30 Sweet Gifts for Siblings from Baby, According to Parents
You’re not the only one who’s getting ready to meet baby. Bringing another little one home will be a big change for your older child, who’s probably used to being the center of your universe. But with a little TLC—and a thoughtful new sibling gift—you can make sure they still feel important.
I’m a mom of four who heard about the idea of a sibling gift right before my second child was born. I scrambled to pick something out last-minute and I’m so glad I did. My oldest still talks about how his little brother got him the coolest dinosaurs when he was born. Since then, I’ve done the sibling gift for every child. Each time, it seems to add a level of excitement and help to get the new sibling relationship started on a high note. “A sibling gift—from the baby—is something positive and a bit of a distraction,” says Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Princeton, New Jersey. “It helps the older child feel special and not forgotten. It won’t make everything easy, but it might help a bit.”
You don’t want to choose any old gift, though. “Make sure it is something personal and meaningful,” says John Mayer, PhD, psychologist based in Chicago, Illinois. It can also be helpful to consider a gift that encourages your child to connect with their new sibling, according to Pareen Thakral, MD, a pediatrician in Houston, Texas. “A toy they can eventually share with the new baby can help create positive associations and foster excitement about their new sibling,” she points out. No sibling gift will make the transition of welcoming another child into the family seamless, which is why Thakral recommends having patience and open communication during this transition. “Make space for your child’s feelings and celebrate small milestones along the way,” she says.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to sibling gift ideas, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. There are lots of awesome big sister and big brother gifts out there. Below, shop our favorite sibling gift ideas that are sure to make your kiddo smile.
In this article:
How we chose the best gifts for siblings from baby
Best gifts for siblings from baby
To create this article:
- We researched what was being said about gifts for siblings in The Bump community and forums to learn what parents gifted their children and their reasoning behind the presents.
- We consulted with two psychologists and a pediatrician for more insight on why sibling gifts can be helpful and what to consider when choosing one of these.
- To see how these products have worked for families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in gifts for siblings from baby.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
A big sibling book
Sometimes all a skeptical sibling needs is some positive reinforcement—and that’s where this new sibling gift comes in. These personalized bedtime books are entertaining, encouraging and will hopefully send your child off to sleep with happy dreams about their new role in the family. The theme reinforces the importance of being a good big sibling, as well as being a lifelong friend, which is incredibly sweet. My older daughter received this when her baby sister was born, and she now reads it to her little sibling. She really enjoys pointing out the images of herself and her little sister in it, and even kept the big sister medal that came with the book—she whips it out on occasion when she’s feeling proud of her big-sister accomplishments. What’s more, there’s also an option for big brothers.
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Our community says:
My daughter loved this book, and she really enjoys pointing out the images of herself and her little sister in it. – Korin M., mom of four
A baby doll
Keep your little one entertained with their own baby while you’re busy introducing your newborn to the world. This ultra-soft doll comes with a magnetic pacifier and clothing complete with hook-and-loop closure, so your kiddo can practice taking care of a newborn. While this plush option is the perfect new sibling gift for a toddler, you can also opt for a more advanced doll, depending on your child’s age. This doll is surprisingly durable, too—we’ve had ours for years.
Our community says:
I bought [my daughter] a doll and accessories. Hopefully, she can take care of her baby when I take care of the new baby. – mufflerlove, The Bump forum member
[I] was thinking maybe a new baby doll of her own to take care of. – kjd291, The Bump forum member
A busy box
This kit serves double duty as a gift for you and your child. “A busy box filled with quiet activities for feeding times” can be a helpful tool for everyone, according to Dr. Thakral. Lovevery’s Observer Play Kit has a range of different elements to help your child take ownership of their daily routines through play, making fostering independence a fun process. The toys in this kit are also sturdy enough to pass down when baby gets older. I especially like the wooden emotion dolls, which are helpful for communicating with new siblings when they may not have the words to express how they’re feeling.
