Being a godparent feels different than just giving a gift to a baby. It's a role that stays: in theory for life, in practice for years at least. A gift that fits that role is a gift that also stays.

Five klikkie ideas that work for different phases, from the christening through to the teenage years.

1. Photo subscription: photos of the godchild every month

A klikkie photo subscription sends 10 printed photos every month. The parents pick them, klikkie prints them, they land on the doormat. Send it to the parents' address and you get an indirect view of everything going on, or send it to your own address so you open an envelope with your godchild every month.

Why it suits a godparent: the role is about staying present, even if you don't pop by every week. This gift keeps the godchild in view every month without the parents having to do anything.

Price: 30 euro (3 months), 55 euro (6 months), 95 euro (12 months).

When not: if someone else has already given a similar gift. Ask.

2. A yearly klikkie photo book that runs to 18

Make a Pocket photo book of the year on every birthday of the godchild. Same series, numbered through. By age 18 there are 18 little books in a row, a set the godchild opens as a young adult themselves.

Why it works: the gift gets given every year, but the real gift is the whole series at the end. No one else is doing this, and that's exactly what makes a godparent unique.

Price: Pocket from 12 euro a year. Under 250 euro total over 18 years.

When not: if you're not sure you'll keep it up for 18 years. Better to start strong than to drop off halfway.

3. A framed klikkie portrait

One good klikkie print, matte framed, suited to the nursery. A portrait that captures the first months. It hangs for 20 years.

Why it works: the parents hadn't thought of framing one themselves, and see your gift on the wall straight away. Small gesture, big visibility.

Price: depends on the size and the frame, reckon on 25 to 50 euro including framing.

When not: if you don't have access to a good photo. Ask the parents.

4. Memory Box for the godchild

The klikkie Memory Box (15 euro) as a christening or birth gift from the godparent. Soft-touch laminate, magnetic closure, fits every klikkie photo format and has room for a year of photos plus the first keepsakes.

Why it works: small, personal, lasting. The parents fill it with their best memories, the godparent supplied it.

Price: 15 euro. Pairs strongly with a photo subscription.

When not: if the parents already received a similar box.

5. Combination: photo subscription plus yearly photo book

The classic godparent routine. A klikkie 12-month photo subscription (95 euro) at the christening or birth, followed by a Pocket photo book (12 euro) on every birthday.

Example year 1: 95 + 12 = 107 euro. After that 12 to 25 euro a year for the next photo book.

Why it works: year one is covered by a recurring gift, years two through eighteen by a growing series. No yearly choice stress, a fixed pattern that keeps going.

What a godparent is better off not giving

One big one-off gift instead of something recurring. An expensive soft toy or designer romper is nice in week 1, not in year 5.

Toys that are over within a year. The godparent role is about the long term, pick gifts that match.

Something only for the parents. The godchild needs to be able to recognise the gift later as "from my godmother".

More gift ideas in our newborn gift guide or have a look at the gift card.