A new bundle of joy has just entered into your best friend’s world, and you want to find the perfect present for the perfect baby. If you walk into any department store you will be overwhelmed by all of the options, and may want to purchase the whole store. But take a step back and think what you would like if you just had your first baby.
Classic Gifts
Simple Presents are always the best. A memorable gift like a baby’s first china bowl and plate, there are many memorable designs such as Beatrix Potter, by Royal Dolton. This classic present never goes out of style, and is something everyone will cherish for a lifetime. In fact, many people pass these precious dishes down from family member to family member for generations to come. Engraved Gifts also make lovely Baby Keepsakes, such as Money Boxes, Personalised Albu,s and Photo Frames
A Basket Full of Practicality
A basket full of necessities for the baby will always come in handy for the new mum, from baby nappies to baby spoons and blankets. A simple basket of baby goods is a practical way to welcome a new born into this world, and will save mum a few trip’s to the supermarket.
Sleeper’s in Different Sizes
If mum needs one thing for her new baby its sleeper’s in various sizes. Baby’s grow quickly and do not remain in their infant size clothing for too long. They are always in need of new sleep suits. And if there is one thing babies like to do in their early beginnings it is to sleep. Sleepers are the perfect present for any mum who knows she will have a fast growing baby, and no time to sleep.
Gifts from the Warmth of Your Heart
A gift of homemade goodies is always a great baby gift for new mums. No mother wants to cook after they have just given birth and been released from the hospital. A homemade casserole is the perfect way to show you care, and is a fantastic present for the sleep deprived mum who no longer has time to comb her hair.
The Gift of Time
Another fantastic baby gift is the gift of time. Give the new mum a break - it is always appreciated and welcome. Mum and dad would both be elated to have a couple of hours of time to get away. Plus, you get to spend some alone time with a new bundle of joy, and bond with its delightful smile.
All that Matters is You Care
Baby gifts don’t need to be expensive or luxurious but they should show you care. And a little thought goes a long way in finding the perfect baby gift. New mums will appreciate the time you took in spending to find, or create the perfect gift for the new loved one in their life.
Finding the perfect gift is easy - all you need is little imagination, a little creativity, and a little use of your own time. To welcome the newest edition into your friends or families life, an original baby gift will show how much you truly care.
Showing posts with label keepsakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keepsakes. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Christenings – Gifts, Etiquette and History Explained
There are two types of ceremonies available; religious and non-religious. Irrespective of which type is chosen, the common theme throughout is love and surrounding the child with family and friends in order to celebrate the child’s birth and life ahead.
Religious Ceremonies:
A Christening is the child’s first initiation into the religious faith. At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptised with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.
If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church. They will explain the service, and may ask questions concerning your own faith, and that of the godparents. You will then be able to book a date.
Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies:
There are a range of non-religious celebrations to choose from including a Baby-Naming Ceremony, Welcoming or Thanksgiving. These options are free of any commitment to the Christian faith. A British Humanist Association ceremony can take place anywhere you like. A trained, licensed celebrant will help you to create a unique and personal occasion. They can provide templates for ceremonies that you can adapt for your own situation, and they can suggest readings, poetry or music. You can include contributions from family/friends, and finish it all off with a tea or buffet. These ceremonies last on average 20 minutes.
Christenings are generally held within the first year of a baby's life, although some parents wait until the child is a little older.
Generally, photography is welcome during all types of ceremonies but it may be worth checking with the person presiding first as the congregation or gathering is likely to be invited to photograph the child, family and Godparents at specific points during the ceremony. Of course there can also be photographs before and after.
The child will usually be dressed in a special Christening outfit/gown or family heirloom garment. Women would be expected to dress smartly - hats are not necessary, and for men, suits or smart shirt and trousers. Ties are often not a necessity, particularly for summer ceremonies though if you are the father or Godfather, you would be expected to dress in a suit.
