AIBU to give "The God Delusion" as a christening gift?

[AndiMac]

I'm kidding of course. But i thought it might catch your attention because I need your help.

We've been invited to the christening of our neighbours' child and I don't know what to give as a present. The last christening I went to was my own, which was several decades ago. We are an agnostic/atheist household and we didn't christen to our kids, so I honestly don't know what would be a good gift.

A premium bond

Money in a card seems popular.

I like to give a copy of Dr Seuss' 'The Places You'll Go'.

Depends how well you know the family and if they are religious. I'm assuming a baby? I'd give a book or similar.

There's really no need for gifts.

Genuinely. Honestly.

I was shocked at the gifts we got for our sons. I just wanted to get them christened and was surprised that gifts were a thing.

Isn't the minimum for a premium bond £100? I like my neighbours, but not that much.

I gave

As an atheist I tend to give a nice version of a children's set of stories, e.g. Winnie the Pooh, nursery rhymes, Thomas the Tank, Wind in the Willows. It always goes down well and, speaking as a former Christian brought up in a Christian household, the only christening presents I still use are along similar lines so you've got all bases covered ;)

I gave a book of Grimm fairytales.

I think either of the two books already mentioned would be lovely.

I'm an atheist and gave a nice children's book. Can't remember what it was but some sort of classic one. I thought a religious gift would be not quite right coming from me and I'm sure they'd get lots of those things anyway

I agree with a pretty book, maybe a classic set of Beatrix Potter ones or something like that depending on your budget.

I like the book idea. I'm sure I can find something appropriate. Thanks!

You can only buy premium bonds for your children or grandchildren, not any other relative/friend. I wanted to buy some for my Bruce but no dice. And they are expensive.

I mean children's book, of course! Hahaha.

An atlas with a personal message has gone down well with people of various faiths.

My neighbours bought dd 'the secret garden' for her christening. Perfect.

I'm an atheist too and when I give a Christening gift I like to choose something that would make a real difference to someone. I usually choose a charity gift from Unicef or Save the Children such as vaccinations for children, education supplies even a wheelchair.

Examples

Although I'm not Christian myself I think it fits in with ethos of the day.

No not Beatrix Potter!!! I was horrified when i started reading to DD around 4y and it mentioned whipping/beating (cant remember exactly) naughty kittens. It stayed on the bookcase after that.

Here is my lovely presents for babies shop. You're welcome.

A nice book or charity donation sound perfect.

Beatrix Potter is unreadably bad and as mentioned, children get whipped. Creepy and horrible imo.

I was really surprised by all the gifts when DS2 was baptised, which we weren't expecting at all - DS1 just had close family and godparents there so a bit different, We invited people to be there for his special day (and eat the excessive amounts of cake!) but weren't expecting them all to bring presents.

Maybe just ask them if there is anything particular he would like, so you can gauge what is expected?

DS got lots of different books, some wooden toys/trains, some box sets of children's plates/mugs, and quite a few money boxes - all of which have been well used and loved. If I were buying for someone else I'd probably go for a beautifully illustrated edition of a classic story book that they will grow into - Winnie the Pooh, Wind in the Willows, Secret Garden, Box of Delights, Alice in Wonderland etc.