Gift Ideas for a Naming Ceremony
As spring approaches, it can feel like the start of the season for christening and naming ceremonies. While go-to gifts for christenings tend to favor the traditional – silver gifts such as engraved baby cups, jewelry or money boxes – when it comes to naming ceremonies, you can think ‘outside the box’. Rather than clothes or toys, which will soon be grown out of or discarded, why not gift something a little bit unusual; something that will wow the parents and remain a treasured keepsake? If you need some inspiration, here are some great gift ideas for you:
1. Imprints to capture memories
How many of us wish we could stop time and have a permanent reminder of how tiny our baby’s precious little hands and feet once were? The saying is definitely true – they grow up so fast, it really can feel like it happens in the blink of an eye. Options within this category include sets to record hand- and footprints using ink – including some which incorporate mess-free ‘magic ink’ – as well as sets to cast them in clay. You can order a set for the parents to make at home from sites such as Casting Keepsakes or gift an option to have the imprints cast in silver, gold or bronze. Another interesting slant on this theme is a gift voucher to have the baby’s first shoes cast in bronze. This type of keepsake is always a firm favorite, and is definitely an option that will be forever treasured.
2. Name a star
What can be more wonderful than having a star named for the baby? In future years, this theme can be followed up with star maps and a telescope for birthdays. There are several companies offering this service, including The Star Name Registry. The gift comes in a presentation box, which includes the star deed, a star map and a silver frame for the deed. Also, in the unlikely event of a supernova, a new star will be assigned, so not only is this a permanent celestial reminder of the day, but it’s also future-proofed!
3. Gift them literature
A gift of literature truly comes from the heart and can instill a lifelong passion for reading. Children’s classics such as Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh and sets by Roald Dahl are very popular in this category. Not only will the family delight in the adventures, enjoying your gift for years to come but it can also – if not left dog-eared from use – be passed down to the next generation.
4. Personalized, handmade gifts
Any online search will throw up a plethora of sites offering these unique gifts. They definitely show that you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into selecting something that’s truly a ‘one off’ for the child in question. The online marketplace Etsy has a great selection of personalized photo frames. Available at various price points, these can include the child’s name, date of birth – or naming ceremony – and a lovely message.
5. Gift cash/vouchers
This final choice may seem strange as it’s not classed as a ‘keepsake’. This, however, has got to be the most straightforward option and is perfect if you’re rather ‘lastminute.com’ at selecting your gift. Families will have a savings account or even a trust fund set up, so your gift will always be appreciated and can be saved towards a college fund, first car or even their first home. Alternatively, gift cards can be used by the family to purchase something special, especially when combined with other cash donations.
Hope these ideas help inspire you, there’s not greater feeling than knowing you’ve made the perfect choice and selected the perfect gift. Enjoy the special day!
