Gifts for 2nd babies

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Have lots of friends with 2nd babies due and don't really know what kind of present would be appreciated, since they've all probably got enough toys, clothes and baby things. Was thinking about getting something for the mums but don't really know what. Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

I usually think that sth tiny for the baby and sth for the elder sibling goes down well. Like a story tape they can listen to on their own or toy car, crayons, or sth simple like that. Or sth for 2 or more elder siblings to play with together, without too much adult help. Not, as I got for 3 yr old big brother, a nice set of pastry cutters.. Lovely things but was i really supposed to bake with him, with a newborn baby..?Presents for Mums, now theres a good idea too.

You would think that there would be enough toys the second time around but in fact the first child often decides that everything is his/her own property so newborn baby is left with very little.

I was very grateful to get new cuddly toys for my dd, as her older brother was adamant that none of his toys could possibly be given to his sister to play with.

Agree with soyabean that it's good to give something small to the first child too, so they don't feel left out.

I just had my 2nd baby. I have gotten quite a few presents of clothing which actually was really nice. I didn't buy almost anything myself as I had all the handmedown's from the 1st. And especially since the 1st was a boy and the 2nd was a girl, it was nice to get a few girly things for her to wear.

Something like a traditional wooden toy that can be kept. I also agree with the idea of a small gift for the elder sibling.

I liked having things that were just DS2s rather than hand-me-downs. I always make sure he has something new in each size. He also has his own cuddly toy collection and his own special bear.

Agree with Sofiaames that it's actually nice to get some new clothes, esp if baby is different sex (esp esp if it's a boy following a girl!!). We got quite a few clothes for DD and they were all useful and it's nice to have a few new things to eke out the handmedowns. 3/6mths better than first size I think. Also yes, toys are still nice tho worth checking what they already have. And deffo get sthg for older child - a book, a jigsaw, doesn't have to be expensive.

I think it is definately the mum who needs the present! Not particularly relevant to the second baby question but when my baby was born I received so many soft toys/outfits/books - all lovely but just so many presents - I know I must appear ungrateful but the basket of bathtime treats, a Thorntons chocolate hamper and the cost of a cleaner for 3 months from my parents were the best gifts!!

Slightly defeats the object I know, but I've tended to go for Boots vouchers for 2nd plus times, esp where sibling is same sex. So far they've gone down well, as I've made a point of saying that they can be for the mum or elder child, or just on nappies. Champagne also seems to be well received!

i usually miss the babies out as they will get loads - so just a card is what they get, i buy the older sibling something, no one else ever does, mum is always so pleased at the thought. and i end up being the best aunty/ mums friend in the world ever!

I have just seen a nice ( and fairly cheap) idea in a catalogue - a kit to make an imprint of baby's hand or foot which I think would make a nice gift - only problem is I can't find the catalogue - will post later if I can locate it!
( Disorganised! Moi?)

FOUND IT!!!!!!!!
Crikey - didn't realise quite how many catalogues there were in the house until I had to look thru them all! It's in Hawkin BA 02713 and it's £3.99

Thanks for all your suggestions they've beeen really really helpful. Have to admit that I hadn't thought about the older siblings at all, or the fact that it would be nice to have things other than hand me downs, and about toys not being shared but can definately see the wisdom in all of this.

Love the idea of the imprint bayleaf. Meant to do it for my ds but never got round to it, but if somebody had bought me the kit I probably would have.