christening

spaghetti_monster

Just wanted to see if anyone had any nice ideas for a christening present for a little boy....

I always get a bit stuck getting presents for babies (obviously as they don't know what they're getting!) but also as they often have so many clothes and toys anyway.

I guess that also I would like a christening present to be a bit special - maybe something he could appreciate when he's older??

Unfortunately I'm a bit short of time, so I can't do anything that would take a while or make something really complicated, but I'm not averse to making something myself.

Thanks!
Alex

tankgirl1

what about a bible? or a nice edition of some classic kids books, like pooh bear, that he could read as he gets older?

lucylou

Hi how about making a nice cross stitch or embroidered cushion with the baby's name and date of christening and putting a nice ribbon all around the edges of it.they would keep it for a very long time because it comes out very nice.I made one to hold the rings for a wedding and my friends were really happy with it.

sneekymum

We always give people fruit trees.

A plumb tree will start to bear fruit within two to three years - just as the child will be starting to get interested. And homegrown organic fruit's good for children.

Pink.

Hi alex,

There's a long thread on the families board that might help with ideas:

Christening Present ideas?

Pink

Debt_Free_Chick

Money. Sorry, but just about every present idea will already have been thought of, by someone else or will simply be an expensive "gesture" of no use to child or parents.

I know that money seems crude, but at least the parents can either buy what the child really needs or simply save it in a nestegg for them.

I started to buy antique silver for my god-daughter - first one for her christening and then one for each birthday. But then I realised that at age 18, when I planned to gift them to her, she might just see it as the kind of "tat" that my grannie has in her glass cabinet!

I really can't think of anything useful or suitable for a child, other than a token of the occasion.

I know not everyone will agree - but simply look at all the stuff gifted at the next christening you go to.

Another suggestion - actually ask the parents if they have any preference. Perhaps they are saving for a Porsche to gift the child on his/her 18th birthday and would appreciate the cash

hardpressed

You could buy the baby a Premium Bond, it win win a little over the years.

spaghetti_monster

Hi there!
Thanks for all your useful advice! I really like the cushion idea - something to make.

Unfortunately I had to go to work before I could read all your replies and lunchtime was my only time to get to the shops so I ended up buying a piggybank (to put a bit of money in)- a usual present I know, so he'll probably get quite a few!

It's quite cute (in the shape of a football, not a pig). Maybe he won't like football when he gets older, but not if his dad has anything to do with it!