What do People Give For Baby Christening Gifts?

According to etiquette expert Emily Post, "The standard christening gift, is a silver mug, a porringer, or a knife, fork, and spoon, marked usually with the baby's name and that of the giver." Times may have moved on since that sentence was written in 1922, and although the choice of what to buy has widened, the decision has not become any easier.

Christenings, or the modern and secular naming ceremonies, are held to welcome a new baby into a church or family. A christening or naming ceremony is an important time in anyone's life, and most people have a memento or keepsake to remind them that they been christened or named in the first place. But what do guests at these ceremonies, particularly the godparents or mentors, choose to give as baby christening gifts nowadays? Should we continue to follow the Victorian formula of "something useful in silver or religious readings" - gifts with traditional values, or can we branch out with something more modern and less formal without giving offence or feeling we have fallen short in our 'godparents duties' on day 1.

There is no doubt that the traditional silver egg cups, cutlery sets, hair brushes and napkin rings are still very welcome and can be the start of a new family heirloom collection, but rather than slavishly follow gifts that have been given since Victorian times, why not ring the changes in the twenty first century. There is no real limit to the sort of gift to choose, the fact that it is not 'traditional' doesn't make it any the less meaningful or personal, but rather that you have used your knowledge of the baby's parents to provide a gift that perhaps more closely follows their outlook and aspirations for their baby.

Exchange the silver cross necklace for a matched pair of "Mummy and Me" bracelets or a premium bond for a piggy bank. If you're feeling particularly generous you could even lay down a case of vintage port for the baby - along with the condition that he opens the first bottle with you!

Or, rather than giving the traditional silver "pusher and spoon" cutlery set, buy a sterling silver chip fork instead - it's certain to raise a smile and is perfect for the child that will do everything in style.

But if you feel that chip forks aren't 'quite the thing', then you might consider a silver dog tag necklace, a tooth fairy box, a picture frame or even a Quaich to give just four alternatives that bridge the gap between ancient and modern.

But if traditional silver is not for you, then what about a beautiful personalized wooden keepsake box, a presentation newspaper from baby's birth date, or a photograph frame containing a special memento?

The choice of gifts is endless, but above all, the gift should be one that will last, and one that can be looked back on by the 21 year old "baby". In our modern 'throwaway society', one tradition of christening gifts should be maintained, even if the type of gift has changed radically. Christening gifts should be made to last, because everybody needs memories.