A first Christmas present is often as much for the family as for the baby. A thoughtful gift records a small moment they may not remember themselves: their name, the year and a message from someone who was there. Start by asking what the parents would enjoy keeping, rather than buying something simply because it says “first Christmas”.
Three ways to choose a first Christmas gift
A personalised story creates something to read together. A family photograph records the occasion. A short letter from a grandparent captures words that can be kept for later. You can choose one of these rather than combining everything into an expensive gift set. If you do combine them, make the book the reading gift and keep photographs or letters alongside it, rather than assuming they can be added to the printed pages.
What our first Christmas book includes
Baby’s First Christmas has options for the baby’s name, chosen illustrated character, dedication and Christmas year. Check the product page for current cover choices and examples. An illustrated character choice is not a photo portrait. Choose the available character you prefer, and check the sample pages so you understand the design before buying.
Choose a dedication that lasts
Write to the child rather than writing a product description. For example: “For [Name], on your very first Christmas. May there always be a story waiting for you. With love from Nana.” Include the giver’s name and, if helpful, the year. Avoid details you are not sure of, such as a nickname the parents do not use. Check the character limit on the book’s order form; a short message is easier to fit and read. Find more dedication ideas here.
A practical choice of format
Four printed formats are shown on the book page: A5 softcover, 21 cm square softcover, 21 cm square hardcover and 29.4 cm square hardcover. The compact book is easier to put in a small gift box; a square hardcover can be a choice for a family keepsake. The largest book takes more room on a lap and shelf. Check dimensions rather than judging scale from a mockup.
Softcover interiors are 150 gsm glossy paper; hardcover interiors are 200 gsm glossy paper. This is a paper storybook, not a board book or a baby toy. Read it with an adult and put it away between reading sessions. See our format comparison for more details. Current prices are listed on the product page, with UK delivery included.
What if there is an older sibling?
A first Christmas book can belong to the baby while an older child joins the reading. If you want both names in the same Christmas adventure, compare The Christmas Eve Lantern, which has one to four child options. Do not enter an extra child into a single-name field and assume the story will change: choose the title that supports your intended personalisation.
Before you order
Check the spelling with a parent, confirm which Christmas year to print, and select the format. Review the dedication exactly as you want it to appear. Product mockups show example books; the sample pages and order fields explain what your own copy will include. For a present from grandparents, see our grandparents’ gift guide.
Planning delivery
Allow time for personalisation, printing and postage. Our delivery page describes the current estimates; a preparation estimate alone is not an arrival promise. There is no guaranteed Christmas last-order date published here. If the gift must arrive before a family gathering, email us before ordering to discuss the deadline.
Quick questions
Can the baby read it independently?
This is a gift for shared reading and a family keepsake. A baby needs an adult to handle and read a paper book.
Does personalisation include a photograph?
No. The listed character options are illustrations. Our separate photo storybook is an Etsy product with its own ordering process.
Where can I compare other Christmas stories?
Our Christmas book guide compares the festive collection by occasion.