A new baby is cause for celebration, but it can be disorientating for older siblings, especially if they’re very young.
They go from being the centre of attention to adapting to the chaos and excitement of a newborn, rapidly learning the twin arts of patience and sharing. And with all the fanfare that naturally accompanies a new bundle of joy, the initial change can leave them feeling a little left out.
It’s important to involve older siblings when a new arrival joins the family. While there are plenty of lovely and thoughtful gifts for the baby, a well-chosen present for their older siblings can help to ease the transition.
It’s far from a new concept: many companies offer ideas to help siblings feel part of the party. There are ideas like Lego and jigsaws that promise to keep them occupied while their sleep-deprived parents are up to their elbows in nappies and baby grows. There are personalised story books that put them and their new brother or sister as the main characters, about to embark on a new adventure together. And anything with a new ‘big brother’ or ‘big sister’ message will help them acclimatise to their new status in the family’s line-up.
If you’re looking for a gift to get older siblings excited about their new family member or just to remind them that they’re still very special, we’ve rounded up the best options around at various price points so there’s something for every budget.
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F&M The Bundle of Joy Hamper
A bundle of joy feels suitable in a house that's just welcomed a newborn. Fortnum's does them best and has this sweet hamper filled with treats for the new big brother or sister - with a few luxuries for their parents to enjoy too.
As well as a merry-go-round musical biscuit in, the basket includes a swaddle and hat for the new baby, Marc de Champagne truffles for the adults only and calming teas to make endless brews. There's even a small Paddington Bear cuddly toy that's part of the parcel.
Buy now £160.00, Fortnum and Mason
Mr Men: My Sister picture book
From Roger Hargreaves' wildly popular Mr Men series comes this My Sister book which can be personalised to make them the star of the show. Suitable for big sisters aged two years and up, it's a lovely pre-bed story book that celebrates the magical bond that is sisterhood. Also available as a paperback version.
Buy now £3.94, Amazon
Bambino Me and My Brother Hand print 7" x 5" Photo Frame Baby Gift
One for your newly promoted child’s bedroom, this is a lovely way to create a new piece of artwork. A silver frame comes with an ink pad to allow you to print the siblings’ hands on a white insert. It’s a unique idea that will become a treasured souvenir from the time the two met.
A sister version is available to buy here.
Buy now £14.26, Amazon
Made At The Mill Personalised Siblings Teddy Bears
A new cuddly friend for both the newborn and their sibling will be welcomed with open arms. These beautifully soft bears each come with a personalised tag bearing the names of their new owners. An easy way to create a lifelong bond.
Buy now £34.00, NOTHS
Sunday’s Daughter Baby Announcement Sibling Set
Whether you want to plant the seed early or intend to give this as a gift once the new arrival has made their world debut, this two set of a baby grow and t-shirt is a fun way to make the eldest feel special. The designs are available in a range of colours with sizes ranging from 0 to 6 years. Even after they've outgrown the designs, they can be kept as a keepsake of that special time.
Buy now £26.00, NOTHS
LEGO 10928 DUPLO Town Bakery Playset
Keep toddlers occupied with this cute playset themed on a bakery. The set comes with sweet little DUPLO figures and accessories like a cash register, oven with cupcakes and oven gloves decorations, a food processor, two cupcakes and two decorated cakes. There's even a delivery van to add to the fun.
Buy now £44.95, Amazon
Sophia and the Fox 'Besties' Children's Twinning Sweatshirt Set
Teach kids that siblings are a guaranteed pal for life with this twin set of jumpers emblazoned with the word 'besties' on the front. As well as brothers and sisters, it's also a gift that will work well for cousins or best friends. The jumpers come in a choice of eight colours and various sizes to ensure the best fit.
Buy now £42.00, NOTHS
VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera 5.0
It’s a time for making memories. Get older kids in on the action with VTech’s design, the perfect first camera. Bump and drop-proof, it takes videos as well as pictures with a dual lens 5MP camera, including a selfie one and on the reverse side.
But that’s not all. It has extra features like fun effects, stamps and frames that can be added to the photos and videos. Little shutterbugs can even add voice effects, keeping them entertained for longer.
Buy now £44.99, Amazon
One Stop Kids Big Sister Superhero Cape & Mask
Offer a sense of power as well as play with this fun gift, designed to make a new older sister feel like a superhero.
Featuring a fun cape and coordinating mask, it’s best suited to kids aged three and up. The mask is made fromsoft foam to protect senstitive skin, while the cape is made from satin-like fabric and fastens with a square of velcro.
They can wear it around the house to help mum and dad, or on their first visit to the new baby for snaps to treasure.
Find a big brother version here.
Buy now £9.45, Amazon
Toniebox
A feature on the social media pages of many momfluencers, the Toniebox is a music and audiobook box for children. It works through fun, collectable figures that are placed on top of the box that then play a book or a collection of music. So The Snowman figure plays The Snowman book, the figure of Peter Rabbit the classic Beatrix Potter tale... you get the picture.
It is a great buy for problem sleepers as well, as the Toniebox will lul them to sleep with their favourite story and then automatically turn itself off as your child falls asleep - and there are white noise figures as well.
Buy now £79.95, John Lewis
