25 Best Big Sister Gifts for Kids Welcoming a New Sibling
Whether they're from the baby or her parents, these unique ideas will make her feel loved.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
I'm the youngest in my family, so I never experienced that magical moment when my parents sat me down and told me that a new baby was going to enter the family. But my husband is the oldest, though, and when his mom explained that he was going to become a big brother right before his birthday, he replied with a counter-offer: "First the birthday, then the baby."
So yes, welcoming a family member comes with all sorts of emotions for the big sibling. There could be anxieties about change and worries that the new baby is going to take all of the attention (and overshadow a birthday), alongside excitement about being a mentor figure who gets to show the ropes to a new partner in crime.
And it's not to say that a gift easily assuages all these fears and make the transition to big-siblinghood smooth as silk. But sometimes, they can help. If there's a daughter who's going to big promoted to big-sis status, these are the best big sister gifts to get in 2024. Some are items of clothing that will help her exclaim her newfound status to the world (and look great in those new family portraits). Others are books and toys that might help them process what to expect, and the emotions that come with a new sibling. Some are toys that'll let her do what she sees the grownups doing and process the transition through play. With these in hand, she'll get ready to be the best big sis ever.
Looking for more great gifts? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:
The Best Gifts for Baby Girls | The Best Gifts for Baby Boys | The Best Gifts for Toddlers | The Best "Push Presents" for New Moms
For older kids — NB: the small beads can be choking hazards — everything looks better as a bracelet. If they want to turn being a big sister into the next Taylor Swift-style jewelry fad, this bracelet is it. It comes in several color palettes, too.
This fox family is small, which makes them easy to take on the go — they even have their own suitcase that they can travel in. One fox has a "big sister" shirt and the other is a baby in a swaddle, so they can be stand-ins for the new sibling duo. There's a sweet poem on the back of the suitcase about the importance of being a good big sister, too. Ages 3+
Madame Alexander Sweet Smiles Baby Doll
Oftentimes when a new baby enters the house, a big sister wants a baby of their own to take care of. This 14" baby, from famed doll makers Madame Alexander, has a soft body with a molded head and eyes that really open and close. It also comes wearing a sweet koala outfit, though you can find it in other outfits/skin tones. Ages 1+
There's nothing groovier than being a big sister, and this matching set, with its psychedelic font, proves it. The colors coordinate even though they're slightly different, which shows how sibling scan be similar but still unique.
Two hugging bunnies, each with a name on the ear, what can be a cuter way to represent the sibling bond? These can be separated and played with individually, but they look adorable when they're in an embrace. Each ear can be personalized with a name up to 12 letters and, if bunnies aren't her favorite, you can also get monkeys or puppies. Ages 2+
Why should the new baby get the sweet ride? This doll carrier looks just like a full-size Tula carrier, but it's meant for the big sis to use with her toys. Bonus: It's machine-washable!
Big Sister Gift Set
In terms of gift bundles, this is the ultimate. The three-piece set comes with a toddler-size "big sister" crown, a I Hereby Crown You Big Sister storybook and a soft doll that's wearing the same crown. It's perfect for anyone going through a princess phase. Ages 3+
When it comes to kid gifts, stuffed animals are always a welcome delight. This bear is 12 inches tall and proudly wears an "I'm the Big Sister" shirt, which the child in your life can match. Ages 1+
This Calico Critter family is a mom, a dad, a big sister and baby — does that look like yours? (If not, there's a lot of Calico Critter family configurations.) They'll get a kick out of assigning their critters the character traits that remind them of their own family.
For older kids, this necklace has a design with two joined circles, representing a link that can never be broken. When she wears it, she'll know the meaning even if it doesn't spell out "big sister" in letters.
Everyone wants to match with Mama, and, with this affordable Mommy & Me (and Me) outfit, everyone can! (Note: Pants and shoes not included.) Since everyone can find a shirt in their size, no one has a reason to feel jealous — except everyone you pass on the street.
When it comes to tricky emotional situations, nobody handled them better than writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This has short rhyming text, so it's good for the littler ones. Ages 2+
Other play sets let them feed a baby doll, carry a baby doll and put a baby doll to bed. This one makes sure no one skips an important step: Giving a baby doll a bath! Everything in this set is soft and plush, which makes it great for younger toddlers, and it comes with a tub with ribbon water, a ducky, a shampoo bottle and doll-sized robe. It was made for Manhattan Toy's Baby Stella soft dolls, but can probably be used on most dolls in the 12" to 14" range. Ages 1+
Big sisters will be wowed to see their name and the baby's name enshrined in this book — it'll feel like it's made just for them. The rhyming story describes how the siblings will have lifelong adventures together, and it comes with a "Super Incredible Big Sister" award that can be worn around the house. There's also a paperback version, or a separate version for twins.
She'll be proud to show off her big-sister status in this sweater, which has preppy, big-kid, varsity-style letters. And, paired with the matching Lil' Sis bodysuit, they'll look great in those first family photos.
Pro-tip: The second season of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood starts with a story arc about Daniel getting a new little sister, Baby Margaret. (It's all on Prime Video, too, though it's labeled as "Season 5" there.) You can prime them by watching Daniel learn he's going to be a big brother, prep the baby's room, meet the baby for the first time and see how his relationships change because of the baby's arrival. Then, you can gift the big sister a Baby Margaret plush of her own. Ages 18 months+
She's not just going to be a big sister — she's going to be the best one ever. No better way to show it than with this shirt, which comes in sizes 1T to 5T.
If there's a pair out there that represents total #SisterGoals, it's Bluey and Bingo. Help her realize she's gaining a Bingo with this pair of plush pups. Then, she'll see how she and her sis are a package deal. Ages 3+
Slumberkins "Change" Bundle
Siblings come with lots of changes, and this bundle is designed to help kids with all the social-emotional skills they need to weather that change. It comes with a book called Your Love Stays the Same, a fox "snuggler" for kids to cuddle and tell their troubles to, and an affirmation card that says, "When something is new, I can get through." Ages 0+
Hape All Seasons Wooden Dollhouse
Another way kids can role-play how they're feeling about the new makeup of their family is by using a dollhouse, along with a dollhouse family that might approximate the look of their own. This dollhouse has six rooms to inspired open-ended, pretend play, all made of durable wood. Ages 3+
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
Readers Also Read
The Best Gifts for Women
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts for Men
28 Best Gifts for Seniors They'll Actually Like
80 Unique Group Halloween Costume Ideas
