What better gift for a new baby than a baby rattle? Babies have played with rattles since ancient times. At first the toys were meant for adults, who rattled them to keep evil spirits away from children. By the Middle Ages, the rattle, often attached to a handle made of coral to chew when teething, was a popular toy among aristocrats.

In the United States, hollow clay figures shaped like birds or dogs were made with small balls inside that would rattle. These, too were often meant for adults to shake. Clay is too easily broken and unsafe for a baby.

By the 1800s, the famous silversmith Paul Revere and others were making silver rattles that also could be chewed. In the early 20th century, Tiffany's, the famous New York company, made sterling-silver rattles as baby gifts. Silver baby gifts like feeding spoons and special dishes are still being made. Collectors like all types of baby-related items.

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