I'm really stumped--could use your help

[Jeafl]

Some friends/neighbors of mine recently adopted a 13 month old girl from China. They already have two biological daughters of their own, ages 5 and 8.

Here's the problem. I need to buy a "welcome" gift for Qian Qian (they changed her name to Amber by the way!). These people are EXTREMELY wealthy and have every toy (indoor and outdoor) ever made from the other girls When she found out the adoption was going through, she bought every single thing you can imagine that she would need. New strollers, playpen, etc. She also has an entire walk-in closet of clothes for her for 12 mo, 18 mo and 24 mo. sizes. Really more clothes than Amber will ever wear. I thought about buying her some books, but they have hundreds of kids books in their basement already..

I am completely out of ideas. They need nothing whatsoever, but I won't go over there empty handed. Do any of you have any ideas of something really original that I could buy for Amber?

They are adamant about making sure Amber remembers her Chinese heritage in the future, so I thought about the little Asian Bitty Baby doll from American Girl, but the grandma already bought that. Back to square one now. I'd like to keep the gift under $50 if possible.

 

[Kallison]

I remember when Zainy Brainy was still open they had a doll that spoke Chinese phrases. There are so many of these little girls coming to the States there must be some Chinese children books or something along that line. How exciting for your friend!

 

[monarchsfan16]

When my mom's friends adopted a little girl from China we bought some precious moments figurine. I don't remember what it was, but it had something to do with a young child, or adoption or something. Some sort of figurine to capture the event might hold some special meaning when she's older as well.

 

[Lars624]

There is a great book called I Love You Like Crazy Cakes it is about a family adopting a child from China!

My niece was adopted from China at 12 months old.....this book has been wonderful!

 

[Cindy B]

There are a few things you can do.

I would still do books! There are some wonderful ones about adoption out there which are age appropriate.

My MIL gave out I love you Forever to the one son that was adopted by my BIL/SIL.

There maybe some fascinating books about China. Doris Kindersly has beautiful picture books out, you may find one about China.

If you can find a traditional madarin dress, that would be lovely. They are sold in Chinatown area here. (Not sure if Chicago are has a Chinatown)

You may even be able to find "traditional Chinese welcoming gifts". It may be something that we would never think of. Maybe someone of asian descent can tell you what a traditional welcoming gift is.

When our old neighbors brought their son (yes son) from China, they got all types of things. They knew their son was going to school so we got them all types of school supplies.. backpack, all the necessary supplies, lunchbox, etc.

Hope that helps.

 

[Kallison]

http://www.adoptshoppe.com/

I googled and found this site for unique adoption gifts. Also on Amazon there were lots and lots of books. I put in Chinese baby girl books about adoption.

 

[nemo1987]

get her a scrapbook so then the parents could get pictures and put them in her book for a later memory refresher type thing. this might be a cool idea because when she gets older she could make some pages too.
**Sarah**

 

[2MuchOhana]

There are lots of wonderful things out there for adoptions. Try one of the local card stores. My sister received a beautiful print. It had poem about adoption on it. It was really nice!


Good luck! I know with a little looking you find the perfect gift!

 

[ahutton]

Friends of our adopted 2 toddlers from Russia, and the biggest things for them have been the Baby Signs book (much faster to learn than language and gives some communications skills) and flash cards for teaching the alphabet, colors, shapes and such. And offers to babysit!

 

[C.Ann]

A scrap book - personalized with her new name on it!

 

[Kallison]

Originally posted by Lars624
There is a great book called I Love You Like Crazy Cakes it is about a family adopting a child from China!

My niece was adopted from China at 12 months old.....this book has been wonderful!

Yep I got that book -- that was the one I was thinking of.

 

[Feralpeg]

How about a charm braclet with an appropriate charm? They could add charms over the years as she develops different interests.

 

[Jeafl]

Wow! There are some great ideas here! Thanks for all your help!