5. Fingerprint jewelry. Simply create a fingerprint of your child’s finger using some sort of polymer clay. A quick google search will help you find the right kind. Follow the directions of the clay you purchased. I highly recommend that you “highlight” the fingerprint you created. You could use acrylic paint or alcohol ink to paint the fingerprint you created. Make sure when you are at the step of creating the fingerprint, you include a hole in the clay where the necklace will go. Or you could also make these into bracelets or earrings too!

4. Worth the Wait. This would simply be something as easy as printing the words “Worth the Wait” on a tiny piece of paper and printing that out and placing it in a locket or small piece of jewelry that would hold the piece of paper.

3. Initials. I love this simple idea, partially because it is what we did for our birthmom! We ordered ours but you could easily make these! Both my husband and I have the same initial and when we were in the process of adopting our son, we knew his name would have the same initial. So we ordered our birthmom a simply necklace with the letter “J” and our son’s birthstone. You could easily make these with beads and letters. You could also include your child’s full initials if just one letter wasn’t the right fit for you.  

2. Pictures. This one might get a little tricker to do but along the same lines as the worth the wait necklace, you could print small pictures of your child, your family, or your birth mom, and put them in a small locket or piece of jewelry. You could also make these into key chains, along with the worth the wait idea!

1. Three Strands. I also love this idea. There are three important parts to an adoption, the birth parent(s), the adoptive parents, and, of course the most important, the child. You would simply choose one color yarn or string for each one of these. You could simply “braid” the strands or if you want to get really creative you could make them into a “friendship” bracelet. Again, a simple google search for friendship bracelets and you can teach yourself how to make one! I absolutely love this idea because I love the concept of the adoption triad.

But most of all, make one that means the most to you and that you would proudly wear to showcase your support of adoption!

If these DIY adoption jewelry ideas aren’t really your thing, you can always check out AdoptionGifts.com for some adoption jewelry that’s darn cute.

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1.  https://adoptiongifts.com/collections/jewelry/products/connecting-hearts-adoption-necklace-adoption-jewelry

I adore the elegant yet simple quality of this connecting hearts necklace. The three connecting hearts represent each member of the adoption triad, typically an adoptive parent, birth parent, and the child. It is small enough to not overwhelm the wearer and subtly represents the bond of all members of the adoption triad. In brilliant silver, it is certain to be a great gift for anyone in your life whom adoption has touched. 

2. https://adoptiongifts.com/collections/jewelry/products/i-love-adoption-leather-bracelet-adoption-jewelry-adoption-bracelet

The moment I saw this bracelet, I knew it would be perfect for my husband. With so many shirts and accessories honoring adoptive mothers, there are typically few choices for gifts for adoptive fathers. This very manly bracelet is subtle and understated, yet allows him to represent adoption and is certain to be a conversation piece. The gorgeous leather and the silver backing are perfect to go with both casual and business attire, giving both adoptive and birth fathers a piece of adoption pride to wear on them representing their bond and ties to their child.

3. https://adoptiongifts.com/collections/jewelry/products/pieces-of-our-heart-necklace-set-three-necklaces-set-adoption-jewelry

This necklace is the perfect three-in-one gift for every member of the adoption triad.

This heart shaped puzzle symbolizes the integral part that each member of the adoption triad plays and the bond that brings them together. Without any one piece, the puzzle is incomplete. Every piece is important and valuable. One of the great features of this piece is that it can be given by or to any member of the triad as it is a gift for all!

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1. AdoptionGifts.com

From jewelry to home decor is sure to offer a unique find perfect for yourself or whomever you’re looking for! I mean it says Adoption Gifts in the name, so you know it’s going to be the perfect place to get any and all adoption-themed gifts. Perhaps a onsie for the day you bring your child home? Or maybe a Birth Mom Strong shirt for the strongest woman you know. There are even adoption books for kids and adults!

2. Foster the Family

Foster the Family has a shop component of their blog offering a small selection of prints, accessories, and t-shirts that share heartwarming messages about love, foster care, and adoption.

3. My One in One Million

This great shop offers is mainly focused on products on infertility/fertility treatments, but they do carry some adorable adoption-themed items like the “growing in my heart” t-shirt. 

