This post is written by Purl Adoption Advisor, Aubrey Cortez, mom to three children through adoption.
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Sending a meaningful gift during the holidays to your child’s birth family can show your love and gratitude for someone who means so much to your family. It can also be a difficult time for birth family, particularly those without a strong support system. It can be important in an open adoption relationship to show your love and generosity during this season of giving, but keep in mind this doesn’t mean giving expensive gifts. As cliché as it may sound, it really is true that it’s the thought you put into the gift that matters. Having your younger child(ren) help you pick out the gift or make the card will give you another great opportunity to talk to them about their adoption journey.
Purchased and/or homemade gifts are often appreciated. It’s important to remember that your child’s birth family may be dealing with a much different holiday season than you are. Asking permission before sending anything is usually a good idea, especially if you’re unsure how a surprise will be received in their lives. Remember that cards mean just as much or even more to many people.
Some gifting ideas:
- Jewelry – Locket or charm bracelet
- A locket with a photo of the child is always special and sentimental, or a charm bracelet could create a fun tradition to add to over the years. Consider shopping at Etsy where they have great ideas for custom made and personalized gifts made by small business owners.
- Ornament
- Store bought or homemade, can be a nice reminder of the little one every year. Our Founder and CEO, Katie Zimmerman, shares that for one Christmas she gave both her daughter and her daughter’s birth family two state ornaments, one in the state where the Zimmerman’s live, and one in the state where the birth family lives.
- Framed Photo
- Photo Book or Photo Calendar
- Flowers
- Gift Cards
- Gifts inspired just for Birth Mothers by Solace (by Absolute Love Adoptions)
Avoid:
- Elaborate or ostentatious items
- Anything you can’t afford (this is a gift not an obligation)
- Cash
Links to sites with helpful suggestions:
This post is written by Purl Adoption Advisor, Aubrey Cortez, mom to three children through adoption.
—
Sending a meaningful gift during the holidays to your child’s birth family can show your love and gratitude for someone who means so much to your family. It can also be a difficult time for birth family, particularly those without a strong support system. It can be important in an open adoption relationship to show your love and generosity during this season of giving, but keep in mind this doesn’t mean giving expensive gifts. As cliché as it may sound, it really is true that it’s the thought you put into the gift that matters. Having your younger child(ren) help you pick out the gift or make the card will give you another great opportunity to talk to them about their adoption journey.
Purchased and/or homemade gifts are often appreciated. It’s important to remember that your child’s birth family may be dealing with a much different holiday season than you are. Asking permission before sending anything is usually a good idea, especially if you’re unsure how a surprise will be received in their lives. Remember that cards mean just as much or even more to many people.
Some gifting ideas:
- Jewelry – Locket or charm bracelet
- A locket with a photo of the child is always special and sentimental, or a charm bracelet could create a fun tradition to add to over the years. Consider shopping at Etsy where they have great ideas for custom made and personalized gifts made by small business owners.
- Ornament
- Store bought or homemade, can be a nice reminder of the little one every year. Our Founder and CEO, Katie Zimmerman, shares that for one Christmas she gave both her daughter and her daughter’s birth family two state ornaments, one in the state where the Zimmerman’s live, and one in the state where the birth family lives.
- Framed Photo
- Photo Book or Photo Calendar
- Flowers
- Gift Cards
- Gifts inspired just for Birth Mothers by Solace (by Absolute Love Adoptions)
Avoid:
- Elaborate or ostentatious items
- Anything you can’t afford (this is a gift not an obligation)
- Cash
Links to sites with helpful suggestions:
