The pitter-patter of tiny feet is on its way! Welcoming a new baby into the family is a momentous occasion, filled with joy and anticipation. But amidst the excitement of tiny clothes and first cuddles, it's easy to overlook the little (or not-so-little) person who is about to have their world wonderfully, but significantly, changed: the older sibling.
If you're looking for the perfect way to celebrate the new arrival and acknowledge the important role the older brother or sister will play, you've come to the right place. At Edith & George, we understand that this transition is a big one for everyone. So we've put together some thoughtful gift ideas that not only welcome the new baby but also make the older sibling feel loved, valued, and excited about their new family member.
Why Thoughtful Gifts for Older Siblings Matter
The arrival of a new baby can bring a mix of emotions for an older sibling. While they might be curious and excited, they might also experience feelings of jealousy, confusion, or even a little bit of displacement. After all, they've been the center of their parents' world, and now they'll be sharing that attention.
According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2023, approximately 41% of families with dependent children in the UK had two or more children. This means a significant number of families are navigating this very transition every day! Research suggests that it's completely normal for older children to have a range of emotions when a new sibling arrives. They might exhibit "babyish" behaviours, become more clingy, or even act out a little as they adjust to the new family dynamic.
A thoughtful gift can be a wonderful way to acknowledge these feelings and show the older sibling that they are still special and loved. It can also help them feel more involved in the arrival of the new baby and foster a positive sibling bond from the start.
What to Buy? Gifts with the Older Sibling in Mind
So, what makes a great gift for an older brother or sister when a new baby arrives? Here are some ideas, keeping in mind our focus on organic, sustainable, and fair-trade products, just like everything you'll find at Edith & George:
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Something Just for Them: This might seem obvious, but ensuring the gift is specifically for the older child is key. It helps them feel they haven't been forgotten in all the baby excitement. Think about their age and interests. A new book, a set of art supplies, or a special toy can all be great options.
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A Comforting Companion: A soft and cuddly toy can provide comfort and a sense of security during this time of change. This is where our gorgeous organic cotton knitted diplodocus toy comes in! It's a substantial and huggable friend that an older sibling can cherish. Its size makes it feel like a really special gift, and being made from organic cotton means it's kind to them and the planet – aligning perfectly with the Edith & George ethos.
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A Matching Set: If you're looking for a gift that subtly connects the siblings, consider a matching element. Our new baby and big sibling gift hampers feature a large organic cotton knitted diplodocus for the older child and a smaller, matching organic rattle (either a bramble bunny or a stegosaurus) for the baby. This creates a sweet connection between them and can be a lovely talking point. Imagine the older sibling proudly showing their "baby brother's dinosaur" or "baby sister's bunny"!
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An Activity to Share (Eventually!): While a newborn won't be playing for a while, gifting something that the older sibling can eventually share with the baby can build anticipation for their future bond. This could be a set of building blocks, a simple puzzle, or even a lovely soft blanket that they can both snuggle under during story time.
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A "Big Helper" Gift: Presenting a gift that acknowledges their new role as a big brother or sister can be empowering. This could be a special "Big Helper" apron for when they assist with baby tasks (like fetching nappies!), or a book about being a big sibling.
Our Special "Big Sibling" Hampers
At Edith & George, we've taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift with our thoughtfully curated New Baby & Big Sibling Gift Sets. These hampers are designed to celebrate both the new arrival and the wonderful older sibling:
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The Bramble Bunny Hamper with Large Dino Toy: This set includes a beautiful organic cotton knitted bramble bunny rattle for the new baby and a large organic cotton knitted diplodocus toy for the older sibling. It's a huggable duo made with the softest, most sustainable materials.
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The Stegosaurus Sibling Set Hamper with Large Dino Toy: For the little dinosaur enthusiast, this hamper features a charming organic cotton stegosaurus rattle for the baby and the same wonderfully large organic cotton knitted diplodocus for the big brother or sister – a perfect matching dinosaur duo!
Both hampers are filled with other organic and fair-trade goodies for the new baby, ensuring a gift that is kind to baby, kind to the planet, and incredibly thoughtful for the whole family.
Making the Transition Smoother
While a gift is a lovely gesture, remember that the most important things you can offer an older sibling are time, attention, and reassurance. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, involve them in caring for the baby in small ways (if they are interested), and make sure they still have dedicated one-on-one time with their parents.
The arrival of a new baby is a significant family milestone. By thoughtfully considering the older sibling and making them feel valued, you can help create a positive and loving environment where everyone can thrive. Explore our range of organic and sustainable gifts at www.edithandgeorge.co.uk and find the perfect way to say "Welcome, baby!" and "You're still our amazing big kid!"
