What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

You’re not the only one who’s getting ready to meet baby. Bringing another little one home will be a big change for your older child, who’s probably used to being the center of your universe. But with a little TLC—and a thoughtful new sibling gift—you can make sure they still feel important.

Giving a gift to an older sibling when baby is born is a popular practice meant to ease your kiddo’s anxiety and stir up excitement about their new role. This could be a sibling gift “from” the new baby or a present preparing them for baby’s birth. What defines a good new sibling gift idea? Something that’s personalized, involves your munchkin in newborn preparations or simply makes having a baby sibling sound fun. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to sibling gift ideas, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. There are lots of awesome big sister and big brother gifts out there. Below, shop 20+ sibling gift ideas that are sure to make your kiddo smile.

A Big Sibling Book

The Super, Incredible Big Sister Personalized Hardcover Book & Medal

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Amazon

Sometimes all a skeptical sibling needs is some positive reinforcement—and that’s where this new sibling gift comes in. These personalized bedtime books are entertaining and encouraging, and will hopefully send your child off to sleep with happy dreams about their new role in the family. Talk about a good sibling gift from the new baby. Plus, there are options for older sisters and brothers.

A Personalized Book

Wonderbly A New Sibling For You Personalized Book

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Wonderbly

Books make great gifts for siblings of a new baby, which is why they appear more than once on this list. Reassure your tot that there’s enough love to go around with this heartwarming rhyming tale. Customize the storybook with your older child's name and character, then add a character for baby too. Both siblings will appear on the cover, which is sure to get your little one excited to meet their new playmate.

A Digital Camera

VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix, Real Digital Camera for Kids

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Walmart

One of the best gifts for a sibling when a new baby arrives is a digital camera. Why? Because kids adore taking pictures. This child-friendly option from VTech includes all the tools your budding photographer needs to get started. Featuring a selfie mode, a video recorder and four built-in games, this camera will be a hit with your tot. Better yet, baby will make the perfect model!

A Mini “Diaper” Bag

Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Skip Hop

When you head out to the park or around town for errands, you can put all of baby’s necessities in your bag, and your tot can load up their favorite must-haves in theirs! We’re loving this super-cute backpack that comes in multiple animal designs.

I'm a Big Brother! Chocolate Chip Cookie Jar

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: 1800baskets.com

As a seasoned parent, you’re not above a sugar bribe. These cookies are sure to sweeten the deal of siblinghood; plus, the wording (“I’m a big brother/sister”) will give them a cool sense of big-kid authority.

A Play Stroller

ADORA Baby Doll Stroller Zig Zag Umbrella Stroller

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Amazon

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Keep that in mind when shopping for new sibling gifts. When you’re pushing baby around in a stroller, your tot is going to want to mimic your every move. Giving them a pint-size buggy of their own (and a doll or stuffed animal to take care of) will make your child feel in charge and responsible. This one has a gender-neutral color palette and a chic zigzag design.

A Doll High Chair

Olivia's Little World Polka Dots Princess Baby Doll High Chair

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Maisonette

Searching for a new sibling gift that’s as cute as can be? Well, look no further than this vintage-inspired doll high chair. The charming wooden chair has pretty painted details and can accommodate most dolls and plush toys. So while you’re busy feeding baby, your toddler can serve up dinner to their favorite toy.

A Family Tree Craft Kit

Crayola Family Tree Keepsake Craft Kit

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Crayola

Creative gifts for new older siblings are always winners in our book—so it’s no surprise that we love this DIY family tree kit. Gather together and design your family tree using handprint art, paints, stickers and more! This new sibling gift idea is a fun way to get your child excited about their growing fam.

A Baby Doll

Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Doll

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Kohl's

Keep your little one entertained with their own baby while you’re busy introducing your newborn to the world. This plush doll is the perfect new sibling gift for a toddler, but you can also opt for a more advanced doll, depending on your kid’s age.

A Dollhouse

Melissa & Doug Wooden Hi-Rise Dollhouse with 15 Furniture Pieces

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Walmart

If you’re looking for a showstopper gift for new big siblings, consider a classic dollhouse. It’s a great way to encourage creative play. This wooden high-rise option comes fully furnished and has three play figures. So while you’re busy with baby, your older child will be busy expanding their imagination. And once baby is big enough, they can play house together—it’s a gift that keeps on giving!

A Little Red Wagon

Kids Radio Flyer Little Red Wagon

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Kohl's

Let’s face it: A new baby comes with a whole lot of extra stuff to lug around. Since we’re sure your hands will be full enough already, why not give your older child the opportunity to carry their own stuff with this handy red wagon? They’ll love carting everything they need with them during excursions with the new baby. Trust us, if you’re looking for practical new sibling gift ideas, then this is the one.