4. LetterLoveFosterHope

LetterLoveFosterHope is a delightful Etsy shop run by a fellow foster and adoptive mama Kimberly Gehm. While not specifically adoption focused, they offer custom watercolor family portraits at affordable prices that’d be the perfect gift for a family who has just gained one (or more) family members via adoption!

5. The Couture Kitten

The Couture Kitten is another fun Etsy shop offering custom t-shirts for a wide variety of occasions including adoption! They have a couple of “adopting,” “adoption in progress,” “mama bear,” “paper pregnant,” and “not showing, still glowing” designs to choose from. Each design is printed on a cozy cotton shirt with a huge range of colors to choose from!! You can also order just the decal if you’d prefer to place it on one of your own shirts, bags, etc.

The possibilities are endless! I hope this list helps you find the perfect adoption gift for that adoptive parent, birth parent, and/or adoptee in your life.

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1. Adoption Onesies

You really can’t get anything much cuter than a onesie! If you or someone you know is adopting an infant, scrolling through the onesie section is a must! You can scroll through the many cute adoption slogans, find your favorite, and voilà, a super cute and meaningful onesie for the newest little addition.

2. Adoption T-shirts

When you are celebrating a new addition to the family, what better way to celebrate with family, than by giving out personalized t-shirts to commemorate the occasion! It’s such a cute idea to give to everyone in the family–siblings, parents, grandparents, and even to your new addition. You can choose t-shirts that say their role with adoption hearts, or proclaim their role as new! You can choose your favorite colors, or pick matching colors!

Those would make some awesome family photos for your momentous adoption day! Can you picture your adopted child with a shirt that says: “I’m so loved” or “Adopted, Prayed for, Chosen, and Forever Loved!” standing in the middle of the family and everyone else wearing t-shirts that say “New Mom” “New Dad” “New Big Brother”  “New Big Sister” “New Grandma” “New Grandpa”? A priceless photo for sure!

3. “Pieces of Our Heart” Necklace Set

This is such a cute necklace! What a beautiful and meaningful gift for your adopted child. It is three necklaces (one piece for each parent and one piece for the adoptee). Each necklace is a puzzle piece. The three puzzle pieces fit together to create a heart. What a great way to begin the attachment process: Giving your adoptee a necklace that fits with yours. That necklace will be a tangible reminder of your love for your child. When your child sees you wearing the necklace it will remind them that they are yours and are loved.

4. “Loved” Fleece Blanket

Such a cute blanket to tuck your adoptee in at night. They can fall asleep every night reading “loved” and every morning they will wake up with the reminder that they are loved! What a beautiful idea. We can never tell our children enough how much we love them. Tangible reminders are so important. 

5. Children’s Books

Do you know someone who is adopting? Why not buy them a super cute children’s book about adoption? I Prayed For You, I Wished For You, and Over The Moon are such perfect gifts for your friends or family who are adopting. Adoptive parents will appreciate having stories to read to their child about how much they are loved.

6. Mugs

Maybe you know an awesome foster family or adoptive family. You know that those foster and adoptive parents work hard to provide love and a stable environment for all the children that come into their home. It’s not always easy. Why not encourage those foster or adoptive parents with a cute mug sporting an inspirational quote? That mug might be the perfect way to encourage those tired parents during their morning coffee.

7. Journals

These nifty journals are also a really cute gift idea for those adoptive or foster parents in your life. Why not encourage them with the gift of a beautiful journal. Adoptiongifts.com has quite a few you can choose from. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to capture the adoptive or foster journey through words or to use it as a prayer journal.

8. Birth Mom Gifts

You may have an open relationship with your adoptee’s Birth Mom and you are looking for a way to honour her. Adoptiongifts.com also has some really cute gifts for the beautiful Birth Mom in your life.  You can encourage her with a “Birth Mom Strong” shirt or a cute “I love my Birth Mom” beanie hat for your little one when they visit their Birth Mom.

Whether it’s a gift to remind your adoptee how precious they are to you, or a gift for a beautiful Birth Mom, AdoptionGifts.com is a really great place to find meaningful, cute gifts to give. Make sure you check the online gift shop out!

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#1: A photo book with a few pictures of yourself and family. You could include a letter.

Write about yourself and your childhood. Share your likes and dislikes, hobbies, and other things about yourself to help the child get to know you. Explain why adoption was the right route for the child and for you. Maybe it can help the child later to get closure if it is a closed adoption, or to have to know who you were/are. In the photo book, put pictures of you and your family. Let your child see you as a kid.

