The short answer
The most useful gift for a new believer is a Bible they will read, in the translation their church uses, with a few handwritten words and a verse inside. If they already have a Bible, give something that helps them read it: a single Gospel to start with, a book of Scripture on a theme such as hope or prayer, or an invitation to read together.
Someone you know has become a Christian, or is being baptised, and you want to mark it. Shops are full of cross necklaces, plaques and mugs, and those can be lovely. But the first year of faith is mostly about learning to read the Bible, pray and belong to a church, so the gifts that help most are the ones that make those things easier.
Before you buy: three questions
- Do they already have a Bible? Many churches give one to new members or at baptism. If so, a second copy of the same thing is less useful than a companion to it.
- Which translation does their church read? A Bible in the same translation as the sermon is far easier to follow. If you cannot ask, a readable modern translation such as the NIV or the NLT is a safe choice; our guide to translations explains the options.
- Which church are they joining? Catholic and Orthodox Bibles contain more Old Testament books than Protestant ones, so for a Catholic baptism or confirmation, choose a Catholic edition.
Gift ideas that help a new believer
- A complete Bible in their church’s translation. The best first gift if they do not have one. We do not sell complete Bibles, so look in a Christian bookshop; a plain reading Bible is better for a beginner than a heavy study Bible.
- A beautiful New Testament for reading the Gospels. If they already have a church Bible, a New Testament made to be read and kept can become the book they open every day. Our Black Edition (white text on black pages) and White Edition are the complete New Testament in the World English Bible, with the words of Jesus in red: softcover $60, hardcover $80.
- One Gospel, as a “start here” book. A slim book they can finish is encouraging. Our illustrated Gospel of John is 64 pages, in the King James Version or the World English Bible: $35 softcover, $45 hardcover. Add a note: “Read a chapter a day; in three weeks you will have read a whole Gospel.”
- Scripture on one theme. For someone going through a hard season, or who prays and wants words for it, a book that gathers the Bible’s passages on hope, prayer, faith, peace or comfort is a thoughtful companion to a Bible: $30 softcover, $40 hardcover.
- A notebook and a reading plan. A plain journal with our 30-day plan for new Christians printed and tucked inside costs little and is often used.
- Your time. An invitation to read a Gospel together, a chapter a week over coffee, may be the gift they remember longest.
For someone far away, an eBook arrives by email right after payment: each of our Gospels and theme books is $10, and the Black and White Edition New Testaments are $10 each.
Verses to write inside
A verse and a few words on the first page turn a book into a keepsake. These suit a baptism or a new beginning. We give them in the World English Bible, with the King James Version beneath.
We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
KJVTherefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 · World English Bible, with the King James Version
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
KJVTherefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 · World English Bible, with the King James Version
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
KJVBeing confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6 · World English Bible, with the King James Version
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
KJVTeaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20 · World English Bible, with the King James Version
‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’
KJVThe LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Numbers 6:24–26 · World English Bible, with the King James Version
What to write in the card
Keep it short and personal. A date, a verse and one sentence of your own are enough. For example:
- “For your baptism, [date]. ‘He who began a good work in you will complete it’ (Philippians 1:6). I am so glad to walk with you. With love, [name].”
- “Welcome to the family. Start with John, a chapter a day, and call me whenever you have a question.”
- “May God’s word be a lamp to your feet and a light for your path” (after Psalm 119:105).
When to order
Our printed books are printed to order, so order well before the baptism or the date you want to give it. The product page and your confirmation email give the estimated delivery window for your address. Prices are in USD, and shipping is calculated at checkout and free over $80. eBooks need no shipping.
Questions about gifts
What is a good gift for a new Christian?
A Bible they will read, in the translation their church uses, with a handwritten note and a verse inside. If they already have one, give a companion to it: a single Gospel to start with, a book of Scripture on a theme such as hope or prayer, a journal with a reading plan, or your time to read together.
What do you write in a Bible for a baptism?
The person’s name, the date of the baptism, a verse such as Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17 or Philippians 1:6, and a sentence of blessing or encouragement signed with your name.
Is a New Testament a good baptism gift?
Yes, especially as a reading companion or for someone starting with the Gospels. If the person has no Bible at all, a complete Bible is the better first gift.
Which Bible translation should I give a new believer?
The one their church reads, if you can find out. Otherwise a readable modern translation such as the NIV, the NLT or the CSB.
How we wrote this guide. We make printed Scripture books that are often given as gifts, and this guide includes gifts we do not sell. The verses are quoted from the World English Bible and the King James Version texts we print. Published 21 October 2026.
