Godparenting.

I have had the incredible honor over the last year to become the godmother to TWO adorable babies, George and Rhett.  In the Catholic tradition, the godparents are kind of a big deal (brushing my shoulder off), and aside from being incredibly touched that two sets of dear friends/family think highly enough of me that they believe I can steer their boys in their faith and support them however they need, and aside from the fact that I am seriously looking forward to building life-long, sturdy relationships with both of the boys, I was also a wee bit excited to have the opportunity to shop for some adorable baby things.  Let the spoiling begin!  If any of you are becoming godparents, or if you have close friends/family expecting un bebe, let me share some of my finds…below, my top 10 gift ideas for a new little one…with a huge caveat that I’ve never had a child so I have no idea if these are actually practical.

First up, some good Baptism gifts: I’ve given several babies religiously-oriented reading books — I think I’ve actually given four or five sets of parents a combo of this, this, and this, and have heard from a few of the parents that they try to read from them every night!  I had wanted to give a baby’s Bible away but couldn’t find any that were non-tacky looking.

I’ve also had this little christening dish inscribed with my nephew’s name and Baptism date, and the priest used it during the ceremony.  I also considered this little engraved dish.

Mr. Magpie and I love the idea of giving classic toys as gifts — we can’t wait until the godsons are big enough to, for example, order them a classic Radio Flyer wagon ($139) or sled ($91).

Speaking of sleds — for those friends living in colder climates (ahem, Chicago), I’ve heard that these 7 AM cocoon things ($189) are fab.

I wish I’d seen these little customizable booties ($32) in time, but how precious?!

Sapling Toys has all kinds of great, classic wood toys — I’ve bought a few teethers for friends from here — but this little rocking horse ($120) is the ultimate.  (How 21st century is this teether, BTW? #yikes)

OK, NOW we’re getting to my favorite topic: clothing.  I don’t know the children’s clothing scene too well, but even from afar, I have a sense that the super well-heeled babies (think princesses in European countries and the elite of the UWS in NYC) wear Jacadi and Bonpoint, French labels whose wares cost more than I usually spend on my own clothes.  But still, for a godchild?  That you spoil?  Maybe some exceptions can be made.

+I mean, doesn’t every baby need a cashmere lounge suit? ($295?  Yes, you read the price right).

+In case you have a JFK Jr baby on your hand, these little john johns ($89) are de rigeur.  Also, Jacadi is having a HUGE sale right now, so these are marked down to $34!

+Embroidered dress ($185).

+Little ruffle butt ($76, on sale for $31)!

Other spots to check out if the parents are into these preppy looks for the wee ones: Beaufort Bonnet Company, Neck and Neck, and Baby Braithwaite.

These little sleep sacks from DeBuci Baby come in the greatest prints ($95).  The store also sells bedding!

Also over the top: these Hermes booties ($415!!!).  But you could get these (also Hermes, shown below) for $130.  Still ridiculous, but how freaking precious?

Great places to find unusual prints for baby clothing — i.e., not just GapBaby: Hanna Anderson ($38),  Polarn O Pyret ($28), and Rachel Riley ($55).  Also: for hipster babies, check out the prints at Winter Water Factory (these are awesome).

Finally, if you want to go very Catholic, how adorable are these saint dolls?  Pretty precious, especially if the saint name happens to coincide with the godchild’s name.