Gift Ideas for Big Brother from New Baby

Updated on May 06, 2008
S.W. asks from Marshfield, MA
33 answers

Hi ~ I am due to have a C-section for my second son on 5/22 and am looking for any ideas for gifts from the baby to his 3 year old brother. I don't want my older son feeling left out when people visit and fuss over the new baby, and my husband and I have tried to include him in everything regarding the new baby so that he's not feeling left out. We ordered a "I'm the big brother" T shirt when we were telling everyone about our pregnancy. My husband was thinking of getting him a scooter that he liked at a friend's house, but I was looking for more 'sentimental' gift ideas.....any thoughts? I was thinking this would be more from the baby to his big brother. Thanks for any ideas!!
Thanks so much!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.S.

answers from Boston on

A book about being a big brother might be good. You could write a note inside it from the baby. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Boston on

I only have one child, but when my sister had her second baby she bought a gift from the baby to her big brother. My nephew was thrilled that his new baby sister got him a present. "She" bought him a big tonka truck. They gave it to him at the hospital. Then, before the baby was born my sister took my nephew out and let him pick out a present for the baby and he brought it with him to the hospital to give to the baby after she was born. I think my nephew was more excited about receiving a gift from his new sibling than what the gift was!

congratulations!
C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Hartford on

I just had a second baby. I decided to get his older brother a present also. I bought him two Big Brother Books. One was a Little Critters book and the other was I am a Big Brother book. My son loved the books. We ready them in the hospital when he got them. I also bought him a shirt that said "I am the Big Brother" and a onesie for the the baby that said "I am the Little Brother." He loved this idea. I also bought a little teddy bear for my older son to give to his baby brother. I hope that this idea helps you.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Boston on

When I was pregnant I went to Build A Bear with my daughter and had her make a bear for the new baby. We took pictures of the process and put it in an album... Then on my own I went back to Build A Bear and made a stuufed animal for my daughter from the baby...When my daughter came to the hospital she brought the bear she made for the baby and the baby gave her the bear made for her...Hope that helps:-) To be honest-- everyone was so great about doding on the big sister--- it went as smoothly as I think it could go...Oh tje other thing we did---it was actually the hospitals idea...we had a picture of the big sister on the bassinet at the hospital and wrote: Hi my name is ____ and I am a big sister and this is my new baby bro/ sis named ________.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.F.

answers from Pittsfield on

Hi S.,
I'm a mom of 6, and when we had our second, we brought our oldest home one of those big yellow Tonka trucks from his new little sister. I don't think the actual gift is as important as the idea of a gift. Honestly, we wanted it to be from his little sister, but not having really anything to do with her. That way, it was something that was just his, and he loved trucks, so thus the Tonka. The baby could certainly bring home a scooter just as easily, as long as someone will have time to supervise him with the scooter. I'm thinking a more independent toy could be better. I like the idea of involving your oldest as well with the baby, but we wanted to keep that separate from the gift, which was just for him, to make him feel special, since we knew the baby would be showered with gifts and attention. Congratulations.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Springfield on

I have a 3 1/2 year old son, and now a 4 month old daughter. We also wanted to make our son feel included when our daughter was born. We had many thoughtful friends that brought a "big brother" gift along with a baby gift. What we did that we found really helpful is that we bought small gifts for our son that we could give him to play with when he was having a hard time not being the center of attention. For instance, I had a special match box car and road that he only played with when I was nursing the baby. There were a couple of toys like that, and we would say when the baby has to eat, you get a special treat.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.B.

answers from Boston on

when my youngest was born some friends of ours brought my daughter some crayons and coloring books and stickers of her favorite disney character at the time. she thought it was the coolest thing-she was 3 at the time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.P.

answers from Providence on

Hi,

I also had c-sections (four of them), and since I was in the hospital for four days, we always had the baby give the older siblings one gift that had to stay in the hospital room while I was there. It was one of the best things we did! I think with my second baby, we gave our 21 month old daughter a Mr. Potato Head. Each day when she came to visit, she would greet her new sister, and then rush over to her new toy. She would sit and play with that thing for an hour, while Dad and I talked and held the new baby. We did the same thing for each other new baby. Last time, we got our three daughters some color wonder books and paper dolls. All three of them would hang out quietly and play while my husband held the baby. I know this isn't a sentimental idea, but since you're also having a c-section, this might help! Good luck and congratulations!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Boston on

