Are Gifts Necessary for Newborn and Siblings?

I don't think there is a right or wrong for this one. It is strictly up to the giver, however that being said I know I apprecieated when people remember my son when his little brother was born. It does'nt have to be elaborate. A baloon or a treat like a cupcake or stickers, anything small that says hey you are the big sister/brother and that's exciting too. Hope this helps and best wishes for the twins and big sister.
Peggy

When I had my second daughter, everybody did get my first daughter a little something. I think it was just so she didn't feel left out. It was only her up until that point and everybody would always come to see her and now there was a new baby that everyone was coming to see. I thought it was nice of everyone that did that and I have done it as well. Nothing big, just a little shirt or a little toy or something, just so they got something. Good luck with those twins!!

I always give small gifts to any siblings when offering a newborn gift. I think it also helps the parents who are making the adjustment of a new person in the home and trying to make sure that the "old members" aren't slighted or overlooked. I know there were a few people who gave gifts to my daughter when my son was born. I don't really think a lot of people do this. The little gifts (i.e. books, small toys, candy, stickers, etc...) really made her feel important and helped her adjust. As far as it just being "junk"....I never viewed it that way. I viewed their gifts as kind and thoughtful. Only continue the gift giving if YOU feel it makes a difference. Good luck.

Congratulations on the twins. I am mother to ggb triplets as well as a boy singleton nearly three years older. I found it helpful if my oldest got something. So much attention is given to multiples especially when they are babies, it does help to get something for the older child, especially if it is just one. It may be something simple like a book, which is also quiet. My family was especially careful to acknowledge my some before going after the babies. They are now 6 and almost 9 and most oldest still gets feelings of being left out.I would also like to strongly suggest you contact you local twins club if you have not already. Many are currently holding resales if you need things and the other moms can be a greast support. You can find you local club by going to www.iomotc.org (I think). Good Luck.

I think if you are going to give the mom something when the child is not around that is one thing. The older child may never even know the baby got a gift. But if you are going over to visit and the older child is aware of what is going on, it is a sweet thing to make them feel included. I usually do a book (if they are a first time older sibling, the big brother/big sister books are nice.)

I don't think it is necessary. When I had my second child I just let my daughter help open all the gifts since the baby couldn't and she seemed happy with that I also think it is important that they learn that not everything is about them and some occasions like siblings bdays they won't get presents but on theirs they will and that what make them special events.

buying a gift for older siblings certainly isn't necessary. the older sibling can learn that it's not always about them. however, a gift might encourage an older sibling and help with his excitement of a new baby.

if you're worried about a mom acquiring more "junk", then get something more disposable like a coloring book, an activity book, stickers, or any crafty project.

You are so very thoughtful. I never thought of buying a sibling a gift until my 2nd child was born. It was such a nice gesture for the gift giver to bring something small for the big brother/sister.

As the mom of two, it was really nice. My older son felt so special when someone brought him something - even if it was something little. There were some hard times at first and those little gifts sure made him feel special.

Congrats on your twins! I hope your friends are as nice to your daughter as you have been to them!!
B.

I only buy sibling gifts for my nieces, when my younger niece was born I sent a gift for the baby and a blanket for my niece. I wanted my nieces to know that they are special and that becoming a big sister is an important job. Now my sister is having twins and I will get a gift for the twins and then something special for the younger of my nieces, to signify how special it is to become the older sibling, but the oldest I won't get anything for because she is already an older sibling. My oldest niece has actually been reminding me that I need to make something special for her little sister. So they understand what the gift is for. I don't buy for friends because I think it just becomes gifts without the special significance. And as someone who hates all the extra stuff I wouldn't want all the extra toys around my house.

I just skimmed through the responses you got so far and noticed that most of the moms were in favor of giving gifts to the older siblings of new babies. I disagree. I just had a baby girl in February and already had a 2 1/2 year old daughter. Many people brought gifts for both girls which was very sweet of them. However, my daughter was very surprised to get the gifts and kind of overwhelmed. She enjoyed it but I honestly think she would not have felt left out without them. Something small like stickers, a cookie, or a hug would have sufficed. When a gift was brought for just the baby, my two year old was just as happy to open that for her little sister and didn't mind that it was for the baby and there was nothing for her. So, my advice, and what I am doing myself is, just get something tiny for older siblings or nothing at all but shower them with attention. The kids will be happy with that and the moms will not have more clutter around the house.

Not necessary...but definately give them hugs and congratulations...to make them feel good. That is all they want. How about playing with the kids while visiting so mom can bond with baby...or better yet, tell mom to go do something with the child and you hold the baby. The sibling probably can use some mom time more than a gift. :)

I feel that getting a little something for the siblings if you are bringing a gift for the newborn and you will be seeing them all is a good thing. If you only send a gift for the newborn, I don't think it is necessary to also send to the siblings. Especially if the kids are young, they then feel special and not second fiddle to the baby. I usually buy something to keep the children busy while mom needs to nurse or take care of other needs of baby. Crayons and coloring books. Now they have these awesome sticker books with all sorts of themes like princesses and star wars to keep kids busy. Then it isn't just odd toys that a child won't need.

Congratulations and good luck with the coming twins. I have to agree with most of the other responses that gifts are definitely not necessary.

In my opinion that's probably one of the things that has enabled all our GenXers and following generations in becoming young adults and teenagers who think everything is about them and not able to deal with losing (along with twelve valedictorians, everyone getting a trophy just for participating, etc.

On the other hand I think in general it is nice for the little ones to have somthing to keep them included in the fun. When my second child was born we had the older sibling help open the gifts and she was just as excited with the activity and some of the gifts (when you think of it the older sibling ends up playing with most of the items, too!)

If you still want to give a gift, the suggestions you received by the other moms are great, keep it small or try to convey to the little one that this is something for both of the children to share (something they'll definitely need to learn- :)

I have always given gifts as well to the siblings. It is usually something small and 9/10 times it is a gift card to Mc Donalds.

Honestly, to the parents it may feel like more junk in the playroom but it may mean the world to that child. I always do the same and buy a very small gift for the older sibling/s so they do not feel left out. That baby gets so much attention and gets doted on by everyone. The older child (especially toddlers and preschoolers) may feel left out and give a negative reaction. A small token of affection in honor of the big brother/sister will do more for that child than just cause clutter.

I always give something small to the sibling(s). They can feel really left out with all the packages arriving day after day! It's nice to give a "congratulations on becoming a big sister/brother" to them.

I try to pick out something like art supplies (but nothing complicated that needs parent help) so that it can keep them busy when Mom's busy. I sent a gift yesterday - the older boy got a really cool stamp pad and stamps set from the parent-teacher store.

I think it's really thoughtful to have "big brother/sister" gifts as well as newborn gifts. I just had my second a couple months ago and my son was THRILLED that when the packages came, he got something too. It's a lot of adjusting an older kid does, and making them feel special is always nice I think. It doesn't have to be something big... BOOKS are always excellent gifts that last far longer than toys.

Hi D.,
I'll be honest I had never realized how kids really get hurt feelings until my daughter came. My middle son had a really hard time adjusting to her and when everyone was bringing just her things it only got worse. I have since started buying for siblings but I stick to "useful" things not toys. I try for color books/crayons for the little ones (Mom can use them if she is nursing or feeding the baby, etc), books for interst if they can read, or even food gift cards for the child's favorite restaurant for special time with the older child.
Good lUck to you and your growing family!