Gifts for Baby Number Two: What to Buy When the Family Already Has the Basics

When a first baby arrives, families often receive a flood of gifts: clothes, blankets, toys, prams and gadgets. By the time a second baby comes along, much of that is still in the cupboard, ready to be used again. Friends and family often wonder what on earth to bring.

This guide offers ideas for gifts that feel special for a second baby, along with thoughtful ways to include the new big brother or sister.

Something that is theirs alone

Second children often wear hand-me-downs and play with their sibling's toys. A gift that is clearly their own, with their name or their birth date, can be especially meaningful.

• A personalised wooden name puzzle or keepsake
• A soft toy that becomes their special friend
• A memory box or baby book of their own
• A blanket in a colour chosen just for them
• A first book inscribed with a message from you

Replace what wears out

Some things do not survive a first child well. Teethers, rattles and soft toys get chewed and loved to pieces. A fresh set of natural teethers or a new wooden rattle is genuinely useful. Our guide to plastic-free teethers and rattles has suggestions.

Something for the older sibling

The arrival of a new baby is a big change for an older child. Visitors often rush past them to coo at the baby. A small gift for the big brother or sister helps them feel included and celebrated.

• A small wooden doll or animal with a blanket, so they can care for their own baby
• A book about becoming a big sibling
• A small set of wooden figures or a new puzzle
• Crayons and a special drawing book
• A big brother or big sister badge they can wear

Many parents say that a gift for the older child was the most thoughtful thing anyone did. Some families even keep a small gift aside for the baby to give the sibling when they first meet.

Toys that both can share

Some toys grow with children and can be enjoyed by siblings of different ages. Wooden blocks, a rainbow stacker, a set of animals or a ball run work well. Our guide to open-ended toys explains why these last. As the baby grows, siblings can play together with the same set.

Practical help is a gift too

With two children, time and energy are precious. Some of the best gifts are not objects at all:

• A home-cooked meal delivered to the door
• An offer to take the older child to the park or the beach
• A cleaning or laundry session
• Picking up shopping
• Simply holding the baby while the parents shower or sleep

In Malta, where family often lives close by, these offers can make a huge difference in the early weeks.

Gentle sensory toys

Even if the family has plenty of toys, many will be suited to a toddler, not a newborn. A small selection of very first toys, such as a black and white book, a soft ball or a grasping ring, is often welcome. Our guides to newborn sensory play and toys for three to six month olds can help you choose.

Ask, kindly

If you are unsure, ask the parents. Many are happy to suggest something they need, or to tell you what they already have plenty of. A minimalist baby registry can also guide you.

Wrapping and cards

Kraft paper, a ribbon and a handwritten card make even a small gift feel special. A card addressed to both the baby and the older sibling is a lovely touch.

More gifting ideas

Timing your visit

With a second baby, the early weeks can be especially busy. Parents are managing a newborn and a toddler at once. Before visiting, check what time suits them, keep visits short and offer to help while you are there. A visit that includes a few minutes of attention for the older child, reading a book or playing on the floor, is often more appreciated than any gift.

If you live abroad or cannot visit, a parcel with a small gift for each child, and a card addressed to the whole family, travels the distance beautifully.

Remember, too, that second babies grow up surrounded by an older sibling's play. A gift that suits the baby now, and the baby and sibling together later, often gets the most use. A soft ball they can roll between them, a set of stacking cups or a simple book with clear pictures can become a shared favourite as the years go by, and a quiet reminder that both children were thought of from the start.

For christenings and baby showers, see our baby shower gift ideas and Maltese godparent gift guide. For aunts and uncles, see our auntie and uncle gift guide. Little Curio is curating plastic-free gifts for families in Malta; see our gift edits.

More from the Journal: Mother's Day in Malta: Simple Handmade Gifts from Little Hands, Gifts for New Parents in Malta: Thoughtful Ideas That Are Not Just for the Baby.