Bit naff or thoughtful?

[sherrardk]

When my grandfather was alive he always bought his newly arrived great grandchildren a silver birth certificate holder (which he got engraved). Whilst it was not the most practical of gifts as it ruins the birth certificates it is something he did for all of them. My bother had his first child last week and I am not sure if he would appreciate the thought of his daughter receiving one of these as a gift (she is the first child born in the family since my granddad died). My brother is very sentimental but I want to give a really nice present (because my brother is lovely).

[cazzz1975]

I think that sounds like a lovely idea!

[cathfromsaron]

awwww! lovely memorial! why not carry the tradition on! x

[vodkancoke]

I think it's a lovely idea too. Someone has to carry on the tradition, so why not let it be you. Not naff at all. :)

[askyourgran]

My Nana always bought a Sovereign Coin for the newest baby, to show the year they were born. I like the old tradition of grandparents' gifts although I haven't heard of a birth certificate holder before. I carried on with my Nan's gifts and bought a sovereign for my grand-daughter when she was born.

[sherrardk]

He started doing this after my gran died, so some of them were retrospective gifts - and he had lots of great grandchildren. Just between myself and my three siblings we have got thirteen children (so far - my brother might have more).

[scotman]

I have no idea what you are referring to. How does this thing ruin the certificate?

[sherrardk]

Hi Scotman - it a silver tube thing and it makes the birth certificate all curly! Felt we should use ours and then when we needed the birth certificates they were really difficult to get out and the edges got all scuffed.

[welshlibranr]

I'd certainly keep up this tradition sher, sure your brother will appreciate it!.........

[rsvp]

family traditions are very important - keep this one going.

[boxtops]

In our family, we buy the new baby a coin set for the year of their birth, from the Royal Mint. That's a keepsake, without needing to affect the birth certificate - could you do something like that instead?

[sherrardk]

Hi all - I think the birth certificate thing is a tiny bit naff (sorry grampy) but my brother is soooo sentimental that I hope he will really appreciate it. (Don't expect the others put their actual birth ctificates in the damn things - the edges are really quite sharp.)