Christening bundle or separate pieces: how to decide
By Natasha ·
An Orthodox christening box, set or bundle is the candle and the keepsakes for the day packaged together instead of bought piece by piece. I sell it both ways, so the question I can answer properly is which one makes sense for you. This post puts my prices side by side.
What is in the bundle
My Luxury Acrylic Orthodox Christening Bundle is $350 AUD. It comes in a neutral, pink or blue finish, and each one includes:
- a personalised acrylic cross, engraved with the child's name
- a matching christening candle
- additional accessories
The name is confirmed with you before I make anything. The cross and the candle are made to match each other, rather than being sourced separately and put in a box. The Etsy listing for each bundle is the place to check exactly which accessories come with it.
What the same pieces cost on their own
These are my current prices for the pieces sold separately:
| Piece | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Christening candle, simpler styles (lilac with tulle, dusty pink, pearls) | $80 |
| Christening candle, fuller styles (green and gold, blue and silver, navy, pink with gold) | $130 |
| Brush and comb set, personalised with an initial | $25 |
| First curl box, personalised with an initial | $20 |
| Acrylic hanger with the child's name in gold | $30 |
| Holy oil or water bottle, personalised with name and cross | $25 |
| Sheridan towel, embroidered with a name and cross | $110 |
The acrylic cross is only in the bundles. I do not list it on its own, so if you want that cross, the bundle is how to get it.
How the totals compare
Add up every piece in the table and the total depends on the candle: $290 with an $80 candle and $340 with a $130 one. The bundle is $350 and adds the engraved cross, so the bundle is close to the price of everything else together and includes a piece you cannot buy alone.
Most people do not buy every piece, though. A candle and one or two keepsakes is a more typical order, and that comes to well under $350.
Who the bundle suits
A godparent who wants one gift that covers the essentials. The candle and the cross are the godparent's usual job, and the bundle gives you both in one order, matched, with the child's name confirmed once.
If you are a godparent and your parish has asked you to bring something specific, check that first with your priest. Then send me the list and I will tell you whether the bundle matches it or whether separate pieces fit better.
Who separate pieces suit
- Guests. A brush and comb set ($25), a first curl box ($20) or an acrylic hanger ($30) is a gift from a guest. The bundle is a much larger gift than most guests give. My post on what to give at an Orthodox christening as a guest covers the usual range.
- Parents who already have a cross. If the family already has a cross for the child, the candle plus a towel and bottle covers most of the rest.
- Anyone building up a set. Each piece is sold on its own, so you can buy over time or split the pieces between people.
Colour and name details
Whichever way you buy, personalised pieces use the exact spelling you give me, confirmed before I start. For the candle, choosing a christening candle colour explains how people pick between the seven colours, and the christening candles page has them all.
Everything I make is made to order in Australia and posted within Australia only. If you need a piece by a certain date, contact me before you order and I will tell you whether it is possible.
You can see the bundles and every separate piece on the christening gifts and bundles page.