Our community says:
They're very well-made toys (non-toxic, usually wooden, sturdy). – hannahbananas11, The Bump forum member
A personalized book
Books make great gifts for siblings of a new baby, which is why they appear more than once on this list. Reassure your tot that there’s enough love to go around with this heartwarming rhyming tale. With Wonderbly’s user-friendly design features, you can customize the storybook with your older child's name and character, then add a character for baby too—my son got a real kick out of hearing his name throughout this book. Both siblings will appear on the cover, which is sure to get your little one excited to meet their new playmate.
A big sibling shirt
Fill your firstborn with a sense of pride by giving them a special outfit as a new sibling gift, which they can wear to the hospital when baby arrives. We love this pick from Sweet Wink, which Martina Garvey, a senior editor for The Bump, gifted to a family friend ahead of the birth of their second child. Imagine the sweet photo possibilities—just like these from Gemma W., mom of two.
"Luke was very excited to become a big brother, he even wanted to name the baby Luke, after himself! Since baby James has been born he's been the most doting and loving big brother,” Gemma shared.
Our community says:
We have bought [my son] a big brother shirt. I was thinking of putting together a "Big Brother Kit" for when we are at the hospital that will have different things in it. I was also thinking of making him some thing to put on his wall, talking about how cool it is to be a big brother. – MamaSpryte, The Bump forum member
My boys are each getting a little bag with a 'big brother' t-shirt, a book, a little toy for something to do, and snacks for while they wait with Grandma and Papa. – csells021383, The Bump forum member
[My son] is getting a Big Brother t-shirt, snack and a toy that's wrapped in special paper. – Lauren&Mat, The Bump forum member
A toddler tower
This is admittedly an investment, but you’ll be surprised how much you and your child will get out of this toddler tower. This tower has a stylish design and is easy to move around. But, to your child, it’s a way to help out more around the house and have bonding activities with you while the new baby is napping. My daughter uses this tower multiple times a day to help around the kitchen or just play with soap bubbles in the sink. She feels like she’s in the mix like a big kid and takes pride in knowing she’s the only sibling who gets to use it.
A backpack
Your little one is sure to have heart eyes for this backpack. While you’re busy toting baby’s essentials, you can inspire independence in your older child by having them carry their belongings in this sweet bag. It’s roomy enough to hold numerous items, without being so big that younger toddlers can’t safely carry it. We have this bag in my house, and I’ve been impressed by how well it holds up over time. My son got a huge sense of pride at getting his first backpack when he received this as a gift, and it’s since been through multiple siblings and still looks new. It features an impressive level of comfort thanks to thick straps with ample padding; my daughter even forgot she was wearing it at one point.
Choose from several patterns and sizes for a custom gift your kiddo won’t want to put down. You can even add initials or a monogram for added personalization. Pro tip: Fill it with small goodies (like snacks and a few of their favorite toys) to keep them entertained if they’re coming to visit you in the hospital!
Reusable sticker sheets
Gifts for siblings don’t have to break the bank. Case in point: These sticker sheets from Melissa & Doug, which ring in at under $10. Each pad includes five nature scenes and more than 150 reusable stickers that can be repositioned time and time again. This budget-friendly present is sure to provide your little one hours of entertainment, so you can focus on breastfeeding, taking care of baby or anything else you need to do in those early weeks of new parenthood. It’s also a sweet activity for you and your child to do together—and they can proudly display their work when the fun is done.
Our community says:
The baby will be giving [my son] some kind of activity that will keep him absorbed while I'm nursing. I'm thinking about those Melissa and Doug reusable sticker sets. – wintersong, The Bump forum member
Wooden fruits and vegetables
Dr. Kennedy-Moore recommends avoiding noisy, messy toys that require adult supervision. “Choose something that can be played with in multiple ways and fires up imagination,” she says. That’s why she suggests considering velcro vegetables. This sturdy set from Melissa & Doug allows big siblings to “slice” and prepare dishes for the family with the help of velcro and a wooden knife. It’ll keep your child busy while you’re occupied with baby, and allow your new big sibling to feel like they’re helping out with meal prep.
