Thursday 30 January 2020

TOP 10 CHRISTENING GIFT IDEAS

What christening gifts do you buy for a boy? Do you buy traditional or quirky gifts?  Are girls christening gifts easier to find?  As a result, we’ve spent a long time searching for ideas and come up with our top 10 Christening Gift Ideas.  Some are classic gifts such as silver, others a bit more unique such as environmental gifts.  Furthermore, most are suitable for both a boy or a girl. We think (well hope) you’ll be impressed with our choices…

A few years ago I started a website which sold other christening gifts, mainly from Newzealand makers alongside my own prints.  As such, I spent a lot of time (and I mean a lot) looking for unique christening gift ideas – I went to Trade Fairs and searched the internet.  My aim was to stock gifts which were a bit different, or a modern twist on a classic idea.  In addition, I wanted baptism gifts suitable for boys and girls.  Finally, I also wanted some specific gift ideas which would be ideal as christening gifts from godparents.

Although we no longer stock additional items (in brief, we’ve gone back to what we really enjoy, namely, making our personalised prints).  I still think the items we found are fantastic.  I spent a long time looking so thought it was worth sharing.  I’ve also added other suggestions which I didn’t stock (e.g. savings bond) as these are just generally good ideas!

CHRISTENING GIFT GUIDE
For the most part, what all suggestions have in common is that they are great keepsake gifts so will hopefully be treasured for years to come.  Above all, christening gifts don’t have to be expensive, it’s often the thought and sentiment behind the gift which is important.  Therefore, as a rule, whatever you decide to choose, make sure you send a card with a heartfelt message.  This is often so much appreciated by the parents and may be kept in a memory box for the future!

1. Savings Account / Bond
Setting up a savings account or bond is a great gift and one which can be added to.   Bank accounts can be set up with as little as £1 but you could always start a savings account with £10 as a gift.

Additionally, you could buy a card to put the details of the savings account in, together with handwriting your own message and dedication for the child and wishes for the future.

Up to date advice on the best rates for savings account visit Money Saving Expert.

2. Noah’s Ark Toy Set
There are some fabulous Noah’s Ark’s around.  For example, as a keepsake gift we’d recommend a wooden set – hand crafted and hand painted.  This is always a great gift for a christening as it has religious overtones due to the biblical story but they look great in a child’s room with lots of fun play value too.  In particular, if you’re interested in the old Biblical story you have to check out this article, apparently they’ve found the original blueprints! – The Telegraph.

3. Bible
A more traditional christening gift is a bible which you can hand write a dedication in the cover.   In brief, there are many versions of bibles and for a child you may consider buying an illustrated first bible stories.  As a modern twist, we rather like the one with a hallmarked silver cross (combining the ‘traditional’ silver gift with a religious gift).

This can make a great keepsake lasting years and perhaps even being handed down in the family.


4. Silver
Traditionally silver is the gift for a christening and there is a huge array of silver items on the market.  Also, it can be a keepsake which is passed down through generations too.  In particular, silver gift items include jewellery, trinket boxes, lucky charms and money boxes to name but a few.

As an example of a religious traditional silver gift, a silver cross necklace is an obvious choice.  Alternatively, for something a little different and less expensive, how about a twist on the silver spoon with a silver plated spoon hand stamped with ‘on your Christening’.


5. Personalised Prints
Need a heartfelt gift? Personalised gifts are a wonderful present idea as they can be made exactly how you would like, often including a personal messages and therefore a lot of thought and sentiment!  In particular, personalised gifts can include everything from engravings on photo frames (couple this idea with silver for an engraved silver photo frame), personalised jewellery or framed artwork.

As an example, a framed name can be the child’s name with a message of your choice e.g. ‘Christening wishes to bless you with a life of happiness’  thereby making a very unique and thoughtful present.