Present for New Baby - Also Get Present for Older Siblings?

Why would it offend anyone if you just bought a baby gift for the baby?

Granted I am one of these people that scratches my head about this everybody gets a gift movement. I don't think kids really have a problem understanding this event isn't about me.
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Okay after looking at the other answers, really? I am the only one who's older kids got that a baby was born, they were born as well, only earlier? They never felt left out or bored, I didn't make them stay up at the hospital though because that is boring and why should they be there bored.

Odd

I always get older siblings a little gift if they are a young child, for two reasons... 1) So they don't feel left out , especially with all the changes & attention being placed on new baby . 2) I try to get a gift that will keep them busy, while Mom feeds baby or needs a break.

I think it's sweet and thoughtful of you to get something small for the other kids as well. For the 13 year old, I would get an i-tunes card. You can get one for $10. We have a blended family and I am always touched when my family thinks of my step-daughter (even when she didn't live with us full time my mom would always get her Valentine's candy like she does for the other kids) and when my husband's family and friends think of my son. For the other little girl, I would also get something small and age-appropriate. Maybe a book or two or some art supplies - something simple and inexpensive. I know that my older kids always appreciated getting little things from friends and family near and far when a new baby entered the picture. It's not expected (most people just get a gift for the baby) but very much appreciated.

A gift for siblings is certainly not something that is "required".

Personally, I have given a baby gift for the new baby and then I have given a big brother/big sister gift to the siblings.

We collect numismatics and I keep a roll of special Morgan Silver Dollars on hand. I keep the special disc coverings for protection and display of the coins as well. My gift to siblings is usually a Morgan Silver Dollar. So far, they have loved it over the years. It is not too extravagant and it can gain value over time.

You are thoughtful to think of the other children.

No, you don't have to. A new baby is an event for a family, but usually only the newcomer receives the gifts. It's not unknown for siblings to receive small gifts, too, but usually they're very young siblings.

On the other hand, it could be quite a generous and appreciated thing to do if you wanted to. Some sort of gift card, perhaps? You could send it to both the older girls to congratulate them on being big sisters.

No, there is no need to send one to the siblings...

no!
stop the madness. every time one child gets a gift it should not trigger an avalanche of avarice in the other children.
khairete
S.

send her a gift certificate for the jc penney or sears photo studio. they can get a new family photo done include a picture frame for the new family picture. it is a lovely gift that includes everyone.

I always get a "go" bag for the older sibling. They are going to get bored at the hospital with everyone wanting to see the new baby.

I put in coloring books, crayons, a toy or two that doesn't have small parts to get stepped on, maybe a doll with some doll clothes....stuff that is new and will hold their interest.

The only time I bring something for the older child, is if they are 2, 3,or 4 years old. At that age all they see is others bringing gifts for this little crying bundle of joy.

You don't have to, but some little gifts would be nice. You could buy inexpensive gifts for the two others for under $20, and they will be happy. Good suggestions below.

I always send something for everyone. That's just me though.

Depending on how old the older siblings are and how close I am to the kids I sometimes give a gift. If the siblings are younger I will get them something small. If I'm really close to the older kids I have given shirts that say "I'm the big sister/brother." I have also given them books about being the older sibling and at one time found "baby books" that were designed to be filled out by the older sibling.

It also depends on if I am mailing the gift or if I am giving it in person. If it is mailed it is easier for the mom to not make a big deal of it in front of the other kids.

All that said, I have probably only done that 3-4 times with family and very close friends. In all but one case the older siblings were under 5. I like the idea of a gift certificate for a family portrait.

DUH... :) Really you have to ask? Who wouldn't want gifts for all their children to make them happy?
I think it is a really nice thing to do :) Send them all a gifts :) it will make the kids happy which in return makes MOM Happy!!

Send the stepdaughter a purse with a long strap. This seems to be something girls like these days and they are not very expensive

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Send the stepdaughter a purse with a long strap. This seems to be something girls like these days and they are not very expensive

I have always seen this custom as more suitable for small children getting a first sibling. It just seems like a weird way of saying "We didn't forget about you so there's no reason to be jealous of the new baby."
That said, an Amazon.com gift certificate is a great present for a teen you've never met. She can buys something that suits her tastes and interests, but she'll probably still need to have her dad & stepmom's involvement with the purchase. Plus, no driving to shopping malls involved.

I would get a little something for the sibling. Maybe a gift card for a fast food restaurant or ice cream place? I have a newborn and my older son is so excited when he also gets a gift. Makes him feel not left out:}

If it is being sent through the mail, I would probably send a card with a gift card to Target, Trader Joe's/grocery store, or something similar. Then they can get whatever they need, and you know it will be useful for the whole family. If I am going in person, say to the hospital or their home, I would be compelled to buy something adorable for the baby (because I love buying baby things, it's fun!!) and something small for the two girls. I visited a friend who had her second son not long ago and I brought a gift for the baby and a small truck for her 3 year old. You are definitely "within etiquette" either way, but I know I was touched when guests brought something for my older son. I remember him receiving a "Congrats" balloon from one guest that he LOVED.