#2: Stuffed Animal

This is such a simple keepsake that lets the child think of you, and the joy it gives them is so sweet. To make it extra special, maybe attach a poem about love or adoption.

#3: Something the Child Likes

Ask the adoptive family what the child is into, like science or art. What movie or TV show character(s) does your child like? Find a matching book, craft, or toy. Still not sure? You can always share what you liked as a child. Bond a little over potential shared interests.

#4: Jewelry

Any bracelet or necklace with the child’s birthday or adoption date imprinted on it is special to them. Maybe a “best friends” type of jewelry. You give one to them, and then have one for yourself to match as well. This can be a great thing to keep you close to each other. It doesn’t need to say “best friends,” but the idea or sentiment is the same.

#5: Blanket/Quilt (Homemade if possible)

This is a great gift for any age! It is something your child can keep to snuggle like a big hug from you every time your child uses it. Use your or your child’s favorite color to make it special. You could have their name put on it—the possibilities are endless. If you can sew or make one yourself, add a special piece of cloth that was yours, from a blanket or clothing, to make it personal.

#6: Personal Artwork

Draw or paint a picture; write a poem. Use your talents to make something that touches you or something you enjoy. You could stick with the adoption, family, and/or love theme. Keep it happy and uplifting. Put your personality into it. 

#7: Superhero Gifts

Batman was adopted. So was Superman, Spiderman, Wolverine…. Toys or T-shirts with the superhero faces on it can help advocate adoption as well as be fun for the child. Princess Sofia the First and Princess Leia were adopted, too.

#8: Something That You Like(d)

Share with your birth child a hobby of something you liked growing up. If you are into art, send paper and paint. If you like music, send CDs of your favorite songs or artists. Think of toys or movies you liked as a child and send them something similar. Any favorite children’s books you had as a child would work, too. Children love books and movies!

#9: Journal

Get them a great, age-appropriate journal or notebook. Open it up to the first page and start the journal with your own entry. Write about the day they were born, your feelings about adoption, and why it was for you and your child. Encourage them to be open in the journal about themselves, their thoughts, about everything–including adoption. Journals are a wonderful tool and outlet.

#10: Storybooks

Any children’s book is always a huge hit! In this case, especially books about love, family and, of course, adoption. Children love stories. They remember the sweet tales and the characters. They can relate to them easily, like looking up to the super heroes. They can find things they have in common with the characters and the story lines!

These are only a small sample of ideas, but hopefully it will spark something in your heart that feels right. You can always talk to the adoptive parents, too.

Sometimes the adoptive parents can give you better or different ideas as well. I am an adoptive mom, and from Christmas to my son’s birthday in March, he went from loving Paw Patrol to Ninja Turtles really fast! So, you never know if something they liked last week is the same as it is now!

Make sure you don’t go overboard. Don’t go out and buy the child a couple hundred dollars’ worth of electronics or toys. Your child will appreciate anything you gift.

Also, you can choose to do one gift sentimental, and the next time a fun gift. It doesn’t always have to focus on adoption. Especially if you have a very open adoption, you see your child often, and she/he knows who you are.

Sharing and showing your birth child that you care is a big deal for you and for your child. It is a sweet connection you can help nurture in the right ways.

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1. Adoption triad jewelry

The adoption triad symbol is popular in the adoption community. It represents the birth family, the adoptive family, and the adoptee. A bracelet or necklace (like this one) with the symbol is a classic birth mom gift for a reason. It shows birth mom your commitment to including her as part of your family and as an important part of your family story.

2. Recordable story book

Ask her to record herself reading a story to her child. While the story book will come home with you, she’ll know that she’s a part of the child’s life. As your child grows, they will love hearing her voice read to them, and they’ll feel connected to her each time they open the book.

3. Recovery comfort

Bring her a bag full of items she can use as she recovers from labor and delivery, as well as placement. Think slippers, cozy socks, lotions, a handmade blanket, tissues, hot chocolate packets or teabags, her favorite snacks. Or perhaps a comfy tee. The possibilities are endless. 

4. Disposable cameras, a photo album, and a gift card

Pictures are going to be so important to everyone as the child grows. Give birth mom a few disposable cameras and an album so she can take pictures at the hospital and keep them forever. She may want lots of pictures of the baby, pictures of her and the baby, pictures of her family with the baby, or even pictures of you with the baby. Include a gift card so she can print them when she’s ready.