Our community says:
I love our wooden toys from Melissa and Doug. We have the fruit set that you can cut apart with a wooden knife (they're held together with velcro) and then a food groups set. It’s great quality and I love that it's not plastic. My 3 year old loves the fruit you cut apart. – leap08, The Bump forum member
A digital camera
One of the best gifts for a sibling when a new baby arrives is a digital camera. Why? Because kids adore taking pictures. This child-friendly option from VTech includes all the tools your budding photographer needs to get started. Featuring a selfie mode, a video recorder and four built-in games, this camera will be a hit with your tot. The sides of the camera are large, rounded and textured, making them easy for younger hands to grip. Better yet, baby will make the perfect model!
Our community says:
My aunt bought our daughter the VTech KidiZoom for her big sister gift and she LOVES it! Some of my favorite photos from the hospital were actually taken on that camera. – CrunchyMama, The Bump forum member
We're doing the child camera for [our daughter] (she'll be a few months over 2). My friends with the VTech have said the picture quality isn't bad, and it gets good reviews on Amazon. – mysticporter, The Bump forum member
A building blocks set
Keep your kiddo’s hands busy while you’re rocking baby or enjoying a moment to yourself, thanks to this sibling gift idea. Full of moving wheels, characters and bricks in all shapes and sizes, the colorful DUPLO playset will allow your tot’s imagination to run wild as they invent their own little world. Not to mention, they’re sure to become a more independent player.
Our community says:
We just purchased a DUPLO set and a 24-piece puzzle for my son’s sibling gift. Really hoping these toys will keep him busy when baby arrives! – Kaylee B., expectant mom of one
Big sibling coloring book
Searching for a present that will keep your child entertained during those first few busy weeks with baby? You can’t go wrong with a coloring book. This option tells the story of Lily, a new big sister who walks the reader through her emotions around having a new sibling. (There are similar big brother coloring books, too.) This is a digital download that you print out, which is especially handy if you need a last-minute gift.
Our community says:
My sister got her oldest […] a coloring book and some crayons to keep her busy while they were at the hospital. She loved to color, so it was great. Plus, she had something to do while people were visiting the new mom and baby and it kept her from getting bored. – efujan, The Bump forum member
A birthday cake
If your toddler is obsessed with birthdays, they may insist you get a cake to celebrate baby’s arrival—after all, it is their birthday! Simplify the process by preordering a cake delivery either to your home, to the hospital or anywhere else that’s convenient for you. This bestselling option from Milk Bar has three tiers, complete with creamy frosting and rainbow sprinkle-infused vanilla cake. You can place your order anywhere between 2 to 30 days in advance; plus, it can be stored in the fridge for up to five days and up to two weeks in the freezer. While this isn’t your typical new sibling gift, it’s bound to create long-lasting memories for your little one on the big day.
Our community says:
[My child] is going to buy the birthday cake and balloon with [my husband] when she comes to meet the baby. She's obsessed with birthdays. – ForeverEverAfter, The Bump forum member
[My daughter] has also requested birthday cake, lol. So we'll order a cake while we're in the hospital to pick up when we get home to celebrate [baby's] birthday. – Pepper6, The Bump forum member
A celebratory cake topper
Don’t forget celebratory decorations for the cake! This topper is made from glittering card stock and reads “big sister”; it’s sure to make your older kiddo feel special. Choose from several sizes and color options to personalize the decor.
Our community says:
I got a cake topper for my daughter that says 'big sister' and [I'm] going to order either a cupcake or small cake for her when the day comes. – jmacd22, The Bump forum member
An uplifting stuffed animal and book set
Becoming an older sibling is a big shift for kids, whether they’re toddlers, in elementary school or any age in between. Help them learn about their emotions and build self-esteem with this uplifting gift from Slumberkins. It includes a silky-smooth Bigfoot stuffed animal that your kiddo can cuddle with; I have one of these plush toys and can vouch for how soft it is! And my daughter loved sitting in my lap while holding her Bigfoot as we read together. It carved out special time just for us after her little sister was born.
What’s more, it comes with two board books, which both remind little ones how loved they are and how to manage their feelings. Slumberkins also offers bundles focused on other emotions, such as family change, emotional courage and mindfulness, each of which is paired with a cuddly toy.
Big and little siblings toys
Dr. Kennedy-Moore also recommends items that incorporate a baby. “This could be useful for your child to explore themes or feelings related to the new family addition,” she says. This Calico Critters set features a big and little sibling getting ready for bed. Each has its own toy, along with a special bedtime set-up for baby. Your child can learn to help care for their little sibling—and even unwind for bed—through this pretend play set.
