Becoming a big sister is an exciting milestone – but it can also be a big adjustment.
Welcoming a new baby brings big changes, especially for your older child. If you’re preparing a toddler or young childfor her new role, a thoughtful big sister gift can help her feel seen, celebrated, and excited—rather than overwhelmed.
Whether you’re shopping for a 2-, 3-, or 4-year-old, this guide rounds up 50 of the best big sister gift ideas for 2026, with meaningful picks that support a smooth, positive transition.
💡Many families pair a gift with a sweet announcement, so you may also enjoy our pregnancy announcement ideas for families.
Quick Picks: Best Big Sister Gifts by Age & Style
Short on time? Start here. These are the most-loved big sister gifts, grouped by age and purpose so you can find the right fit fast.
Best Big Sister Gifts for Toddlers (Ages 2–3)
- Big Sister board book
- Baby doll + stroller
- Big Sister crown or cape
Best Big Sister Gifts for Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)
- Personalized Big Sister book
- Big Sister journal
- Matching sister pajamas
Best “From the Baby” Big Sister Gifts
- Big Sister bracelet
- Photo album or frame
- Stuffed animal with a Big Sister message
Best Personalized Big Sister Gifts
- Name art print
- Custom coloring book
- Personalized storybook
💡 Tip: Many families give one gift before baby arrives and a second gift from the baby after birth.
Big Sister Gift Ideas for Toddlers (Ages 2–3)
Toddlers are still learning what it means to be a “big sister.” Gifts that encourage pretend play, comfort, and simple pride in their new role work best at this age.
“I’m A Big Sister” Book
Joanna Cole’s “I’m a Big Sister“ book is perfect for preparing your soon-to-be older sibling for the transition that is about to take place. We used this to prepare our middle child for the new baby, and it helped us have a pretty seamless transition between sisters. It helps teach the older sibling what to expect with a new baby, what the baby will and won’t be able to do, how they’ll be able to help, and reassures them that they are special and loved.
Baby Doll
Getting your little girl a new baby doll is a great way to help her learn how to take care of a new baby. While you are taking care of the new baby, your new big sister can work with her baby doll side by side. It’s the ideal big sister gift. The best thing about it is that you can change diapers, change clothes, and snuggle up together and side-by-side. Together, you can change diapers, change clothes, snuggle up, etc.
Mini “Diaper Bag”
A “mini-diaper bag” is the perfect big sister gift. You will definitely be carrying around your big old diaper bag as you tote your new baby around town, so why not give big sister her own bag to carry around toys and supplies?
The more they can imitate you (with their own flair, of course), the more they will feel like the mature older sibling and be proud of their new role. We love this adorable unicorn bag from Amazon.
Big Sister Gifts for Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)
Preschool-aged big sisters often want to help and be involved. Gifts that support independence, imagination, and emotional expression are especially meaningful.
‘Super Big Sister’ Tumbler
The new big sister will need to stay hydrated for all the playing and care-taking they’ll be doing. Here’s an adorable insulated Big Sister tumbler for the big girl to carry around. There are stainless steel options, too!
Big Sister Photo Album
If you’re anything like most parents, you’ll be snapping photos daily of your new baby and their big sis. Give your little gal a place to put her favorite photos of she and the new baby. She can proudly carry it around or keep it in a special place in their room to look at. This Big Sister photo album is available on Amazon.
Kids Camera
Every new big sister needs a camera to capture their favorite moments in the house and around town with their new baby sibling. This NINE CUBE camera is the perfect first digital camera for little kids and toddlers. It’s the highest rated on Amazon for small children.
Me & My Sister/Brother Frame
A My Sister & Me picture frame placed in your older sibling’s room gives them a daily reminder of their special sisterly bond. These pictures frames are modern, stylish, and perfect in any room.