A Growth Chart

Personalized Woodland Animals Growth Chart

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Uncommon Goods

One of the best gifts for siblings of a new baby is a growth chart. We love this personalized option featuring cute woodland critters. Your little tyke can see how much they’ve grown and compare it to their little sib’s progress. This present is sure to cement their status as a big kid on

A Doll Carrier

Ergo Baby Doll Carrier

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Ergo Baby

Here’s another one of the best new sibling gifts that we’ve seen: An Ergo Baby doll carrier. Your little ones want to be just like their parents. So while you have baby strapped in, let them carry their favorite toy. And this beloved brand doesn't skimp on quality. The kids’ version is made from 100 percent cotton and has adjustable padded straps. Did somebody say mini-me?

A Dress-Up Cape

Great Pretenders Dragon Toddler Cape

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Maisonette

Looking for a gift for an older sibling for when baby is born? Check out this hilarious—not to mention luxurious—dragon cape by the Great Pretenders. This little number will spark your toddler’s imagination and keep them occupied when you have your hands full with baby.

Big and Little Toys

CUDDLE + KIND Lucy the Lamb 20” Hand-knit Doll

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: The Natural Baby Company

While we love sibling gifts from the new baby, we’re also big fans of sibling gifts your firstborn can give to baby. Present your child with the big stuffed animal before baby is born, then let them bestow the mini version on their little brother or sister once they arrive. They’ll bond over their matching toys, and your older child will learn that sharing is caring. Bonus: This is a gift that gives back. For every doll purchased, CUDDLE + KIND will donate 10 meals to children in need.

A Sibling Activities Box

Big Sibling Activities Box

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: theideaboxkids | Etsy

This creative kit is a genius sibling gift idea that will get your kiddo just as excited about baby’s arrival as you are. The box is filled with wooden coins that have thematic activities and questions printed on them, like “Make a welcome home sign for the baby” and “Can you feel the baby move yet?” They’ll help you teach your child important caretaking skills, involve them in big moments and discuss the coming changes openly and honestly.

A Building Blocks Set

Lego Duplo 80-Piece Heart Box Brick Playset

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Target

Keep your kiddo’s hands busy while you’re rocking baby or enjoying a moment to yourself, thanks to this sibling gift idea. Full of moving wheels, characters and bricks in all shapes and sizes, the colorful Duplo playset will allow your tot’s imagination to run wild as they invent their own little world. Not to mention, they’re sure to become a more independent player.

A Kangaroo Stuffed Animal

Large Jellycat Kara Kangaroo Stuffed Animal

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Amazon

Here’s a cute (and quirky) new sibling gift idea: a kangaroo stuffed animal that comes with a baby joey! This way, your tot can play parent and baby and join in on the excitement.

A Baking Kit

Face-Bake DIY Cookie Kit

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Baketivity

This sibling gift idea is perfect for kids who love getting crafty in the kitchen. Each DIY baking kit comes with ingredients, a mini cookbook and other materials to help your child create tasty treats. Best of all, these custom cookies can be decorated with personalized pictures and text, so why not have your little one add a photo of your growing family to their baked goods?

A Book Club Subscription

Little Feminist Book Club Subscription

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Little Feminist

This book subscription from Little Feminist is a favorite among The Bump editors. Each month, your child will receive age-appropriate books focused on diversity and inclusion, encouraging them to expand their worldview and fostering empathy. And if your child is learning to read, they could even narrate stories to baby—talk about a cute bonding moment!

A Big Sibling Shirt

Big Sibling Graphic T-Shirt

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Finn + Emma

Fill your firstborn with a sense of pride by giving them a special outfit as a new sibling gift, which they can wear to the hospital when baby arrives. We love this pick from Finn + Emma—and there are even matching options for your middle child and baby. Just imagine the cute photo possibilities!

A Toy Coffee Machine

HAPE My Coffee Machine

What do you give an older sibling when baby is born?

Image: Target

Sweeten your morning routine by gifting your tot this wooden coffee machine. This new sibling gift will allow them to mimic the first steps of your day and is sure to make them feel all the more grown up.

Plus, more from The Bump:

What to get a sibling when a baby is born?

22 Sweet New Sibling Gift Ideas for Baby's Big Sibling.
A Big Sibling Book. The Super, Incredible Big Sister Personalized Hardcover Book & Medal. ... .
A Personalized Book. ... .
A Digital Camera. ... .
A Mini “Diaper” Bag. ... .
A Personalized Cookie Jar. ... .
A Play Stroller. ... .
A Doll High Chair. ... .
A Family Tree Craft Kit..

How do you prepare an older sibling for arrival of a baby?

Read, play games, listen to music, or simply talk together. Show him that you love him and want to do things with him. Also, make him feel a part of things by having him cuddle next to you when you feed the baby. Ask family and friends to spend a little time with your older child when they come to see the new baby.

What do you buy your sister to give birth?

Hand cream is good because as a new mum you don't get too much time for yourself! Other nice ideas are a special toy like a comfort blanket or small cuddly for the baby (just a good idea to check they don't already have lots!) A birthstone heart or jewellary would be awesome too.

How do you support a child with the birth of a new sibling?

How to prepare your child before baby's arrival….
Get your older child involved..
Establish realistic expectations..
Keep communication open and honest..
Introduce them to their new sibling before the baby is born..
Try to focus on one big change at a time..
Be mindful of your language and expectations..
Get them involved..