Christening present

I had a crystal imprint made of the grandchildrens hand and feet as a Christening present as a reminder of them as babies. It shows up all the detail on their hands and feet.

You can have different coloured crystal so I asked the Mums which colour they wanted, the children love to try their hand and foot up against it now to see how they have grown.

I went to the shop to have the imprints done as it is in Corbridge which is not not far from us, but they also do a postal service too. Dont know if this is of any use but have included the web address:-
www.connellandhartglass.com/pages/crystalimprints.html

I believe you can buy Premium Bonds for grandchildren - this would be a lasting investment.

I genuinely can't remember what either grandmother bought for our children - ah, just remembered one had a silver photo frame engraved with DD's name, date of birth etc.

The other things I treasure are two samplers that my cousin embroidered for their births.

I remember buying an antique – well Victorian – silver rattle that was very pretty and, carefully checked by me, that it was not dangerous as a present for my husband to give to his godson. I would guess that it has gone up in value over the last two or three of decades but was also something that a baby could use. An embroidered sampler would be lovely Soupy but, of course, not everyone has the skill or the time. A cheque for starting a savings account is always good and perhaps twice as nice if combined with an attractive money box.

Am a huge fan of buying from local artists or craftmen (yes and women but I hate all that PC messing about with words). Not the usual generic gift shop stuff but buying from the maker. Here in Herefordshire there is a web site for local artisans to use, am sure most places have something similar. A small wooden box using British wood veneers. Local potter's tankard, or a local silversmith's work.

I bought our GS a beatiful personalised chair for his Christening 2 weeks go.
It is a 'captains chair' with a hand painted tractor on the seat, his name across the back and ''on your christening (date)'' along the edge of the seat and underneath the seat 'with love from Nana and Pop xx' The quality is superb and it is really gorgeous.
A delightful company to deal with who delivered it in good time.
The company is in Wales and is 'Hometime Crafts'. Well worth an email or phone call.

Wow, sounds really lovely, thanks Grumpyoldwoman for a great idea

A nicely illustrated hardback copy of a childrens' classic might be good. Something like Wind in the Willows, or Rudyard Kipling Just So Stories. You could write a nice message inside.

I gave my GD a very pretty small Wedgwood clock. That can go through life with her.

Agree about the books, they are something they will want to keep, or an engraved glass.

Not keen on christening presents other than as others have suggested something for the savings account. The last christening I went to my husbands neices first born a) it was evangelical and I nearly died from embarrasement at the singing , dancing and general hoopla and secondly I carefully chose a rather nice silver photo frame and was asked to 'chuck it on the pile' when I offered it to the parents. I decline christening invitations now and send a card and token for something.

I gave my grandchildren Premium Bonds as well as a small gift. They have the pleasure of receiving a cheque every now and then. In fact, my granddaughter won £25 last week, which will go towards whatever she is saving for at the moment.

Our twin grandchildren are being christened soon and although we have decided to start a charm bracelet for our grandaughter, we cannot think of anything suitable for our grandson. We did think about a treasure box with compass, boys adventure books, and maybe a swiss army knife, but not sure how the parents would react. Obviously this would be a present for the future! has anyone any other suggestions for boys of about 9 months? help is needed!

Hello jumpa - as you're giving your granddaughter a 'keepsake' how about buying a quaich for your grandson? If you buy a standard size it could then be used at his wedding and/or passed down through his family. There are many websites:
www.thequaichcompany.com/products.php?id=42

It may seem pretty ordinary, but we bought each of our grandsons a gold St. Christopher and chain, and our granddaughter a gold locket and chain. These can be kept and worn for years to come.

Our DGC each had Baby Naming ceremonies (rather than christenings) at which a fruit tree was planted. They are all very proud of their special trees, an apple, a plum and a pear, which are now bearing fruit.

Like you Jumpa , I give charm bracelets to female GCs. We have no boys! But when I was godmother to boys I gave silver key rings. Good quality jewellers often have substantial key rings with interesting designs. As the child grows they are useful, rather than something just put away. X

The Royal Mint have sets of coins in presentation packs which I have used as christening gifts in the past.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Globe-Paperweight-Semi-Precious-Stone-Inlaid-Boxed-Blue-/281356276629?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4182241395
I don't like the traditional christening gifts for boys, so I recently gave a similar item to this, which was enthusiasticly received by his parents and much admired. There are many variations on the theme on line.

There are lots of personalised gifts, of all kinds, on here,
www.notonthehighstreet.com

Was just about to mention that site penguin Myself and family have bought a few personalised gifts from them. Great ideas, good quality and service. They have a large selection of personalised gifts.

DD2 bought her nieces silver heart shaped trinket boxes with name and DOB from this company.

sal, I love that!

As most of our DGC haven't been christened we have given all of them premium bonds. One DGD has been christened (to placate DD's MiL!) so we bought her token, silver plated, 1st curl and 1st tooth boxes. Her little sister is having a thanks giving service so we are doing the same for her!

DS was given a beautiful antique fruit spoon, silver with a gilded bowl impressed with a pattern of fruit. It is nearly 300 years old and a thing of beauty - and worth considerable more than was when it was given to him nearly 45 years ago.

We gave DGS a pair of cuff links with a Celtic design. Not much use to a baby but hopefully when he's older he will enjoy them.

Helshea, I know you said you don't want the usual mug or eggcup, but our SIL uses his traditional christening mug for his tot of whisky or rum (takes it camping, as it is unbreakable). So we bought one for our DGS, and had it engraved, in the hope he will use it one day in a similar way, think of us, and not just leave it in a cupboard!