The birth of a child is not just a significant event, but a moment full of deep meaning, symbolism and traditions. Many parents and relatives seek not only to give something useful, but also to put into the gift a special meaning that will accompany the baby throughout his or her life. Many cultures have traditions of giving symbolic gifts that carry wishes of health, good luck and prosperity.
This is similar to the world of collecting: at first glance, an ordinary coin may seem like a simple object, but to the expert it has great historical and even financial value. For example, the 1964 silver dime value can vary depending on the preservation and rarity of the piece. Similarly, symbolic gifts - their value is determined not by their cost, but by their meaning and history.
Today we would like to look at the traditions of giving symbolic gifts for newborns in different countries, as well as give advice on how to choose a gift that will become not just a souvenir, but a real family heirloom.
For centuries, different cultures had their own traditions of giving meaningful objects to newborns. These gifts both remain as a keepsake and also believed to bring good luck, prosperity and protection to the child.
Silver Spoons: A Sign of Prosperity and Good Fortune
The phrase "born with a silver spoon in their mouth" is rooted in an old tradition where silver cutlery was given to newborns, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Silver is not just a luxury metal; it has long been associated with purity and protection from illness. Historically, wealthy families gifted silver spoons as a way to secure a child’s future, believing it would bring financial stability and success.
Even today, many parents cherish a silver spoon gifted at birth, sometimes engraving the baby’s name or birthdate on it. If you're considering a timeless and elegant gift, a personalized silver spoon is a wonderful keepsake.
Coins for Luck and Wealth
Another long standing tradition is gifting gold or silver coins to newborns for the same purpose - wishing all the best, prosperity and financial security. In many cultures, parents place a coin in a baby’s crib or hand them a gold coin on their naming day as a sign of future wealth.
For people who look to update this tradition, commemorative coins from the year of the baby’s birth make an excellent gift. These limited-edition coins can become cherished souvenirs (even increasing in value over time!)
Pro tip: Finding a rare or unique coin for a newborn’s birth year can be made easier with Coin ID Scanner. Due to the app you can in a few seconds identify, evaluate, and learn about commemorative coins, making sure you will select a truly special keepsake for the child.
Jewelry and Medallions: Personalized Options with Deep Meaning
Jewelry has always been a meaningful gift, especially for newborns and young children. Medallions, bracelets, and lockets are common gifts in many cultures, at the same time they are often engraved with religious symbols, guardian angels, or protective charms.
Lockets with a small photo or engraving can serve as a deeply personal gift that a child can wear when they grow older.
Bracelets with an initial or birthstone can symbolize the baby’s identity and heritage.
Religious pendants like crosses, the evil eye, or guardian angels are often gifted to newborns as protective talismans.
The key to choosing the perfect jewelry gift is a personalized approach. Adding a stone, initials or an engraved message to a child turns a simple piece of jewelry into a meaningful present that will be cherished for a lifetime.
The tradition of giving meaningful gifts to newborns is deeply rooted in cultures worldwide and each country has its own unique customs that have been passed down through generations. These traditions reflect the values of a society, as well as the deep-seated belief that a child's future can be positively influenced by the right blessings at birth.
In Scandinavian cultures, protection is a key theme in newborn gifting. Historically, protective amulets made from iron, silver, or wood were given to babies to get rid of bad luck and evil spirits. Viking-era families believed that runes carved into these charms would bring strength, wisdom, and good fortune to the child.
Even today, modern Scandinavian parents often receive symbolic pendants engraved with protective symbols or their baby’s initials. These minimalist yet meaningful gifts align with Nordic design principles - simple, functional, and rich in heritage.
Fun Fact: In Sweden, parents traditionally receive a small silver coin when their baby is born. The coin is meant to be kept in the baby’s room as a sign of future wealth and prosperity, a tradition that echoes those of many other cultures.
The French are always characterized by elegance and craftsmanship, and their newborn gifting traditions are no exception. A particularly refined custom in France is the silver baby rattle, which has been a traditional birth gift for centuries. Originally, these rattles were made by hand by master silversmiths and were considered a symbol of aristocracy.
Today, luxury brands in France continue to create high-end silver rattles, often engraved with the baby’s name or birthdate. While modern parents may opt for softer, safer rattles, silver rattles retain a cherished souvenir, passed down through generations.
India: Gold Things to Symbolize Prosperity
In India, gold jewelry is one of the most significant gifts for a newborn. It is customary for family members to give tiny gold bangles, earrings, or necklaces to infants, as gold symbolizes wealth, good fortune, and protection. Here people believe that gold both secures the child’s financial future but also brings positive energy into their life.
In Hindu culture, some families also perform the Annaprashan ceremony, marking a baby’s first solid food intake. During this event, a baby may receive gold or silver coins as part of the blessing ritual, adding the idea of prosperity and abundance.
Tip: If you’re considering giving gold jewelry as a gift, opt for simple and adjustable pieces that the child can wear as they grow. Many jewelers create expandable bangles and necklaces designed specifically for infants.
In Russia and other Eastern Orthodox countries, religious blessings play a significant role in a newborn’s early life. It is common for godparents to gift a cross pendant to the child during baptism, signifying protection and faith.
Another traditional gift is a small religious icon, usually depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a patron saint of the family. These icons are often placed in the baby’s crib or room to offer spiritual protection throughout childhood.
Interesting fact: Many Russian families pass down religious icons as family heirlooms, making them one of the most meaningful gifts one can receive at birth. Some of these icons are even decorated with gold or silver leaf as a sign of purity and divine blessing.
Selecting a gift for a newborn or parents-to-be can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Below you may find some simple tips to help you choose the perfect gift.
Consider family traditions. One thoughtful attitude to choosing a gift is to consider the family’s cultural or personal traditions. In case you are not sure about these traditions, just ask the parents if they have any special customs you should know about.
Personalize it. Personalizing a gift is one of the best ways to make it feel unique and meaningful. Adding the baby’s name, birthdate, or a special message to an item transforms it into a sentimental keepsake. You can personalize items like silver spoons, medallions, or storybooks where the baby's name appears in the story.
Choose long-lasting gifts. While trendy baby gifts like clothing or toys are fun, they don’t stand the test of time. A gift that has lasting value -something the child or family can treasure for years - is the perfect choice. Think about giving gold or silver coins, expandable jewelry, or handmade quilts. If you are close to the family, consider giving a family heirloom, e.g., a book, piece of jewelry, or a framed photo, i.e. something that has sentimental value.
Choosing a symbolic gift for a newborn is not just an act of generosity, but a real investment in the baby's future. Such a gift will be a reminder of care and love throughout life, so choose the option with all your heart and remember that the most valuable thing in a gift is not its value, but the deep symbolism and personal meaning it carries.
