude?

To answer the question, yes of course you give a gift.

Newly_retired

As you are religious, and as it is a Christian ceremony, you might like to give a children's Bible or similar.
Other traditional gifts include a christening mug, silver spoon etc, or you could find a nice photo frame.
Personally I would avoid toys and either give money or choose something of lasting value.

Lily-Rose_3

Oh yes of course you give a gift at a Christening. You don't have to spend a lot: just check out Argos or something. My daughter's Christening gifts are some of the most precious things we have. We had about 20 in all, and about 40% of them are from people no longer with us (parents, great-aunts/uncles, grandparents etc.)

Checkout Argos, ebay Amazon etc, and the local jewellers, and card shops like Birthdays, Clintons, Card factory, and WH Smith. People often give something 'religious' but it's not essential.

borkid

One gift we gave along time ago was a silver jubilee crown in a presentation case (1977). I think you can still buy freshly minted coins so one with this years date on would be good. Alternatively how about a first day cover.

8-of-us

I only give gifts as part of Christening/Baptism, not Blessings/Thankgivings.
Its usually some type of trinket/angel.
I fear money doesn't always end up where I hope and Bibles etc are often given by the Church or godparents/close family.
When friends asked us what to get our girls we said anything you like and if you cant think a small donation to the church would be preferred.

sacha28

Chia wrote: »

We've been invited to a christening; where I'm from this is a religious ceremony and that's the point of it, but these people aren't religious, so - is it the done thing here to give presents at christenings? And if so, I'm guessing they would want toys for the kid? Or money? I got a card but then realised they probably expect more.

(What the child will actually need in that household is help getting acquainted with cuisine that isn't chip- or sausage-roll-based once it's on solids, but I fear that cause is just about lost. Good for Iceland, not good for the future NHS budget.)

Wow you sound incredibly judgmental and, on this basis, you would be uninvited from the christening. This would then alleviate any confusion you have over the need for a present.

FWIW, before my lo was born, my OH and I were junk food junkies. When I was pregnant I bought lots of cook books as I wanted better for my child. When my LB went onto solids I learnt how to cook decent, balanced meals and he therefore didn't inherit our bad eating habits. Who's to say your 'friend' hasn't thought along the same lines?

Sorry but you sound horrible and like you don't actually like the people that have invited you so give them a lovely present and don't bother going.

Lily-Rose_3

sacha28 wrote: »

Wow you sound incredibly judgmental and, on this basis, you would be uninvited from the christening. This would then alleviate any confusion you have over the need for a present.

FWIW, before my lo was born, my OH and I were junk food junkies. When I was pregnant I bought lots of cook books as I wanted better for my child. When my LB went onto solids I learnt how to cook decent, balanced meals and he therefore didn't inherit our bad eating habits. Who's to say your 'friend' hasn't thought along the same lines?

Sorry but you sound horrible and like you don't actually like the people that have invited you so give them a lovely present and don't bother going.

I agree.

Shame the people having their baby Christened don't know what their 'friend' thinks of them.

Some people are really terribly judgemental about people who don't cook from scratch.

Many people who cook from scratch, do tend to think they're superior to people who don't, and tend to be very judgemental towards people who have takeaways, microwave meals, ready meals for the oven etc etc...

enjoyyourshoes

OP, you may want to re read your post and consider the details and language you have expressed.

All communication has an underlying sub text, consider what yours is and what your prejudices are.

I buy all my frozen fish from Iceland and make my own fish pie including homemade bechamel with parsley.