For the most part, adopted kids want the same gifts their friends desire, but there are times when an adoption-related gift would be appreciated. During celebrations where a child’s adoption is prominent, gifts that emphasize the love of a permanent family or help an adopted child process complex feelings are appropriate presents for kids of all ages.
Gift Ideas for Adopted Infants and Toddlers
Aside from the baby gear, clothing and toys that every child needs, the baby’s adoptive parents may appreciate gifts that focus on the celebration of the child’s adoption status. Here are some adoption gift ideas for friends and family to consider for Gotcha Day celebrations.
- Adoption themed picture books or general books on the unconditional love of parents such as Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado [Thomas Nelson, 1992]
- Compact disc of children’s music from the adopted child’s birth country or heritage
- Book of folktales from the child’s birth country
- Donation to the adoption agency the adoptive family worked with
- Materials or gift certificate for the adoptive parents to make a custom storybook about their child’s adoption
This is also a good time to give sentimental gifts such as Christmas ornaments, embroidered blankets and customized wall hangings commemorating the adoption. These gifts are appreciated by parents and will become treasured mementos for the adoptive family.
Adoption Gifts for Four to Nine Year Olds
As adopted kids get older, they may become more sensitive about their adoption status and do not want it celebrated out in the open. Age seven is about the time when many adopted kids begin to ask questions about their adoption and feel conflicted about how their family was formed. However, if these adoption gifts are given in the right context, they may help the child express her feelings about being an adoptee.
- Adoption themed children’s movies
- Non-fiction books about the child’s birth country
- Materials to make a scrapbook or keepsake box
- Handmade adoption jewelry or keepsakes from the child’s birth family
- Photographs, letters and e-mails from the birth family
- Stuffed animal or doll that is adopted by the child
- Toys and games from the child’s birth country
- Sponsoring a child from the child’s birth country or an animal from the World Wildlife Fund
These ideas are appropriate for birthday and Christmas gift-giving for school age kids, as well as for welcoming an older child to the adoptive family.
Gift Ideas for Tween and Teen Adoptees
As tweens and teens begin to form their unique identities, their adoption status may be a major factor in their lives. To help show support during this journey here are some gift ideas adoptive parents could give to their tween or teen.
- Journal or sketchbook as a creative outlet for feelings
- Trip to the tween or teen’s birth place
- Poetry book written by an adoptee such as The Secret of Me by Meg Kearney [Persea, 2005]
- Music by adopted musicians such as Sarah McLachlan and Faith Hill
By giving unique adoption gifts to adoptees at birthdays, Christmas and Gotcha Days, adoption is viewed as a celebration. Thoughtful adoption-themed presents also encourage adoptees to share their feelings about their status, which leads to the most important gift of all – the gift of open communication about adoption.
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