When a grandchild is baptized, it’s a special occasion that grandparents will want to celebrate. While grandparents aren’t expected to give a baptism gift, many like to give a monetary gift to mark the occasion. However, deciding how much money to give can be tricky. There are no set rules or guidelines, and the amount will often depend on the grandparents’ financial situation and relationship with the grandchild. This article will provide tips and considerations for grandparents on deciding how much money to give for a grandchild’s baptism.
Should you give money for a baptism?
While not required, giving a monetary gift for a grandchild’s baptism is a common tradition. Money allows the parents to use the gift as needed, whether it’s putting it in the child’s savings account, buying a special keepsake, or using it for baptism-related expenses. A monetary gift shows your love and that you want to be a part of this important milestone in your grandchild’s life. The amount you give is up to you, but even a small monetary gift will be appreciated.
Factors to consider when deciding how much to give
When deciding how much money to gift for your grandchild’s baptism, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Your relationship with the grandchild
If you have a close relationship and are actively involved in your grandchild’s life, you may want to give a more generous gift. A larger baptism monetary gift can signify your deep connection. If your relationship is not as close, a smaller gift is still a nice gesture.
Your financial situation
Consider your financial position when deciding a baptism gift amount. If money is tight, don’t feel obligated to give a large sum. Even a modest amount shows you care. If you’re in good financial shape, you may want to be more generous.
Family expectations and traditions
Talk to other family members about baptism gift traditions and expectations. Some families may exchange lavish baptism gifts, while others keep it simple. Try to gauge what would be considered appropriate and avoid causing offense.
Whether you’ll provide additional gifts
If the baptism monetary gift is your only gift, consider increasing the amount. If you plan on giving additional gifts like clothes, toys, or savings bonds, you can keep the cash gift smaller.
Whether gift is from you or joint from grandparents
If both grandparents are contributing to the gift, determine the amount together. Combining gifts allows you to give a larger monetary amount. If giving separately, make sure gifts are comparable to avoid hurt feelings.
Number of grandchildren
Grandparents with only one grandchild may want to give a larger baptism gift amount compared to those with multiple grandchildren. Give based on what you can reasonably afford for each grandchild.
Other expenses associated with attending baptism
Factor in expenses like travel, accommodation, and an outfit for the baptism when deciding your gift amount. If you’re incurring major costs to attend, balance your budget accordingly.
Average Amounts for Baptism Gifts From Grandparents
While there are no definitive rules on amounts, here are some general benchmarks on baptism gift sums:
Under $50
$20-$50 is a common range for a smaller or token baptism gift from grandparents, or for those on a tight budget. Even a card with a modest amount shows you care.
$50-$100
For many grandparents, $50-$100 is a standard baptism gift amount. This is substantial enough to be meaningful without breaking the bank.
$100-$200
$100-$200 is a moderately generous gift that demonstrates your excitement. This amount allows the parents to purchase a nice keepsake or add to savings.
$200-$400
A gift in the $200-$400 range is very generous and indicates you want to make the occasion extra special. This higher amount can be gifted by wealthier grandparents.
More than $500
Over $500 is an over-the-top, lavish gift generally given by grandparents who are exceptionally involved and able to give large sums. Most grandparents would not gift over $500.
These benchmarks provide rough guidelines, but the most appropriate amount depends on your unique circumstances. Use your discretion when gifting.
Non-Monetary Baptism Gift Ideas From Grandparents
While cash gifts are common for baptisms, you may want to give a tangible gift in addition or instead. Some meaningful baptism gift ideas include:
- A personalized photo frame or album commemorating the baptism
- A piggy bank or savings bond that can be used for the child’s future
- A religious keepsake like a engraved cross or angel figurine
- A baptism memory box filled with small mementos
- A cute stuffed animal or special toy
- A personalized baptism blanket or quilt
- An engraved silver cup or spoon
- A children’s bible or religious books
- Baptism decor for the baby’s room like a wall cross or photo display
- A locket with a photo of the baby to be worn at baptism
These heartfelt, personalized gifts can have lasting meaning and complement a monetary gift.
Should grandparents pay for baptism expenses?
