A friend recently reached out to me for some thoughts on appropriate gifts for a Christening. Having not attended one of these events without the benefit of my parents providing the gift, it took me a few minutes to sort out some thoughts on gift options. Before I got started on my window shopping, however, I stopped long enough to ask a few more questions of my friend. First question - Is the couple hosting the Christening very religious in their lifestyle or perhaps participating more for the sake of tradition? Second question - Does the host couple have a particular style? Are they hip and trendy or a bit more traditional? Armed with the answers to these questions, I dug up a few ideas and thought that I would share them in case anyone one else finds themselves in this gift dilema.
Option One: Personalized Baby Blanket
At most Christening ceremonies, the baby is brought up in a special gown and usually bundled in a blanket. If you elect to go with the blanket option, spring for the customization of adding the child's name and perhaps it will be your gift making an appearance at the alter! If not, it is still a nice keepsake for the child to use on during naptime. There are also a wide variety of styles available allowing you to make a selection that matches the couples style.
Option two: Engraved Picture Frames
Odds are there will be quite a few photos of the child taken at this type of gathering. Gift the parents with a nice frame engraved with the date of the Christening and you have automatically given them a keepsake with which to remember the occassion. Again, a range of frame styles exist from which you can make your selection. Choose wisely and it will end up on the mantel instead of buried on the bookshelf!
Option three: Memory Box
Since most people no longer utilize Hope Chests or cedar lined trunks for the storage of memory makers (keepsake clothing, etc.) perhaps a more modern option would make a good gift. You can purchase acid free storage boxes at a variety of stores - The Container Store springs to mind first. If you have a crafty nature, consider adding some decorative accents to the box customizing it for either the child or the occassion. This will give the parents a safe storage option for the Christening gown and any other items they wish to save from their special day. 
On another note... I tend to make selections that live in the realm of "not likely to offend", but if you know for certain that the parents and/or family take their religious ceremonies very seriously, you can also find a variety of Christian gift items to consider. For little girls, you can purchase child sized jewlery with crosses or angels added for accent. More unisex options also exist such as bibles and other religious items. The key, of course, is knowing the person you are gifting and making a selection appropriate to their preferences. This will ensure that your gift is both appropriate and memorable!
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