Diana in OR Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Some of you may remember me posting about my 2yo niece being taken into foster care last fall. I won't rehash all the details, but at this point, she is in "stranger care", mainly for everyone's safety, as her mother (my sister) dangerous and violent, and would likely try to come and get her if she knew where she was. Anyway, a really exciting thing is that her foster parents have agreed to allow me to visit my niece on occasion (they live 3 hours away). So next Sunday, I get to meet her for the very first time! She is the only cousin to my dc on my side of the family. Here's my dilemna--I want to bring her a present, that will help her remember me. It cannot be a photo, b/c my sister does not know I will be seeing her daughter. But I want it to be something (like a small stuffed animal) that a little girl would like, and could have as a reminder of our visits. It should also be something that is smallish enough that she could take it if she moved to another home, or went back to her mother. You all here are so creative, I thought I'd ask for ideas. Plus, I only have boys, and have no clue about 2yo girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 How about a nice book? Something sweet and kind, as she's obviously had a rough time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom 2 3 Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 No matter what age all girls love dolls. What about an American Girl Bitty Baby? They are small, soft, and cuddley. My friends daughter takes her Bitty Baby everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdWTMer Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 You could always make her a "my stuff" (my stuff bags is something that Dr. Laura used to do) bag. Her own personal bag with some stuff just for her in it -- that no matter where she goes she will have her own bag. Maybe a quilt, a small one just for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Get a little backpack and fill it with a homemade fleece blanket (if you can sew a square you can do this - PM me for directions if needed), a soft doll, a touchy feely story book, a little pillow, etc. These are comfort items that are all hers and might lend some security during a period of upheaval. Poor thing. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whisperlily Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 ...comfort items that are all hers and might lend some security during a period of upheaval. Poor thing. :( I fully agree. A soft baby-doll or stuffed animal, crib-sized snuggly blanket and/or pillow. The bag idea is really nice, and even if she doesn't "take" to any of the comfort items the bag may be useful enough to be around for a long time. Other possible items would be a CD of lullabies or soothing songs. (of course you have no way of knowing whether foster parents will play it) Board books are always nice at that age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Ask the foster parents what she likes and/or could really use. I think a nice little something--book, doll, stuffed animal, etc. would be great. As a foster parent, I will say that most foster parents have the child's best interest at heart. They really do care passionately about the child and their welfare. They would likely welcome your call. Also, ask about any allergies this little girl or anyone else in the home might have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 At that age, my dd *loved* her water baby. She carried it around all the time. I am assuming these are still available at Target, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana in OR Posted March 8, 2008 Author Share Posted March 8, 2008 Thanks, everyone! I'm so glad I asked. "Doll" didn't even register on my radar screen, although it should have been an obvious one. :eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana in OR Posted March 12, 2008 Author Share Posted March 12, 2008 I asked last weekend what kind of gift I should bring for my 2.5yo niece who is in foster care, that I will be meeting for the first time. Based on GREAT ideas here, this is what I got: American Girl Bitty Baby Blanket for Bitty Baby Backpack/baby carrier for Bitty Baby It's perfect because the BB comes with a small stuffed bear and book, and she gets a blanket, too. I really wanted something that would be memorable (and not just another toy). They arrived today, and I'm just ecstatic with them. I hope my niece will be, too. (Shh...don't tell, but I really wanted to play with BB myself! :D) Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I asked last weekend what kind of gift I should bring for my 2.5yo niece who is in foster care, that I will be meeting for the first time. Based on GREAT ideas here, this is what I got: American Girl Bitty Baby Blanket for Bitty Baby Backpack/baby carrier for Bitty Baby It's perfect because the BB comes with a small stuffed bear and book, and she gets a blanket, too. I really wanted something that would be memorable (and not just another toy). They arrived today, and I'm just ecstatic with them. I hope my niece will be, too. (Shh...don't tell, but I really wanted to play with BB myself! :D) Thanks!! Very cool! I didn't see your previous thread, but a doll sounds perfect. How fun :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam "SFSOM" in TN Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I asked last weekend what kind of gift I should bring for my 2.5yo niece who is in foster care, that I will be meeting for the first time. Based on GREAT ideas here, this is what I got: American Girl Bitty Baby Blanket for Bitty Baby Backpack/baby carrier for Bitty Baby It's perfect because the BB comes with a small stuffed bear and book, and she gets a blanket, too. I really wanted something that would be memorable (and not just another toy). They arrived today, and I'm just ecstatic with them. I hope my niece will be, too. (Shh...don't tell, but I really wanted to play with BB myself! :D) Thanks!! Sweet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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