Our community says:
My [daughter] adores them. – WiggleBaby, The Bump forum member
A big sibling book for older kids
Elementary school kids often have a lot of questions—and this book can help answer at least a few of them. Written by a mom of two and a nurse educator, the story explains what your kiddo can expect before baby arrives and from birth through toddlerhood. Parents describe the tone of the book as kid-friendly and light-hearted yet matter-of-fact, making it a great option for older kids becoming new siblings. pdbird, a member of The Bump community forums and expectant parent of a 6-year-old says: “We read it a few times a week and talk about what is going to happen. I also answer any questions [my son] has because he has a lot of them!"
Our community says:
We got my 6-year-old the book, "Babies Don't Eat Pizza" for Christmas. It's a cute book that explains exactly everything that is happening to me, what to expect for him and the changes that will occur. – pdbird, The Bump forum member
A sweet picture frame
If your child is proud to be an older sibling, this sentimental picture frame is bound to earn a special spot in their room—or maybe even on their desk at school! You can let your newly-minted big sibling choose the photo they want to go in the frame, too. As your kids grow up together, they can update it with new photos.
Our community says:
[My son] is too small to understand, so we won't be doing [a new sibling gift], but maybe a special picture frame that he can put a picture of just him and the [little one] in? – Gators&BoSox, The Bump forum member
A plush pig
Is Peppa Pig constantly on in your household? Then a plush toy of your child’s beloved TV character is bound to make them smile. And of course, Peppa is a big sister now, which is worth pointing out to your older child. The plush is the perfect size for carrying around and is free of parts that could be choking hazards, making it safe for everyone to enjoy.
Our community says:
My [daughter] has become obsessed with Peppa Pig and is getting a Peppa doll and book from her new baby brother. (I also love how Peppa is an older sister/younger brother family just like ours). – danahorowitz, The Bump community forum member
A super-soft robe
Little ones who love to pretend they’re mini-adults will definitely appreciate this robe from Pottery Barn Kids. The cuddly style is made from super-soft sherpa to ensure they stay cozy. Plus, it features a tie belt, pockets and a hood, for added convenience. If you’re planning to wear a maternity robe or a delivery gown, your kiddo will be able to match. Just think of how cute the photos will be!
Our community says:
l got [my 5-year-old daughter] a robe similar to the one I'll wear in the hospital. – ShawnaLynn83, The Bump forum member
A big sister bracelet
Celebrate your child’s new sibling status with this adorable bracelet! We love the handcrafted design and the lavender-colored beads. What’s more, Little Words Project offers a lifetime warranty, so you can ensure it’ll be a favorite for years to come. Just keep in mind that this gift for siblings should only be worn by big kids; jewelry isn’t safe for infants and toddlers to wear.
Our community says:
We're giving our older daughter a nice bracelet from her little sister. I think she'll love it and hopefully, it will last forever. – tinktink20, The Bump forum member
A wooden stamp set
Here’s another fun arts-and-crafts kit that new siblings are bound to love—especially when keeping you and baby company. This deluxe stamp set from Melissa & Doug comes with 30 wooden stamps, two washable ink pads and six colorful markers. The animal-themed prints will promote hand-eye coordination as your toddler learns to stamp—plus, they’ll encourage storytelling and imaginative play. C25, a member of The Bump community forums, says: “My oldest was [three-and-a-half] when his little brother was born, so I got him a gift from little brother, and it was mostly just activities he could do in the hospital. A movie, a stamp set and some treats.” We totally agree that this would be a great addition to a hospital goodie bag for kiddos!
Our community says:
[My three-and-a-half-year-old] actually LOVED it and played with the stamp set right away, so I was glad I got it. – C25, The Bump forum member
A cheerful teddy bear
Gifts for siblings can create lifelong memories around baby’s arrival. This cheerful pink Care Bear is sure to make a positive impression on your child, and they’ll especially love the super-soft huggable material. This bear can even sit up on its own, allowing your child to proudly display it on a bookcase or shelf.
