What to get for the older sibling of NB Twins?

[LZP]

My niece is 3yo, and will soon be the big sister to twins. (Like, ANY MINUTE now!) She's starting to feel that our whole family is gearing up to help my sister and her DH with these new babies, and I think she's already sensing that she's losing a lot of the attention.
Of course, we love her and are all going to do everything we can so she still feels as loved, appreciated and adored as before. But, with 2 NBs, it will be hard when they will be so needy.

Anyway, everyone will be showering her little siblings with gifts in the coming days and weeks, and I wanted to get something special just for her.

She's old enough and careful enough that I could get her a little bracelet or something. I'd love for it to be something she can have forever, but also want it to be something that will make her happy and feel special NOW. Any ideas?

[herdingkittens]

When our twins were born, someone gave our olders things they could do on their own - coloring books, crayons, craft kits, etc. They LOVED this, and I really appreciated it, too!

[Red Pajama]

If she doesn't have an army of dolls already, you might consider a well made baby doll. I did sticker books for a friend's older child when younger was born. There's also the idea of a day away with you doing something special.

[DeerMother]

Would she appreciate some auntie/niece dates? Maybe coupons for the park, a walk, library etc.

[wondertwins]

My good friend had the first child in our group (first by many years), and the attention and adoration showered on Jill, by friends and family sounds similar to your nieces experience. We thought a lot about what would ease the addition of, in Jill's case just one new sibling, and I can remember a few things she received. We put together a small photo album of pictures of Jill, mostly as a baby, being held and cuddled by her adoring fans. We did include a few picts of her right before the baby was born, and then left several empty pages for picts of Jill and the baby. Coupons for time together, as PP mentioned were also given. Unplanned time locked in her room (with Jill holding the key!), with undivided attention was cherished by all. What I really remember from that time was how much Jill liked to be 'babied'. There was a lot of 'big' talk, big sister, big kid, look how big you are compared to the baby, etc, that I think she needed to know that it was okay to still be little.

Sorry that was so long, it was a memorable time for me! As for a bracelet, my 3 yr old DD loves jewelry and is gentle with it, but she doesn't yet have the concept of loss, that if she puts something down it could be gone for good. I don't know if that's typical, but something to think about. What about, for sake of longevity, a jewelry box, maybe with her initials? Or an inscribed picture book, not necessarily about being a big sister, but maybe a big picture of life theme?

HTH, and congratulations on becoming an aunt again!!

[Julia'sMom]

Also, if possible, give enough help to Mom & Dad with the twins that they can take some time to spend with just the big sister. My dd is really longing for my contact. She has tons of attention from other family members, which has been immensly helpful, but what she really needs now is Mom's undivided attention and I can't do that without significant (usually multiple people) to help with teh babies. I do'nt think my dd appreciated the tangible gifts near as much as the time and attention she's been given from family and friends. Of all the gifts, I agree with pp that a photo album of her as a baby is her favorite.