Personalised engraved NIV Bible with name and date for christening gift

What to Engrave on a Christening Gift: Name, Date and Verse Ideas

Most people know they want to engrave a christening gift, but the wording is harder to decide than it looks. Too much text crowds the design, and the wrong format can look unfinished. This guide covers the three elements most families choose, how to lay them out, and which verses suit a christening or baptism.

The three elements most families engrave

  • The child's full name. Use the name as it will appear on the church register, including any middle name. Families often choose first and middle names for a christening gift.
  • The christening or baptism date. Adding the date marks the day the child was welcomed into the church. It is the most popular addition to a name.
  • A short verse or blessing. One line is usually enough. Longer passages become hard to read at this size.

Choosing the right layout

Our engraved Bibles offer several layouts. Here is how they work in practice:

  • Initials on the bottom right keeps the cover clean and suits a gift for a godparent who wants something understated.
  • Name on the front makes the child's name the focal point, and it reads well from across a room at the christening.
  • Name and date on the front is the most common choice for a christening, because it records the day on the cover itself.
  • Initials and verse on the back works well when the family has a favourite verse but the front should stay simple.

Verses that suit a christening or baptism

Choose a verse that speaks to a child or to the promise made at the font. Short verses engrave cleanly. Some families choose one of these:

  • Mark 10:14, which speaks of Jesus welcoming the children
  • Psalm 127:3, about children as a gift from the Lord
  • Isaiah 43:1, "Fear not, for I have called you by name"
  • Proverbs 22:6, about training a child in the way they should go

If the family has a parish or a saint associated with the child's name, ask them first. A verse they already know will mean more than one chosen from a list.

How to check your wording before you order

  • Spell the child's name exactly as the family writes it
  • Use the correct date format, such as 14 March 2027
  • Read the verse aloud to check the line breaks
  • Keep to one verse, so the engraving stays easy to read

We engrave exactly what is entered at checkout, and the engraving is permanent. A short proof check by you before ordering is the best protection against a mistake.

Shop engraved christening Bibles

If you have settled on the wording, you can choose a Bible that suits it:

Delivery and timing

Every order includes free tracking across Australia, and orders are engraved and dispatched the next business day. Shipping is free on orders over $79.99. The standard rate applies below that, and Express delivery takes 1 to 2 business days. Order at least two weeks before the christening so there is time to check the proof and receive the parcel.

Frequently asked questions

Can I include a middle name? Yes. Enter the full name as it should appear.

Can I use a verse and a date together? On the back layout, yes. On the front, a name and date works best.

What if I change my mind after ordering? Engraved items are made to order, so please check the wording carefully before you check out.

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