Big Brother Gift Ideas

There is a wide selection of books that you can read with a big brother-to-be to help prepare him for the newest member of the family.  Depending on his age, of course, here are some great options:

• ·         The New Baby. Mercer Meyer
• ·         My New Baby.  Annie Kubler
• ·         When I Was King. Linda Ashman
• ·         Best Ever Big Brother. Karen Katz.
• ·         My Big Brother. Valarie Fisher.

A T-shirt may be just what a prospective big brother needs to feel proud of his new role. You can find endless choices online for shirts, hats, jerseys, tote bags, and more. Another great idea is to take a picture of the big brother and use a service like Shutterfly to have it printed on a shirt. This will be big brother’s gift to the baby.  This is one of those instances when giving a gift is just as powerful as receiving one.

If you can fit this in before you’re nine months pregnant, that’s a great idea!  Take a whole day to spend with your little boy before he’s joined by another sibling. Take him to a park, to the pool, to a zoo…wherever you go, make him feel special and give him attention. That’s really the gift he’s looking for.

You’re going to be tied up when the new baby comes; why not get big brother some toys and supplies to keep him happy, entertained, and quiet when the baby comes home?  If he can do these activities by himself, you can free up your hands for feeding or changing his little sibling.  Some good big brother gift ideas include coloring books, sticker books or albums, art supplies, crayons, markers, chalk, a whiteboard and dry erase marker, or Memory card game or other age-appropriate game.  When you have a free second, you can always grab a crayon and help out.

Getting a little brother or sister may be the best gift parents can imagine, but big brother is probably skeptical.  Get him something he’s been asking for, whether it is a bike, a video game, a toy, etc., and that is within budget.  He will appreciate the thought and like having this “random” children gift on his un-birthday!  This is an especially good idea for older boys who may not be into crayons and stickers as much anymore.

Gift items do not have to be designated specifically as “Big Brother” presents.  In fact, boys are boys. They want tool kits, Play-Doh, cars and trucks, sand toys, and other fun things. While a “I’m a big brother” tee may be a great idea so he feels proud of his status, a little doctor kit or some blocks will really be something he’ll enjoy and use.  Again, this is especially true if your older child is a “big” kid – in which case, skip the blocks and choose a game, a kitchen science kit, or other age-appropriate options.

With a new baby, a boy’s life is changed forever. He’s not the baby; he’s not the one who is going to be getting the most mom and dad time. But he is a very special child and should be reminded of that. A gift is a great way to say, “We love you!”   And you don't want the only gifts arriving at the house to be new baby gift items making the sibling feel left out and overlooked.