If I were going to purchase a Nativity Set to keep as a cherished tradition and bring out of storage each holiday season, I’d choose this one from Haba. All of the figures are made from beechwood, so they are not only sturdy but safe for children to handle. This would be a great tool to teach your child the story of Christmas, as he can move the figures and play with them without realizing he’s learning at the same time. The Nativity Set includes a manger with a star, Mary, the Christ child, Joseph, a shepherd, a lying sheep,a standing sheep, a donkey, an ox, an angel, King Balthasar, King Melchoir, King Caper, two palm trees, a lying camel, a standing camel, and a camel herder.

You can purchase the Haba Nativity Set for $97.50 at HunkyDoryOnline.com. This may sound expensive, but when you think of the many years of holiday memories it will help build, I think it’s well worth the price.

I’ve mentioned before how tough it can be to find Christening gifts for babies. However, there’s a whole line of things appropriate for the blessed little one at SpiffyBaby.com. I favor Baby’s First Bible in Cotton Eyelet Cover. Made by Elegant Baby, it comes in a gift box, which is perfect for those of us who have two left hands when it comes to wrapping, and can be a keepsake for a child’s lifetime.

Done with care, the Bible itself is just as pretty as the eyelet cover and handy for Sunday service to boot. For a great price of $15.95, the 5.5 x 3” Bible and cover make a Christening gift that won’t soon be forgotten.