When there is a new addition to the family, finding the right gift can be difficult, especially when you are keen to break away from staple gifts such as clothing or toys.  Now Personal Presents, the leading providers of personalised gifts online, are encouraging gift givers everywhere to go Dutch for the perfect gift.  Journalist Tina Clough went to find out more....

Encouraging gift givers to invest in one of their Delft Birthplates, the team at Personal Presents believe that they have not only captured part of Holland’s artistic heritage but are able to offer something truly unique.

The range, which earns its name from the Dutch city of Delft where the style of the ceramics (and the clay used to make them) first came from, is a traditional art which stretches back to as early as the 17^th century and is regarded as part of Holland’s artistic heritage. The artists that carry on the legacy to present day have spent most of their working lives seeing the strong and steady demand for these plates.

Just like a newborn, the journey from conception to production is crucial; the birthplates are made with a fresh mould. After this, each plate is hand-painted with the greatest care and accuracy, to include details of the birth including the baby’s name, place of birth and weight. One of the most charming details featured on the plate is the traditional clock on the wall, which is set to the time of the baby’s birth. The plates are only painted by highly-trained artists, who each have their own style, which really adds to the uniqueness of the piece. This painstaking process takes place over an average period of five to six weeks, after which your plate will be sent to you.

Phil Hertel, from the firm who also offer christening gifts and personalised anniversary gifts said, “The Delft range has always been a popular product for us because it is so unique and different to all of the other items out there, and of course, it’s highly personal, as it’s entirely bespoke. It may take a while longer to receive, but it is definitely worth the wait.”

Steeped in sentimental value, the pieces are sure to become family heirlooms that can be passed on from generation to generation. And because so much effort and culture goes into making them, they possess artistic value of the highest standard.

Cheap imitations are available on the internet, produced en masse, but lack the authenticity of the original Delft tradition and often leave customers disappointed. Customers buying from Personal Presents can be sure to receive the real thing, authenticated by a unique serial number, painted on the back of the plate.

Testimonials on the site prove that the Delftware has become a ritual for many families who wish to commemorate new members, whether it be children, grandchildren or other.

Mr Hertel added, “The tradition is not strictly just for newborns – it is also a common custom to have a plate made for new additions to the family by marriage, and many of our customers order plates for their new son or daughter-in-law as a way of welcoming them into their family. This is a great sentimental tradition, and would make the perfect gift.”