If your kids are giving a "birthday" gift to baby...

[scheelimama]

...what are they giving? Honestly, this baby doesn't NEED anything. DD1 found a coat that really would be perfect for the baby at Children's Place today. It was only around $15 and super cute, maybe I could let her get that for the baby as a gift. I'm not sure about toys because they'll be disappointed that the baby isn't interested in them yet. They aren't really old enough to understand that babies don't "play" when they are born. They love to clothing shop though, truly girls I guess. What will your dc be getting the new baby? DD1 insists that we have to get the baby "birthday" presents, so we'll be shopping for those in the next week or so.

[LittleBrownDog]

DH volunteered to take DD "baby gift" shopping. I think we are thinking $10-15 range, he'll probably just take her to the baby or toy section at Target and let her pick whatever she picks. I figure it will make a good story, we'll write down her "reason" for her choice. I'm hoping he can do that this weekend, so I'll update with what she chooses!

[GinaRae]

hmm.. okay, no toys. Let's see...

The coat sounds like a good idea. Maybe a couple of pair of slip on shoes/booties to help baby stay warm?

What about a pretty, interesting mobile to hang somewhere like over the changing table, over your bed, over anywhere, I guess!

A small area rug from Ikea or something for in front of the cradle/bed/changing table?

I pulled this from another post.

Lambskin rug? They have some affordable ones at Ikea in the baby size.

A book you can read to all three girls.

Some hair/head accessory that girl babies wear.

A special night light or salt lamp.


Does that help?

[Kontessa]

Still not sure what the kids are getting baby but I have birthing day gifts for the kids from baby. My son is getting a waldorf type doll and my daughter is getting a doll ring sling.

On a very fun note, her custom made waldorf infant doll came in the mail today. I can not wait till the kids go to bed so I can open it. It is the same size as a newborn and weighted as well, it wears newborn cloths and by the time Christmas hits, when she will get the doll, I should have newborn cloths to give her from this baby for it!

Right now I just want to hold that baby doll.......

[scheelimama]

Well, it doesn't have to be "no toys". I'm just not sure what they would think when the baby didn't appreciate and "play" with them. KWIM. I like some of the ideas, but really, it's got to be ideas that appeal to my children. I can steer them, but I can't decide for them. I have to let them decide ultimately. Well, I guess we'll see what happens. We'll probably go "shopping" in another week. Don't want to do it too early. They'll be very anxious to give it to the baby.

[YankeeMomInVA]

Colin made his little brother some onesies (w/fabric markers) and then BEGGED me to help him make a "little brother" version of his big brother shirt so he could give it to his brother when he's born.

He's so thrilled to be giving something HE made and he'll be absolutely tickled to see his brother wearing his creations, so the benefit is twofold!

[Googy]

Its so cute....

Back on her 3rd birthday (before I was even pregnant) a friend gave DD twin baby dolls. One has a blue outfit and one has a pink outfit. She named the blue one "Cici" and the pink one "Tata." She kept Cici for herself but told me that she wanted to save Tata for her baby sister. When I informed her that she did not have a baby sister, she was unconcerned: "Don't worry, mama. I will some day." Well, I guess she was right! DD has diligently saved Tata all these months in a dresser drawer, and made sure that I packed Tata in her bag for when I go into labor, so that she can bring the doll to the hospital to give to her sister. Its just so sweet!

Anyway, the moral of my long-winded story is to let the kiddos pick out something themselves for the baby, something they are really excited to give. It really doesn't matter whether or not it is needed or necessary or appropriate. The idea is that it is something important to the older kids, you know?

[renaissanceed]

That is so cute about Tata and Cici! Your DD has incredible patience for someone her age to keep Tata waiting for so long for her sister.

We probably aren't going to do anything from DD to baby, although I might take her with me tomorrow to one of my favourite local baby stores that is sadly going out of business and ask her to pick something for Portia out of a selection of things I give her (likely a sling or some cute organic clothes).

I am giving some consideration to having the baby 'buy' something for DD, but I'm not sure what. I'm thinking that perhaps a new toy like a new wooden puzzle, since she enjoys the two we have but has mastered them pretty well or maybe some homemade playdough if I have the energy to make some, or anything in purple. I'd be interested in hearing if others are doing this as well.

[scheelimama]

Edwina, when dd2 was born, dd1 was only 18 months and could have cared less about giving her a gift. So, we didn't do anything from or to either of them. And it was totally fine. But my girls really want to do this this time. They came up with the idea even.

As for gifts from the baby, we aren't doing that. It doesn't really make sense to me. But, I am putting together surprise bags for the girls to get at the birth center while I'm in labor to keep them occuppied (they want to attend the birth). So, we will be getting them a few new things. For my girls though, I'm mostly thinking a new book each, probably a new game for dd1's Leappad, and a My First Leappad for dd2, and perhaps a camera, mostly for dd1, but probably for them to share a bit. I'll also throw in a cheap coloring book, crayons, and some fun snacks.

[Momma Aimee]

been thinking about this a lot recetnly -

nik the toy idea cuz Theo won't understand baby can't play with it. also in "offering" or "giving" the toy might end up hitting baby hard.

nik the clothing idea -- means nothing to Theo and not really akeep sake for the baby

are going with a blanket.

about the size of a receiving blanket -- a soft one of some kind -- tomorrow while i finish stuff DH is takeing DS to get this blanket -- it is their project.

Theo can cover the baby's feet with the blanket. Theo can carry the blanket for the baby, Theo can go get the blanket and lay it down for the baby ....

and the balnet can be in some nice pictures with the kids, then it can be packed away in the keep-sakes as the gift that the baby got from Theo.

Theo will get somethign from the baby -- not sure what, i can't decide on toy to play with, or keepsake.

On a very fun note, her custom made waldorf infant doll came in the mail today. I can not wait till the kids go to bed so I can open it. It is the same size as a newborn and weighted as well, it wears newborn cloths and by the time Christmas hits, when she will get the doll, I should have newborn cloths to give her from this baby for it!

can you share a link to this doll? where you got it? Theo has a new baby doll form sis (with a sling for it) and we both like it very much -- i have to nurse it each morning -- but it not weighted like a new born (he isn't big enough) and it is not "realistic" -- just soft and GN. I have to get it something to wear, it is a fuzzy kinda of materal (the "outfit" that is it's body) and it gets fuzz on it and Theo sits and picks it off .. i THINK it might both him.