Welcoming a baby into the family is a joyous event. A new baby brings new and special meaning to that first Christmas. If you’ve got a family member or friend on your gift list, with a new baby in the household, you want to acknowledge that baby in a sentimental way, reflecting your appreciation of the family’s new addition. Toys and clothing are of a more practical bent, but baby won’t be able to enjoy such gifts for some time to come. Carefully chosen keepsake baby Christmas gifts can provide memories that last for decades. Here are five ideas for terrific baby Christmas gifts that are guaranteed to make a hit with parents and baby alike.

While baby is yet too young to even know a gift has been received, as baby grows into a toddler, young child and later emerges as an adolescent, he or she will realize that you were thinking of, and loving them as soon as they were born. This is the magic of the keepsake baby Christmas gift.

Collectible Christmas tree ornaments make wonderful keepsake gifts. These ornaments typically are dated with the year. When baby’s four or five years old, seeing that ornament on the family Christmas tree is a child’s delight. Some of these collectible ornaments allow you to insert a picture of your baby, making this gift all the more special. This ornament can be passed down to the next generation!

Handmade baby quilts and pillows, personalized with baby’s name and birth date, are also cherished baby Christmas gifts which never go out of style, or become outdated. If you’re not handy with yarn or needle and thread, pay a visit to your local craft shop or quilter’s club. You can hire someone to make a beautiful memento of this type.

Here’s a baby Christmas gift that’s sure to be a hit: do a search of newspaper archives for notable events which occurred on the day baby was born. You’ll naturally want to keep an upbeat focus. Be on the lookout for historic events, celebrity birthdays, inventions and little-known facts. Put it all together in a photo album that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Music boxes and snow globes fascinate children. Look for something really special, suitable in the long term. Disney classics are a good example. While these are great children’s gifts, they also carry over into adulthood … kids never outgrow their fascination with these baby Christmas gifts. Again, these are gifts that can be passed on to the next generation.

A beautifully illustrated children’s bible story book is perhaps the perfect keepsake baby Christmas gift. Celebrating the birth of Jesus, and this baby, you’re giving spiritual nourishment that this child can enjoy over and over again.

When you’re shopping for baby Christmas gifts, think in the long term. That baby’s going to grow up. Give a gift that speaks through all of those years. Merry Christmas!