Dear Scholastic Surrogate: What do I get my IPs or their children for the Holidays?
Dear Scholastic Surrogate:
I’d like to get my intended parents and their current children some gifts for the holidays, but I have no idea what would be appropriate. What would you recommend? -Need Gift Ideas
Hello, Need Gift Ideas-
What a great question…that’s so thoughtful of you! With the holidays upon us, many surrogates want to get their intended parents a gift to show them their love and appreciation. Finding the right gift to say just that can be a little hard. Here are a few helpful ideas to help you this holiday season, but always remember gifts are never required—especially as you are giving your intended parents the greatest gift of all!
A Hand-Written Card
Nothing shows you care like a hand-written card. With so much communication done with technology these days, getting a card in the mail shows you really care. Write a little note to let them know how your journey is going and don’t forget to add a picture.
Jewelry
Getting jewelry is always a nice surprise. It can be something as simple as a keepsake necklace for the intended mother or a money clip for the intended father. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant just a little something.
Gift Baskets
A gift basket is something that can be easy to make or order from your favorite shop. You can include things that the intended parents and baby can’t live without. For instance, you can never have too many burp clothes or snuggly blankets. Don’t forget to include your favorite baby book that they can read to the new baby.
Journal
While on this journey you can always start a journal to give to your intended parents. The holiday season would be a great time to give this to them. They will be able to read all the amazing things you are going through.
Books
Who doesn’t love reading? There are many books about parenthood out there and maybe you have a few favorites. If you need a little help, here are some ideas.
“This Is Ridiculous This Is Amazing: Parenthood in 71 Lists” By Jason Good
Jason Good delivers a laugh-out-loud reminder that everything is easier and more fun when approached with a sense of humor—especially parenting.
“Kids Are Weird: And Other Observations from Parenthood” By Jeffrey Brown
Brown wryly illustrates his five year-old son’s take on the world around him.
If your intended parents already have children, don’t hesitate to include them in the gift giving. Kids are always excited for a new arrival. There are many different things you can get the older sibling.
T-Shirt
Getting them a shirt that lets everyone know that there are going to be an older sibling is always a fun idea. You can make your own or find a fantastic place to have one made.
Stuffed Animal or Other Toys
Who doesn’t like getting a new toy? You could find a baby doll that they can learn how to be an awesome older brother or sister with or even a bear of some sort; perhaps one special made with a recording of the heartbeat of their younger sibling!
Books
Explaining to children that their sibling is being born via surrogacy can be a challenging but thankfully there are many books out there to help you.
“Sophia’s Broken Crayons: A Story of Surrogacy from a Young Child’s Perspective” By Crystal Falk Tells the story of surrogacy from a young child’s perspective in a practical way that children can understand and grasp.
“Daddy Dog and Papi Panda’s Rainbow Family: It Takes Love to Make a Family” By Mr. Anthony Hale This children’s book is about the formation of a non-traditional family.
Not all relationships are the same, so do what is comfortable for you and your intended parents. Have a wonderful holiday. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a surrogate, contact New Mexico Surrogacy.