As a catholic (half Irish) I can see no problem with a loving spoon as a present. It sounds a wonderful idea. You do not say what country the family live in, but, perhaps, you could google 'christening traditions country'. I tried France where we have a holiday phone and picked up a discussion that showed there, at least, it is like the UK, they mention things like napkin rings and silver bracelets (if a girl).
Presents do not form any part of the christening ceremony, which at heart is a very simple ceremony. But, rather like weddings, how big, small, what customs go with it, etc etc have very little to do with the church and much to do with family and local traditions.