Deciding the Right Traditional Christening Gift to give the baby and new parents is crucial and needs some thought. As specialists in silver gifts we are asked this question a lot and have written this to offer some help.  We have provided links from some the items mentioned to where they are sold by the trusted retailer Amazon.co.uk. The products we link to we sell ourselves and so can vouch for the quality they represent.

History

The Christening is one of the most important Christian rites that just about everyone participate in. When we think about Christening, we also think about gift giving and how significant it is for the occasion. The custom of giving gifts is said to have come from the Roman holiday called Saturnalia where they presented their emperor with good luck tokens called strenae. Probably in an effort to receive more special favors from the emperor, this simple practice escalated and more precious gifts were given to include expensive clothing, gold and silver jewelry, and many more items that we have come to recognize today as Traditional Christening Gifts. Saturnalia was converted to Christmas when Constantine, as a new emperor of Rome, became Christian. This was in an effort to please both the masses and his new religion.

As gifts were presented to the baby Jesus on his birth, this custom of gift giving stuck to the rite of Christening and holiday of Christmas. Newborns are always a welcome part of every family and everyone’s always delighted in having babies in the family. Gifts are always presented to a baby on its naming or Christening ceremony.

Today

If you’ve been invited to a baby’s Christening or naming ceremony, giving a gift is said to be not really required but then it is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. A Traditional Christening Gift is unlike any regular run of the mill present. You need time for some careful thought and be sure to set aside budget for a special gift.

Traditiional and Precious

As an alternative to christening, naming ceremonies have now become increasingly popular. This may confuse people what appropriate gift to give. Some Traditional Christening Gifts like silver cups are now being adapted to fit naming day options.

First thing to think about is your role in the ceremony. Are you a godparent or specially named mentor of the baby? If you are either, then you may opt to spend more and make your gift more personal and special. A Traditional Christening Gift like a silver baby rattle will be a special keepsake.

Importantly, never under estimate how important this day is to the parents, and if you have an official role to play, just how important that is.

Traditionally silver gifts to the baby are very varied. Still popular today as presents for the baby are small silver cups (child’s cans), a silver cufflink, a small spoon or egg cup, a silver knife fork and spoon and sometimes a silver napkin ring. All appropriate and with 100s of years of tradition behind them.

A silver rattle, often very decorative is a fabulous gift which we have seen grow in popularity these last few years. The craftsman ship and silver material are very popular, and appreciated by our renewed interest in the beautifully handmade.

But, think about the baby’s family when you buy your gift. There are many Traditional Christening Gifts that aren’t always practical. Does the baby’s family tend to be modern and practical in nature or traditional? A conventional silver cutlery may be a token worth to treasure for a traditional family but it may be likened to a dust collector for the more modern and practical family. You need to think about the gift’s longevity too. Once your godchild grows up, what will gift mean to him or her by then? A Traditional Christening Gift such as a silver cufflink, a financial investment, or a tankard, would be something that your godchild can use later in life and thus be more meaningful. A toy, book collection, or piece of clothing however will no longer be needed by your godchild.

It is important to give a present which will last, particularly if you are playing an important role in the future life of the baby. Silver has been chosen over the years as both a thing of beauty and value yet not been exclusively expensive like gold). The objects also have a practical purpose, they can be cherished and used when the child is older.

Presentation is everything so make sure it comes in a nice gift box, some are even packaged in wooden cases with glass lids.

For a religious family, a collection of books about bible stories or a baby’s First Bible, are appropriate gifts that are well appreciated. More contemporary gifts over Traditional Christening Gifts may be preferred by non religious families that go for naming ceremonies.

For those people that don’t want to go wrong, well it is always safe to go with Traditional Christening Gifts. Silverware is always the gift of choice for many and this symbolizes simplicity and elegance. You can bring a silver birth record tube is a beautiful way of ensuring the precious certificate is safe and can be displayed; silver cups and cutleries are things that can be treasured by your godchild; and you can also give a silver picture frame.

However, no matter what Traditional Christening Gift you give, it is always the thought and the love that matters more for your godchild. As they grow up, fill them with love and guidance just like you would your own child. That is the true spirit of Christening.

Having a new baby as a new part of the family is always celebrated in every culture. It is a much anticipated time of joy and celebration. Then comes the tradition of christening to welcome the baby into the Christian world. What christening would be complete without the presence of friends, family members, relatives, and godparents bringing in gifts for babies to complete the occasion?

White Leather Christening Bible

Gift giving is infused in just about any culture’s traditions and occasions. Gift giving seemed to have stemmed out from the giving of strenae. These are good luck tokens that were usually given to the emperor. This tradition took place during Saturnalia which is the festival the ancient Romans practice in honor of Saturn that fathered the major gods of the Greeks and Romans. Over time, the giving of strenae to the emperor escalated and more precious and expensive gifts were given to include clothing, precious metals like gold and silver. This is mostly in an effort to gain more favor from the emperor. When the Emperor Constantine became a Christian in 324 AD, Saturnalia was ingrained into the Christian traditions and was converted to Christmas. This was so Constantine could satisfy both the masses and his new religion. Christening gifts then became customary to many as baptism is part of Christian rites. When Jesus was born, the 3 wise men or Magi, came and offered gifts to the baby Jesus.

