It can be difficult to know what is appropriate to give the birth parents who are giving you or have given you the gift of a child! We recommend consulting your adoption agency on gifts during the adoption process, as you want to be sure of their policies and what they suggest with your specific match. Each situation is different, but here are a few of our birth parent gift ideas:
Jewelry Items
There are many options available when it comes to jewelry for birth parents. Charm bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings are often customized to represent the child or the adoption. You can also order custom items from online retailers who will create a piece of jewelry with the child’s birthstone or even their name on it. Another unique idea to consider is getting a set of jewelry that fits together. One item can be for a birth parent while the child wears the other half.
Personalized Pictures
Following placement, your child’s birth parents will enjoy receiving pictures of the child as they age. You can make this into a fun gift by framing a photo of them with the child on a recent visit or of a fun activity or event the child was recently involved in. If there are a few pictures to choose from, consider putting a collage of photos together for your child’s birth parents. Other products, such as coffee mugs, totes, and magnets, can also be decorated with pictures. Putting together a picture book for a birth parents is another way to share your child’s life with them, while making sure that they have pictures of milestones and significant events.
Custom Artwork
Over the years, personalized artwork created by your child can make an excellent gift for birth parents. Many schools actually use artwork fundraisers to help generate income for art clubs and supplies. The child’s artwork is then printed on a wide range of items from clothing to oven mitts to desk supplies. This is a great way to give a custom piece of artwork to birth parents that was totally created by the child. Choosing to purchase from a school fundraiser also helps benefit the school and shows the child how proud you are of their artwork.
Gift of Words
Personalized gifts that come from the heart are what many birth parents desire to connect to their child. Gifts not only show that you care for them as part of your child’s story but also make it easier for birth parents to connect with a child once apart. Looking back on something that the child created just for them can bring happiness and healing to birth parents. It is also essential to understand that gifts do not always have to be a physical item. Having your child write a letter to their birth parents is a great way to show love. The messy handwriting of a young child that graduates in time to the crafted script of an older child is something that many birth parents treasure. If your child feels comfortable writing, giving a letter is one of the best gifts.
Choosing the right gift to give to your child’s birth parents can be stressful. Stick with handmade or custom items that show the unique connection to the birth parents. Consider these ideas when selecting a gift idea for your child’s birth parents this year!