Orthodox Christian Gift Guide for Baptisms, Chrismations, and Name Days

Choosing an Orthodox Christian gift can be difficult when the occasion is spiritually important. You want to give something beautiful, but also something the recipient can use as they grow in the life of the Church.

For an Orthodox baptism or chrismation, the most enduring gifts are usually a cross, an icon of the recipient’s patron saint, a prayer book, a prayer rope, a candle, or an item for the home prayer corner. For a name day, a patron saint icon, a life of the saint, or a personalized keepsake can help the recipient remember and honor the saint whose name they bear.

This guide brings together Orthodox baptism gifts, chrismation gifts, and name day gift ideas for infants, children, teenagers, adult converts, godchildren, friends, and family members.

Understanding the Occasion

Baptism, chrismation, and name days are related, but they are not interchangeable occasions.

Orthodox Baptism

In Holy Baptism, a person is united to Christ’s death and Resurrection and enters the life of the Church. The Orthodox Church describes baptism as death and rebirth in Christ, the beginning of a new life that continues through prayer, worship, repentance, and Holy Communion. (Orthodox Church in America)

A baptism gift should reflect that beginning. The best gifts are usually not decorations for a single day. They are things that can become part of the recipient’s Christian life for years to come.

Orthodox Chrismation

Chrismation is the anointing through which the newly illumined receives “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In Orthodox practice, chrismation normally follows baptism immediately. Some converts who have already received a recognized Christian baptism may instead be received into the Orthodox Church through chrismation, according to the direction of the bishop and priest. (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)

A chrismation gift is often especially meaningful for an adult convert who has spent months or years preparing to enter the Church. Gifts that support a daily prayer rule, establish a prayer corner, or introduce the recipient to the life of a patron saint are particularly appropriate.

Orthodox Name Days

An Orthodox Christian’s name day is the feast day of the saint whose name he or she bears. It is a day to give thanks for the saint’s intercession, attend the Divine Liturgy when possible, and learn from the saint’s life and witness. (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)

A name day, sometimes written “namesday,” is therefore different from a birthday. The attention is directed toward the patron saint and the recipient’s life in Christ.

Before Buying a Baptism or Chrismation Gift

Ask the recipient, family, sponsor, or godparent what has already been arranged.

A baptismal cross, candle, garment, towel, icon, or service book may already be supplied by the godparents or required in a particular form by the parish. Customs can differ among jurisdictions, parishes, and family traditions.

This does not mean you need permission to give any Orthodox gift. It simply helps avoid purchasing a second baptismal cross or another item that must meet the parish’s practical requirements.

When uncertain, an icon, prayer book, saint-related gift, or prayer-corner item is usually easier to choose than a piece of sacramental equipment.

1. An Orthodox Cross

A cross is one of the most traditional Orthodox baptism or chrismation gifts.

The newly baptized commonly receives a baptismal cross to wear. Because this may already be provided by the sponsor, confirm before buying a necklace specifically for the service.

A wooden wall cross or standing cross is another option. It can be placed in a bedroom, family prayer corner, office, or living area without duplicating the baptismal cross worn around the neck.

Artos carries handcrafted Orthodox crosses in several sizes, woods, and traditional forms. Browse Orthodox crosses on Artos.

A wall cross is especially suitable for:

A newly baptized infant’s room
An adult convert’s first home prayer corner
A godchild’s baptism anniversary
A family entering the Church together
A new home following baptism or chrismation

Current marketplace examples include the White Oak and Purpleheart Wall Cross from Theosis Woodwork, the Vladimir Cross from Dunstans’ Workshop, and the Cross of St. Michael. (Artos)

2. An Icon of the Patron Saint

An icon of the recipient’s patron saint is one of the most personal gifts for a baptism, chrismation, or name day.

The baptismal name is commonly the name of a saint who becomes the person’s patron. The saint’s feast is then observed as the person’s name day. Greek Orthodox educational material also notes the custom of giving a patron saint icon and cross at baptism or chrismation. (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)

Before selecting an icon, confirm:

The recipient’s baptismal name
Which saint is intended when multiple saints share that name
Whether the family or sponsor has already purchased an icon
Whether the recipient needs a small icon, wall icon, or travel icon

A hand-painted icon can become a major lifelong gift. A smaller mounted icon may be more suitable for a child, student, frequent traveler, or someone beginning a modest prayer corner.

