This guest post is by Paige Knipfer, an adoptive mother.
I was recently asked what kind of gift you should give a family member or friend who is adopting.
That’s a great question and one that isn’t widely discussed.
Giving a gift to someone close to you who is adopting is a wonderful way to show your support for them and there’s no shortage of things to choose from.
Here are some of my favorite gift ideas:
- My Family, My Journey: A Baby Book for Adoptive Families: This is available on Amazon for only $12 (diary option)! I honestly wish I would have known about this book for my daughter’s adoption as it lays out nicely the journey of adoption (wait, match, adoption day etc.). Also, there are over 60 stickers you can use to customize the family tree pages.
- There are also many amazing things on Etsy for adopting parents but two things I’ve purchased are a “Hope is my anchor” lanyard from the Adopt Shoppe and “Adoption is my jam” onesie. Just searching “adoption gifts” will pull up so many options and ideas. Hopefully one of these will speak to you and the relationship you have with your friend or family member.
- Books for the adoptive couple to read. I’d suggest (if religious) Tandem: A Devotional for Adopting with God in the Lead as I found it helpful and reassuring in the wait. Another book option I’d highly recommend is Instant Mom written by Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I found her humor to be very helpful and all proceeds go back to adoption.
- Help Us Adopt Bracelets: These are beautiful bracelets you can purchase from Help Us Adopt and 100% of the proceeds go to helping families afford the costs of adoption.
- Baby Keepsake Box : You can find this on Amazon for only $15! These are great for any new baby (adopted or not) and is a great way for adoptive families to store their keepsakes from the infant adoption process.
Here are some addition books for kiddos on adoption. Keep in mind that there are SO many so here’s just a sampling of a few we love:
- I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy. It’s a very simple but beautiful children’s book.
- Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis.
This book highlights and illustrates getting “the call” and flying to adopt a newborn baby. It discussing how wanted and cherished the new addition to the family is and explains in a childlike way.
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A Blessing from Above by Patti Henderson. Every night before she goes to sleep, a kangaroo prays under the stars for a baby to love and hold. One day, as she rests under a tree, a baby bird falls out of its crowded nest—plop!—right into her pouch! This is a cute story of a different species take care of another baby.
Getting a gift for waiting parents is a great way to celebrate a new addition. But there are other ways to do it. For example, throwing a baby shower.
Adoption is complicated and surrounded by many myths. If you don’t know much about it or just want to learn more I’d suggest reading In On It.
Other ways to help your friend or family with their adoption journey:
- Distract them with things that will get their minds off their challenges with activities such as yoga, bible study, etc.
- Help them with fundraising if they need it
- Make sure they get connected to others adopting.
My biggest piece of advice is to just listen. Adopting couples go through so many emotions during their wait. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen to them.
Paige Knipfer is a trainer for a financial institution, an adoptive mom, wife, mentor to a high school student, volunteer, and avid traveler (Semester at Sea alumni). She loves to share her adoption experiences and assist anyone interested in learning more about the process @PaigeKnipfer.
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