5. Coordinating state necklaces

Buy yourself a necklace with the state (like this one!) your child was born in. Give your child’s birth mom a coordinating necklace with the state you live in. A piece of your heart (and your child’s heart) will always be with her, and a piece of her heart will always be with you.

6. A keepsake box

With so many open adoptions in the US, you’ll probably be sending her lots of pictures, artwork, and small gifts. A beautiful box to keep it in not only gives her a place to put them, but it reaffirms your commitment to the open relationship.

Be sure to check with your agency or lawyer regarding birth mother gifts and state laws. Many states limit how much adoptive parents can spend on a gift.

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1. For Valentine’s Day, you can have your child stamp five hearts with red ink (or draw five red hearts) on white paper. At the top of the page write, “Five Things I Love About my Birth Mom/Dad.” Then have them write those qualities they love (i.e. “you’re funny”) in black marker inside the hearts. Have them sign their name at the bottom and mail that valentine out.
2. A quilt made of your child’s baby clothes. This is a bit expensive (ours was around $120) but is a really sweet gesture. If you’re not so handy with needle and thread, you can find quilters on Etsy, send them the clothes your child has outgrown, and they send it back as a quilt.   
3. Turkey hand art is a classic craft for Thanksgiving. Trace your child’s hand on paper then color each finger red, yellow, brown, and orange. The thumb is the turkey’s head, so add glued on pieces of paper in the shape of an eye, mouth, and wattle. In the center of the hand, write birth mom’s name, or, “Grateful for you, (Susie).” On each finger, write in black marker nice adjectives your child uses to describe birth mom (nice, creative, funny, etc.) On the back write “Love, (child’s name).”
4. This super cute Halloween keepsake of your child’s footprints.
5. For Christmas, take a baby shoe your child has outgrown and make two ornaments (one for your family, one for birth family). Make a hole in the heel of the shoe and slip a pretty bow through to knot and hang from the tree or simply tie the bow from the shoelaces and hang.

And if you’re not so handy in the craft department, but want to give your child’s birth parents something special, be sure to check out the dozens of items available on AdoptionGifts.com. You just might find that special something.

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1. Raising Adopted Children: Practical Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent By Lois Ruskai Melina

I read this book before we adopted our son. It was a helpful adoption resource to gain an understanding of all the stages that an adopted child goes through. It also touches on international adoption which is an important consideration for many. It provided a context for adoption before I had experienced anything firsthand. It strikes me as a book that I could read repeatedly and each time glean something new.

2. Twenty Things Adoptive Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew By Sherrie Eldridge

This book is at the top of my list when it comes to books still to read. As my son gets older his behaviour is extreme. It is obvious how complex his emotional world is. Much of it has been a mystery. But as he starts to put feelings into words, I’m realizing I need help. I need a better understanding of what he’s going through. And how to help him grieve and heal. This book offers great insight into the thoughts and lives of those who have been adopted. An important read for adoptive families.

 3. The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family By David R. Cross, Karyn B. Purvis, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine

This book deals with the difficulties associated with attachment. Because we adopted our son from birth I never thought attachment would be a struggle for us. But it turns out it’s one of the biggest issues we face. The felt loss of a birth parent is profound at any age.

4. The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children. By Ross W. Greene, PhD

While this book isn’t adoption specific it certainly addresses issues that many adoptive families encounter. I chose to include an excerpt about the book from online sources (i.e. Google Play, Indigo). It is an excellent description of what an explosive child looks like.

What’s an explosive child? A child who responds to routine problems with extreme frustration—crying, screaming, swearing, kicking, hitting, biting, spitting, destroying property, and worse. A child whose frequent, severe outbursts leave his or her parents feeling frustrated, scared, worried, and desperate for help. Most of these parents have tried everything-reasoning, explaining, punishing, sticker charts, therapy, medication—but to no avail. They can’t figure out why their child acts the way he or she does; they wonder why the strategies that work for other kids don’t work for theirs; and they don’t know what to do instead.

5. Born Broken: An Adoptive Journey by Kristin Berry

I have had this book on my shelf for a couple months now. It is a story of a family raising a child with FASD. It is a story of great devastation, loss, and eventually hope. I too am an adoptive mother raising a son with FASD. It has been far more difficult than I could have anticipated. I am nervous about jumping into this book because the truth is painful. But I know there is hope and solidarity to be found in its pages. This book reads more like an inspirational story versus a guide book. It would be helpful for any family, not just those dealing with FASD.

