A dictionary check reveals an heirloom is something of sentimental – and occasionally, monetary – value passed down from generation to generation. Other definitions elaborate that heirlooms are similar to birthrights…considered an inseparable facet of family inheritance.
Sadly, many people never received an heirloom baby gift; but chances are they treasure something given to them by their grandparents, or something that belonged to their grandparents that they cherish now as adults.
Who says that mama-to-be cannot intentionally select an item for her baby and kick-start her own family tradition? Whether making a purchase for your own pumpkin, or seeking a shower-gift extraordinaire, here are ten helpful tips:
1. An heirloom baby gift doesn't have to be expensive, just special.
2. Anything hand-made makes a wonderful keepsake baby gift.
3. When making heirloom baby gifts make sure they are marked, engraved or inscribed saying something like, "Hand-Made for Adam by His Mommy.”
4. If you aren't a crafty person and you don't make things, buy heirloom baby gifts that can be engraved such as a piece of jewelry, a wood or metal trinket box, photo frame, piggy bank or something similar and have it engraved to say something like, "To Ashley, with all our love, Mama and Dada.”
5. Have a quilt made and embroidered with a special message. Quilts make wonderful heirloom baby gifts, especially if they are personalized.
6. Hand-written family stories, family trees or family photo albums are exceptional heirloom baby gifts.
7. A monogrammed Bible with a hand-written message from the giver of the heirloom baby gift is incredibly special.
8. Shadow boxes for displaying special things like the baby announcement, baby's first pacifier, baby's first toy, baby's first booties, the going-home-from-the-hospital outfit, or the baby's christening gown are truly cherished as heirloom baby gifts.
9. A christening gown or something special that was used by someone else in the family, like the baby's parents or grandparents, is a wonderful heirloom baby gift. Don't be disappointed if the new parents prefer for the baby to have a new one, the keepsake baby gift will still be appreciated even if the baby doesn't wear it.
10. A baby heirloom gift that is very special for an entire family is a photo album or photo frame with baby pictures of grandparents, parents, the new baby and his or her siblings. This is something that can be added to throughout the baby's life. For instance, you may have baby pictures of each person, pictures of each person's first birthday, first school picture, graduation photo, and wedding picture.
Be creative when creating keepsake baby gifts. Heirloom baby gifts will be undoubtedly be cherished by future generations to come.
c. 2008, courtesy of AboutBabyGifts.com. All rights reserved.