I've never had to buy a Christening gift before and would love some advice please

[hobbgoblin]

It's for a 1 year old so quite a late Christening I think. Baby's family not ultra religious (not entirely sure why Christening is happening but besides point...)

My realtionship is non familial and is close but originally a work contact rather than personal so there is an element of 'distance' re. relationship so I'm not sure what that means in terms of present 'expectations'.

Looked in John Lewis at all that silver spoon stuff and did see a teeny first tooth box I liked but am unsure whether this sort of impractical silvery kind of thing is what one buys?

I hate the jewellery thing, as it seems a little pointless.

I think I am possibly totally missing the point on this gift. Please help!

By the way, the silver tooth box was about £50 which I am a little unsure about spending tbh.

Aesop's fables

Ooh yes, a lovely edition of a classic children's book, suitably inscribed.

I'd leave the silverware to family probably?

Book a lovely gesture but not too personal, if you don't know the child that well

ANother vote for a nice children's book. Waterstones have (or did have the last time I needed such a thing) a whole shelf full of 'gift editions' which are a mix of classics like Wind In The Willows/Peter Pan and poetry anthologies. You should be able to get something for £10 or so, which strikes me as reasonable for a work colleague gift.

Fab, this makes life a whole lot easier, plus I LOVE buying books.

Am now experiencing fond memories of Aesop's fables as a child...

Aesop's fables great for the non-religious folk

As a Christening gift...

Don't spend £50 anyway! Other nice christening gifts for a 1 year old are baby tableware e.g. baby eggcup, cutlery set, Peter Rabbit bowl etc.

I agree a book is a good idea.

However, I got one of these for my niece whose christening was on her first birthday

Have a christening soon and not been to one in years, have bought a selection of picture books that can be enjoyed at bedtime etc. Keepsakes were everywhere but wanted something that would actually be used rather than kept in the loft for years.

Are the people actually expecting gifts? I didn't expect gifts when I had my DCs christened. Perhaps I am strange .