adoption gift ideas???

[maillotpois]

A friend just sent an announcement that she and her husband have adopted twin 2 year old boys from Russia. I want to give them something - not sure what!

Help!

By way of more background - this friend and I were VERY close in law school and she was my maid of honor when I got married 14 years ago. Since we moved 11 years ago, I have really fallen out of touch with her and we have not stayed as connected as I wish we had. She wants for nothing financially, so I don't "need" to give her a practical gift. I just would like to give her something simple and nice - the thought counts sort of thing.

Also, I know NOTHING about what 2 year old boys would like or need or anything. Or should I get something for the parents?

Ack!

[Jones]

how about matching trikes and helmets or a nice bottle of wine for the parents.
Jones

[spotlightmama]

Diapers are always good - I personally like 7th Generation diapers. But I guess that's more of a practical gift...

Maybe a gift certificate for a house cleaning or dinner service? Sorry, I've got a 3-yo and 7-month old...I guess my brain can only process practical gifts, lol.

Cute clothes?

ETA: sorry, posted before I saw your response about wine.

[maillotpois]

Great suggestion, and I'd love the wine, but my friend's a recovering alcoholic. (Maybe should have mentioned that.)

It also needs to be something I can send in the mail.....

[Mr. Bloom]

I'm adopted and think it's great that you're treating this like a 'normal' birth announcement - albeit without the late night feedings.

I'd focus on making it something unique and special...

maybe you can arrange autographed copies from TE's own author latelatebloomer:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ldren%27s+book

[maillotpois]

I'm adopted and think it's great that you're treating this like a 'normal' birth announcement - albeit without the late night feedings.

I am (adopted) too!


Keep the ideas coming, you guys - and thanks!!

[Crankin]

When my parents adopted my brother (5 months old), we got all the normal gifts that you would give any other new baby. For 2 year olds, I think clothes, toys, or the bike idea is fine.

[makbike]

saving bonds?

[shootingstar]

Do the twins understand much English at this time? Or do one of the adoptive parents can speak/understand Russian?

If there will be a language fluency problem for lst few months, I would buy a fun, book plus 2 little stuffed toys that they can each cuddle.

I'm sure they will be well-loved.

[maillotpois]

You people are the best. Seriously. Big collective hug.

Not sure what the language situation is right now. I was a Russian major and used to be moderately fluent. That's irony for you. (The Russian has all degenerated to allow me to recover my French. ).

I am going to ponder over your suggestions for the next day or 2 and then move into action on this.... I will let you know what I end up doing.

I wonder if they want a slightly used yellow lab puppy (ETA: with satanic devil eyes...)... NAH!

[salsabike]

Sarah, I emailed one of my best friends who has two adoptive daughters and this was her reply:

OK---I am a nut about kid gifts! Love gift certificates for the zoo, children's museum, aquarium, children's theatre, etc. ! I can think of lots of things to get the boys, but sounds like their parents will be able to provide all the home toddler things.

Subscription to Adoption Today - not sure of name now---used to be Adoptive Families. You can find it online & they will send you complimentary copy, but I still read them & my kids are much older!

[maillotpois]

Thanks!

[malkin]

My favorite gift for parents of toddlers is a big pack of white terry cloth shop towels from Costco.

Many happy messes!