Gifts for the babyBirthIf you're buying clothes, think about choosing something the next size up, as first clothes are quickly outgrown. Several companies offer a service where clothes or towels can be personalised with the name of the child embroidered on them. Remember to check the correct spelling of the baby's name before commissioning any personalised items. You can buy a range of personalised toys, from soft toys with clothing which features the baby's name, to chunky wooden puzzles that build into the baby's name and double as a decorative ornament. Or you may choose to buy a more versatile toy like an activity centre, which will continue to entertain the baby as he grows. ChristeningTraditionally, christening gifts are things that can be kept. Silver is always associated with christenings and can be given in the form of a mug, beaker, first cutlery set, napkin ring, teething ring, photo frame, bracelet, brush and comb set, tooth box or money box, all of which can be personalised by engraving with the baby's name and date of birth. Champagne Unusual ideas for christening gifts include laying down a case of port or champagne which is left until the eighteenth or twenty-first birthday when it may be either drunk or, more usually, auctioned for money for the young adult. Pearls For a girl, particularly a goddaughter, a popular idea is to give a real pearl as a christening present, adding to it each birthday and Christmas. When the girl reaches her 21st birthday, you can have the pearls strung into a necklace. Or you can give a charm bracelet and add a charm each year. Money The gift of money is a traditional christening present - premium bonds are popular, though you may prefer to give the parents cash to open a high interest savings account for the child. Some people give shares as a gift for a christening although there is always the risk that they might decrease in value as well as increase!
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