Gifts for godparents and godchildren: ideas with meaning

What gift should you give godparents, or a godchild? The best gifts are those with meaning: a message, a memory, a story that stays. In this article we give ideas in both directions, from godparents to godchild and from parents to godparents, explain how to prepare a personalised book and say what it costs.

The role of the godparent

Being a godparent is, for many families, a role of affection and presence throughout the child's life. There is no fixed rule about what it means, and each family lives it in its own way: it can be an adviser, a companion in adventures, someone who is there at the important muments. A gift with meaning recognises that bond, in either direction.

Ideas to give a godchild

• A book with the godchild's name, in which they are the main character and the godparent is one of the characters.
• A handwritten letter, to be kept and read later.
• A symbolic object, such as a frame or a keepsake box.
• A shared experience, such as an outing or a special day on their birthday.
• A yearly tradition, such as a new book on each birthday.

Ideas to thank someone who agreed to be a godparent

• A card or a letter written by the parents, explaining why they were chosen.
• A book that tells the story of the family and the godchild, with the godparents as characters.
• A framed photo from the day of the christening.
• A simple, personal gesture, instead of an expensive gift.

A book with the godparent as a character

In a personalised book you can have up to 5 characters, with 1 or 2 main characters. This lets you include the godchild, the parents and the godparents in the same adventure. The dedication, up to 250 characters, can be a message from the godparent to the godchild, or from the parents to the godparents. If you write the text yourself, you can include expressions and memories only the family knows; if you'd rather we create it, give us the theme, the names and the tone.

How to prepare it

1. 1Choose a sharp photo of each person, with the face clearly visible and good light.
2. 2Set the theme and tone: tender, playful or solemn.
3. 3See the free preview, without creating an account.
4. 4Check the spelling of the names and use the 2 free revisions to adjust details.
5. 5Approve and receive the eBook, for €10, or the eBook with a 28×21 cm hardcover printed book, for €39.99.

Timing

Shipping of the printed book takes 6 to 10 business days to mainland Portugal and 6 to 15 business days to the islands; for other countries, the delivery time and cost appear at checkout. The eBook is available right after approval, which makes it ideal for people who are far away or for last-minute gifts.

When to give it

• At the christening, as a welcome gift.
• On the godchild's birthday.
• At Christmas.
• At a milestone, such as starting school or first communion.
• As thanks to the godparents, on the day of the christening or shortly after.

A gift from several hands

If there is more than one godparent, you can join together on a shared gift. A book with all of you as characters and a dedication signed by everyone is a way of celebrating the godchild as a group. The 2nd book you buy gets 20% off, which lets you give a copy to each godparent.

Mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the order for the last week.
• Choosing blurry or old photos.
• Forgetting to check the spelling of the godchild's name.
• Spending too much: meaning counts more than price.

Messages for the dedication

The dedication has room for up to 250 characters, which is enough for a short, sincere message. A few ideas: "For our godchild, with all the love of someone who saw you arrive"; "Thank you for agreeing to be our child's godparents. We count on you for life"; "May this story always remind you how loved you are". Write in your own words: simplicity usually moves people more than the perfect phrase.

When the godchild is older

If the godchild is already a teenager or young adult, a children's book may not be the best idea. In that case, think of a story that speaks to them, for example a good-humoured adventure in which they are the hero and the godparents appear as supporting characters, or a story about a shared memory. The tone matters: switch from tender to playful, and the result can be a keepsake they want to hold on to.

How to include the parents

The godchild's parents can be characters in the story or authors of the dedication. If they want to surprise the godparents, they can ask for a book in which the godparents are the main characters, with the godchild as a companion in adventures. It is a way of thanking them for the role they play and giving them something that lasts.

In short

A good gift for godparents or godchildren is one with meaning that lasts. A personalised book, a letter or a yearly tradition are ways of showing it. Try the free preview and decide after you see the result.