Christening present ideas that are not the traditional money box, silver photo frame etc

[NorbertDentressangle]

We've been invited to a christening by newish friends of ours.

Now I've not been to a christening for donkey's years but I'm presuming we take a gift but what to take is the question.

They don't strike me as being the sort that would be bothered by the usual traditional money box with name on, silver christening bracelet etc (which is probably why we've become friends as that's not me either!!) .

They are a lovely family and I'd like to get a small, unusual gift for their DD. Preferably not too expensive.

Any ideas please?

[ReallyTired]

Surely a christian present might be religious. I think a book of Christian stories is nice

My son got this for his baptism.

www.amazon.co.uk/Stories-Jesus-Told-Favorite-Bible/dp/1859855881?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Its brilliant and great for bed time stories.

[NorbertDentressangle]

TBH I don't have a religion and I'm not sure how religious my friends are or their reasons behind their DD being christened so I feel I'd rather go for something non-religious IYSWIM.

[NorbertDentressangle]

Bump for the evening crowds ideas...please

[chelseamorning]

I've given a silver necklace to a girl which was delicate and sweet and something she'd wear when older. For boys, I've given a pair of Orla Gorie cuff links (for when they're older obviously!) and a silver antique spoon which would be 100 years old on their 18th birthday.

[chelseamorning]

I think a heart shaped necklace might work?

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

A lucky charm of some sort?

Maybe a lucky sixpence?
A crystal clover?
Hanging ornament with the year on? - I get the Christmas star from Swarovski as it has the year on.

But do agree a hristening should be a religious gift.

[NorbertDentressangle]

Thanks for the ideas -keep them coming!

Still want to avoid a religious gift though if possible.

[lilolilmanchester]

a Beatrix Potter/similar figurine - you used to be able to get some lovely musical ones.

Or a "complete collection" book e.g. Beatrix Potter or [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Winnie-Pooh-Complete-Collection-Stories/dp/0416199615/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347127740&sr=1-1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 Winnie the Pooh

WMF make some lovely children's cutlery, but I think probably quite popular for a Christening - e.g. www.amazon.co.uk/WMF-Kids-Cutlery-Ducks-pieces/dp/B00008XVRH/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1347127818&sr=8-18&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[lilolilmanchester]

oops Winnie the Pooh

[Milliways]

I tend to buy a nice selection of books. (The Beatrice Potter set already mentioned is a great idea).

[ByTheWay1]

We usually buy a charm bracelet (makes any future presents easy then too!) - and if the family are religious we put a cross charm on as the first one, if not religious, a crib or bib or duckling.

[runningforme]

How about a vintage style music box? Like these

[ChrissyHynde]

My DS got a welsh lovespoon several years ago. Still my favourite gift and think will stand the test of time.

[Floggingmolly]

Why is she having the child christened if she'd baulk at a "religious" gift?

[GupX]

We got a gorgeous personalised picture thing from Not on the high street.com

[SharonGless]

We bought a pear tree for a friends christening.
Other nice gifts have been a star being names for the child, sponsor an animal at the zoo for them and a silver tooth fairy box

[Prizepudding]

What about something personalised like bunting with the child's name on it to hang in their room or Name frame

www.alphabetgifts.co.uk/Childrens-Wall-Art/Framed-Name

www.notonthehighstreet.com/rachelpettittdesigns/product/personalised-bunting-sailing-boat?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=Gifts&utm_campaign=78616

My dds both got a Child sized mug 'Monday's child is....' which they use now they are old enough.

[coldcupoftea]

Recently as a new baby gift I got a voucher for the local ceramics studio place, with a note saying that my most treasured possessions were the hand/foot prints we did of the DC when they were little, and that went down really well.

[Mumlar]

Why not buy a really nice album from Paperchase or similar and make a posh version of a scrapbook. Put pictures in of famous people, things that are newsworthy. Detail the prices of bread, milk etc for this year. Loads could go in about the Olympics and Jubilee. Make it personal too if you can, then the little one will have a unique reminder of the year of his/her birth.

Other ideas: best selling books, songs, albums etc.

[FreelanceMama]

I am a Christian so I get something related to Noah's Ark e.g. wooden toy or popup book. That way it is linked to a bible story without being overtly a religious gift. For some people, getting their child christened isn't a religious act for themselves but does introduce their child to Church and then they can choose whether it's just a nice toy or something more.

For older children I buy the Narnia collection.

[NorbertDentressangle]

Thank you everyone -there are some great ideas here!

Floggingmolly - I haven't said that she would "baulk" at a religious gift at all so I'm not sure where you've got that idea from. What I have said is that I'm not religious and that I'm not sure how religious my friends are or the reasons behind getting their daughter christened.
I know for example that some people have their children christened for reasons such as extended family follow a faith, or that it gives the child more options later in life or, in some cases, that it gives them more options re: schools.

[Tinkerisdead]

My daughter just had hers and we had no silver. Crockery set, cutlery, a beautiful noahs ark print, a charm bracelet, a really cute snowglobe, a photoframe all lovely and usable.

In the past i've given adult jewellery to grow into, old fashioned tin toys and a jewellery box.