Colección: Armenian Christening & Baptism Gifts

Gifts for an Armenian christening or baptism — woven blankets, cross and sacred-scene wall tapestries, and faith mugs, most of which can be personalized with the child's name and the date of the service. The collection is built for the people around a baptism: godparents, grandparents, and the family choosing something the child will still have long after the day itself.

Questions about this collection

What does an Armenian godparent traditionally give?

In the Armenian Apostolic tradition the godparent gives the child a small cross, blessed during the service and worn afterwards. It is customarily Armenian in style rather than a crucifix. Candles and new towels for the service are traditional too. A woven keepsake does not replace the cross — it is what many families add alongside it, so the day is marked by something that stays in the home as the child grows.

What is a knkahayr?

Knkahayr is the Armenian word for godfather. The role is more than ceremonial: the godparent professes the Creed on the child's behalf during the service and takes on responsibility for raising the child in the faith. In many families the role passes down through generations, linking two families across time.

Can these pieces be personalized with a child's name and baptism date?

Yes. Most designs in this collection accept personalized text — the child's name in Armenian or English, and the date of the baptism. Enter it exactly as you want it to appear, since it is applied as written before production.

What is a good christening gift from a grandparent rather than the godparent?

The cross is the godparent's gift by custom, which leaves grandparents and other relatives free to choose something for the home or the child's room. A woven blanket, a Hayr Mer piece or an alphabet tapestry carrying the child's name marks the same day without duplicating the godparent's role.

Are these pieces made in Armenia?

The designs draw on Armenian Christian and heritage traditions, but the pieces themselves are produced to order by our US-based production partners rather than manufactured in Armenia.

Read more: What Does an Armenian Godparent Give? and Khachkars: The Story Behind Armenian Cross Design. See also: Prayer & Faith and Personalized & Monogram.