Empire Silver Sterling Silver One Handle Keepsake Baby Cup

If a baby cup in real sterling silver can be called practical, this is it. The wide mouth, large flat base, and waisted design make this glittering bit of highchair luxury easy to use and hard to spill. In addition, the distinct lip at the rim makes it even easier to drink from and harder to drop. Even the decorative handle turns out to be quite practical. Of course, baby will throw and bash this "heirloom" just as much as a plastic substitute--perhaps more, because it's so delightfully shiny--so parents should not expect durability, unless their plans involve a locked display case. Which may be appropriate, given the fact that a couple of dozen adequate plastic cups could be purchased for less money. --Richard Farr