Gift Ideas for an Adopted Baby
Practical, Sentimental and Unique Presents for New Adoptive Families
Sep 8, 2009
When new adoptive parents come home with their child they are often overwhelmed with joy, anxiety and exhaustion. In the meantime, well-meaning friends and family are excited to meet the adopted child and want to celebrate the adoption with gifts. Although everyone is happy to buy cute outfits and the latest toy, here are some practical, sentimental and unique gift ideas that are greatly appreciated by new adoptive parents.
Practical Gift Ideas for Adoptive Families
Useful gifts are often the most thoughtful and appreciated presents as they help make life easier, leaving the adoptive parents more time to bond with their child. Practical gift ideas also work nicely when given from a group of people, such as co-workers and extended family.
- Coupons for diapers, wipes and formula
- Gift certificates for take-out and order-in meals
- Homemade meals for the freezer
- Gift certificate for photo development
- Subscription to parenting and adoption magazines
- Three months housecleaning service
- Gift certificates to drug store and grocery store
- Gently worn, second hand baby clothes
As the focus of the adoptive parents in the first months of adopting their child is bonding and attachment, any gifts that allow the adoptive family to simply spend time together is ideal. Offering babysitting services is also appreciated, but may be more useful after a few months, once the family has had a chance to bond.
Sentimental Gift Ideas for Adoptive Families
Often overwhelmed with just the day-to-day care of a baby, newly adoptive parents might not find the time to do all the little things that help mark the beginning of the adoptive family’s new life together. Gifts that create memories or mark the occasion of the child’s adoption are appreciated by adoptive parents, even if they have adopted children before.
- Personalized picture frames and photo albums
- Voucher for professional photography services
- Homemade blankets and toys
- Keepsakes such as music boxes, wall-hangings and Christmas ornaments
- Craft kit to make the child’s hand and foot prints in plaster of Paris
- Adoption t-shirts for parents
For some new adoptive parents, it is the sentimental gifts that highlight the fact they are now “Mommy” or “Daddy” that are most treasured. By giving gifts that celebrate the new family, adoptive parents feel validated in their long-awaited role.
Unique Gift Ideas for Adoptive Families
Although adoptive families are the same as families formed by birth, there are some unique aspects of an adoptive family that can be celebrated through gifts. Here are some gift ideas specific for adoptive families.
- Children’s books about adoption
- Materials for scrapbook making or the creation of a lifebook
- Unique adoption jewelry
- Donation to the adoption agency the family worked with
- Gift certificates for family outings such as nearby attractions and recreation programs
Although this list is geared to parents who have adopted a baby, many of these ideas would be appropriate for a family adopting an older child or a sibling group as well.
When friends and family choose a baby shower or Gotcha Day gift for a newly adoptive family that is practical, sentimental or unique, they are giving a gift from the heart that will be appreciated for years to come. For other gift ideas specifically for adoptive families, read Adoption Gifts for Adopted Kids.
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