My daughter was just about 3 when my son was born. Before I delivered I bought a few little things for her and put them away. Like color book and crayons, little puzzles and a few little card game or books. Just something little to keep her busy. Lots of people were very generous when they sent gifts or came to see my son and included her with a little something, but there were people who don't think about the old child, so I wanted to have a little something for her.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.E.

answers from Boston on

It would be more "sentimental" for you than it would be for your 3 year old :) so I would suggest getting him something you know he'll enjoy and love. We did that with our then 4 year old when her little sister came into the world, we just got her things that she enjoys and arts and crafts to keep her busy especially during times when we needed to have a lot of attention on the little one.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.E.

answers from Boston on

Make the big day as much about him as the baby. My older son (22 months in between) always remembers anything his little brother gives him. I'd keep it small, a favorite character, stuffed animal or something. The oldest will be surprised how well his baby bro knows him! Then for the sentimental part, you could also give him a frame for a picture in his room - "me and my kid brother" or something along those lines and work on getting a good photo of the two. Wear his shirt at the hospital when he visits and everyone will congratulate him too!

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Springfield on

Hi! When our 2nd baby was born, she "gave" her big brother a little train set. He loved it and played with it in the hospital, then talked a lot about how it was from her. I'd say, get him something he'll like. You can do a sentimental gift too, but he might not care for it. Good luck!

K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.D.

answers from Boston on

what about a special silver baby cup..

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Boston on

My son loves to take pictures, so when his sister was born (he was 3 1/2) she gave him a fisher price digital camera (which is very durable). That way he could take pictures of me, dad, the baby, etc and bring them to preschool to show his friends the next day.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Boston on

I am also having a c-section next Monday and was stressing about gift ideas from "baby brother" to my 2 1/2 year old son. We decided on the play kitchen he's always wanted. We thought the occasion was worthy of a "big" toy purchase and on top of it, hope it will keep him busy for a while. But mostly, I think it will encourage him to feel like he is important and a big help by "pretending" to cook and clean for us. Good luck with everything.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.G.

answers from Barnstable on

What about a special chair that he can have so when he wants to hold the baby, he has a small place to sit safely with him? I dont know about this as I only have one but I would definately pick something that is able to involve him even after the baby is born?

Oh yeah - Congrats ahead of time!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Portland on

When my son (3 at the time) became a big brother, his baby sister "bought" him a t-shirt that said "I'm a big brother" on it. They sell them right at the hospital gift shop. He really cherishes the shirt and I'm sure he'll keep it after he can't fit in it anymore. You should also look into programs that the hospital offers. I don't know which hospital you're using but SMMC has a "sibling class" which is free. They teach the older sibling what to expect with a new baby and they watch a little movie. They even gave my son a stuffed monkey that came with a baby's hat and bottle that he could take care of when Mommy is taking care of the "real" baby.
Also, a lot of friends and family should be aware of your feelings about not leaving out the "big brother". I know a lot of people gave my son a small present so that he wouldn't start resenting the baby getting everything.
I also told my son that these are all things that we did for him when he was a baby and that even though he doesn't remember it, he got lots of stuff when he was born.
Good luck and congrats!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.D.

answers from Barnstable on

Hi S. ...
My son was 3 y.o. when his baby brother was born, too! We involved him in everything, too ... including asking his thoughts when picking out names for the new baby. I think the main thing that helped with the transition for him though was that we gave him his own "baby". I know you may think that's not the thing to do with a boy, but it totally worked. He had this boy baby doll and he named him and he took care of him while I took care of his little brother. That baby doll is STILL part of our family, 10 YEARS LATER!!! My 13-year old son, who is by no means a "sissy", still takes care of that baby doll!! He's smart enough to know that his friends would think he's a fool, so he kind of hides it from most of them (though he found out that one of his friends has a boy doll, too, so they have "outings" together!). BUT, it's given him an edge to pending fatherhood that I don't think many boys are given :) He's fantastic with younger kids and a GREAT babysitter!!!
As far as a gift from the baby to his big brother ... maybe you could get him some sort of a scrapbook or journal that he could work on with pictures of the two of them and outings that they go on as the baby continues to grow??? Not sure if this helped ...
Well, congratulations and HAVE FUN!!
Take care,
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.L.

