After a fun, relaxing christening party, a great way to thank your guests for attending such a special occasion is by handing out christening favors. Christening favors provide a wonderful way to wrap up the party, and also serve as lasting memories for guests to remember this important day.

What makes christening favors different from other party favors? How do you select a good christening favor? Since a christening party tends to be much more solemn, close-knit, and reverent than most other parties, christening favors must be selected to be more serious. They can be religious or not—there is no requirement either way. The favors are not meant to cost a ridiculous amount or be extremely nice; a personal touch is most important, in order to show the guests how much you appreciate their presence and support. Rather than buying bags full of favors, try creating them yourself, or at least add a written note or letter expressing your gratitude. A gift from the heart, however small, will on this occasion mean infinitely more than any present from the store.

Ideas for Christening Favors

Consider these popular ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Religious

-Give your guests ceramic figures, such as baby Jesus, angels, crosses, or doves. These can be handmade using colored polymer clay (such as Sculpey) and baking it in an oven.

-Many candle holders have religious emblems engraved on them, and can be given to guests. You can even add your own engraving, providing a personal touch.

-Prayer cards can be handed out, and are a cost-efficient way to give presents.

-Bookmarks are also fairly cheap, and can easily be personalized with religious quotes.

-You can write personal letters to the guests, using stationery with religious prayers or Bible verses. Not only does this match the religious theme of a christening party, but a letter is the most personal form of expression and gratitude in a party favor.

Religious christening favors can easily be found in any Christian store; when bought in bulk, they can be very inexpensive. Also, check online stores for stationery, rosary beads, and candle holders—you may get a discount.

Non-religious

-Buy a bouquet of colorful and varied small flowers, and give a handful of flowers to each person. This way, not only will the flowers appropriately brighten the mood, but the fresh scent will also remind the guest of the fresh beginning the christening has provided.

-A potted plant or seedling is also appropriate, and hints at a new life; thus, plants and growing things make excellent presents.

-A basket of fruit, sweet and fresh, is a great choice for a favor.

Because a christening is a religious event, non-religious favors that are related to the event usually have something to do beginnings and growing. Plants are ideal gifts because they are a bit more serious, more solemn than cookies or cakes. You can find them at your local flower store, or you may even plant your own plants from seeds, and wait for them to grow.