I've been invited to a "Baby Blessing" from a Mormon family. What should I bring as a gift for the family?

Question

I have become good friends with the family but do not know what to expect or what may be commonly expected from me by the family.

Answer 1

I'm Mormon. I've seen lots of baby blessings. It's really sweet. The Dad and some male friends go to the front of the chapel and someone with a mic holds it, while the others stand in a circle with the baby being held by the Dad. Except for the Dad and the guy with the mic, one hand is placed on the baby and one on the shoulder of the person standing next to them. The Dad acts as voice as a blessing is given to the baby, which always includes these words: I/We "give you a name and a blessing. The name which you will be known in the records of the church is..." The rest of the blessing varies from person to person, but is generally regarded as individual and coming from God, not the Dad or the men in the circle. After the blessing those in the circle go back to their seats and the Dad usually sort of holds the baby up for the congregation to see, then goes back to his seat.
The baby blessing will take place after the opening prayer, but before the sacrament is passed. They usually take place before any Ward business, but I've seen them after Ward business too.

As far as a gift, I don't know about that. I converted as an adult, and don't have any kids or other family members who are members. But I don't think gifts are given, at least not any I've seen. Your being there is a great way to show support to the family. However, if you wanted to get a gift for the occasion, perhaps a nice picture frame to put a picture of the baby on the day the blessing was given?
I would suggest staying through the Sacrament Meeting, unless you have another event to attend to which is more important. If you had rather not stay for the three hour block of meetings, I think that would be understandable, but you would be welcome to stay. If you do stay through the Sacrament meeting, you will be passed the sacrament, you can either take it or not, just pass it along to the next person.
Enjoy the baby blessing! :)

Answer 2

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RE:
I've been invited to a "Baby Blessing" from a Mormon family. What should I bring as a gift for the family?
I have become good friends with the family but do not know what to expect or what may be commonly expected from me by the family.

Answer 3

Tony gave a great description on what's going to happen.

I have had both my girls blessed. It's traditional among Mormons to invite close friends and families to the blessing. We don't normally gift give, though sometimes people will afterwards if the family has lunch or something at their house.

When my first daughter was blessed, we had an open house luncheon afterwards and several people brought gifts. For our second daughter, we just went home and rested. No gifts. Both were fine with us.

And don't listen to any blather about how they're trying to trick you to convert you. Yes, lots of people might introduce themselves to you, but they're just being nice. The mother and father are going to have plenty on their hands with everyone wanting to see the new baby without trying to 'bring you into the fold'. It's simply a friendly gesture to invite you.

Answer 4

Tonyamail gave a great description of what to expect. Generally gifts aren't really expected at these, so you don't need to bring anything but yourself and a "congratulations."

If I wanted to bring a gift for a blessing, I would keep it small - like a frame, or a card, a baby book, or like a little white blanket the baby can be wrapped in during the blessing.

Answer 5

As someone else stated, baby gifts aren't really expected. The baby blessing is more of a time just to get together those people who are meaningful to the family. I have seen people bring gifts, which just tend to be generic baby gifts, like you would bring to a shower (but much more simple). I really wouldn't worry about it, they'll just be happy that you go. Enjoy.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

As an LDS mom of two, both of my kids were blessed in Sacrament Meeting. And I agree with Daisy and Tony...it is really sweet you are thinking in terms of a gift, but not necessary. Something I thought was a beautiful keepsake was an engraved frame that says "My blessing day".

However,they don't require presents....they just appreciate your presence. That is really nice of you to go and support them.

Answer 9

just a nice baby gift... maybe something more like a keepsake, depending on what you think the family would enjoy. from my experience (i'm not mormon, but am from utah and have had many mormon friends and neighbors), families would appreciate something that reflects their faith and the importance of their children. maybe a baby book, photo album or frames, nice wall hanging, special book (like an illustrated or otherwise child-friendly religious book), nice clothing, etc. i wouldn't worry a lot about it, i'm sure they'll be appreciative!

Answer 10

There is no special thing to get a Mormon baby for it's blessing ceremony. You can give them the same thing you would give someone at their baby shower: clothes, blankets, bath items, toys, etc.
Hope this helped!