Celebrate Birth – Boy or Girl – with a Star Named in Their Honour
Explore how stars have long been linked to birth and new life, and learn how OSR’s star-naming gifts make a unique way to celebrate the arrival of a boy or girl.
The arrival of a new baby is one of those rare moments when time seems to stand still. Whether it’s the birth of a boy or girl, a first child, a new sibling or a long-awaited addition to the family, you want to mark the occasion with something that feels as special as they are.
Prams, baby grows and toys all have their place, but if you’re looking for a gift that will still mean something many years from now, naming a star for the newborn might be exactly what you’re after.
Key Takeaways
- Lasting keepsake: Clothes and toys are quickly outgrown, but a star name will always be part of their story.
- Perfect for any birth – boy or girl: It’s a modern, inclusive gift that suits any family.
- Deeply personal: You choose the name, date of birth and constellation, and add your own message.
- Ideal for long-distance friends and relatives: Easy to order and gift, even if you can’t visit in person.
- Beautiful presentation: Certificates, star maps and tools like the OSR Star Finder App turn the night sky into their personal keepsake box.
Traditional vs Modern New Baby Gifts
Traditional baby gifts tend to fall into two categories: practical (nappies, muslins, clothes) and decorative (soft toys, nursery decor). These are all super useful in the early years, but they don’t always last.
By contrast, a star gift is a symbolic and long-term present. It doesn’t compete with the essentials the parents need, and it doesn’t rely on guesswork about sizes, colours or personal tastes. Instead, it gives the family something they can return to again and again:
- A star they can point out in the sky as the child grows
- A certificate to keep safe with baby photos and first milestones
- A story the child will one day tell their own friends or family
It’s a way of saying, “You were loved and celebrated from the very beginning,” in a language that goes beyond baby clothes and toys.
How to Name a Star for a Newborn with Online Star Register
The process of naming a star for a new baby is simple and surprisingly fun. With Online Star Register, it looks something like this:
- Choose the star gift option
Decide whether you’d like a digital Online Star Gift, a printed OSR Gift Pack, or a deluxe Super Star Gift. Think about whether you’ll be present when the gift is opened, or if you’ll be sending it by post. - Enter the baby’s details
You’ll choose the star’s name (often the baby’s full name, a nickname, or a meaningful word), the date of birth, and sometimes a short personal message. This information appears on the certificate. - Pick a constellation
Choose the constellation you would like to name a star in. There’s a few different options you can consider here:- The baby’s zodiac constellation
- A constellation visible from their birthplace at certain times of year
- A particularly recognisable pattern such as Orion, Ursa Major or Cassiopeia
- Complete the registration
Once it’s processed, the star is recorded in the Online Star Register with coordinates and your chosen details. - Receive the gift pack
Your receiver will get a digital or physical certificate, as well as access to the OSR Star Finder App. Parents can use these to locate the star and explore the night sky with their child as they grow.
It’s a straightforward process, but the result is a gift that feels thoughtful, considered and permanent.
Ideas for Star Names
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Part of the fun of a star gift is choosing the name. For a new baby, there are plenty of directions you can go in:
- Baby’s full name
The simplest option, and ideal if the name has family history or cultural meaning. - Nicknames and pet names
If the baby is already known as “Little Bear”, “Peanut” or “Starling”, you can lean into that. - Name meanings
Many names have meanings tied to light, hope, strength or nature. You could reflect that in the star’s name or in your message. - Shared siblings’ names
You can create a small “family constellation” by naming multiple stars after siblings, cousins or twins.
How to Present a Star Gift at a Baby Shower or Naming Ceremony
The way you present the star gift can be just as meaningful as the gift itself:
- Frame the certificate so it’s ready to hang in the nursery.
- Include a handwritten letter explaining why you chose the star, its name and constellation.
- Create a “welcome to the universe” bundle with the star gift, a children’s book about space, and a cosy blanket.
- Reveal it during a toast at a baby shower, naming ceremony or small family gathering, reading your message aloud.
The key is to make the parents feel seen, supported and celebrated, and to show that you’ve put thought into something that will last.
A Keepsake That Grows Up with Them
The early months of a baby’s life pass in a blur of feeds, naps (hopefully) and first milestones. Gifts like clothes and toys are important, but they come and go. A named star, on the other hand, quietly waits in the background, ready to be rediscovered when the child is old enough to look up and ask questions about the night sky.
For any birth – boy or girl – a star gift offers something rare: a way to connect the moment they arrived with the wider universe, and a symbol that can travel with them for the rest of their lives. Years from now, they’ll be able to say, “That’s my star. Someone named it for me when I was born”.
FAQs
Is naming a star a suitable gift for a newborn?
Yes. While the baby won’t appreciate it straight away, the star becomes a keepsake for the whole family, and later a story and tradition for the child as they grow.
Can I include a personal message?
Absolutely. With services like Online Star Register, you can add a personalised message that appears on the certificate or in the accompanying documents. This is a great place to share your wishes for the baby’s future.
Will parents need special equipment to find the star?
Not necessarily. Star maps, online tools and apps make it much easier to locate the star, often just by pointing a smartphone at the sky. A telescope can enhance the experience, but it isn’t essential.
Can I name stars for more than one child?
Yes. Many families like to name one star for each child or grandchild, creating a small “family of stars” within the night sky. Choosing related constellations can add a nice touch.
Is this gift appropriate for any family, regardless of gender?
Definitely. A star gift is not tied to traditional “boy” or “girl” colours or stereotypes. It works beautifully for any baby and any family, including those who prefer a more gender-neutral or modern approach to gifts.
