Gift for Newly Adopted 4 Year Old Boy

I am an adoptive mom and it would be nice for him to have a medium size box to store his memories in, from Russia. If you could decorate a nice box, or buy one, I think that would be nice...

I think something personalized would be great and I like the idea of using the adoption date. My cousin, after having 3 boys, adopted a 3 year old girl from Russia a few years ago and they always celebrate her "gotcha" date.

There are story books that you can have personalized with the child as the main character. Just google "personalized story books for children".

what about a memory book detailing with whatever you have available the journey of his adoption, everything they had to go through, and the joy of having not just a child - but HIM!! - individually. that HE was the one they wanted. HE was the one that God meant for them. no expectations expressed for the future tho. use anything you can find....pictures, record conversations, what his mom first thought about him, why she picked him, leave a space for the adoption certificate, plane tickets, anything special from the adoption agency or orphanage..... your first impressions of him and why he's precious as an individual to you.

Good luck!

Judi's suggestion is great for the child! You could also get the mom a scrapbook if she doesn't already have one. Everyone gets a babybook at baby showers why would this new mom not want something the same. Your friend is very special to adopt a child and she is lucky to have a friend as thoughtful as you.

How about a silver photo frame with Family or Loved Ones engraved on it, and then, if his adoptive mom has a picture of relatives in Russia that can go in there, and if not, then a picture of his new family.

PersonalizationMall.com has alot of nice gifts that can be personalized. You might check it out.

I'd say the best thing you can do for both of them is to just stay involved in their lives consistently. If you have kids, have them over to eat/play together. Otherwise, I'd say just an inexpensive, time-tested, gender/age-neutral gift like an Etch-A-Sketch, coloring book and crayons, etc.

I LOVE the photo album/scrapbooking idea, but FIRST make sure she's the type who would want to follow-up in keeping it updated. Only about 1 in 8 people DO!

How about a photo album and whatever she would need to put one together, scrap booking items, camera if she needs one or if she already has a camera then maybe photo paper. If she is the scrapbooking type offer to do it for her. May God Bless your dear friend as she embarks on this new journey in her life. God Bless!

Well, I'm not sure for the little boy. But, for the mother, I would suggest a Willow Tree. I collect the willow tree angels and figurines and adore them. This particular one is a figurine and it's called Child of my Heart. Its description reads "Child of the world, Into my heart you came -- Bringing sun into my life, Making family our name" Here's a link to see it......
http://www.willow-tree-angel.com/product.php?productid=44...
You can order them online, or find them at Cracker Barrel or Hallmark stores. I absolutely adore them. They are very special to me. =0)

How about a child's digital camera? They range in price. It's a toy in some respect, but kids love them and it could become a hobby. The main reason I say this is that he can now take his own pictures of his new environment (bedroom, house, park), his new family, pets, toys and so on in order to make new memories. You could also give him a photo album with it.

What about putting together a time capsule of things that happened during the time the child came to his new home? A newspaper - a current magazine - jot down the prices of a jug of milk, a gallon of gas, a movie ticket. Include popular culture - who the president is, the top movie/song/actor/actress, etc. Include a tracing of the child's hands and feet, and a piece of string that measures his height. And definitely include photos and such of the homecoming, his room, his house, his new town, etc.

Good luck! Whatever you do I'm sure your friend will greatly appreciate it!

What about something personalized with his adoption date?

Special book that they can share together.

A.,
Have you considered giving him a new family album? This can be his way of identifying the new members of his family. You can do some research and label family members in his native language and in English. This can make him feel at home and provide him with pictures of people in his family. Good luck with the 'right' gift!

I have two children adopted from Russia. I recommend some children's books about adoption or Russia. Some of our favorites are Happy Adoption Day and Borya and the Burps: An Eastern European Adoption Story. I know there are other titles out there too, I just can't think of them right now.

Hi A., what about getting him something made by another mom. One idea is at http://www.mybaddbaby.com/ this mom does a home business making rocker style onesies and T's. They only go up to a 4T though ... so, it would depend on the size of this boy ...also whether the mom likes rocker style things. A bit expensive, but very unique. I could help you find others too if you like.

BTW - I am 43 also with a 5 year old boy and a 2 year old girl :-)
D..

How about a scrap book? You can have them made to personalize for the child. She can then add pics as she gets them. Example, you could have a 5th bday page, Christmas page, First day of school page, loss of first tooth, etc

Or you can choose a toy but something that is worth saving forever, a Tonka Truck, etc

A big bucket that is personalized that could hold his toys.

A keepsake box for his memorable items. I have a small Longaberger basket with a lid that I keep his paci, hosp bracelets, etc I know he is 4 but there will be several things like his first tooth, first lock of hair cut, etc that she can save in there.

I received a book called "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch and it is about a mommy who will never stop loving her little boy, even after he is a grown man. My son loved it! It has a verse to sing in it so whenever he wanted me to sing him to sleep he would say, "sing me the mother song please". $5 at Target, Scholastics, or not sure how much on Amazon. That is paperback of course.
Good luck!

My thoughts would be a handprint making kit or a memory book. The memory book may be hard to find....but I'm sure there is something out there....Good luck and take care.

You said this boy is from Russia, does he speak any English (or whatever language will be the primary first language in the house) does the parents speak any Russia. Maybe get a bilingual book that the parents can read to him. Or something else that connects the boy to Russia and teaches him about his new home.

How about a gc to picture people or similar. Nothing like a photo of them together in the first mo he is here.
An album, a beautiful book for him, a bracelet for her with a charm with his name and adoption date.

I love all the ideas mentioned! Another idea. If your crafty (or know someone who could help), how about a memory quilt. A simple quilt with embroidery work (something like a brother sewing machine is awesome)or a picture quilt. A printer and transfer paper. You could include pictures of Russia (or his family in Russia) if they are available, and picures of his new family.

I love giving these plaques for new babies and think it would be great for an adopted boy too. http://ginghamgrove.com/item_31/Boy-Birth-Announcement-pl.... I never put the weight and all that. Just the birthdate - or in this case, the adoption date. She offers a variety of board colors and papers to match their style. If you live in the Germantown, TN area, you can go by and pick it up. This one is sweet too and she might be able to customize it with his name somehow too. Just ask her, she always has great ideas. http://ginghamgrove.com/item_58/I-prayed-for-this-child.....

Along with all the "memory" gifts suggested, I would also recommend a simple toy for him. Boys that age, from whatever country, like cars and balls.

I also like the idea of a camera. I'm planning to buy one for my granddaughter's fourth birthday. But I've researched the children's cameras and haven't found a single one (at least not within my price range) with a good rating. One parent suggested buying an inexpensive regular camera for her to practice on. You might want to consider this.