Beyond gifts, some grandparents wonder if they should pay for any baptism-related expenses. Here are tips on covering costs:
- Party hosting – Offer to host or help pay for baptism party
- Cake/catering – Pay for food/refreshments for the baptism celebration
- Venue fees – Contribute to church or venue fees if you have means
- Decorations – Purchase decor for the party venue
- Flowers – Buy flowers for ceremony or party
- Photography – Offer to pay the photographer as your gift
- Keepsakes – Pay for baptism candles, framed photos, etc
- Attire – Purchase an outfit, shoes or accessory for baptism
- Travel/lodging – If traveling, pay for your accommodations
Covering baptism costs can be a meaningful way for grandparents to contribute, but communicate with the parents first. Be cautious of overstepping. If unable to pay for expenses, your monetary gift will still be appreciated.
Should you give cash or check for baptism gift?
When giving a monetary baptism gift, either cash or check are fine options:
Cash
Cash allows the parents to immediately use the money, like tucking it into the child’s piggy bank. Cash gifts should be presented in a greeting card or gift envelope.
Check
A check is more formal and secure than cash. Make the check out to the parents and write “baptism gift” on the memo line. Checks can be mailed ahead if unable to attend.
Other monetary gifts
As alternatives to cash and checks, consider a savings bond, money order, gift card, or online transfer to the parents’ account. All demonstrate your thoughtfulness.
Choose whichever monetary gift type you are most comfortable with and ensure it’s given safely. Place the gift in a card and present it discreetly.
When should you give a baptism gift?
Proper baptism gift etiquette is to present your monetary or wrapped gift at the baptism ceremony or party following the baptism. If unable to attend, gifts can be mailed ahead of time:
- At ceremony – Discreetly give gift to parents at church
- At party – Give gift when greeting parents at the celebration
- By mail – Send gift to arrive close to baptism date
- In person – Stop by to deliver gift before/after event
- To registry – Purchase a gift from the baptism registry they created
Aim to give the gift on the occasion of the baptism, but the parents will appreciate receiving it before or shortly after if need be. Include a heartfelt card expressing your congratulations.
Should baptism gifts be wrapped?
wrap non-monetary gifts to present them nicely to the family. For monetary gifts like cash or checks, you don’t need to wrap them. Simply place the monetary gift in a greeting card or gift envelope when presenting. If also giving a small physical gift, you may choose to wrap everything together in a gift bag or box.
Are group baptism gifts appropriate?
It’s fine to give a group baptism gift combining monetary contributions from multiple people. Group gifts show collective love and support from family and friends. Coordinate with others interested in participating and gather contributions. Combine the money in a thoughtful card signed by all contributors. Make sure no one feels obligated to participate. Those who can’t contribute can sign the card.
Should godparents give baptism gifts?
As honorary caretakers of faith, godparents have an especially important role in a baptism. Giving a gift is not required of godparents, but it’s a common tradition. Godparents may want to give a more generous monetary gift or special religious keepsake. Godparent gifts can include:
- A personalized bible or religious book
- A silver cup or spoon engraved for baptism
- A rosary, cross necklace, angel pin, or other symbolic jewelry
- Savings bonds that can be used later for religious education costs
- A christening gown, bonnet, or candle passed down as an heirloom
These special gifts emphasize the godparent/godchild spiritual connection. Coordinate with the parents so gifts align with family traditions and faith.
Should sibling gifts be given at a baptism?
To help older siblings feel included in the occasion, small gifts can be given:
- Give a religious children’s book about becoming a big brother/sister
- Gift a stuffed animal or special toy to mark the baptism
- Consider giving a small piggy bank or savings bond
- Give a keepsake photo frame or album to hold baptism photos
- Gift a cute t-shirt or outfit to wear for the baptism
These little gifts make siblings feel special during the focus on a new baby. Grandparents or godparents can coordinate giving small sibling gifts.
Conclusion
Giving a heartfelt, meaningful baptism gift allows grandparents to honor a grandchild’s special faith milestone. While no fixed monetary amount applies to every family, typical gifts range from $50-$200. Consider your relationship, finances, and family culture when deciding an appropriate amount. Beyond money, personalized, religious keepsakes can make treasured baptism mementos for the child. However you celebrate your grandchild’s baptism, your thoughtfulness will be remembered. Honor family traditions while giving what your heart and budget allow.