The Artos Iconography collection includes icons and icon-related goods from Orthodox sellers. Current listings include a hand-painted icon of St. Katherine the Great from Holy Wisdom Studio, handcrafted wooden icon houses, a Jesus Prayer plaque, and smaller feast-related icon gifts. (Artos)

An icon of St. Katherine, for example, would be especially meaningful for someone named Katherine, Catherine, Ekaterina, or another form of the saint’s name.

3. A Prayer Book, Psalter, or Life of a Saint

A good Orthodox prayer book is useful long after the celebration has ended.

For someone newly received into the Church, consider a book that supports the habits he or she is beginning to form:

A morning and evening prayer book
A Psalter
A book explaining the Divine Liturgy
A collection of saints’ lives
A book about the Jesus Prayer
An age-appropriate Orthodox children’s book
A biography of the recipient’s patron saint

For a name day, the life of the patron saint is especially fitting. The purpose is not merely to know facts about the saint, but to learn how that saint followed Christ and how the recipient might imitate that faithfulness.

Browse Orthodox books on Artos, including prayer books, lives of the saints, spiritual reading, children’s resources, audio stories, and physical or digital materials. The current Books category includes 24 products, with several saint-focused audio stories and children’s listening cards. (Artos)

4. An Orthodox Prayer Rope

A prayer rope, also called a chotki or komboskini, can help the recipient begin or strengthen the practice of the Jesus Prayer.

This can be a particularly suitable chrismation gift for an adult or older child. It is portable, simple, and closely connected to daily Orthodox prayer.

Choose a size that fits the recipient’s circumstances:

A small wrist prayer rope for daily use
A 33-knot rope for a beginner
A 50-knot rope for a more established prayer rule
A longer rope for someone who has specifically requested one

Avoid presenting a prayer rope as jewelry alone. Its purpose is prayer.

Current Artos listings include black and white knotted prayer ropes, a 50-knot Orthodox prayer rope, stone-bead prayer ropes, and smaller travel options. Browse Orthodox prayer items. (Artos)

5. A Baptismal Garment or Christening Keepsake

White baptismal clothing reflects the new life received in Christ. For an infant baptism, a gown or bonnet can also become a family keepsake that is carefully stored after the service.

Because baptismal garments may be selected by the parents or godparents, coordinate before purchasing one. Confirm the required size, service date, expected delivery time, and any parish customs.

The Orthodox Cross Embroidered Baptism Gown and Bonnet Set from St. Genevieve’s Garden is a current Artos option designed specifically for an Orthodox baptism. It is listed as a preorder item, so it should be ordered well before the planned service. (Artos)

A lasting baptism keepsake might also include:

A small wooden cross
An engraved box for the baptismal cross
A framed baptismal certificate
A personalized ornament
A saint bookmark
A handmade ceramic piece
A small icon for the child’s room

6. A Candle or Prayer-Corner Item

Candles, icon stands, shrines, and other prayer-corner items make useful gifts because they help establish a place for prayer at home.

For a baptism or chrismation, consider:

Pure beeswax candles
A vigil lamp
A small standing cross
An icon shrine
A travel prayer corner
An icon house
A candleholder
A Jesus Prayer plaque

The recipient may already have a baptismal candle for the service. A separate set of candles for home prayer avoids duplicating that item.

The Artos Candles collection currently includes traditional prayer candles and other candles from Orthodox-owned businesses. The marketplace also carries an icon shrine for icons up to 4 by 6 inches, handcrafted wooden icon houses, a Jesus Prayer plaque, and travel prayer corners. (Artos)

For someone newly entering the Church, a simple prayer-corner set can be more useful than one expensive object.

7. A Personalized Patron Saint Gift

A patron saint gift can make a name day more personal while keeping the saint at the center of the occasion.

