It is such a sweet tradition to get the new big brother or new big sister a present on the day that their baby sibling is born! I’ve come up with a list of 8 meaningful gifts to give the new big brother or big sis. Each of these are special in their own way, and can help younger children with their transition into bigger siblings! This Post Contains Affiliate Links
1. Build a Bear – This is probably my favorite thing that we did for our son when his sister was born! A few weeks before my due date, we went to build-a-bear and made him a little animal. While there, I was able to pre-record my voice in the bear telling my son “I love you”. We put the bear away until his sister was born, and then we gave it to him at the hospital. My MIL says that he pushed the button for about an hour straight when they left the hospital, and it really seemed to help comfort him since he couldn’t be with mommy. A simple present, but one that he still sleeps with to this day! And it only cost $18! If you don’t have time to make a recorded bear, there are also affordable big brother bears
2. Big brother or big sister books – There are a lot of great books out there about the transition to “big brother” or “big sister”! Some of my favorites were Hello Baby!
3. Big Sister Scrubs
4. Baby Doll
5. Scrapbook – This is especially great for older children! Create a scrapbook of their birthday, and life. Add in a few pages that talk about the transition when the new baby comes. These pages could include photos of whomever will be staying with the child while mama is in the hospital, and pictures of the baby’s nursery. Then, make a couple blank pages, and explain to the child that those pages will be filled in with photos when the new baby arrives! Take special pictures of the new big brother or new big sister with the baby and make a big deal about completing the scrapbook after the pictures are printed. This can also be a perfect opportunity to spend a little bit of one-on-one time with the older child after the baby is born! You could even buy a kids camera
6. Coloring shirt – I know I said 5 gift ideas, but since I wrote this post a few years ago, I had to update it when I created these super-fun coloring shirts!
There’s one coloring shirt for big bro and one coloring shirt for big sis. They can color the shirts with washable markers to design them again and again OR use permanent markers to keep their original design forever! Kids LOVE decorating their own shirts and these are too cute!!!
These shirts are perfect for helping your older child announce your pregnancy too! They can do it in style with an adorable shirt they have designed themselves!
See more ideas about how to announce your pregnancy here…
7. Custom book– Create a customized book for the new big brother and big sister.
After baby comes, be sure to make baby one of these ADORABLE BABY BOOKS.
8. Big Sibling Interview – Download this interview to do with the new big sibling. There’s one for new big brothers and one for new big sisters. It’s a fun activity and turns into an adorable keepsake.
Visit these posts for more tips about preparing your toddler to become a big sibling and Tips for helping your toddler adjust to the new baby!
Are you planning on giving big brother or big sister gifts to the older siblings when baby is born? What gift(s) will you give them?
For even MORE tips about preparing your toddler to be a new sibling, and helping them transition once the baby arrives, check out my ebook on the topic! I know that every one is busy, so it’s a quick read that can be read in small snippets while the toddler is sleeping or while you feed the baby! Check out the book by clicking the image below.
Jelli says
Great ideas! Wouldn’t you know I clicked your link from about 100 at the Time to Sparkle party. Somehow I always manage to get here & love what you’ve got to share. Thanks, Paula!
Paula says
You are the sweetest Jelli! :) Love it <3
Ceil says
HI Paula! I am coming from Titus 2sday.
I am so happy about this blog post today! My daughter is having #2 baby in December. Her little girl is going to be surprised by the new changes, I am sure. It’s great to have some ideas to make her feel special.
Thanks for your help! So nice to meet you today :)
Ceil
Bethany says
Great idea! I really love the Build-a-bear, so sweet!
Michelle says
What great ideas! I didn’t do any of them except the big brother / big sister books with my kids! I wish I had thought of these! Thanks for linking up with us at LOBS!
Maria says
What a wonderful post with great ideas! I love the “build a bear” gift and especially how your little one reacted to it at the hospital!
deonna says
the baby scrubs is so funny…I was sad when my husband just wore his regular clothes….I thought he was going to get to wear scrubs too. I would totally do this for Cole when we have our next baby…hilarious
Kathryn says
Thanks for these girl!!
Daniela says
Yay!! Such sweet ideas!!
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Julie B. Carr says
These ideas are great. If you are ever looking for a way to involve the big brother/sister BEFORE the baby arrives, may I also suggest “Making Me: The Pregnancy Activity Book for My Big Brother or Sister” by Julie B. Carr. It is designed for the older sibling (4-10 yrs old) and helps them understand the baby’s development day by day. Recommended by Child Psychologist and Pediatrician to help create an early bond between the sibling and the new baby-to-be.
It is avail on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Making-Me-Pregnancy-Activity-Brother/dp/0967142849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463165617&sr=8-1&keywords=making+me+pregnancy
Congratulations to all the new mommas and older siblings out there!
Jeff Mccoy says
Thanks to your excellent post, It’s always so difficult coming up with great gifts for little ones.. Some really great ideas and easy to understand instructions.Gifts never means big budget. It is something related to heart and feelings. If you can put it all, then definitely the outcome will be best. it is rally Very nicely done I will visit this site again.
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Lora Bolton says
I wish I knew these gift ideas when my kiddos were going through this stage! We did have baby give a present to big brother in the hospital though.
williams says
Gift baskets are usually a great gift because they include a range of items that are most likely to please children. You can’t go wrong with a gift basket for children because children often like quantity and not quality. However, if you gift them an awesome gift basket with great items inside it, they will love you for it.
Kunal says
Very Amazing List, I am totally surprised because I am never seen this type of amazing list before this article. thanks a lot, sir