Usually following the ceremony a buffet or tea is held at the parent’s house. The child will be shown off to all the family and friends, and Christening gifts are generally presented to the child. After the buffet, the official cake may be cut, and at this point, some people choose to plant a tree or dedicate a plant which will grow with the child.
Role of the Godparents:
There are usually three Godparents - two the same sex as the child. The role of the Godparent comes from the days when converts to the early Christian church were usually adults whose parents were not Christians. The Godparents role was to provide a Christian mentor to help them through life. People also link the role of the Godparent with that of becoming 'legal guardian' should the child ever be orphaned. However, this would need to be written into a will with the permission of the Godparents themselves.
Non-religious participants usually engage a 'mentor' who will watch over the child and steer them through life with help, care and advice. Generally Godparents are chosen for their own Christian beliefs but also because they are very close friends of the parents, or family members. Godparents or guardians should be people who are going to be around to offer support for the child if needed.
Christening Gifts:
Many people prefer a traditional gift idea for a Christening such as pewter, silver or china; these are great gifts for the child to treasure. Another nice idea is to provide a photo album or keepsake box to store precious memories of the child’s special day. For religious ceremonies it is common for a silver cross and chain or a bible to be presented to the child. Personalised gifts also make very nice ideas for this occasion, for example a framed name print, or a personalised Christening plate or mug, or perhaps an engraved tankard or cufflinks for a boy.
Religious Ceremonies:
A Christening is the child’s first initiation into the religious faith. At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptised with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.
If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church. They will explain the service, and may ask questions concerning your own faith, and that of the godparents. You will then be able to book a date.
Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies:
There are a range of non-religious celebrations to choose from including a Baby-Naming Ceremony, Welcoming or Thanksgiving. These options are free of any commitment to the Christian faith. A British Humanist Association ceremony can take place anywhere you like. A trained, licensed celebrant will help you to create a unique and personal occasion. They can provide templates for ceremonies that you can adapt for your own situation, and they can suggest readings, poetry or music. You can include contributions from family/friends, and finish it all off with a tea or buffet. These ceremonies last on average 20 minutes.
Christenings are generally held within the first year of a baby's life, although some parents wait until the child is a little older.
Generally, photography is welcome during all types of ceremonies but it may be worth checking with the person presiding first as the congregation or gathering is likely to be invited to photograph the child, family and Godparents at specific points during the ceremony. Of course there can also be photographs before and after.
The child will usually be dressed in a special Christening outfit/gown or family heirloom garment. Women would be expected to dress smartly - hats are not necessary, and for men, suits or smart shirt and trousers. Ties are often not a necessity, particularly for summer ceremonies though if you are the father or Godfather, you would be expected to dress in a suit.
Usually following the ceremony a buffet or tea is held at the parent’s house. The child will be shown off to all the family and friends, and Christening gifts are generally presented to the child. After the buffet, the official cake may be cut, and at this point, some people choose to plant a tree or dedicate a plant which will grow with the child.
Role of the Godparents:
There are usually three Godparents - two the same sex as the child. The role of the Godparent comes from the days when converts to the early Christian church were usually adults whose parents were not Christians. The Godparents role was to provide a Christian mentor to help them through life. People also link the role of the Godparent with that of becoming 'legal guardian' should the child ever be orphaned. However, this would need to be written into a will with the permission of the Godparents themselves.
Non-religious participants usually engage a 'mentor' who will watch over the child and steer them through life with help, care and advice. Generally Godparents are chosen for their own Christian beliefs but also because they are very close friends of the parents, or family members. Godparents or guardians should be people who are going to be around to offer support for the child if needed.
Christening Gifts:
Many people prefer a traditional gift idea for a Christening such as pewter, silver or china; these are great gifts for the child to treasure. Another nice idea is to provide a photo album or keepsake box to store precious memories of the child’s special day. For religious ceremonies it is common for a silver cross and chain or a bible to be presented to the child. Personalised gifts also make very nice ideas for this occasion, for example a framed name print, or a personalised Christening plate or mug, or perhaps an engraved tankard or cufflinks for a boy.
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