I often receive questions about what to wear to and give for a Christening/Baptism! Sharing all my top picks for this special occasion.
What to Wear to a Christening: Mom.
A few demure options for the mother…
+I always love a classic white shirtdress, like this one, this one, or this one, paired with feminine shoes like this or this, or a simple sandal like this.
+A pretty spring-like floral print also feels appropriate — something like this, this, this, this, this, this.
+A long shirtdress with embellishment/a pretty pattern would also be perfect — something like this embroidered green shirt dress is equal parts sophisticated and youthful; you know I love these Julia Amory shirt dresses; I adore the ric rac trim on this Juliet Dunn; I own and live for this dress from Mille in a different fabric/color (brand runs big!); this wrap style is beyond; Zimmermann is always magic; or this $100 steal.
+If you prefer solid colors, this or this would be lovely for a spring morning.
+For something a bit more conservative/suit-like — this shift, this Giambattista Valli (!), this Sandro, this trench style (v Carrie Bradshaw), and another Sandro (I know several of you have worn this one to your children’s Baptisms!)
+I bought this for myself and think it would make a lovely christening dress. So elegant, demure, tailored.
+For me, PEAK sophistication for events like this is Emilia Wickstead — something like this or this.
+If you’re on the fashion forward side of things, this SEA is gorgeous.
+Pretty accessories for the occasion:
What to Wear to a Christening: Baby.
A few Christening gowns to consider for baby:
+Kissy Kissy has some gorgeous styles, including this and this.
+This Proper Peony for girl and Proper Peony for boy.
+Pippa and Julie has a pretty, simple, traditional style.
+Feltman Brothers has super-traditional styles in the tiniest sizes.
+If you’re not into a gown, you could go with this crisp romper, this button-in, this smocked bubble, or this seersucker for a boy, and this special occasion set, this angel wing dress, or this showstopping dress for a girl. (You could later frame in a box like this.)
+For something far more casual, consider this monongrammable cotton bubble, this knit set from La Coqueta, or something from Pixie Lily. I love the handstitch detail.
+For shoes: these for a boy; these or these for a girl; these for either.
What to Give at a Christening.
A few great gifts to give at a Christening:
+A hand-painted cross like this or this.
+A year of Bible’s verses for children — I absolutely adore this. Would be a great First Communion gift, too.
+A personalized Christening bowl.
+A tiny engraved cross bracelet.
+A personalized china plate.
+A knit baby blanket (or cashmere one) bundled with a felt “saintie” (use the child’s name to select a saint, or pick one of personal significance to you!).
+A Noah’s Ark playset like this or this.
+A Herend prayer box.
+A monogrammed boudoir pillow.
+A beautiful frame like this.
+Any of the above would be lovely bundled with a baby prayer book, book set, or Bible. You could also give a Bible with a meaningful letter enclosed or written in the front.
+An acrylic dove ornament — I love the idea that this keepsake will be seen every year at Christmas. Especially lovely if Christening happens to take place in the winter.
+Woven bamboo cross.
+A laminated placemat with a prayer on the back.
+Frame a special prayer in an acrylic frame like this. You could either write the prayer yourself or have a calligrapher on Etsy write it for you.
P.S. A prayer with special meaning. I know many of you have adopted this prayer in your own families — I love its brevity, simplicity, and power. It’s appropriate at mealtimes, at Thanksgiving, at really any gathering!
P.P.S. Jarred, in a good way.
P.P.P.S. The Bible Verse I repeated to myself during my son’s birth.
Thanks for these ideas! I ordered the Etsy cross for my new goddaughter this morning. I also like to include this book as a board book, https://www.amazon.com/Give-Me-Grace-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0689878850.
Oh I love the book rec! Thank you!
Have you heard of Be a Heart? It’s an online shop that has the most sophisticated yet playful items for home and life events, specifically Catholic feasts, holy days, and sacraments. I have bought a number of things for myself (artwork, calendars, etc.) but also for friends’ children for baptism and first communion. It’s my first stop when looking for gifts for religious events.
https://beaheart.com/
Mary! Thank you so, so much for the introduction. I MUST have these puzzles when restocked:
https://beaheart.com/collections/kids/products/puzzle-set-marys-garden
Perfect Easter basket gift.
xx