Gifts for Godparents: 25 Thoughtful Ideas to Thank Them
1. A recent tradition gaining ground
Formally thanking godparents with a small gift has grown rapidly in Anglo-Saxon countries since the early 2010s. In 2026, around 75% of US and UK parents give godparents a thank-you gift at the baptism, up from less than 20% in 2005. The moment has become a highlight of the day — an occasion for a brief speech and a shared engagement. That said, there's no obligation: a sincere handwritten note can be enough if you prefer simplicity.
2. Top 12 godparent gifts
- Memory photo book from Shutterfly, Artifact Uprising or Chatbooks — assembled 3–6 weeks after the day, $30–$80. The favorite in our surveys.
- Engraved photo frame from Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel — "Godmother of [Name], [date]" — $25–$60.
- Personalized engraved keychain in leather or sterling silver — Things Remembered, Etsy artisans, $15–$40.
- Diptyque or Boy Smells candle — Baies, Roses, or Tabac scents, $55–$95.
- Engraved watch for godmother — Daniel Wellington or Cluse — $120–$250.
- Engraved watch for godfather — Shinola, Citizen, or Skagen — $150–$350.
- Custom Le Labo perfume — labeled with godchild's name and baptism date, $80–$250.
- Montblanc Pix or Cross Bailey engraved pen — $90–$250.
- Sterling silver ID bracelet engraved "Godmother of [Name]" — James Avery, Pandora, $60–$120.
- Hermès silk scarf or Burberry cashmere scarf — for higher budgets, $250–$500.
- Wine or whisky tasting box — Williams Sonoma, Caskers, Flaviar, $60–$250.
- Leather journal engraved with godchild's name — Smythson, Moleskine, Papier, $40–$120.
3. Specific ideas for the godmother
- Sterling silver bracelet engraved "Godmother of [Name]" — $60–$120
- Patron saint medal in silver or gold — $80–$200
- Diptyque candle (Baies, Roses, Mimosa) — $70–$110
- Hermès silk scarf or Burberry cashmere — $250–$500
- Custom Diptyque or Aesop beauty box — $60–$150
- Engraved leather jewelry pouch — $50–$150
- Mejuri engraved necklace with baby's name or initial — $80–$200
4. Specific ideas for the godfather
- Engraved leather keychain "Godfather of [Name]" — $25–$60
- Shinola, Citizen, or Daniel Wellington engraved watch — $150–$350
- Engraved silver hip flask — $40–$120
- Montblanc Pix or Cross Bailey pen — $90–$200
- Watch box or cigar humidor in leather — $80–$200
- Single malt whisky tasting box — Caskers or Flaviar, $80–$250
- Engraved leather wallet from Coach or Cuyana — $80–$200
5. Joint gift for both godparents
If godparents are a couple or very close, a joint gift is elegant. Ideas: a weekend getaway voucher (Airbnb Gift Card, Hotels.com, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, $150–$400), a large framed print of the official baptism photo ($60–$150), a gourmet tasting box for two from Williams Sonoma, Goldbelly or Harry & David ($80–$200), a large Diptyque or Trudon candle ($120–$200). Less common but more memorable than two smaller individual gifts.
6. The thank-you note to enclose
The gift comes with a handwritten note. Keep it short, sincere and personal. Example: "To you, [first name], for agreeing to be godmother to our daughter. You mean so much to us, and we know she'll be lucky to have such an extraordinary godmother by her side. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. [Signed: parents' names]." Keep the note with the gift so it can be read at the moment of presentation.
Frequently asked questions
It's not a strict tradition in older Anglo-Saxon practice, but it's become widely expected in 2026 — about 75% of US/UK parents now give a small thank-you gift to godparents at the baptism. It's a gesture that recognizes their commitment and formalizes their place in the family.
Median 2026 range: $30 to $100 per person (godfather and godmother separately). For very close or very involved godparents, it can go up to $150–$200. The point isn't monetary value but the personal and lasting nature of the gift. A $25 engraved keychain with the baptism date often resonates more than an expensive generic item.
Three options. At the end of the religious ceremony, in front of guests, as a formal moment of thanks (the most emotional option). During the reception, in private, with a brief speech (intimate option). A few weeks after, alongside the memory photo book (extends the thanks across time).
The memory photo book assembled 3–6 weeks after the baptism (from Shutterfly, Artifact Uprising or Chatbooks, $30–$80) became the favorite in our parent surveys. Followed by: personalized engraved keychain ($15–$40), engraved photo frame from Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel ($25–$60), Diptyque or Le Labo candle ($55–$95), engraved Daniel Wellington or Shinola watch ($120–$300).
Yes if the godparents practice their faith. Ideas: silver saint medal of their patron saint, olive-wood rosary from Bethlehem, signed religious book ("The Joy of the Gospel", "Letters to My Godchild" by Greg Wolfe), hand-painted Orthodox icon. For secular godparents, focus on personal keepsakes: engraved frame, candle, photo book.
Adapt to each person. For the godmother: Diptyque or Boy Smells candle, a silver bracelet engraved with the baby's name and baptism date, Le Labo custom perfume, Hermès silk scarf if budget allows. For the godfather: engraved leather keychain, Shinola or Citizen watch, engraved silver flask, Cross or Montblanc pen. Avoid identical unisex gifts which feel unconsidered.
Yes — if the godparents are a couple or very close, a joint gift is elegant. Ideas: a weekend trip for two (Airbnb Gift Card, hotel voucher, $150–$400), a large framed print of the official baptism photo ($60–$150), a tasting box for two from Williams Sonoma or Goldbelly ($80–$200), a large Diptyque or Trudon candle ($120–$200). Less common but striking.