Greek Orthodox & Catholic Christening Gifts: A Guide for Australian Families
Greek Orthodox and Catholic christenings are rich in tradition, and the gifts often carry deep meaning. If you've been invited to one, or you're a godparent preparing for the big day, here's a guide to gifts that honour those traditions.
Greek Orthodox christening gifts
In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the godparent (the nouno or nouna) usually prepares much of what's needed for the baptism. Guests then bring a personal gift for the child.
What goes in an Orthodox christening box?
The christening box, or ladopana set, typically includes the white garments the baby is dressed in after the baptism, towels, the oil sheet, soap, and a small bottle of olive oil. Many families also include a cross, a keepsake for the child, and martyrika (the small witness pins given to guests).
Meaningful Orthodox christening gift ideas
- An icon altar with cross. Icons are central to Orthodox prayer life, and a small icon for the child's room is a beautiful first step. See our icon altar with cross, available with Jesus, the Holy Family, St Mary or St George.
- A personalised NKJV Bible. The NKJV is widely read in Orthodox communities. See our personalised NKJV Bible.
- A gold cross pin. See the gold cross christening pin.
- A trinket box to keep the baptism cross safe. View the trinket box.
Catholic christening gifts
Catholic baptism gifts often focus on the sacrament itself and the child's growth in faith.
- A Catholic Bible. Catholic Bibles include the deuterocanonical books, so choose a Catholic edition. See our personalised NRSV Catholic Bible gift set, which comes with a rosary.
- A Bible and rosary set. See the Bible with rosary beads.
- A personalised gown hanger to display the christening gown. See the custom name hanger.
Coptic Orthodox families
For Coptic Orthodox families, an icon for the child's room or a personalised NKJV Bible are both meaningful choices. Browse our Christian and Orthodox gifts.
Who buys the cross at a Greek Orthodox christening?
Traditionally the godparent provides the cross the child receives at the baptism. Guests usually give a separate keepsake.
Every gift is personalised in our Australian workshop and dispatched the next business day with free tracked shipping. Browse all christening gifts.