25 Best Big Sister Gifts for Kids Welcoming a New Sibling
Whether they're from the baby or her parents, these unique ideas will make her feel loved.
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I'm the youngest in my family, so I never experienced that magical moment when my parents sat me down and told me that a new baby was going to enter the family. But my husband is the oldest, though, and when his mom explained that he was going to become a big brother right before his birthday, he replied with a counter-offer: "First the birthday, then the baby."
So yes, welcoming a family member comes with all sorts of emotions for the big sibling. There could be anxieties about change and worries that the new baby is going to take all of the attention (and overshadow a birthday), alongside excitement about being a mentor figure who gets to show the ropes to a new partner in crime.
And it's not to say that a gift easily assuages all these fears and make the transition to big-siblinghood smooth as silk. But sometimes, they can help. If there's a daughter who's going to big promoted to big-sis status, these are the best big sister gifts to get in 2024. Some are items of clothing that will help her exclaim her newfound status to the world (and look great in those new family portraits). Others are books and toys that might help them process what to expect, and the emotions that come with a new sibling. Some are toys that'll let her do what she sees the grownups doing and process the transition through play. With these in hand, she'll get ready to be the best big sis ever.
Looking for more great gifts? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:
The Best Gifts for Baby Girls | The Best Gifts for Baby Boys | The Best Gifts for Toddlers | The Best "Push Presents" for New Moms
For older kids — NB: the small beads can be choking hazards — everything looks better as a bracelet. If they want to turn being a big sister into the next Taylor Swift-style jewelry fad, this bracelet is it. It comes in several color palettes, too.
This fox family is small, which makes them easy to take on the go — they even have their own suitcase that they can travel in. One fox has a "big sister" shirt and the other is a baby in a swaddle, so they can be stand-ins for the new sibling duo. There's a sweet poem on the back of the suitcase about the importance of being a good big sister, too. Ages 3+
This Calico Critter family is a mom, a dad, a big sister and baby — does that look like yours? (If not, there's a lot of Calico Critter family configurations.) They'll get a kick out of assigning their critters the character traits that remind them of their own family.
Big Sister Gift Set
In terms of gift bundles, this is the ultimate. The three-piece set comes with a toddler-size "big sister" crown, a I Hereby Crown You Big Sister storybook and a soft doll that's wearing the same crown. It's perfect for anyone going through a princess phase. Ages 3+
For older kids, this necklace has a design with two joined circles, representing a link that can never be broken. When she wears it, she'll know the meaning even if it doesn't spell out "big sister" in letters.
There's nothing groovier than being a big sister, and this matching set, with its psychedelic font, proves it. The colors coordinate even though they're slightly different, which shows how sibling scan be similar but still unique.
She's not just going to be a big sister — she's going to be the best one ever. No better way to show it than with this shirt, which comes in sizes 1T to 5T.
Why should the new baby get the sweet ride? This doll carrier looks just like a full-size Tula carrier, but it's meant for the big sis to use with her toys. Bonus: It's machine-washable!
Big sisters will be wowed to see their name and the baby's name enshrined in this book — it'll feel like it's made just for them. The rhyming story describes how the siblings will have lifelong adventures together, and it comes with a "Super Incredible Big Sister" award that can be worn around the house. There's also a paperback version, or a separate version for twins.
She'll be proud to show off her big-sister status in this sweater, which has preppy, big-kid, varsity-style letters. And, paired with the matching Lil' Sis bodysuit, they'll look great in those first family photos.
LullaBaby Doll Nursery Accessories Bundle
Kids are going to want to imitate what the adults to when it comes to taking care of a baby. If she already has her own baby doll, she can pretend to feed it, take it on walks and put it down for naps with this doll accessory set. It's sized for 14" dolls, and Good Housekeeping Institute testers say it really inspired their kids' pretend play, which is why it won a Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award. Ages 2+
Hape All Seasons Wooden Dollhouse
Another way kids can role-play how they're feeling about the new makeup of their family is by using a dollhouse, along with a dollhouse family that might approximate the look of their own. This dollhouse has six rooms to inspired open-ended, pretend play, all made of durable wood. Ages 3+
When it comes to tricky emotional situations, nobody handled them better than writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This has short rhyming text, so it's good for the littler ones. Ages 2+
Baby Margaret Plush
Pro-tip: The second season of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood starts with a story arc about Daniel getting a new little sister, Baby Margaret. (It's all on Prime Video, too, though it's labeled as "Season 5" there.) You can prime them by watching Daniel learn he's going to be a big brother, prep the baby's room, meet the baby for the first time and see how his relationships change because of the baby's arrival. Then, you can gift the big sister a Baby Margaret plush of her own. Ages 18 months+
When it comes to kid gifts, stuffed animals are always a welcome delight. This bear is 12 inches tall and proudly wears an "I'm the Big Sister" shirt, which the child in your life can match. Ages 1+
Hanna Andersson Matching Family Pajamas
The family match shows that, as a family, you're all one unit and all on the same team. (Plus, it looks great in photos.) For a cozy matching style, Hanna Andersson offers PJs in sizes baby through adult, so everyone can get in on the action. This style is in their signature organic cotton, but you can also get fun matching prints – like ducks or boho rainbows — in their new, lighter weight Tencel fabric that has a bit more stretch to it.
Two hugging bunnies, each with a name on the ear, what can be a cuter way to represent the sibling bond? These can be separated and played with individually, but they look adorable when they're in an embrace. Each ear can be personalized with a name up to 12 letters and, if bunnies aren't her favorite, you can also get monkeys or puppies. Ages 2+
One thing that makes it easier for a big sister to accept that they're not the baby anymore is to remind them what big kids can do that babies can't — like carry all their favorites around in cute little purses. These are just big enough for their favorite things, and they're made from vintage cotton.
Madame Alexander Sweet Smiles Baby Doll
Oftentimes when a new baby enters the house, a big sister wants a baby of their own to take care of. This 14" baby, from famed doll makers Madame Alexander, has a soft body with a molded head and eyes that really open and close. It also comes wearing a sweet koala outfit, though you can find it in other outfits/skin tones. Ages 1+
This book is told from the point of view of a big sister, so it starts with an empathetic framework. It acknowledges that babies can be messy and chaotic, but reminds kids that they were once babies, too, and they have a lot to share with their new siblings. Ages 4+
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
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