Welcoming a new baby is a big transition for everybody, including (or especially) the newly designated older child. Many families find big sibling gifts are a way to help ease that transition and help celebrate their new roles as big brothers and sisters.
From toys that help teach them about caring for a newborn, to activities that keep them busy, and keepsakes commemorating the special occasion, here are some great gift ideas for you (or the new baby) to give to older siblings to help jumpstart that special bond.
Personalized Backpack
Minted makes these beautiful personalized backpacks that you can fill with snacks, coloring books, puzzles, a big sibling book, and other quiet activities to create a fun 'Big Bro' or 'Big Sis' bag. You could even present it to them in the hospital when they meet the baby for the first time. You can find all the different Minted backpack designs here.
Clothing
It’s hard to beat the simplicity of this gift. There are tons of options in any combination depending on where you want to shop, including (but not limited to) Etsy and Amazon.
Cape
What better way to celebrate their new status as a super big sibling than with a superhero cape?
- Big brother cape
- Big sister cape
- These ones even come in toddler sizes. - Etsy
New baby doll
Side-by-side play can be an easy way to help tamper the jealousy, and involve them in what’s keeping you so busy. And there are all kinds of accessories if you want to really round out the experience. As far as the dolls, there are tons of options in a variety of price ranges, so you have a lot of options when it comes to finding the perfect one.
- Gotz dolls from Pottery Barn and Melissa & Doug are top picks
- Pottery Barn and Amazon both have great Doll Strollers
- Diaper bag
- Doll carrier
Personalized Puzzle
How about a puzzle featuring the best big brother or big sister out there? This one is from Minted and features a photo – it's called Color Blocking – but they have a variety of puzzles where you can add your own photos and copy. You can find all of Minted's custom puzzles here.
Keepsakes
If you’re in the market for sentimental gifts, there are tons of options that commemorate your expanding family and make your older kids feel special.
- Me and my Sister Frame
- Me and my Brother Frame
- Big sister necklace
- Big sister bracelet
- Big brother bracelet
Personalized Notebook
Babies need a lot of attention and it's easy to feel like second fiddle to this new little person which is why I think anything personalized makes a child feel special. I love these notebooks whether it features a photo or a name because they are the star. They can write about feelings, draw pictures, or simply jot down some dreams. The one I've shown is called A Classic but you can find all the options on Minted here.
Books
Books are such a great way to communicate messages we aren’t always capable of… ya know, because we’ve never done this before and we’re exhausted beyond comprehension. Here are some of my favorites:
Personalized Sibling Books
For brothers or sisters
- You’re The Biggest
- A Most Unusual Day (about adoption)
Big brother books
- I Am A Big Brother!
- Big Brother Daniel
- Andre The Best Big Brother
- How to Be a Big Brother: A Guide to Being the Best Older Sibling Ever
Big sister books
Activities to keep them busy
When it comes down to it, your older kiddos are going to have a lot more time on their hands once the new baby is here. Toys that keep them busy, feel special, and promote creative play can help you as much as they entertain them.
In our house, these toys are still used many years later:
Welcoming a new baby is a big change for everyone, but time (and maybe a gift or two) can help ease the transition.
Did you give your older kids a gift when they welcomed a new sibling?
Let us know what you did in the comments below!
Also check out: Supporting Your Older Kids After the Baby Arrives
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