Birth Day Presents

All around the Triangle a delightfully new tradition is taking hold - the baby Birth Day gift. Unlike the gifts for new moms that are all about baby, this gift is all about mom. Dads are bringing gifts into the labor or recovery room and are giving mom a special token to mark this incredibly important event.

"The "push present" is an old custom which has been growing in popularity in America, especially with new moms," says Billy Webster of Stonehaven Jewelry. "In the past we would sell a plain mother's ring for dads to give their wives for having a child. We now see the expecting mother getting the father involved, by letting him know about the tradition and giving him ideas. We are designing and hand making jewelry that is more modern and representative of today's mother. By doing custom designs using one of a kind pendants, rings and earrings; we have really changed the idea from the plain mothers ring to creating a fine piece of jewelry which can be worn forever."

"My wife worked so hard," says Mel Williams, the husband of Premier Baby and Child editor Corey Williams. "She carried the baby for more than nine months and did the hard work of labor. It's amazing to me. I was thrilled to give her a token that reflected my appreciation and admiration." Mel gave Corey a diamond necklace just hours after they welcomed their second child, Bennett, into the world.

"Not only can this present represent the birth, it's a piece of jewelry fine enough to give to a daughter or future daughter-in-law," says Billy. It can become a special heirloom for the family."

Planning ahead is important when preparing this type of gift. Custom jewelry can take from two to eight weeks lead-time. Because babies can arrive unexpectedly, the expecting father should ideally start the process in the second trimester. "If dad hasn't planned far enough ahead of time to have something custom made, he can still have something wonderful," says Billy. "We originally designed "Precious Gift" for my business partner's wife when she had her third child. It depicts a mother holding a child in a loving pose. And it can be customized with birthstones. It's exclusively available at Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery."

"The gift for bringing a child into the world has also influenced us at Stonehaven. My business partner Ron, had his third child in December and I had my first child in March. We designed a charm "Precious Gift" which is special to our hearts." It represents the mother and child in a loving, holding position. Many dads have also chosen to add the child's birthstone.