What is the appropriate gift for Godchild?

Whether or not you choose a religious affiliation, to be a Godparent is a great honor. Upon your acceptance, you are now a crucial member of that child’s life. Gifts are often part of your responsibility, but your steady guidance is much more important.

Dear Polite One,

I'm the Godmother of my new little niece. I have no idea what the appropriate gift is at the Christening and as each year progresses. Is there a book about this or a list or something?

Visitor

Dear Visitor,

Congratulations on your new role in a little person's life. As a Godmother, you will have a great impact on your niece's values.

There are many different views on exactly what your involvement should be at the Christening. You may be expected to arrive in nice clothing and simply stand where and when you are asked. Or you may be expected to purchase the child's dress and various other duties. It all depends on the church, the depth of religious commitment, and the parents of your Godchild.

Usually, for the Christening, the Godparent buys something silver for the child. For example, a silver spoon. As the child grows the gifts could be religious in nature, or lasting gifts such as contributing to a college fund. It really depends on you, your family, and the church you belong to.

You may wish to purchase an etiquette book; anything written by the Post family should have all the information you need. Make sure and peruse it first. But, the best thing you can do is to talk to your clergy and your family.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

What is proper birthday party etiquette?

How to: Godparent and Parent Issues

Comments

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing. At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests. I’m sure that’s not the case. Still... Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event. So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage. This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds. So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women. Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive. Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names. If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith. Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor! How to

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog