Present for adopted 4 year old

[moochima]

Some very close friends have adopted a 4 year old girl. I'd really like to buy her something that she can keep to mark the occasion - something that can be inscribed with the date of her adoption perhaps? Any ideas would be very gratefully received (she already has lots of lovely toys and clothes). Many thanks in advance . . .

How about something for the family that shows her joining them, like a photo frame or a voucher to all go and handprint a plate together? In terms of marking the date, I would tread carefully - this may be a time of huge joy for her new parents, but of change and confusion and loss as well for the child. Also, as has been discussed in other threads on here, some families like to remember and celebrate the "homecoming" date, but others mark the date of the final legal order (could be months away) or another date that feels right to them.

You sound like a lovely friend to the family. I would think about buying as you might for a new baby, i.e. something small for the child for now, and something else their new parents can keep safe.

Gift card for a photo shoot perhaps? I know that we tried to put as many photographs of Dd with myself and DH in our home as possible, to help to reinforce that we were a family etc. alternatively, you could offer to take the pictures yourself and then have them made into canvases etc. This could be now or at a date where your friends feel more settled.

If you Google Christening gifts you will get some ideas what can be inscribed. I know it is not a Christening! Yes, second the idea of checking what date, if any, to put on.

Gifts are tricky in the early days, as some children come with very little, but some come with LOADS of stuff, literally loads.

If you're worried about duplicating what they may already have, then you could wait a bit, as, due to lockdown procedures, It will probably be a while before you are able to visit. Within a few weeks you will probably have a better idea of what they already have...

Books are always a good idea, and art and craft stuff. If your friends already have children they may well already have a stash of paint, glue, etc etc, but if not, you can't go wrong with it in my opinion. Oh...and play dough. All chikdren love play dough and it is a lovely therapeutic thing for them to do together.

One friend bought us a voucher for a lovely children's clothes shop. It was so nice to be able to go and choose something together :)

Not on the high street have some lovely ideas of things that can be personalised.
I remember seeing a family tree type cut out picture where all the family members names are on the tree which I thought was nice