There are generally many ideas for Christening gifts that anyone can give. In spite of this, there are many people however that wonder if they should bring gifts for babies when they attend christening. Christening gifts are not really a must for everyone but is always thoughtful and well appreciated. It has also become an expectation that the godparents of a baby must bring christening gifts.

In common etiquette, the standard Christening gifts for boys and girls is silver. Sterling silver has been a universal symbol of elegance and simplicity. A silver mug, spoon, fork, knife, and porringer are the common Christening gifts that godparents and friends of the parents can give as a present. Usually, these precious gifts are engraved with the name of the baby, the godparent and the date of christening.

For Christian ceremonies, one of the most common and special Christening gifts for girls and boys are Bibles. These are usually white New Testament  Bibles that are the right weight and size for a child. Some godparents give silver cross necklace or crucifix plaque. Precious moments are also one of the best ideas for Christening gifts that’s why there are many statuettes that have the theme of baptism. This type of christening gift varies in race and gender so it can be appropriately personalized to the recipient.

Personal gifts are best suited if you’re a godparent or a grandparent of the child. However, there are also practical gifts that you can give such as savings bonds. This is something that the child can benefit from as he or she grows up.

In spite of the many varieties and kinds of gifts that can be given to a child as Christening gifts, silver always has remained a favorite and most memorable of all. There are also birth certificate tubes that are made of sterling silver where you can have your name engraved as the giver, and the name of your godchild as the recipient. Top this with an appropriate card for the occasion. No matter the Christening gifts however, it will always be the love and guidance that we can all give to a child as he or she grows that is important above everything else.

We are asked guidance on what to recommend as a Christening gift and are pleased to pass this on to our online readers.

It has all the beauty and build quality of our mechanical key wound 8 day clocks but you never have to remember to wind it. Powered by an AA battery this accurate high quality carriage clock has a solid brass case and will look and sound just like it’s mechanical counter part.

The ticking movement  is visible through the sides and rear of the clock in the style of an 8-day key wound movement. Woodford’s Ovale carriage clock features a white face, with black roman numerals, Breguet style hands, and an outer dial marking the passing of the minutes. The clock is set in a traditional solid brass case for a true luxury finish.

Size:15.5cm x 9.3cm x 6.8cm
Movement:Ticking Quartz
Material:Brass

This handsome mechanical pocket watch has a high quality movement which is a pleasure to wind, it is finished in heavy gold plate and comes with presentation box and chain. We offer free delivery within 48 hours of placing the order.

Size:4.7cm Diameter x 1.7cm
Movement:Mechanical
Material:Gold Plated

Woodford Gold Plated Full Hunter

Introduction of pocket watches

pocket watches were first introduced in the 16th century, but these were large clunky designs that were not easily worn. It was the 18th century when they were adopted more widely; however, at this point they were still luxury items that were valued extremely highly by all, and only owned by very wealthy individuals. At the end of the 18th century watches were being made that were less expensive but more crudely made – these were aimed at sailors and such people who were in need of an accessible pocket watch to tell time as part of their job.

Added to this, the internal movement method favoured today, in lever watches, was not used commonly until 1820. Up until this point, various different methods were used, most of which failed to keep time accurately over the course of a day or week, losing an hour or so per day by moving too quickly.

Manufacture

Pocket watches were hand made until more recently, with the Swiss being the most efficient makers until the Americans entered the market in the late 1800s. At this point, some American companies could turn out 50,000 usable watches each year, meaning that the Swiss had to change to producing accurate and precise watches instead of mass produced watches.
The two major styles of pocket watches are the open face watch, one which has no covering or casing to protect its face, and the Hunter-case watch, which has a spring-hinged metal lid or cover to protect the face of the watch.

Open face watches usually have their pendant attached at the twelve o’clock position, and their sub-second dial at the six o’clock position. Hunter-case watches of an antique pedigree have their lid hinges at the 9 o’clock position and their crown, stem and bow at 3 o’clock. More modern Hunter-case watches have their hinges at the 6 o’clock position, with the crown, stem and bow at 12 o’clock.

For the discerning wearer a pocket watch in modern world means ever bit as much as it has done throughout pocket watch history.

Simply stunning gold plated half hunter pocket watch featuring a blue coloured dial with roman numerals, period style hands and an open section at the 6 o’clock position showcasing the gorgeous movement.A second dial sits at the 9 o’clock position, while on the opposite side the moondial shows night and day. Fitted with a 17 jewel movement, has a plain back suitable for engraving and is supplied with a presentation box and chain.

One of the famous ‘WOODFORD’ brand (Established in 1860), this pocket watch has a mechanical movement in a traditional, half hunter case. The case is embossed with Roman numerals and has a glass at the centre so that the wearer can tell the time without having to open the watch. The watch has a separate 24 Hour dial, as well as showing the phases of the moon. The watch is supplied with a chain that enables the wearer to have it attached, via a ‘clip’, to his belt, so that he can carry it in his trouser pocket.

