Gift for Sister and Daughter She's Adopting?

Updated on March 27, 2009
L.C. asks from Wheaton, IL
14 answers

My sister is adopting a four year old next month out in L.A. and I won't be able to make it out there. She and I are very close - best friends - and in addition to sending flowers, I want to send her and her new daughter something special, a gift that's a keepsake. I was thinking of getting a large photo frame for my sister and a smaller photo frame for her daughter and having them both engraved with Mother...and daughter and the date. I'm trying to think of other great options - has to be something special and something they can keep. Or maybe one of those really nice digital photo frames, having that engraved and uploading some photos to it. I'd previously given my sister a scrapbook about her to give to her daughter with copies of all these old pix I had of her and some background information about her. Any other ideas? Looking to spend $50-$200.

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T.D.

answers from Chicago on

I know you said you were looking for more of a keepsake idea but how about a webcam for them and one for you so you guys can see each other?

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I would go with the digital photo frame option and in it I would download some photo's of your family and any other family that you have and send it to her so that her new daughter can "get to know" at least by face the family. that way when you all finally get together she will at least know by name who each person is. its a great way for long distance getting to know each other. one of those camera's you hook to your computer and a micraphone would be even better as you can do those video calls and she can get to know you. congrats aunty on the new niece.

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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

I have given Willow Tree figurines as gifts (and have received them, too). They have beautiful Mother/Daughter figurines, keepsake boxes, etc... Check out:

http://www.willowtree.info/products.html#figurine

I know they have Mother/Daughter stuff that isn't just baby (like a mother holding a bigger child).

I buy all of mine from www.cherrylanekeepsakes.com. They give a discount, and have free shipping on orders $49 +.

Good luck,
M.

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J.E.

answers from Chicago on

those are great ideas. there is a wonderful poem out there and have it made nicely into a frame google it

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A.R.

answers from Omaha on

How long has she had the little girl? While I wouldn't discourage getting a gift at all the thing I can say is remember the little girl is 4. I was adopted at 4 years (almost 5) and while I love my parents (they are/have been/always will be my parents) at 4 it can be a little confusing for the girl. She may not be up to the mother/daughter thing if it is still new. Maybe a gift certificate to somewhere where they can have a special mother/daughter time (a weekennd at a theme park, hotel, someplace just fun for a 4-year old) without it expressly throwing at her this is your NEW mother who is going to take the place of your OLD mother (depending on if she's known any other parents in her life).

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

How about Longaberger Baskets?! I LOVE giving these heirloom, made-in-America, baskets as keepsake gifts! If you decide on one with a lid, (like a kiddie purse, recipe, picnic)you can write on the lid to commemorate the event. It's a great thing for kids to grow up with and can change with them...from baby to college to parent!

My consultant is THE BEST! I've been using her for 25 years and have never had a complaint.

Jackie VanderWoude ____@____.com ###-###-####

www.longaberger.com/jacuelynvanderwoude.com

Congratulations! (Tell her Bethie sent you.) xo

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P.H.

answers from Chicago on

I've seen jewelry for two people, they are two separate halves of hearts each on their own chain but when put together form a full heart. It may be a Hallmark thing. They have lots of meaningful things. God Bless your family as you begin to blend. Your sister is lucky to have you and that you care so much.

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B.Z.

answers from Chicago on

That scrapbook about your sister for your new niece is a loving and thoughtful gift! Perhaps you can add a page for this little girl, and how she became a part of your sister?

The child's background impact my gift ideas. Will she have information and a connection with her past? If not, her transition to your sister will be a "rebirth" of sorts that she will like to reflect on as an adult. Having traditional gifts for newborns will be touching. For example, have your sister and your niece do ink or clay handprints the day they join as a family, bronze shoes, save her outfit from that day, etc. 4 years old is still young enough for the child to grow up appreciating these things.

If the girl has a connection to her past, don't let her lose it. Another scrapbook of her early years may be appropriate, and then have a page of her transition to your sister. Then have a place for the welcome home party, maybe signatures of guests, and the first birthday/holidays as a family, then the anniversary of "family day" (or whatever your sister chooses to call the transition date).

Perhaps you can give a gift of a family togetherness party. Of course, this shouldn't be done too soon after placement since your niece may struggle with the transition. Heck, your sister may struggle with it! So, after they have some space to get to know each other, celebrate the new family.

(Best wishes to your sister and her daughter! And good luck to you and your family endeavors =)

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D.K.

answers from Chicago on

In your question you mention that you won't be able to visit. I obviously don't know the reasons but if you can make it to visit later, I think that would be the best gift to give to your sister and her daughter.

I have a 2 and a 1/2 year old and am expecting number 2 any day now. My sister has been to visit me once since my daughter was born (when my daughter was 6 months old) and that was because we were on the way during a roadtrip they were taking. She has sent gifts for me and my daughter but nothing is as special as it would have been for her to come visit and get to know my daughter.

Good Luck,
D.

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M.J.

answers from Chicago on

what about a special necklace that is engraved? some type of locket etc. I just don't really see a picture frame as a keepsake.

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M.B.

answers from Springfield on

Hi L.,
How about engraved braclets. You could put names or initials on the outside and the date on the inside. Another choice could be a silver jewelry box with names/initials on the top and date or message on the inside. Your neice could keep it as she grows up with her special things. She might not care about it now but when she grows she will look back and appreciate it!
Best Wishes!

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A.R.

answers from Chicago on

How about mother and daughter matching bracelets with engraved names or intitials? Obviously the four year old will wear it on spccial occassions but it is a nice "bonding" gift. Maybe it could have her adoption date on it. Good luck to you as well. A.

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J.D.

answers from Chicago on

maybe a scrapbook for the daughter? about the process, where she came from etc (if mom is open to that).

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

There is a nice poem for those that have adopted:

Not flesh of my flesh
nor bone of my bone
but still miraculously
my own
Never forget
for a single minute
you didn't grow
under my heart
but in it

Can you combine that poem with a photo from 'gotcha day'? Some people call it 'forever family' day.

hth!

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