Godparent Gift Ideas: 8 Unforgettable Gifts for a Godchild
Being a godmother or godfather is a role apart. Not quite a parent, not just a relative either: a chosen adult, meant to be there for the child their whole life. So when the christening, birthday or Christmas comes around, the godparent's gift can't be just another toy. It has to say something about that particular bond. Here are 8 ideas that say it well, all available in Switzerland.
- The right godparent gift is lasting: it should still exist, and still matter, ten years from now.
- Gifts where the godparent-godchild bond is explicitly present matter most: a book where you appear in the story, an engraved piece of jewelry, a shared album.
- Budget guide in Switzerland: CHF 50.– to 150.– for major occasions.
1 A personalized book where you appear in the story
This is the godparent gift par excellence: an illustrated book where your godchild is the hero, and where you appear by their side in the adventure. At Pitiboo, you describe the child and yourself, and the story is created to order with soft watercolor illustrations: your goddaughter and her godmother exploring an enchanted forest, your godson and his godfather setting off on an expedition by Lake Geneva.
Every evening the story is read to them, a bit of you will be there too. From CHF 48.–, preview before printing, delivered anywhere in Switzerland.
2 An engraved piece of jewelry that grows with the child
A bracelet, medal or pendant engraved with the name and the christening date: a classic that lasts across generations. Swiss jewelers offer silver pieces from CHF 80.– and gold from CHF 200.–. Tip: choose an adjustable chain or plan for an adult size, so the jewelry follows the child their whole life.
3 A savings account or fund for their 18th birthday
Less poetic, but remarkably useful: several Swiss banks offer gift accounts for children. Depositing CHF 100.– every birthday adds up by age 18 to a nice head start for a driving licence or studies. Pair it with a small gift to open on the day itself: the child gets their surprise, and the adult they'll become gets yours.
4 A day just for the two of you, every year
Start a "godchild day" tradition: once a year, you take them out, just the two of you. Zurich Zoo, Maison Cailler in Broc, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, tobogganing in La Robella, the pool, the cinema. Give the first one as a drawn voucher in a nice card. What you're really giving is time, and that's what children remember.
5 A tree planted in their name
Several Swiss organizations plant a tree in the child's name, with a certificate and GPS coordinates to match. It's a beautiful image: the christening tree growing alongside the godchild. Expect CHF 30.– to 50.–. An idea that particularly appeals to nature-minded families.
6 A memory box to fill together
A beautiful wooden box engraved with their name, that you fill over the years: photos of the two of you, tickets from your outings, little birthday notes. Given at the christening, handed over solemnly at 18. Modest cost, priceless value.
7 A cultural subscription in their name
An annual zoo or museum pass near where they live, or a monthly creative box delivered in their name: the gift comes back twelve times a year, and each time it's a little bit of their godmother or godfather knocking at the door. Between CHF 100.– and 250.– depending on the plan.
8 A photo album of your shared story
From the christening photo to the latest holiday: a personalized photo album that tells the story of your bond. Give it for a milestone birthday (5, 10 years) and keep adding to it over time. Children love seeing themselves "for real" in a book.
The gift your godchild will still talk about in ten years
A custom illustrated story where they're the hero, and their godmother or godfather plays a role in the adventure. Created in French-speaking Switzerland, preview before printing.
✨ Create my godchild's book from CHF 48.–Frequently asked questions
What budget should a godparent plan for a gift in Switzerland?
For a memorable occasion (christening, birthday, Christmas), expect CHF 50.– to CHF 150.–. What matters isn't the amount: a personalized gift at CHF 50.– often means more than a toy at CHF 150.–.
What original christening gift can I give my godchild?
The most memorable christening gifts are lasting and personal: a personalized book where the godchild is the hero and you appear in the story, an engraved piece of jewelry, a tree planted in their name, or a savings account for their 18th birthday.
Can I appear myself in the book I give my godchild?
Yes. At Pitiboo, you can add up to 6 additional characters to the story, including yourself as godmother or godfather. Your godchild will live an illustrated adventure by your side, page after page.
See also: Original birth gift · Personalized book guide · Christmas gift ideas for kids