Asking someone to be your child's Godparent is one of the most meaningful invitations you can extend as a Catholic parent. You're asking them to commit, before God and the Church, to walking alongside your child in faith for the rest of their life. Godparents commit to nurturing a Godchild's Christian life, as noted in the Catechism (CCC 1255). That deserves to be asked beautifully and marked with something that reflects the weight of what you're requesting. Godparents say “yes” to a spiritual vocation.
And once someone has said yes — and especially as they fulfil that role faithfully over the years — the occasions to thank and honour them are worth marking too.
This guide is for parents and Godchildren who want to do that well.
Asking Someone to Be a Godparent: Make It a Moment
In recent years, the tradition of a formal "will you be my Godparent?" ask has grown beautifully in Catholic families — and rightly so. This isn't a casual favour. It's a sacred appointment. The way you ask sets the tone for how seriously you both take the role.
A small, thoughtful gift presented alongside ‘the ask’ transforms a phone call or a conversation into a moment that's remembered. Here are the best ways to do it.
A "Will You Be My Godparent?" Gift Box
Put together a small, carefully chosen box that carries the meaning of the request:
Godparent Gift Set |
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| Godmother sets | |
| Godfather sets |
This doesn't need to be expensive. It needs to be intentional.
A Devotional Book on the Godparent Role
There are beautiful Catholic resources that explore what it truly means to be a Godparent — the spiritual responsibility, the prayer commitment, the long-term relationship with the child's faith. Gifting one of these alongside your ask is a quietly powerful way of saying: we take this seriously and we hope you will too.
A Saint Medal of the Child's Patron Saint
If you've already chosen your child's baptismal name or patron saint, a medal bearing that saint's image is a lovely, personal gift for the Godparent-to-be. It connects them to the child before the child has even arrived, and gives them something to wear or carry as a reminder to pray.
A Crucifix or Keepsake
A small wall crucifix or keepsake item is a lasting gift that marks the moment the Godparent said yes.
A Quality Rosary
A beautiful rosary, chosen with care, is a perennially appropriate gift for a newly appointed Godparent. Choose something a step above the ordinary — dark wood beads, crystal, or sterling silver — and present it in a keepsake box.
A Statue of Our Lady or the Sacred Heart
A hand-painted statue for their home is a gift that stays. Every time they see it, they're reminded of their Godchild and the commitment they made. Our Lady of Grace and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are both timeless choices.
For a Godparent who loves the liturgy and has a rich home prayer life, quality frankincense incense with a beautiful burner is an unexpected and genuinely lovely gift. It brings the sacred into the domestic in a way few gifts do.
First Communion: Thanking the Godparent Who Showed Up
A Godparent who has stayed present through the years leading to First Communion — who has prayed, remembered and continued to invest in the relationship — deserves to be acknowledged on this day too.
This doesn't need to be a large gift. But a small token of thanks from the child, or from the parents on the child's behalf, is a beautiful gesture.
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A saint card or prayer booklet dedicated to the godparent's own patron saint
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A small Our Lady figurine for their home or prayer space
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A handwritten note from the child — even a few simple lines — saying thank you for praying for me. This costs nothing and will be kept forever.
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A quality rosary in the Godparent's favourite colour or style
Confirmation: Honouring a Faithful Godparent
By the time a Godchild reaches Confirmation, a faithful Godparent has been praying for and investing in that child for a decade or more. That is worth honouring.
A gift at Confirmation from the Godchild (or their parents) to the Godparent is a lovely tradition — one that acknowledges the relationship has been real and reciprocal, not just ceremonial.
Meaningful Gift Ideas for a Godparent at Confirmation
A Devotional Book They'll Treasure
A beautifully produced edition of a Catholic classic — The Imitation of Christ, Introduction to the Devout Life, True Devotion to Mary — is a gift that honours a Godparent's faith life and depth. Choose one you know speaks to who they are.
A Quality Rosary
A premium rosary — sterling silver, semi-precious beads or a beautifully crafted wood rosary — presented in a quality case is a gift that feels significant without being ostentatious.
A Statue or Crucifix for Their Home
A hand-painted statue of their patron saint or a quality wall crucifix is a lasting, meaningful gift.
Ongoing Occasions: Keeping the Relationship Alive
The Godparent relationship doesn't end at Confirmation. For Godparents who have been genuinely faithful — who have prayed, stayed in touch and invested in the child's faith over many years — there are natural ongoing occasions worth marking.
Their Own Feast Day or Birthday
A small gift on a Godparent's feast day or birthday — a saint card, a prayer booklet, a small medal of their patron saint — is a lovely gesture from a Godchild or their parents. It says: we see you, we remember you, and we're grateful.
Christmas
A quality advent or Christmas devotional, a small nativity figurine, or a beautiful candle holder is a warm and faith-centred Christmas gift for a Godparent you love.
A Significant Anniversary or Milestone
If a Godparent reaches a significant birthday, a milestone in their own faith journey (an anniversary of their Confirmation, a religious vocation anniversary), or a difficult season in their life — a hand-chosen statue, a quality rosary or a meaningful devotional book is a gift that says far more than a bottle of wine.
Gifts for a Godmother
Choosing presents for a Godmother often focuses on devotion and prayer.
Beautiful Gift Ideas for Godmother
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Marian rosary bracelets
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Our Lady devotional gifts
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Scripture-inspired jewellery
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Prayer journals
- Godmother Thanks Gift Set
- Elegant Godmother Gift Set
- Deluxe Godmother Gift Set
- Luxury Godmother Heirloom Gift Set
Gifts for a Godfather
Strong, faith-filled Godfather gifts often symbolise guidance and spiritual fatherhood.
Popular Choices
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Saint Joseph medals
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Masculine rosaries
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Catholic leather prayer books
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Crosses or sacramental keepsakes
- Godfather Thank You Gift Set
- Classic Godfather Gift Set
- Deluxe Godfather Gift Set
- Premium Godfather Keepsake Set
The Gift That Costs Nothing
Alongside anything you give, tell your child's Godparent, regularly and sincerely, that you're grateful. Tell them their prayers are felt. Share small moments of your child's faith growth with them: the first time your child said a decade of the rosary on their own, the questions they're asking about God, the saint they've become devoted to.
A Godparent who knows their role is real and valued will invest more deeply in it. And that investment — faithful prayer, genuine presence, steady encouragement across a lifetime — is worth infinitely more than any object you could place in their hands.
Not Sure What to Choose?
We're an Australian family business and we love helping people find the right gift for the people they care about and pray for. If you'd like a hand, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