Reading these books as a couple or forming a book club with other adoptive parents can be a creative way to get the most you can from what you read. It also provides an opportunity to feel supported.

Don’t forget to check out AdoptionGifts for more excellent adoptive parent books for you and your adopted child.

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Happy Reading!!

1. Home At Last by Vera B. Williams

In this endearing tale by Vera B. Williams, whom you may know from her other classic A Chair For My Mother, a young boy named Lester is adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich. The story follows their journey after Lester goes home with the couple. The book doesn’t shy away from sharing both the tender and difficult moments that can occur in adoption as new families are created, and how each person must adapt to those changes. Vera’s honest storyline coupled with Chris Raschka’s beautiful watercolor illustrations make for the perfect story to share with your older elementary child.

2. Little Miss Spider: A Christmas Wish by David Kirk

David Kirk delights in this heartwarming story of how two Christmas wishes came true; Miss Spider gained a sibling and Asparagus Beetle gained a family. Bright illustrations, rhythmic text, and sweet moments sure to bring a tear to your eye, make for a holiday tale every family needs in their library! While the story doesn’t directly mention that Asparagus Beetle is an orphan, Miss Spider’s mom cannot have children of her own, the theme is easy enough to spot after reading through it.

3. My Family Is Forever by Nancy Carlson

In My Family is Forever author Nancy Carlson combines colorful illustrations with reassuring text sure to allay any fears an adopted child may have that families really are forever. Nancy’s story shares one family’s journey to adopt, and all the steps the parents took to bring home their little girl, in a format that makes it easy for young children to grasp. The book’s inclusion of candid topics such as how families are formed in all different ways, families love each other in good times and bad, and that adopted children sometimes wonder about their birth parents and that’s okay, make for a classic book that will be a staple on the adoptive family’s bookshelf for years to come.

4. Happy Adoption Day by John McCutcheon

This uplifting tale with a celebratory feel combines rhythmic text and fun illustrations that share more of the “meat” of the story. This makes for a great book to get a conversation going about what your child sees in the pictures, and how you can relate it to your own adoption journey. Young children will appreciate the repetitive nature of the chorus that appears every couple of pages. Those who are musically inclined can use the included score to sing or play along!

There are many adoption children’s books available here. Let us know what adoption children’s books are your son or daughter’s favorites in the comments!

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1. A keepsake from your own childhood.

Did you have a favorite stuffed animal, book, or blanket that your mom kept tucked away in a memory box? Did you cry when you mom would wash your blankie? Did your parents ever have to scour the house for that one teddy bear you couldn’t sleep without? Include a note telling the story and what it meant to your childhood. If it was special to you, it will probably be special to them. These can make the perfect gifts for your birth child.

2. A photo album or digital photo book of their birth family.

Include as many family members as you can (but ask permission to share their photos first) and bonus giggles if you include embarrassing pictures of yourself as a child/teenager. Kids love seeing images of their parents going through those “awkward stages” of life.

3. Supplies for a hobby you can share.

Do you love drawing? Give a box of crayons, paints, and papers then include postage paid envelopes that your child can use to mail finished art projects back to you. Maybe you have a passion for photography. You could give a starter camera and a flash drive, and the two of you could plan photo projects (nature, colors, or animals). Then, exchange flash drives to “critique” each other’s work. These gifts will help your child explore new hobbies, learn more about your interests, and keep the lines of communication open at the same time!

4. Adoption-positive books.

Books are always a welcomed gift and there are lots of great children’s books that celebrate the beauty of adoption as well as the uniqueness of all different types of families (click here for some excellent examples). Taking it a step further, you can purchase a “record your own voice” book and narrate it to your child.

5. A poem or personal letter.

Nothing may be as meaningful to your child as your own heartfelt words. Sharing a poem or personal letter about your choice to place them for adoption, about your love for them and even the challenges you’ve endured, and especially about your dreams for their future, will be a cherished gift that they can draw strength from time and time again.

If you’re needing other ideas for gifts for your birth child, be sure to check out this website. It has tons of t-shirts, books, and even jewelry especially created with adoption in mind.

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