Good options include:

A custom mug depicting the patron saint
An engraved saint bookmark
A saint story or audiobook
A small icon
A framed quotation from the saint
A handmade item bearing the saint’s name
A journal for prayers and spiritual reading notes

The Custom Carved Saint Mug from Wainwright Ceramics can be ordered with a chosen saint and glaze palette. Because it is handmade to order, it is better suited to a planned name day, baptism anniversary, or chrismation gift than a last-minute purchase. The marketplace also includes individual saint audio stories and printed saint bookmarks from MBM Press. (Artos)

Personalization should support remembrance of the saint rather than turning sacred imagery into a novelty. Choose an item that will be used respectfully.

8. Orthodox Gifts for Children

A young child may not yet understand a theological book or use a long prayer rope, but the gift can still grow with the child.

Suitable Orthodox baptism and name day gifts for children include:

A small patron saint icon
An icon for the child’s bedroom
An Orthodox storybook
A saint audio story
A prayer card or bookmark
A child-sized prayer rope
A wooden cross
A travel prayer corner
A baptismal gown or keepsake box

For older children, saint stories can introduce holy men and women as real examples of courage, repentance, service, and fidelity to Christ.

Current Artos products include individual saint audio stories, physical Yoto cards about the saints, an Orthodox children’s pocket travel prayer corner, saint bookmarks, and other child-focused resources. (Artos)

9. Orthodox Chrismation Gifts for Adult Converts

An adult convert may already own books, crosses, and icons after a long catechumenate. The best approach is often to ask what would support the person’s next stage of Orthodox life.

Useful chrismation gift ideas include:

An icon of the new patron saint
A quality prayer book
A Psalter
A prayer rope
A wall cross
A travel prayer corner
A journal cover or spiritual reading journal
Candles for the home prayer corner
A book selected with the priest’s recommendation
A gift card for choosing an icon or prayer item personally

An adult may also appreciate a group gift from friends at the parish. Several people can contribute toward a hand-painted icon, handcrafted cross, icon shrine, or set of foundational Orthodox books.

The occasion should not become a test of how much anyone can spend. A modest, carefully chosen gift can be more useful than an expensive item selected without knowing the recipient.

10. Simple Orthodox Name Day Gifts

A name day gift does not need to be large.

A small gift accompanied by a message asking the patron saint’s prayers can be entirely appropriate. Consider:

A saint bookmark
A printed life of the saint
A small icon
A beeswax candle
A prayer rope
An Orthodox greeting card
A custom saint mug
Coffee, sweets, or another hospitality gift from an Orthodox business
A donation made in the saint’s honor

The most important observance of a name day is participation in the life of the Church, especially prayer and the Divine Liturgy when possible. A gift should support that celebration rather than replace it. (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)

What Should a Godparent Give?

The sponsor or godparent often has particular responsibilities for the baptism or chrismation. Depending on parish and cultural practice, these may include providing the baptismal cross, candle, clothing, towels, oil, or other service items.

Ask the priest exactly what the parish expects before ordering sacramental supplies.

Beyond the items required for the service, a godparent might give:

The godchild’s patron saint icon
A prayer book to use together
A child-sized prayer rope
A wall cross for the bedroom
A book about the patron saint
A keepsake marking the date
A gift intended for a later baptism anniversary

The best godparent gift is one connected to an ongoing relationship. Reading the saint’s life together, remembering the name day, praying for the godchild, and remaining present in parish life matter more than the object itself.

Choosing a Gift That Will Last

A meaningful Orthodox Christian gift should point beyond itself.

A cross recalls the Cross of Christ. An icon introduces the recipient to a relationship with a patron saint. A prayer rope supports the Jesus Prayer. A prayer book gives words for morning and evening prayer. A candle becomes part of worship in the home.

Before buying, consider three questions:

Does the recipient already own one?
Can this gift become part of the recipient’s prayer or daily life?
Is it appropriate for the person’s age, home, and stage of Orthodox formation?

The best Orthodox baptism, chrismation, and name day gifts are not necessarily the most expensive. They are gifts chosen with attention, reverence, and love.

Browse Orthodox Christian gifts on Artos from trusted Orthodox makers, businesses, parishes, and monasteries.