A christening is a very important event in family life and the gift that is presented to the child should be something special to commemorate and celebrate the occasion. Very often, gifts have a religious element to them, but there is really no reason why they should not be just that little bit different.
The usual things
Common christening gifts include silver-plated ornaments engraved with the name of the child and the date of the christening. Popular ones are label-bearing teddy bears or lambs, apostle spoons, expensive rattles and jewellery.
Necklaces or bracelets often feature a cross or an angel, whilst a bangle can be engraved. Any of these items would be suitable to be passed on as an heirloom. A children’s bible also makes a lovely gift; they usually contain colour illustrations for the child’s enjoyment and education, and often feature a front page where a message can be written by the giver.
Silver picture-frames are also commonly given as presents; they are perfect for holding a photo taken during the ceremony.
Other popular gifts include tea sets depicting characters from books such as Winnie the Pooh or Peter Rabbit. Not only is this a gift any child will love, it will also be one they can use.
Something a little bit different
Everyone gives the usual types of presents so what about something a little different?
Children can still be given a fluffy soft friend, but the bear or lamb can be personalised, perhaps by bearing their name and being presented in a special tin or box. A child will always like a money box and there are plenty in the shape of London buses or steam trains available, but they will have to be silver-plated to make them extra special.
A large church candle can be inscribed with a poem commemorating the christening, perhaps personally written by the giver.
Of course, it is not only babies and children who are christened. These days there are plenty of adults who wish to be baptised if they missed the opportunity when they were younger. Quirky and original gifts for adults include a family photo shoot, a bottle of champagne with a personalised label or a gift experience of naming a star.
Making a gift memorable
Looking back, it can be easy to forget who gave the present and this is where personalisation will make a gift more special and memorable.
For adults, crystal makes a perfect christening gift. It might take the form of drinking glasses, such as champagne flutes or wine glasses or be in the form of other decorative crystal items, such as bright flower vases. All crystal can be etched to display the name of the recipient, the giver or both; making a wonderful personalised gift.
An unusual christening gift for a child is a hanging wooden memory block, which is designed to be cut or painted to show the name of the child being christened. Alternatively, give a pair of christening shoes with the date of the ceremony stamped or embroidered on the soles.
