Gift for Adult Baptism?

Emily

Soooo.... I had a secular upbringing and am a bit out of my depth here. My Mother in Law is being baptised on Sunday and DH and I are attending the ceremony. This seems like the sort of occasion that calls for a gift. What is an appropriate gift? Jewellery, perhaps? I thought maybe flowers, but would it be odd to be sitting in church with a bouquet to present to her after the ceremony? It is an alliance church and apparently quite casual, jeans would not be out of place. A close family friend (who introduced her to the church) has invited us all to lunch after.

11 years ago

Off Topic

16 replies

Latest reply was from Summer

Tina

Veteran

The first thing that came to mind was a nice prayer journal, you could find one at a Christian book store (likely any book store). Another thought would be, like you said, a gift of jewelery or a scarf, something that would remind her of the occasion when she wore it.

11 years ago

amiable

Veteran

Perhaps you can ask around about what's expected? My church baptizes adults, and I was baptized as an adult (well, a teenager, really), and I don't think I've ever seen gifts at an adult baptism.

That said, I think it's a lovely idea, and if you want to give a gift, then by all means, don't feel like you shouldn't. But it might not be expected.

11 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I'd say maybe something religious themed? A piece of jewelry, or a book like Tina suggested?

11 years ago

Liz

Veteran

I tend to agree with Amiable. This likely won't be a "ceremony" (in the way a baby christening might be). I have seen many adults baptized in casual churches (the kind where jeans would be appropriate) and I have never seen anyone give a baptism gift.

I don't know that a gift would be out of place (it's so thoughtful of you to think of it) but I also don't think it would be expected.

ETA: Though I guess it's possible that a remembrance was given in private by a family member and I just didn't see the exchange.

Flowers are a lovely thought; there would probably be a table or shelf in the church entry or lobby where you could leave them during the service. The church will likely have an usher or greeter at either the outside door or the sanctuary door that you could ask about this.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Actually, flowers sound just right. That would reflect both your place with regard to her (you're her daughter) and her new church (you're not a member). A prayer journal also sounds nice.

11 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I think flowers would be lovey and thoughtful. I think you could bring them into the church during the service and place them under your spot and present them afterwards.

11 years ago

carter

Veteran

What about a nice picture frame? You can take a picture of her at the alter to commemorate her special day.

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I was water baptised (full immersion ) as an adult and it's not common practice to give gifts for the occasion. But, if you would like to something lasting and memorable of the occasion would be appreciated Im sure. I love the suggestion of a prayer journal that you could write on the front page "To MIL on the occasion of your batism on date etc" it would be a lovely memory for her. If you have a local christian book store, you will find lots of lovely little gift ideas that would be appropriate.

11 years ago

Echo

Veteran

I am not familiar with whether gifts are appropriate for an adult baptism, but I don't think giving someone a thoughtful gift is ever inappropriate. I agree that a piece of jewelry (if budget permits) or a prayer journal or even a special devotional Bible would be great. Flowers are nice, but it is easier to tuck a small gift in your bag and present it to her at lunch after the service.

11 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Out of your depth......lol. Love the swimming metaphor!

In my experience, baptisms are followed by gatherings (like the lunch a friend is hosting), but rarely gifts, except sometimes for older children (my kids were baptized at 7 and 9). Your presence is probably quite meaningful to your MIL, and any gift, while not an expectation, would be a nice way to mark this very important life passage. I like the prayer journal idea!

11 years ago

Anonymous

If you don't want to bring a wrapped gift, a gift certificate to a Christian book store would allow her to pick a CD, book, jewelry or other memento. A prayer journal is also an excellent idea.

11 years ago

anne

Veteran

Another one here from a church which baptises adults - I agree with everything that has been said, but offer one other suggestion - I don't know what you others think - which is that you offer to bring some food or contribution to the lunch afterwards.

11 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I'm another that was water baptized like Deborah. We didn't really give gifts for it. I remember both my grandparents and my church gave me the same Bible, so not I have it in hardback and leather bound.

I think the prayer journal is a great idea.

11 years ago

Helena

Veteran

What about a donation to something they care about, in honor of the occasion?

11 years ago

LowJoe

Member

I know I'm a bit late to this topic. But anyway, a lot of people has the same problem as you. Once I found one eshop, offering awesome jewellery. Not a popular mark out there, but still.. They say it is hand painted,.. When I read that I was like.. "Oh.. wait a sec.. What the hell?!"

We used it later like our baptism present. Maybe it would help.. Someone,.. Someday
http://www.aljancic.com/en-det.....ing-g.html
Please, don't judge me as a spammer.. Its just a great eshop, with good gifts to this occasion, event if you're not catholic, with whom I wanted to share
Peace

10 years ago

Summer

Veteran

I don't think gifts are expected, but, if you want to mark the occasion, I think a piece of jewellery would be nice.

10 years ago

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