You guys! I am kind of a total heathen and so I’d never actual been to a Christening in my life, but knew what one was from watching The Office. I was invited to one being held for my friend’s daughter yesterday. Unfortunately, I was in a bit of a pickle and had no idea what to give as a gift. I didn’t have time to run to the bank and do a savings bond, nor did I feel like shoving cash in an envelope like I do for every other life event. And so, I really got to thinking about things that are special to me — and since I figured wine would be inappropriate for a 14 week old baby, books on the other hand can be really meaningful. Thankfully, trusty old twitter was there to advise me and I ended up with several books to put in the most adorable glittery pink polka dot gift bag.
Here’s what I bought and what I hope the baby will grow to love:
Thank You, God For Loving Me by Max Lucado
“Little Hermie and the baby bug garden friends teach little ones about God’s love for them.
God loves all of His creatures. Little Hermie explores all of the ways God loves him and his friends in this sweet board book with glitter on the cover.
With over 5.5 million brands units sold, the new Little Hermie books open the wonderful world of the Hermie & Friends garden to an entirely new audience.”
– Goodreads description
Why’d I include it: Basically the caterpillars were SUPER cute and someone on Twitter recommended it.
Baby’s Hug-A-Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Claudine Gevry
“A Bible you can hug! In this soft and cuddly book, little ones will find a collection of ten favorite Bible stories in rhyme, filled with comforting truths and promises. Keep God’s word close to baby’s heart in this perfect introduction for the very young to the stories of the Bible and to God’s great love for them.”
–Goodreads description
Why’d I get it: You guys! This book has like fur on the cover and it’s soft and you can pet it. Also! Lion and lamb! How cute, right?
Baby’s First Book Of Prayers by Melody Carlson
“With delightful artwork and a padded, foil-stamped and embossed cover, “Baby’s First Book of Prayers” features over 40 simple rhyming prayers that cover every aspect of a baby’s world. Full color.”
–Goodreads description
Why’d I include it: I find the green color of the cover soothing. Also, because a Christening is apparently a religious event, I figure you cannot go wrong getting a child friendly book of prayers.
Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury
“With lighthearted illustrations and a sweet, reflective tone, best-selling author Karen Kingsbury encourages parents to savor not only their children’s “firsts”–like first steps and first words–but the “lasts” as well. With the tenderness of a mother speaking directly to her child, Karen reminds us not to miss last days of kindergarten and last at bats in Little League amidst the whirlwind of life. Adapted from a poem in “Rejoice, ” mothers and grandmothers everywhere will identify with the tenderhearted reflections in “Let Me Hold You Longer.” An ideal gift book for special occasions from baby showers to graduations.”
–Goodreads description
Why’d I include it: Honestly, someone recommended it to me on twitter and then I read the description and thought YES my friend would love this. I also like the message that you should savor the lasts in life as well. It just seems like an overall great book to include in the gift bag.
God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant
“When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her Mama a very important question–one that little “human cubs” often wonder about, too: “Where did I come from?”
As Mama bear tucks her youngest cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: “We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because—God gave us you.”
Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime or anytime, God Gave Us Youprovides a valuable opportunity to build children’s self-esteem every day and assure each one that he or she truly is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from the Lord.”
–Goodreads Description
Why did I include it: Let’s be real here, you all know me and how I am a total mag pie. I saw that book cover of the polar bears cuddling and was like YES OMG GET IN MY BASKET because it’s kind of the cutest thing ever, am I right? Also, I love the idea of a building a child’s self-esteem and assuring them that they are treasured. And what better way to do that than with a book?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault Board Book
“A told B, and B told C, I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree. In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the cocunut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no – Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom! The well-known authors of Barn Dance and Knots on a Counting Rope have created a rhythmic alphabet chant that rolls along on waves of fun. Lois Ehlert’s rainbow of bright, bold, cheerful colors makes the merry parade of letters unforgettable.”
– Goodreads Description
Why did I include this: Basically this is the only book I’ve read out of the bunch and you know I still have fond memories of it. I think that because the other books are religious in tone there is room for at least one non-religious book. And! Lucky me I found a board book edition of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Also, I totally didn’t know if the kid already had Where The Wild Things Are, Make Way For Ducklings or other various picture books. My gut told me to grab this one though, and I think I can totally trust my instincts.
My questions for you:
- How do you find appropriate good, from the heart gifts for life events that are outside your realm of experience?
- What books would you include in a baptism/Christening gift bag?
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I love giving books to kids. I get to use all my knowledge of children’s books which is fun. Of course, there are always so many books that I love that it’s difficult to just choose a few. I’m only familiar with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom here, though. It’s a favorite.
I love when work knowledge comes into use. Yeah! It’s so hard picking out the perfect books for someone and then I end up wanting to get them all of the books.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is THE BEST.
brb adding all of these to the Nubby wish-list!
Hurrah!
Love this! You did a fantastic job for not really knowing what to choose!
Thanks! Luckily I had some good advice from twitter. 🙂
I love giving books as presents! I usually try to find something that I think will appeal to the people I love, and hopefully induce them to read since a lot of them don’t. I’m always excited to give books to my little cousin (who’s as voracious a reader as I am, thank goodness!) and my little goddaughter/niece (who’s starting to be a bookworm and I am SO PROUD of her for that).
But I love your selection, especially the Bible, because they’re really cute!
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i really liked your blog… and thanx for the suggestions about baby gifts…
love to go for them.. also take a look on christening gift ideas, new born baby gifts
If you go to a Christian shop there are plenty of religious baby things e.g. they have a religious memory baby book to put all their photos and information about their Christening up to their 1 st birthday, some even have it till they go to school. They also have Baby’s First Bible which is fantastic, I got one for my son, and I know he can’t read it yet but it’s just good to know he had a bible from the day he was born.
I’d like to ask for your suggestion, I want to start building my son’s library, I’ve already got a bookshelf to match his manchester in his nursery LOL what books would you suggest?