And for the newborn baby...an ostrich egg?

For all I know, this could be a tradition in many parts of the world, and it's only me that's never heard of it. Do enlighten me if that's the case.

The idea? Purchase this nifty silver-embellished ostrich egg; write a thought or a wish on a scrap of paper, and stuff it inside. Engrave a name or a word on the silver medallion if you wish - and it's a christening present.

On 'some future day' says the website, 'the lucky child will discover all those messages hidden inside'. The day they break it, presumably. Perhaps that's the point: a moment of being aghast that you've shattered your expensive gift (even though, secretly, you've always thought it was a little odd) turns to joy as you realise it was always intended, and you've cracked - literally - the code.

Well, I'm left slightly bewildered, but there you are. If this is a tradition that appeals to you, this ostrich egg awaits at a mere 295 Euros (approx US$ 465).