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Just had a new baby and her big brother (age 2.5) got lots of "I'm a big brother" paraphernalia that was oohe and aaahed over by other adults watching, but then ignored by him. The hits? Things chosen for him because of what he likes, not because of his new status as big brother, such as a tool kit, a cupcake-making kit for his play kitchen, and a bike seat with helmet for bike rides with dad. None of these are "big brother" presents per se, but boy were they hits.

Totally agree w/ first poster. Don't get him something that says "big brother", get him something simply b/c he's into it. The best things are things that he can do by himself, like coloring, trains/cars, to distract him a bit from the fact that mama's not paying as much attention to him, or something really cool that he can do with his dad or you, if you have that kind of relationship w/ him (take him out to lunch, for example).

My son just turned 3 and he got a set of Stacking Robots for his birthday. They are super cool! Everyone loves them, most importantly him. They are wooden and can stack in a million different ways. If you are feeling generous, get two sets so he can make even more stacks! Amazon sells them here. http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-WSR-Wood-Stacking-Robots/dp/B000ELQVAI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1251488573&sr=8-1. I agree with the anti-"I'm a big brother" stuff. He wants to be recognized for who HE is, not who he is in relation to this new person that just came into his life. That is too big of a concept for a little kid to undertake.

we just went through this with our own newborn and 2.5 year old. I was really touched that people would think of him and not just the baby. It's a really difficult adjustment for a toddler. Some things that thrilled him and kept him occupied: wooden jigsaw puzzles by Melissa and Doug , Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars a cute memory/matching game. Also, a dear friend took him to lunch and back home to build a birdhouse for our yard. They spent an entire afternoon together and had a ball, it was a special treat for my toddler. And don't underestimate the power of a favorite kids movie. I'm not a fan of lots of TV time, but in all honesty, I was so grateful we had "CARS" or "PETER PAN" for him to watch some afternoons when I was drained. He loved it, I could rest next to him and hold the baby, and we could talk about the show together.

I would think a toy (legos or something constructive and creative) that he would both be into, but help teach (and play with) his younger brother later would be great.

Also, I love the DVD suggestion. Mom's going to worn out with a newborn and a toddler - so either give a couple of movies or give babysitting so she can rest.

i just had my second in April and my (then almost) 3 year old got just as much stuff as we did for the baby! favorite gifts were a diapering set for her dolls, a small magnadoodle and lots of coloring and sticker books.

we love to give flashlights to big brothers. kids love them and it's a great present for such a responsible new job! the kind that you crank to power are an even bigger hit.

We got several new toys for our 2 year old when the new baby was born. Nothing cheesy about being a big brother -- he wouldn't care. The biggest hits were a small pack of new Lego Duplo pieces (lion! polar bear! car!) and a small expansion pack for his train set.

agree with PP's; whatever the older brother is into! maybe a play doctor's set so he can feel involved in "helping" baby?

My firstborn was 2.5 when his little brother was born. We got a couple "How do dinosaurs..." books.

I think the best part, though, was that we wrapped them in fun gift wrap and brought it to the hospital. when big brother saw his baby brother for the first time, we pulled out the gift and said, "baby brought a present for you!"

instant peace offering :) best buds ever since.


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My good friend just had her second a week ago. Her daughter (a month over 2) got a magna-doodle as a "big sister" present from the baby--and loves it. She can play with it by herself while mom is busy and draw without creating a mess on anything.

We gave our (then almost-3-year-old) son a doctor kit at the hospital so he could doctor the baby. He was very gentle and respectful, and he's got a lot of mileage out of the kit!! He makes sure to bring it with us to every one of her doctor appointments, and listens right along with the doc. It also saves our arms - prior to that, he was using ball-point click pens to give us "vaccinations".

Unfortunately, we bought that kit ourselves. Although we had a shower for our second (which I didn't know that people did, but we were grateful!), no one gave us any big brother presents...I think he would have liked that. How nice of you to think of the big brother!

I'm due in March next year, and my daughter will be 3 years and 3 months by then. I had not think at all about that matter, but thanks to all your comments I'll have some gifts special for her... I had seen "Big sister" paraphernalia and I thought she may like, but after reading you, I'll get something amazing instead of Big sister tee's and so on. Thank you!

Palumba's Hardwood Choo-Choo train is a gorgeous and enduring gift to mark the occasion of becoming a big brother. I have bought it a couple times to give away and of course my son owns one as well. They really are beautiful and I'll keep it for grandkids because it's so well-made.