With a new bundle of joy having joined the family, it's only natural to want to celebrate their arrival. For some, the first special event of their lives is a Christening, and with this event comes another tradition - Christening gifts. But what do you get a baby as a gift? Traditionally, Christening gifts are either something the baby will be able to use in the future or something they will be able to keep and treasure forever.
We know it can still be difficult to decided to get though, so we've taken some time to put together a little list of stunning handmade products that would make fantastic new baby and Christening gifts.
1. Pewter cup by Jim Stringer
Sometimes sticking to the classics can be the best option for a gift when you're unsure what to get. This beautiful pewter cup with embossed heart decoration, by talented maker Jim Stringer, would make a wonderful keepsake gift that the baby is sure to enjoy once grown up. Although not as expensive as silver, pewter gifts are every bit as amazing - especially when on a budget.
2. Illustration from Black Hen Designs
How about some lovely art work to decorate the nursary's walls? This adorable stepping out illustration from Black Hen Designs features two sweet little ducks taking a stroll together. The charming style used in this illustration appeals to all ages so they're sure to enjoy it just as much once they've grown up as well.
3. Mini photo frame by Lancaster and Gibbings
Display those precious memories with one of our beautiful handmade pewter photoframes, perfect for holding the images of their first smiles. This stunning small thurlestone pewter mini photo frame, by UK makers Lancaster and Gibbings, would fit brilliantly on a mantlepiece, desk, or side table. Each Lancaster & Gibbings frame comes in a kraft card box making it easy to gift wrap!
4. Silver kaleidoscope by Adele Taylor
This gorgeous no.22 silver kaleidoscope has been made by Adele Taylor, featuring hand-finished detailing across the piece. If you are looking for a truly unique handmade piece that that they'll be able to keep close in their hearts, this would be it. As well as being beautiful to look at, this kaleidoscope is loads of fun to look through and see the world differently.
5. Oak box from Beamers Designs
'Great oaks from little acorns grow' is a phrase many of us know, simply meaning that great things may come from small beginnings - therefore what more could this saying apply to than a baby.
While we've mentioned keepsakes, we're yet to mention what it is you can give to keep them in. A beautifully made piece like this large hand cut oak swivel box, made from repurposed English oak by Beamers Designs, would be perfect for storing little trinkets the baby receives and other memories throughout their childhood. With a thoughtful memory box like this, they will be able to easily keep their treasures with them to look over later on.
6. Acorn and oak leaf charm by Fi Mehra
This beautiful acorn and oak leaf gold plated silver charm by jeweller Fi Mehra would be a lovely gesture of a gift they will be able to enjoy and wear once they're old enough. You could even pair it with one of our gorgeous silver starter charm bracelets - allowing the possibility for more charms to be added as the grow up and have more special occasions.
7. Pocket charm from Compton and Clarke
Perhaps you won't be able to attend the occasion yourself but still want to send something small to show you're thinking of them. A lovely token like this wish fairy pewter charm on card from Compton and Clarke can be slipped inside a heartfelt card and posted easily.
8. Pewter spoon by William Sturt
Another more traditional gift for a Christening gift is a silver spoon. Whilst this lovely oval heart pewter salt spoon isn't silver, it's every bit as lovely. Handmade by talented maker William Sturt, this little spoon would make a fantastic keepsafe and is sure to bring the child luck and fortune as the tradition suggests.
9. Art print by Freya Ete
This gorgeous follow you dreams small print from artist Freya Ete would make a fantastic piece for any nursery. The adorable art style, soft colours, and inspirational words make the whole illustration truly charming and a thoughtful gift. This lovely print is sure to spread a little happiness wherever it is displayed.
10. Initial charms by Fi Mehra
As mentioned earlier, a little charm can really be the perfect Christening gift that the baby will be able to appreciate as an adult. These sweet initials oval silver charms by Fi Mehra are not only beautifully handmade but are also a great way of adding a bit more personalisation - making it a truly unique gift.
No Christening Gift would be complete without an accompaning card with your messages of love and support. Our New Baby Greetings Cards all feature beautiful artwork by British designers... oh and they're all printed in the UK and Ireland!
This stunning Christening cake card by Sarah Curedale is a quirky and fun option, featuring a liltle parade of animals on a cake and text added in pretty gold foil.
As well as stunning photo frames, Lancaster and Gibbings also make beautiful cards like this teddy bear Christening pewter keepsake greetings card. The keepsake is strung on a ribbon and can be removed from the card so it can be hung around the home.
Another lovely example of gorgeous work from Freya Ete is this from little acorns great oaks grow card. This would be perfect if you're looking for a more unusual option for a Christening card that still holds plenty of sentiment.