Big Sister Unicorn Stuffie
If you have a unicorn-lover living in your house, then a soft stuffed unicorn with “I’m the Big Sister” written across it might be the perfect way to get them excited to be a big sister. They can snuggle up with their new magical little friend while you snuggle up with the new baby. This soft, plush unicorn is available on Amazon.
Big Sister Journal
For big sisters who are a bit older, a journal may be just the thing they need to process their inner most thoughts and feelings about the new transition, or just to doodle and have fun. This transition is one of the most important ones they will go through in their lives. Older siblings need time and space to process what’s going on around them. This Big Sister journal is available on Amazon.
Personalized Big Sister Gift Ideas
Personalized gifts remind big sisters that they’re still uniquely loved during a time of change.
Personalized Book & Award
Make your soon-to-be older sibling feel completely unique, special, and loved with a personalized story book. The book doesn’t have to have anything to do with the new baby. It can just be dedicated to their own story to make them feel extra special during this time of transition.
Name Stories Name Art
What is the story of your little girl’s name? Remind her about how much you thought about it, where her identity comes from, and how much you love her with a special piece of art focused specifically on the story of her name. The piece pictured here is from namestories.com.
Big Sister Personalized Coloring Activity Book
You’ll definitely need fresh ways to keep the new big sister busy while you’re tending to the new baby. A customized Big Sister Coloring Activity book will keep her occupied in a way that also makes her feel special. This book is from personalizationmall.com.
Personalized Book
Your soon-to-be big sister will feel so special with a book that was created just for her. It’s one of the best gifts you can give her to get her excited for this new transition. The book will make them feel like their new little sibling is a special gift just for them.
The first name of your older sibling is on the front of book, and makes them the hero of their own story. There are many options available. Try these adorable custom books from wonderbly.com. You can even make it extra personal for your special big kid with a free dedication at the beginning of the book.
Big Sister Puzzle
A custom puzzle with a picture of the big sister and her new sibling can be a fun and engaging gift.
Customized Sister Comic Book
A comic book where she is the superhero and her sibling is her sidekick.
Big Sister Gifts “From the Baby”
Many families choose to give a gift “from the baby” to help build an instant bond and reduce feelings of jealousy.
Sister Locket Necklace
This sister locket necklace is a heart shaped puzzle that symbolizes sister who are forever connected. The necklace pictured below is available on Amazon.
Big Sister Teddy Bear
You can never go wrong with a soft, snuggly bear. Remind your special girl that she’s a big sister now, and that fact makes her even more special than before. This plush, snuggly teddy bear is available on Amazon.
Clothing & Keepsakes for New Big Sisters
Wearable and keepsake gifts help big sisters show off their new role and remember this milestone.
“Big Sister” T-Shirt
A special Big Sister T-shirt announcing to your family members that they are becoming a big sister will help your soon-to-be older sibling begin to identify with their new role and take pride in it. Even better, they can wear it on the day their new sibling is born, and well after the transition is underway.
Big Sister Hat
Share the news that your little girl is going to be a big sister with this adorable Big Sister Hat. Let your eldest display her love of being a big sister for all the world to see. This makes an adorable accessory for photo announcements, everyday wear or for a casual trip to the park.
Rainbow Big Sister Bracelet
This sweet rainbow beaded bracelet might be just the thing to get them excited about becoming a big sister, with a touch of fancy. They can look down at their wrist each and every day and feel pride in their new role in the family. Pro Tip: This gift is perfect when given as a big sister gift from the baby.
Big Sister Superhero Cape
From helping care for their little siblings to bravely facing a new life transition and adjusting to their new role, big sisters really are superheroes. With this cape and mask she can dress the part!
Big Sister Crown Set
Celebrate the joy of becoming a big sister with this royal gift set. Designed especially for toddlers, it includes a variety of thoughtful items that will make your little girl feel cherished, including a book, stuffy, & soft crown.
Big Sister Crown
When all else fails, you can remind big sister that she is special with a fancy, bejeweled crown. A crown is a great way to make her feel like the special, valued family member that she is.