Gold plated half hunter pocket watch featuring a gold coloured dial with Roman numerals, period style hands and an open section at the 6 o’clock position showcasing the movement. A second dial sits at the 9 o’clock position, while on the opposite side the moondial shows night and day. Fitted with a 17 jewel movement, has a plain back suitable for engraving and is supplied with a presentation box and Albert.

Moon Phase pocket watches still remain a fabulous and desired accessory.

4.7×1.2cm

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Fast, Free UK Delivery

Size:4.7cm Diameter x 1.2cm

Movement:Mechanical

Material: Gold Plated

Stunning pocket watch in a gold plated polished full hunter style case. An elegant dial with large roman numerals, an outer dial marking the passing of the minutes, period hands and second dial at the 9 o’clock position completes this stylish watch. Fitted with a 17 jewel full size movement, supplied with a presentation box and chain.

• Size:5cm Diameter x 1.3cm
• Movement:Mechanical
• Material:Gold Plated

Free Delivery. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

• Gorgeous Obis style carriage clock in a solid brass case.
• Fitted with a finest quality 8 day mechanical movement – key wound
• High Quality Clock from Woodford, clockmakers since 1860.
• Featuring glass panels to the top, sides and back. Not to be confused with battery quartz clocks.
• Dimensions: 5.75″ x 3″ x 2.25″ (14.5cm x 8.2cm x 5.9cm)

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Free UK delivery. 1-2 days

• Beautiful Anglaise Grande style carriage clock in a solid brass case.
• Fitted with a finest quality 8 day mechanical movement – key wound
• High Quality Clock from Woodford, clockmakers since 1860.
• Featuring glass panels to the top, sides and back
• Dimensions: Total height including handle 16.5cm, width 9.8cm, depth 6.5cm
  Clock Case  (not including handle) is 13cm tall.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Free UK Delivery. 1-2 days

Types

There are two main types of barometers: liquid barometers and aneroid barometers. Each of this type has its own subclass.

The liquid barometer, as the first type, has gone through history virtually unchanged from the time Torricelli invented the barometer. The first subtype of the liquid barometer is the mercury barometer.

The clear glass tube that comprises the mercury barometer is sealed at one end and open on another end. This mercury-filled tube sits upside down in a reservoir that contains more mercury. It works as mercury is balanced against the atmospheric pressure or weight of the air. When mercury is lighter than air pressure, its level rises in the barometer which signals dry weather. If the mercury is heavier than air pressure, its level drops which means a wetter and windier weather.

 The water-based barometer is the second subtype of liquid barometers. These are safer alternatives to the mercury barometer, as mercury is still a harmful substance to have hanging around any home. They basically work within the same principles as that in mercury barometers. Water-based barometers are composed of sealed glass containers that hold colored water inside. As Torricelli discovered, the water level simply drops and rises as atmospheric pressure changes indicating changes in the weather too. The glass container has a spout that begins below the water line and rises above it. As low pressure system develops in an area where we can expect wetter and windier weather, the spout rises above the water line. On the contrary, as high pressure develops where we can expect cooler and drier weather, the water spout drops. Water-based barometers range in size from small kettle-like containers to world’s biggest Bert Bolle barometer towering 12 meters in height.

 Aneroid – the traveling barometer

Adaptable and compact, the aneroid barometer is easily transportable and is the model for the altimeter. This type of barometer is the preference of many because of its easy-to-read dials. Instead of having air pressure push down on any type of liquid like water or mercury, the aneroid barometer uses a sealed and air tight metal box inside. As the aneroid barometer is brought to different places with changes in the atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure then squashes the metal box inward or it expands or flexes outward. This is similar to the movement of the human lung as we breathe in and out.  This movement however is very minute and can’t even be easily noticed with the bare human eye. To address this, the aneroid barometer makes use of a spring to amplify the movement of the vacuumed metal box. This movement, through mechanisms, is then transferred to the dials on the face of the aneroid barometer. As the needle pointer moves clockwise, it is an indication that the atmospheric pressure is rising signaling a hotter and drier weather. When the aneroid barometer’s needle pointer moves counter-clockwise, it shows a drop in atmospheric pressure and that the weather is more likely to get cooler and wetter.

Lastly, the digital barometer is simply an aneroid barometer that has a digital interface. This type of barometer works by having an electronic pressure sensor measure the atmospheric pressure as it affects the vacuumed metal box inside. It has an analog-to-digital converter that translates mechanical movements into digital data which is then digitally displayed at the face of the barometer.

Different types of people may have different preference as to what type of barometer to use. Homeowners prefer wall mounted because of their aesthetical value more than their functions. Scientists, athlete mountaineers and the like prefer compact aneroid barometers, analog or digital, so they can use them while on the go. No matter what though, it is certain that barometers indeed are here to stay.