We've been invited to a friend's christening in a fortnight.  The baby girl is about 8-10 months.  I don't have much experience of christenings and have no idea what sort of gift to take or what to spend.  I'm not too keen on these porcelein feeding sets or silver trinkets or banks, as I think they'll just end up at the back of a cupboard.  Also, what do I wear (it's in a church and then back at their house)?

All help / suggestions / advice gratefully received!  :)

Lots of people buy toys instead of your traditional feeding sets etc as it is something appreciated now and like you say will not be put to the back of the cupboard!  I also think it's a nice idea to name a star after a child (think lastminute.com do them) as it has meaning but does not gather dust :) How about a nice photo frame or album - I know a lot of people may think this but I always think they are nice esp if they have some sort of phrase.

What to wear, some people wear suits / dresses I personally would put some trousers and a smart top on - esp in this weather :)

At the end of the day I am sure that they will just appreciate you sharing their special day and it won't matter too much what is purchased :)

Good luck and have a lovely day!

I gave my twin great-nieces photo frames. They're glass with flowers painted on them - can't remember the name of the company that made them, but they're from Wales, and I first saw them in a jewellers' in Banbury. (I've since discovered there's a much wider selection in a garden centre (of all places!) in Leamington.) Google isn't helping, unfortunately ...

A friend's little girl was given a picture of her name in framed Flower-fairy letters.

Jeangenie - do you live in Leamington?  I work in Leamington and live just outside.....just being nosey :) So sorry to hear about your Mums dog BTW - very sad and I know just how she feels - I lost 2 GSD's in Jan and its very tough.  Please send my love x

Hi - yes, I work in Leamington and live in a village nearby. Small world!

Thanks for your good wishes to my mum - I'll pass them on.
:)

Earl
Have a look at www.silverballoon.co.uk I bought a CD for my friends little boy's christening last year. The CD is a story told through songs and the childs name is sung in the music. It's narrated by John Snow the child hears it's name more than 45 times.  I liked it because at first the baby just likes the music but as they get older they start to recognise their name and follow the story.  It has gone down great with my friends little one, although she is getting a little sick of hearing it now!!

Hope this helps

I bought this CD for my Niece for her Christening a couple if weeks ago. She is a year old and loves to hear her name as she bops about the lounge. Her Mum is going to but the new releast from Silver Baloon in March.
Diane

My son was given some silver crowns which I thought was a lovely idea as they still have value now.  :)

Hi

My son has been given a set of mint coins from the post office, by godparents since his 1st birthday in 2001, he now has about 4 sets. Each with that year on. So hopefully they will increase in value. For him when he is older.

Also I each year buy on his birthday, and when he was born by the number 1 single.

You could buy a selection of artefacts from his birthdate. Which will hopefully yes gather dust, but also increase in value.

Also some of the bunnykins mugs etc, are limited editions, and if kept in packaging. Also grow in value.

Alix

I always give a cheque made payable to Miss... or Master... so that it gets paid into a savings account which will be more use for the child at a later date :)

Wear what you want as it is not like a wedding but more of a family friends get together :)

Lucy
xx

Thank you all for your help.  My original thought was a cheque, but my boss said it was unimaginative!  :rolleyes:  Just cos he's got three kids, what does he know!  :p

Will wear smart trousers and a top.

Thanks again.  :)

I always buy clothing vouchers. Lacking in imagination i know but with them growing so fast and the new lines in the shops every 4 months i think its nice to have some money to one side for clothes.