Our community says:
When my younger brother was born (we were 3 years apart as well), my parents gave me a Care Bear stuffed animal, and I still remember that 30+ years later.” – KMeredith82, The Bump forum member
A set of bath toys
One way to ensure your little one doesn’t feel left out with all the visitors and attention on baby is by giving them a series of small new sibling gifts. Qmommy, a member of The Bump community forums, had this great idea: “I plan on buying the squirt bath toys and individually wrapping them so when people come over to meet the baby they can give my [daughter] a gift without actually having to buy anything for her.”
I can vouch for this set from Munchkin, which comes with eight floating ocean friends, ranging from a penguin to a puffer fish. It was hard to include my toddler when I was bathing the new baby, and I needed a way to safely keep her occupied. This squirt bath set kept my older child happy while I cleaned up my youngest—and even entertained the baby in the process.
A matching pajama set
Dr. Thakral also suggests matching pajamas as a way to boost sibling bonds. Not only does Little Sleepies make comfortable clothes in a dreamy, soft bamboo-viscose fabric and in adorable prints, they have a wide range of sizes—when my baby was too small for newborn clothes, the preemie size was the perfect fit, and the matching set was a hit with her big brother.
An audio player
Next up is this best-selling audio player for toddlers and big kids alike. With it, your little one can listen to an array of stories as told by their favorite book, movie and TV characters. This present will help your child wind down independently and maybe even teach them to self-soothe while you have your hands full with baby. It’s a win-win in our books!
Our community says:
From the moment she opened her Toniebox, my toddler has been obsessed with it. The fact that she can put her favorite character toys on top of the player so easily to listen to their stories is the best. – Dani W., mom of two
A doll carrier
My daughter wanted to mimic everything I did when her little sister was born, including carrying her dolls around like me. An Ergobaby doll carrier let us ‘match’ when we left the house. While you have baby strapped in, let them carry their favorite toy. This beloved brand doesn't skimp on quality; the kids’ version is made from 100 percent cotton and has adjustable padded straps. Did somebody say mini-me?
Magnetic toys
Even seasoned Magna-Tiles fans will flip for this jungle animal-themed set. It features several wild animals, along with patterned tiles that can be used to build and rebuild cool habitats. The magnets are hidden within the tiles, so you don’t need to stress about loose parts. This set works seamlessly with other Magna-Tiles sets, too, allowing your child to expand on their current collection.
Our community says:
I teach in a 3-5 year old preschool room and we have these. I have to say that all the kids LOVE these, boys and girls. And there are never enough to go around. I would highly recommend them for any preschool age child. They are a great toy for stimulating creativity. – starshine1977, The Bump forum member
A pair of toddler headphones
It’s no secret that newborns can be noisy. Thankfully, with these headphones, your toddler can enjoy some alone time when needed. Whether they’re listening to their favorite songs, watching their go-to movie or anything in between, they’re bound to love this gift for siblings. They’re also good to keep the older child from disturbing baby during naptime—one of my children loves kicking back and listening to music, and these headphones allow him to tune everything out and just relax without bothering anyone else.
A toddler climbing toy
If your child has a lot of energy and loves to play outside, opt for a toddler climbing toy. This outdoor structure is made from heavy-duty interlocking plastic tubes and joints that are UV-resistant and can withstand rough play. Even better, it’s lightweight, so it can be moved around easily when needed. Parents say it’s simple to assemble and that it’s provided their little ones with endless entertainment.
Our community says:
We bought this climbing fort when my second was born as a gift from us/the baby and a way to keep him entertained at 2-and-a-half-year-old; [it] was a great distraction! – Catherine M., mom of three
About the writer:
Korin Miller is a writer who’s penned dozens of health and shopping features for The Bump. She specializes in commerce, wellness and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, AOL, SELF and more. Korin is a mom to four kids, ranging in age from 3 to 12 years old. She’s been through the sibling gifts experience many times. Korin has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, author and creator of the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast.
John Mayer, PhD, is a psychologist based in Chicago, Illinois, and the author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance in Life.
Pareen Thakral, MD, is a pediatrician with Texas Children’s Pediatrics in Houston, Texas
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