(Photo courtesy LDS Media Library)
Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an important right of passage. When a child or convert chooses to be baptized, he or she promises to obey God and to take upon him or her the name of Christ. The confirmation that follows baptism is also significant because the person receives the “gift of the Holy Ghost” and becomes an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To celebrate this significant event, family and friends might wish to give a gift to the person being baptized. But what types of gifts would be best? Here’s a list of five meaningful baptism gifts for both 8-year-old children and older converts.
1. Scriptures
A new member of the Church will need her own set of the scriptures. Copies of the scriptures in various colors, sizes and cover materials are available in the Church’s online store or inside some distribution centers. You might also consider including a case or scripture markers for future study.
2. CTR ring
Most children are given a small, inexpensive CTR ring in Primary as young children, but an 8-year-old or older convert has probably outgrown the adjustable green ring. Deseret Book stores sell a variety of tasteful CTR rings for both men and women that any new Church member would appreciate.
3. Journal
Members of the Church are advised to keep a record of their lives, and a high-quality journal is a great way to do so. Especially after a significant life event like baptism, many people wish to record their thoughts and feelings. Having a journal that begins on the day of baptism will be meaningful to the person being baptized and will be used for a long time.
4. “Preach My Gospel”
Many new converts — and even some children — begin preparing for a full-time mission soon after baptism. “Preach My Gospel” is a useful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the gospel, but especially for prospective missionaries. This gift looks to the future and helps prepare the person being baptized for what may be coming soon in their lives.
5. Temple preparation materials
Baptism and confirmation are the first ordinances of the gospel, but more follow. Temple ordinances follow baptism more closely for adult converts, but even 8-year-old children can prepare to go to the temple to perform baptisms for the dead when they are 12. For an adult, temple preparation materials may include a copy of Boyd K. Packer’s “The Holy Temple” or a temple bag. A more appropriate gift for children might be a copy of “What Is a Temple?” by Briana Wright or a towel they can bring to the temple when they perform their first baptisms for the dead.
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