Here are some of the ideas suggested in response to a godparent’s plea for “an unusual, suitable, lasting gift”
Many readers liked the idea of a financial investment. “Why not a contribution to a trust-fund?” asked “Gran,” of Bellingen, N.S.W. “Education demands are really something these days and one cannot foresee actual needs.”
“Invest in some gilt-edged shares in his name,” said “Useful Gift,” of Granville, N.S.W. “These will gather a dividend every six months which should add to a tidy sum by the time the boy grows up.”
“Bank £1 or more in the baby’s name and give him the bank book,” said Mrs. J. M. Enright, of Maitland, N.S.W.; Mrs C. Cook, of Bendigo, Vic.; “Given To Me,” of Caulfield, Vic.; and Mrs S.G. Corney, of Westmead, N.S.W. The godparent could add to it for birthdays and Christmas, they also suggested.
Mrs. R. Webb, of The Grange, Qld., said “An unusual gift would be an insurance policy taken out on the child’s life, with small premiums paid weekly. This could result, when he is 18, in a nice start toward further education, a trip or a home. Or the gradual purchase of a block of land would be a good idea.” Suggestion of an insurance policy also came from Mrs. E. Dickson, of Seaholme, Vic.
From “Christening Gifts,” of Eden Hills, S.A.: “A good bookcase, and each year, add a book.” “A beautiful snap-shot album (with snaps),” from Mrs. N. Fletcher, of Blackheath, N.S.W.
“D.E.L.” of Flinders Park, S. A., would give an initialled, light-toned travelling rug, of good quality, to last for years.
A set of silver coins, dated for the year of his birth, was an extra gift given to her grandson by “Libran,” of South Cessnock, N.S.W. Mrs. C. Kolega, of Paddington, N.S.W., suggested an initialled brooch, useful for a baby and also for later as a tie-pin.
Bibles and prayerbooks were suggested by many readers, including Mrs. E. Marstaeller, of Coogee, N.S.W.; Mrs. F. Gunina, of Yarloop, W.A.; and Mrs. E. Gardner, of Ivanhoe, Vic.
“Buy him a good, well-bound book of Bible stories,” suggested Mrs. G. Fulford, of Campbelltown, N.S.W. Mrs. R. Robertson, of Taringa, Qld., settled for a copy of the children’s classic, “Winnie the Pooh,” by A .A. Milne.
Engraved gifts: Mrs. M. Kerr, of Dee Why, N.S.W.: Serviette ring; Mrs. G. McPherson, of Macarthur, Vic.: A dessertspoon, “Children’s cutlery is in use only a short time but a good spoon is always wanted.”
Mrs. I. Hoff, of North Essendon, Vic., suggests a pewter mug or cuckoo clock. Mrs. S. Mawer, of Bulli, N.S.W.; A musical clock. “I have one which plays ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf’ as an alarm,” she said.•
From Woman’s Day. Australia. August 2, 1965.
