A christening is an important time in a child’s life and is celebrated by many family and friends on the special day. People gather together to remember a lovely day and the beginning of a special journey in life for the young person being christened. Christening gifts are traditionally given but aren’t always easy to source if a person isn’t sure what is suitable.
To work out what the best type of gift is, it is best to look at the family and their values and beliefs. Take into consideration also how old the child is, often they are very young of age so try to get something that is suitable. Also note if the family, especially the parents, are traditional or if they are more modern and open to new ideas and concepts.
Looking at the more traditional type of gifts for a christening they will mainly be made from silver. Traditional gifts for girls can be simple jewellery such as a bracelet or bangle or a silver cross on a chain. Gifts that are traditional for boys are silver cufflinks or a silver St Christopher’s pendant on a chain. For gifts that are unisex there is a lot of choice from egg cups, napkin rings, photo frames and rattles, all made from silver.
If a gift that is different seems like a good alternative then make sure to choose wisely. It is getting said more and more often that parents and in turn their children prefer more practical gifts. After all a napkin ring is pretty but it doesn’t serve much purpose to a young child, even when they are grown it’s hardly going to be useful to them once they’re in college.
To keep different gift ideas in theme, try and remember the traditional silver aspect. Clothing is a lovely idea so make sure it has silver buttons. Modern jewellery can be sourced such as earrings or a silver hair grip, for boys a silver handled comb or action figure will make them smile and still be in keeping with the christening.
It is usually a good idea not to go for items that are very expensive or solid silver. This goes for many occasions and not just christenings. The problem here is budget, the parents may be on a low income and where a lovely solid silver piggy bank may be beautiful. But it may also embarrass them if they’re not able to provide that level of gift for their own child. So keep it simple and not too pricey.
As we’re in a more modern society and even the church is becoming more and more aware of modern trend, people are looking at very different gifts these days. For example many relatives suggest that the parents open a trust fund and people can literally donate money that the child gets when they’re 18.
Sometimes looking ahead for the child can be a really exciting gift. A baby won’t necessarily remember its own christening but imagine their delight when at age 18 they open a gift given by a friend or family member for their first driving lesson or to fund their education. They are christening gifts the recipient will remember fondly.
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