Blog

What to Buy for a Christening Gift? Being invited to a little one’s Christening or naming ceremony is such a special privilege. It’s likely to be the first special day in their life, and it introduces their relationship with god. Many of us want to gift the baby a heartfelt keepsake, but it can be difficult to know what to buy for a christening gift. My 1st Years has a huge selection of personalised gifts perfect for christenings, naming ceremonies and all other special occasions.   WHAT IS A CHRISTENING? Christenings are held to mark the beginning of a baby’s journey in the Christian Faith. The ceremony is a Christian blessing where the baby/child is baptised, this is a traditional ritual where water is sprinkled or poured over the head of a baby. The tradition comes from the bible where Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan in the hands of John the Baptist. At a Christening parents and chosen godparents will make a promise to support the child, pray for them, teach them to be a good person and help them to learn about the Christian faith. After the ceremony many parents choose to host a small party or tea, to spend time with the guests and carry on celebrating the child. For those who like the name of officially welcoming a new arrival and marking the importance of their name but are not religious, many places now offer a naming ceremony. This usually includes non-religious promises and a welcoming of the child.   WHAT TO BUY FOR A CHRISTENING GIFT? It is not compulsory to gift the child on their christening but many of us like to treat the new arrival to a timeless keepsake they’ll treasure forever. For a truly unique gift that shows that you’re thinking of them, we recommend a personalised gift. My 1st Years have a huge selection of personalised items including religious pieces, books, frames and money boxes. Discover our top presents to purchase for a christening below…

Top 10 unique christening gift ideas A baby’s christening is a special day for them and their family. Christenings are a wonderful opportunity for new parents to share their faith and the joy of welcoming a new life to the world with their nearest and dearest. This special moment calls for an equally special gift, one that is thoughtful, timeless and personal, with the best christening gifts becoming cherished keepsakes representing an important milestone. Find the perfect gift to celebrate a beloved little one with our list of 10 unique and unusual christening gifts. 1. PICTURE FRAME Popping a photo in a beautiful picture frame is an excellent way to commemorate a special occasion. With countless styles and materials available, you can find the perfect frame to surprise new parents with. Picture frames can be given empty, allowing the parents to frame a photo from the christening, or you can print out your favourite snap of their little angel. 2. PERSONALISED PHOTO ALBUMA personalised photo album is a wonderful and thoughtful christening gift. Photo albums are designed to be customised and can be personalised with the baby’s name and christening date to make it as unique as they are. Parents will love this present because they can fill its pages with joyous photos of their baby’s christening day and beyond.   3. COSY BLANKET Few items are as synonymous with newborn babies as cosy blankets. From classic cellular designs to heavenly cashmere, there are plenty of marvellous styles on offer. White or ivory are traditional colours for christenings, symbolising innocence and new beginnings, making a bright white blanket a fantastic christening gift. 4. KEEPSAKE BOX The first year goes by in a blink of an eye, so parents hold on to mementoes they want to keep safe. These precious baby trinkets, including hospital bracelets, first teeth and locks of hair, are lovely to look back on, so why not give them a sweet keepsake box? 5. SILVER JEWELLERY Silver gifts are one of the most traditional christening presents, as purchasing silver was previously considered a good investment for the baby. Beautiful, crafted silver jewellery is a modern twist on this gift that honours tradition. A silver piece of jewellery, like a baby bracelet or elegant locket, can be treasured for years to come. 6. SOFT TOYS For a budget-friendly yet unique gift, look no further than a cuddly toy. The options are endless when shopping for cute and fuzzy companions. Whether they love teddy bears, super-soft bunny rabbits, or crocheted farmyard animals, you can find the perfect plush for your christening gift. 7. HOME DECORATIONS If you know other guests have the more traditional gifts covered, why not consider a more modern option? Home furnishings are unique yet practical, doubling as decorations for their nursery. Comfy cushions, wall hangings, and ornaments can be placed around the house to remind the family of their special day. 8. MUSIC BOX If you love the idea of a trinket box but want to elevate your gift, consider a beautiful music box or wind-up toy. These precious music players also make beautiful ornaments, producing lovely tinkling tunes that soothe tired babies to sleep. 9. WOODEN TOYS Playful tots will love nothing more than a charming toy set! This Wooden Animal Ark Play Set is a beautiful gift that offers hours of fun and helps teach little ones the marvellous story of Noah and the ark. Wooden toys are a perfect christening gift as they’re gorgeous, durable and can be passed down through the generations. 10. MONEY BOX A must-have for all children, money boxes help encourage little learners to save up their pocket money. From elegant designs to boxes adorned with beloved children’s characters, there are many options to choose from. Make sure you’re the first one to add a coin or two! CHOOSING A CHRISTENING GIFT THEY’LL CHERISH FOREVER Which gift from our list was your favourite? If you select a unique gift from our curated range of christening gifts, make sure to add an extra special touch with our personalisation service. Adding a little one’s name and the date of their christening to a cuddly toy, blanket or music box will guarantee your gift will be treasured for years to come — and may even become a family heirloom. FOLLOW US