answers from Boston on

Hi. I was just reading your request and I was so touched. I immediately thought about what i had done for my son, (who is multi-handicapped and much older than his sister).
I took a photo of him holding her, at the hospital, immediately after she was cleaned an brought back to the room. I then chose a nice frame and gave it to him from his sister. I think it will be the most cherised of his possessions. Even though your son may not realize it now, but as he grows up and becomes closer to his new baby brother or sister, he may cherish it more and more .It is just a suggestion, but i am sure that you will eventually decide on something nice because just the idea of it coming from a just-born sibling is wonderful. good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Boston on

Hi -
When my second son was born I found alot of cute gifts for his older brother at http://www.geniusbabies.com/big-brother-gifts.html. I got him the Big Brother gift package that included a book, T shirt, and disposable camera. He opened it at the hospital and was so excited. He loved taking pictures of the new baby (although they came out a little shakey). I am now expecting my 3rd boy so I am sure I will be visiting that site again in the future!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Springfield on

When our new baby was born we bought our older son a Leap Frog mini computer, the one where you can buy mini cartridges of Thomas the Train, Fire Fighters and Rescue people etc. They are very educational, they teach letters, numbers etc... My 3 year old son loved them and they kept him very very occupied when I needed time to nurse the baby.

Good luck- enjoy that new baby, ohhh so beautiful, what a true blessing.

Peace,

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.D.

answers from Burlington on

Our second son was born when his brother was 3 years old. No gift was necessary for the big brother. His baby brother was gift enough. My mother did give him a book called, "I'm the big brother." It wasn't necessary though and wasn't a major part of his life. I also didn't recieve many presents when my second son was born. I already had everything I needed from the first time. My suggestion would be to photograph and videotape the children together. You can't get more sentimental than that. Your eldest son will feel loved when you tell him how much you love him and give him hugs and kisses. And allow him to carefully hug and kiss his brother. They'll both enjoy looking at the photographs and watching the videotapes (whatever you might have) together. Hang photos of both of them on the walls of your home. It makes them feel loved and important.

Enjoy : )

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Providence on

Just and FYI on this subject. My friend was just in this situation and her older boy has ended up cleaning up like Christmas because EVERYONE doesn't want to make him "feel left out". Either stick to something small (a dollar store trip and he gets to pick out ANY 10 things he wants) OR make it something special and once in a lifetime. He is going to get plenty of coloring books, toys, and treats from Grandma, AUnt, your friends, the mother's of his friends and possibly the postman.
Good Luck on your new addition!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Hartford on

Hi S.!

I, too had a scheduled c-section for the birth of my second child. Since I knew that I would be in the hospital for 5 days, I went out and bought 5 different gifts, wrapped them, and brought them with me in my suitcase to the hospital. That way, each day when my husband and our first-born visited, the baby always had a gift for the big sister. Then I also bought some extras for after we returned home--that way if she looked a bit left out when visitors came I could pull out a present from the baby, again; or, sometimes if she was really extra-helpful or I thought she could use a special treat, I would take one out for her. It all seemed to work well. That being said, my older one was 3 years old and a girl. I gave simple gifts like hair clips and barrettes, Dora the Explorer toys, washable crayons and coloring book, stickers (at home), and things like that. Some of the gifts were toys that were purchased in the same packaging that I then separated into 2-3 different gifts. The gifts she received in the hospital were always things that she could play with right then and there without help and guidance so that she could keep busy and not notice that all of the adults were fawning over the new baby.

I found that the more simple things didn't cost an arm and a leg, worked fabulously, and she still plays with them. Enjoy these last few weeks!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Providence on

Hi S.,

I'm a book freak, so I'd suggest a book. Try searching "big brother" or "I'm a big brother" on Amazon and you might find something appropriate.

Good luck!

C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Boston on

We gave our son a Big Brother book that we purchased at Toys R Us. He likes books and it was a way we could read with him one-on-one and still continue registering the fact that he was a big brother and all the things big brothers offered.
Some one on one time will be important in the months to come as well as tapping into the 'little helper' stage he has at 3. Just keep the boundries set as far as picking up the baby, etc.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.Y.

answers from Providence on

Hi S.. Congratulations on your upcoming delivery! In my humble opinion, I really don't think you should get the scooter. I agree with getting him something small & sentimental. The big brother t-shirt is fantastic. So cute!