Big Sister Sweatshirt
If you live in a colder climate, this Big Sister sweatshirt will keep your special girl warm and snuggly.
Big Sister Tote Bag
Here’s a handy way to carry her favorite things around town as a new big sister. This Big Sister tote bag is simple, colorful, and stylish for any age.
Matching Sister Pajamas
Comfortable and cute pajamas for both sisters to wear.
Meaningful Big Sister Gifts That Aren’t Toys
- Handprint Art Kit: Capture the moment with a kit that allows the big sister to make a handprint alongside her new sibling’s.
- Sisterhood Storytime Set: A collection of books about sisterly bonds and adventures to read together.
- Growth Chart: Keep track of how tall your kids grow every few months or every year. They’ll love to look back on how little they used to be, and how much they’ve grown through the months and years. Our favorite growth chart is a simple farmhouse Growth Chart, available on Amazon.
- Big Sister Charm Necklace: A delicate necklace with charms that symbolize the bond between siblings.
- Big Sister Adventure Map: A personalized map where she can mark all the places she visits with her new sibling.
- Baby Doll Stroller: A stroller for big sister’s new baby doll will be a great way to take short strolls around the neighborhood with your newest family member. The simple design makes it easy-to-use, and the denim material makes it durable and practical.
- Sister’s Secret Keeper Lockbox: A small lockable box where she can keep shared secrets with her new sibling.
- Big Sister Scrapbook Kit: Everything she needs to create a scrapbook of her journey as a big sister.
- Sister’s Shared Playlist: Create a custom playlist of songs about sisters and family.
- Big Sister Hero Award: A playful certificate or trophy celebrating her new role.
- Sister Bond Bracelet Kit: A DIY bracelet making kit for a bonding activity.
- Personalized Big Sister Storybook: Another personalized book, this time focusing on tales of famous sister duos in history or fiction.
- Star Dedication: Name a star after the big sister and her new sibling.
- Big Sister Wisdom Jar: Fill a jar with notes of advice and wisdom from other big sisters.
- Sister’s Memory Game: A custom-made memory card game with family photos.
- Family Tree Project Kit: A creative kit for her to map out her family tree.
- Sister’s Shared Journal: A journal designed for both siblings to write in together as they grow.
- Big Sister’s Day Out: Plan a special day dedicated to her, filled with her favorite activities.
- Big Sister Bedtime Lamp: A nightlight or bedside lamp that she can also use to read bedtime stories to her sibling.
- Sister’s Treasure Hunt Kit: A treasure hunt game she can set up for her and her new sibling.
- Big Sister Training Course: Set up a playful “course” with fun activities that prepare her for her new role.
- Big Sister’s First Aid Kit: A playful kit equipped with band-aids and pretend ointments for when she helps with little bumps and bruises.
A Note for Parents Preparing a New Big Sister
The transition to becoming a big sister is exciting—but it can also come with big feelings. Along with pride and curiosity, it’s normal for older siblings to feel jealousy, confusion, or sadness as they adjust to sharing attention.
A thoughtful big sister gift can help set a positive tone during this transition. Many families choose to give a gift before baby arrives, on the day of birth, or even from the baby to help build an early sense of connection.
That said, the most meaningful gift is often consistent one-on-one time. A weekly date, a short daily routine, or intentional moments with a parent can go a long way in helping a new big sister feel secure and loved.
However you choose to celebrate her, small gestures of attention and reassurance can make this milestone a joyful one for the whole family.
More Helpful Guides for Growing Families
If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby, these related guides may help as you prepare your whole family for the transition:
- 50 Best Pregnancy Announcement Ideas for Your Family
Sweet, creative ways to share the news—especially when a big sister is part of the reveal. - Baby Milestone Activities for Kids
Simple, age-appropriate ways big sisters can help and feel involved as the baby grows. - Best Books for One-Year-Olds & Toddlers
A roundup of board books that make thoughtful first gifts and encourage sibling bonding.
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
