Suitable gift for babies?

Innerapple

Hi there, what would you buy twin girls as christening presents?

Just a quick question, the girls are 10months and I’m seeing the parents today. Can’t make the actual event but want to show I care.

So, do you have any recommendations? Does anything come to mind that you’d really appreciate as a baby gift? I was thinking of about £20 each and something small for the parents…

I rather give something they can use but fear I might give something that goes in the back of a cupboard as I don’t seem very good at giving baby gifts! (Clothes for a niece were returned as not to the mum’s taste :undecided )

I know there are a lot of solemn posts in this forum section so sorry if this isn’t the right place but any ideas for something I can get and give today would be terrific.
Ta :cheesy:

jakes-mum

honestly? Vouchers. I know its boring but if someone had given me next/boden even mothercare vouchers I would have been ecstatic I found when my children were that young I got loads and loads of toys, clothes etc, more than they could possibly play with or wear. Vouchers would have meant I could put them toward a big gift later on when they were older or bigger clothes when needed.

There are alot of christeningy type bits but if alot of people are going to the christening then they will be inundated, if only a few a re going you could always look for a nice money box/keep sake type thing

Nicki

Do you want something with religious connotations as it is a christening? Are you looking for something which the children will keep long term or something practical in the moment?

We've had all 3 of ours done. Things which haven't seen the light of day ever again are china nick nacks and silver christening gifts. Things which have been cherished and will be kept even when outgrown have been books, photos and frames. We got some nice Childrens bibles, and for our youngest some lovely toddler aged religious story books, eg Noah, Job, etc.

If you wanted something the children would use in the moment, possibly keep for posterity and with a nod to the religious aspect of the occasion, you can get some lovely wooden Noah's arks which are space sorters with carved animals which fit through the appropriate shaped holes?

Or a really nice picture of each of them in a decent frame (ideally not one with a naff Christening poem on it, as this may wear thin quite quickly)

minerva_windsong

I got my nephew a set of classic 'books for life' - a picture book for when he was small, then one for primary school age, top end of primary school, young teenager, older teenager and adult - so it would be something that the parents could read to them now but was also a gift for the future, if that makes sense. I think it cost me about £20 on Amazon but that will obviously depend on which books you buy.

shellsuit

I love this for little ones - http://www.firebox.com/product/2137/Gallop

Ravenlady_2

Engraved christening bangles or matching crucifixes?

Tiddlywinks

I'm, running towards the wrinkly years now but I still have all of my christening gifts - they're almost antiques :rotfl:.

I have some bracelets (those expanding band ones), some lockets, a cross and chain, prayer books, a Bambi moneybox and my personal favourite - a silver bear.

I am a great believer in marking these important days with something tangible that the child can look at later and take joy from the fact that someone bought them something lovely.

Most of the family and friends that gave me those gifts are very old or gone now but I still have something from them that makes me feel loved - yes, that's mushy, but some occasions deserve more than a gift voucher.

Let us know what you decide...

Innerapple

Thanks everyone, really good advice from all of you

Shellsuit - that book looks terrific, I'm definitely giving those to little'uns for Crimbo this year.
Tiddlywinks - Appreciate you sharing, I'd almost written off trinkets as I thought that they are quite boring for children but by hearing how you associate them with memories, I'm now enlightened!

One last question - for twins, should I get matching gifts or completely different things?

FatVonD

Buy them a silver charm bracelet each then add a charm for each birthday/significant event.

Pistachio

Hi, I'm a twin, my advice would be to buy different things (remember they are 2 different people) but spend the same cash. (very important!)

On a side note, I would strongly advise against ever buying joint presents or cards; and try to encourage and nuture individuality when possible. They may look the same or just happen to share the same birthday, but their personalities are unique.

pinkclouds

A small hymn book or prayer book or bible or similar book, with the name and date handwritten on the flyleaf by yourself - one book for each child. Any leftover money to go into the kids' bank accounts or trust funds. Alternatively, leftover money to be spent on an appropriate gift certificate for the parents to spend on the kids e.g. Boots (nappies, medicine, etc), supermarket (nappies, baby food, etc), Mothercare (clothes, toys, etc).

And ditto to the above post - never, ever buy joint presents for twins. That's as bad as buying joint presents for unfortunates whose birthdays fall too close to Christmas. It's not nice. However, I will say that some twins (and, indeed, some siblings of any age) do actually like identical (or very similar) gifts. Wait and see when they get older.