I can certainly understand you not wanting your eldest son to feel left out because of the new baby. I am an eldest child myself. However, this time is truly about the entire family & changing roles, not just about one single member. Getting a big material present might be sending the wrong message. This new little brother is a gift in himself. Something to be cherished by all, including big bro, as opposed to something that has to be made up for by presents.

I think the best gift you can give your little man is the gift of communication & love. If he's feeling left out, be understanding & let him know that he's still #1. Let him know that - event hough he does not remember it - when he came home from the hospital, he was showered with gifts & attention also. Now it's lil bro's turn. In the long run, this will mean so much more & help him adjust so much better than anything you could buy him.

Best of luck to you & congrats again!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Boston on

Hi S. - Actually, I kind of agree with your husband on this one... A three year old is really too young to understand the subtlties of a sentimental gift. The scooter will always be his gift from his sibling, and you can use that as a touchstone when necessary.

I say, get the child something that he really wants and that will mean something to him...

So often in life, we think things need to look the way WE think, and we forget to remind ourselves that it's not always about us. Your son will be gifted in either case, but the scooter will mean more in his little 3-year old mind.

Beyond that, I like some of the ideas here - expecially if he is a stuffed animal kind of guy. He could go to build a bear and get a floppy puppy or that sort of thing too... But the scooter? Definitely!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Boston on

After having my second daughter, I planned a big sister party for my oldest. Everyone brought something to eat, and the understanding was this party was not to ooh and aah over the baby, but to celebrate her big sister! We all ate and socialized and congratulated the oldest. I had a sweatshirt that everyone signed and it was presented to her at the party. This is inexpensive, and much less materialistic than just buying a present. The party showed my daughter that she is just as important as her little sister and she will always be surrounded by people who love her!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.O.

answers from Providence on

Hello dear Stacey,

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Anticipating the arrival of a baby brother is a very exciting time for your son, and it is very thoughtful of you to want to help the event be special to him with a gift from the baby. As far as sentimental items, I would suggest something personalized and I would like to invite you to check my website for ideas, in case you see something that inspires you (click on Embroidery boutique). For example, a custom plush ball that reads from (baby's name) to (big brother's name) so we can play together when I'm big... or a set of matching bibs with their names on and a sports motif that reads: Let's play ball, etc. I could also make them the same t-shirt/onesie for them to wear together when he visits at the hospital... Of course, new toys always help... Just let me know if I can be of help, I know this can be a stressful time for the older sibling and making it fun will always help ease the tension. Good luck with everything. http://www.mercadventures.com/bibs.htm

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Boston on

Hi S.,

we have a new baby arriving in late june, so i know where you're at right now. For my 3 year old twins, we're doing the following:

my son is crazy about dinosaurs and wanted a dinosaur instead of a baby, so we're getting him (yet another) toy dinosaur from his baby brother.

My daughter is baby crazy as it is, so we are going to get her a new baby doll from her little brother, so she can be taking care of her baby while i take care of the new little one.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.T.

answers from Boston on

When I had my baby, my son was 6. I didnt do a gift from the baby, but that chair idea someone had was nice. What I did do for my son, is I packed a couple small gifts for him in my hospital bag, so when he came to see me each time I had a little something for him. I think he made 3 trips there over the 2 days I was there. I just got stuff like puzzle books and small activities he could do while he spent time visiting me and the new baby, I had also gotten him a new movie on DVD he wanted, so when he went home to who was caring for him at the time, he had alittle something to keep himself occupied. It was just something from me, to let him know I wasnt forgetting about him. He really liked the idea of little gifts popping out at him each time, even though they were small and inexpensive.
Congrats!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Portland on

when i had my second child i got the t-shirt and a new teddy bear from the new sister....my son was not quite 2 yet and thought it was great. I would maybe now get a cute picture frame and have it inscribed to your son from the baby...maybe with his name and date and something like "thanks for being my big brother" Unlike the toys, and the shirt he'll outgrow, its something nice he'll have forever.

congrats on your new addition!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches