Presents for Baby

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 5, Issue 5, 1 November 1926, Page 49

Presents for Baby

Some Flints on the Choice of Suitable Gifts

In these practical days gifts to a tiny baby are frequently useful articles to supplement his trousseau or toilet equipment. Fifty years ago every baby was given a string of coral to go round his small neck. This was a “lucky” present; but the baby of 1926, unless he has come to a family where traditional superstitions arc still honoured, rarely receives a coral necklace. When choosing a brooch, be sure the clasp is really a safety clasp, and see that it has no sharp angles, or the baby may be badly scratched. Gifts for the baby’s trousseau should be chosen with some regard to the provision already made by the mother. The basket and cot arc usually ready for baby’s use, but dainty accessories in the way of powder boxes and tiny hair brushes are welcome gifts. The perambulator is usually bought a little later, and a delightful present for baby is a coverlet which may be either a

light and dainty affair for present use or a warm cover of wool, downfilled silk, or fur, for use in the winter. A pillow case of fine muslin, hand-embroidered and edged with narrow Valenciennes lace, is another useful gift.

For Faby’s Wardrobe

r I 'o choose gifts for baby’s wardrobe is a delightful occupation. The baby linen shops have such pretty little frocks, coats, bonnets and boots. A present that would adorn any baby and greatly please his mother is a pair of tiny white mocassins, softly lined and bordered with white rabbit fur and tied in front with blue ribbon. Little woolly boots are pretty, too, and less expensive to buy. A soft lacy shawl of Shetland wool is a most useful gift for baby, who will enjoy, although he cannot tell you, the cosy comfort it provides.

A summer baby does not need so many woollies, and a charming gift is a hand-knitted matinee jacket and hat or bonnet of silk, trimmed, perhaps, with borderings of brushed rabbit wool. In former years one would hesitate to give anything but white baby garments. Now, however, when mothers like to dress quite tiny babies in pale pink and blue, one is not so restricted. Delicate-coloured frocks in knitted wool or silk are welcome gifts for the short-coated baby. A silver rattle is often presented to a baby long before he is able to interest himself in its brightness and jingle. It is, however, a more lasting gift than clothes which baby grows out of, and is chosen for this reason. Godparents and close relatives usually bring the child something that will endure beyond his babyhood. A small silver porringer is a suitable christening gift, and small silver spoons and forks are frequently given.

Family treasures in the way of old lace or embroidered shawls arc sometimes presented for the baby's wear at his christening.