China adoption party ideas?

[hipporina]

Some friends of mine just received their travel clearance to go pick up their son from China. I want to throw some sort of party for them before they go, but I don't want a typical shower. They already have several children and don't need a whole lot for the child, but I want to do something to celebrate their adoption because adoptions get overlooked far too often. Anyway, I'm looking for fun and unique ideas of how to celebrate this type of adoption.

 

[lillygator]

How thoughtful....how well do you know them?

You could have Chinese themed/welcome home theme/new baby - I would guess that may depend on the age....if you were sending out invites you could say something like Please help X family celebrate/welcome the arrival of their new son (from China?? not sure if sounds appropriate)......

 

[antmaril]

Since the adopting couple doesn't really need anything for their new child, perhaps you could ask people to bring a baby item that would be donated. Our son is adopted from South Korea and the adoption agency we used is always looking for new items to be sent to Korea for the waiting children.

 

[scubamouse]

when we adopted DS we had parties AFTER we got back so people could meet him. we loved this. we adopted from Russia not China but it's very similar.

there's a wonderful book called 'i love you like crazy cakes' about chinese adoption.

google families w/children from china for ideas and maybe some artwork.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Our friends also had the party after they came home so we could all meet the child. Also remind the guests if they are going to buy the baby a new outfits they should buy a smaller size than usual as typically the babies aren't properly nourished, our friend's baby girls was 18 months when she came home and wore 6-9 months clothings; (she is now the size of other children her age!!)

 

[Fooboy]

I think its great that you associate with people with such kind hearts. I've been back to China a few times and there is a HUGE difference in the standard of living between the cities and rural areas. It's awesome that not only are they giving a child a great opportunity to grow but to provide a love that only great parents can offer. Congrats to them!

Hmmm, about the pre-flight party... Something simple and elegant with a light Chinese theme sounds good to me. I'm sure they're pretty excited already about the adoption. I have absolutely no experience with these kinds of things so I don't have much to add. Sorry! But I'm sure that whatever you guys plan for them will be wonderful. Good luck!

Foobs

 

[Mom2be]

What a sweet idea! Why not reserve a room at a good Chinese Resturant and have people bring items that can be donated to the adoption agency the couple is going through. They really appreciate the items!

~Amanda

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Remember that while the couple is travelling in China, they are going to the most REMOTE areas - and may not be able to bring along all the donations they may intend to give. Its a wonderful thought, but I'm afraid it just isn't practical.

 

[lillygator]

Sorry - I didn't read correctly - as in before they go!!

I love the other suggestions of a light Chinese theme pick up baby party.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Some friends of mine just received their travel clearance to go pick up their son from China. I want to throw some sort of party for them before they go, but I don't want a typical shower. They already have several children and don't need a whole lot for the child, but I want to do something to celebrate their adoption because adoptions get overlooked far too often. Anyway, I'm looking for fun and unique ideas of how to celebrate this type of adoption.

I think that is a really nice idea. I have an 18 year old son from South Korea and a 15 year old son from the Phillipines. My family didn't have anything for us. I had a friend that gave us a welcome home shower for my youngest son. That meant alot.

 

[JESW]

No ideas but that is a real nice idea.

Are people able to adopt SONS from China??? I always thought they only let the girls be adopted?? My SIL adopted her ds from Korea as she wanted a son and said China only had girls...

Jill

 

[Cindy's Mom]

No ideas but that is a real nice idea.

Are people able to adopt SONS from China??? I always thought they only let the girls be adopted?? My SIL adopted her ds from Korea as she wanted a son and said China only had girls...

Jill

China has a one child per family law - so if its a girl, they throw her out in the rice paddys. No lie. They want to keep their sons because of the family name.

 

[happybratpack]

No ideas but that is a real nice idea.

Are people able to adopt SONS from China??? I always thought they only let the girls be adopted?? My SIL adopted her ds from Korea as she wanted a son and said China only had girls...

Jill

There are actually quite a lot of boys in the China programs that need families. I have two friends now that are there adopting precious little boys.

 

[chobie]

Mt brother adopted a boy from China last year. There are not as many of them, but it does happen.

 

[Puffy2]

I wouldn't give the party before they go. You don't know how things will turn out. Wait and give a "coming home" party.

 

[Sandy22]

I wouldn't give the party before they go. You don't know how things will turn out. Wait and give a "coming home" party.

I'm adopting 2 toddlers and I don't want my "shower" right after my children come home. Depending on the age of the boy they are adopting, and whether or not he's spent most of his time in an institutional orphanage, it's important not to overwhelm him with meeting too many people and it's even more important to spend the first few weeks, maybe even months, just with the immediate family to facilitate attachment and bonding.

 

[twojo21]

maybe set up a gift registry with triple aaa for while theyre abroad it could cover hotel costs or airfare. get gifts they can use on their trip. have an an asian themed party with chinese food & fortune cookies for favors once they are returned & more settled in. best wishes to your friend!

 

[Imzadi]

Make sure you have lots of red & gold for decorations as that is the celebratory colors for China. If there is a Chinatown near you, go get some Chinese toys & trinkets. They are actually different from the usual American toys.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

A couple thoughts...

Isn't Chinese New Year in a few weeks? That might make a nice idea to create a theme around.

Consider a "casserole party". Something to feed those staying here in the US, and/or feeding the gang when they get the new munchkin home. Even if he's not a newborn, I'm sure they'll be quite busy adjusting, and having stuff in the freezer would help them out greatly.

And of course, diapers always make a handy gift, but unless you're fairly confident in the child's size, maybe best to wait until he's actually on American soil.

Best wishes to your friend--it's always exciting to add to your family!

 

[Micheme]

I can see both ways of having a pre travel party and a post travel party.

For a pre travel party,
Chinese new year is on Jan 29 (Year of the dog), travel to China town in your area and pick up some festive decorations.

Post party
We had a party 2 months after coming home from China, it was a huge Welcome party and it gave a chance for everyone to meet our little girl. Not too soon after arriving to overwhelm her.

For gifts
- there are gorgeous asian themed photo albums for all the pictures they are going to take
- an asian themed journal for the parents to make a travel journal all about meeting their little one, the sites they see, just everything
- an emergency food pack - fill it with things they may need - chocolate bars, gum, candy, granola etc (i lived on snickers and crackers the first few days in Anhui - since i didn't eat any meat or fish in China and it was hard to find vegetarian stuff)
- Picture Frames - again for all the pictures they will take
- Asian dishware - they will probably be celebrating all the big traditional Chinese holidays from now on (new years, moon festival etc) so it is nice to have some fancy dishes to eat take out chinese on
- books, videos on adoption - not only for the parents but the child as well, there are a wealth of children's books not only on adoption but specific to adopting from china
hmmmm i think of some more for sure