Sterling Silver and Silver Plated Gift Ideas for a New Baby

Sterling silver or its less expensive counterpart, silver plate is a classic gift for a new baby that continues to be enjoyed through the years and can easily be passed on to a future generation to treasure. Although silver does take maintenance because of tarnishing, over time it also takes on a beautiful patina.

Silver Tooth Fairy Box

Tooth fairy boxes add a touch of charm to the long established tradition of leaving a lost tooth for the tooth fairy to claim and leave a gift in exchange. The small teeth sometimes get lost under a pillow much to the dismay of a small child anticipating a surprise from the tooth fairy. A tooth fairy box keeps the lost tooth safe until the tooth fairy makes her magic appearance to take the treasure. The sterling silver versions are a nice small décor item on a dresser top or shelf and are more formal than many other styles.

Silver Piggy Bank

Although piggy banks were originally made of clay, there are many other options available now. A silver piggy bank is an elegant way to save spare change and start to teach a growing child about money management. Add the child's engraved initials or first name to indentify it as her personal property to keep siblings from claiming it.

Silver Spoon

A small-bowled silver baby spoon is not only a beautiful sterling silver gift but a functional one as well. It will get plenty of use while the child is small. They are available in patterns that match a family silver setting or with characters or animals on the handles. Another similar choice would be a two-piece set with matching baby or toddler spoon and fork. To personalize either gift choice, get an engraver to add the child's name or initials on the handles. If you only add the last name or initial on the engraving, the child can pass it on as a surname family heirloom to any relative with the same name or initial.

Silver Rattle

Sterling silver baby rattles can be found in many shapes and sizes ranging from the classic ball and long handle to shapes such as duckies or bears. For gift givers with bigger budgets, antique rattles are beautiful gifts. The metal is safe for babies and stands up to sucking and banging. After the child has outgrown the rattle, tie a red or green ribbon around it and turn it into a Christmas tree ornament. That extends its use and makes it into a treasured family tradition to add to the tree each year. Get one for every baby who joins the family so they have a special baby ornament on the tree.

Whether you choose sterling silver or silver plated gifts, one of these ideas is sure to be a long lasting and classic baby gift idea.