A baptism is one of the first great celebrations in a child's life, and for generations, godparents and grandparents have marked it with a gift of gold. Since 1997, our family has helped families choose christening jewelry that is safe for a baby and meaningful for a lifetime. Here are the classic baptism gifts, and how to choose the right one.
1. A Religious Medal
The Miraculous Medal is the most traditional baptism gift in Catholic families, and our most popular one. Choose a small or mini size for a child, about 11 to 16 mm, from our 18K gold Miraculous Medals. Guardian angel, saint and special baptism medals are lovely alternatives: browse all our 18K gold saint and religious medals. Learn the story behind it in The Meaning of the Miraculous Medal.
How to give it: keep the medal in its gift box until the child is older, or attach it to a gold safety pin (see below). We do not recommend necklaces for children under 7.
2. A Gold Cross
A small gold cross is a gift the child will wear for years, often starting at First Communion. Choose a size they will grow into, about 10 to 16 mm, from our 18K gold crosses and crucifixes. Read our guide How to Choose a Gold Cross Necklace for a Child for sizes, styles and church traditions.
3. A Gold Safety Pin
The gold safety pin is a beloved christening tradition. Decorated with an angel, a Miraculous Medal, a cross or pearls, it is pinned to the crib or stroller, out of the baby's reach, as a symbol of faith and protection. Popular choices include the Miraculous Medal and Cross Safety Pin, the Heart, Pearl and Angel Safety Pin and the Miraculous Medal and Pearls Safety Pin. Browse all our 18K gold baby safety pins and read Safety Pin Jewelry: Fashion and Function.
4. A Baby Bracelet
A bracelet is a baptism gift the baby can wear from the very first day.
- ID bracelets: engraved with the baby's name and the date of the baptism, a keepsake parents treasure. See our personalized ID bracelets and The Timeless Tradition of Baby ID Bracelets.
- Miraculous Medal bracelets: delicate bracelets with the Miraculous Medal and pearls, like the Miraculous Medal and Pearls Bracelet.
Explore all our 18K gold bracelets for babies and kids, and read The Significance of Christening Bracelets.
5. Baby Earrings
In many families, a baby's first earrings are a baptism gift. Choose screw-back earrings in 18K gold: they twist securely into place, so they are much harder for little hands to pull off, and they are gentle on new piercings. Learn more in our Guide to Screw Back Earrings.
Why 18K Gold for a Baby
A baby's skin is delicate. 18K gold is 75% pure gold, hypoallergenic and free of lead and nickel, so it is gentle enough for a newborn. It never tarnishes, so a christening gift looks as beautiful on the child's wedding day as it did at the baptism. Every piece arrives in an Amalia gift box and bag, ready to give.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional baptism gift from godparents?
A religious medal or a small gold cross is the most traditional gift. Many godparents also give a gold safety pin or an engraved ID bracelet.
Can a baby wear a bracelet?
Yes. A lightweight 18K gold bracelet with a secure clasp can be worn from the baptism day. Always supervise young children wearing jewelry.
Where do you put a baby's gold safety pin?
Pin it to the crib or stroller, out of the baby's reach.
Can a baby wear a medal or cross necklace?
We do not recommend necklaces for children under 7. Keep the medal or cross in its box, or on a safety pin, until the child is older.
Shop our full collection of 18K gold baptism jewelry and gifts.
