Ideas for a "Big Sister" Party

Hmmm. Interesting idea. My daughter's preschool always made a big deal out of becoming a big sibling but she missed that because she started after my second was born. I didn't have a shower for #2, but most people who sent gifts also sent sent something for #1. We got her some big sister t shirts and we talked about her responsibilities (her job was to sing to the baby when she cried, help with bath time, etc). I think she was pretty excited even without us motivating her, which was actually pretty lucky!

What a fun idea.
The hospital gift shop should sell big sister t-shirts you can get for her to wear. Party stores sometimes have big sibling items too.
Have everything be big-order those giant 3 feet wide pizzas or 6 foot sandwiches, big cookies from Mrs. Fields or full size sheet cake, oversized balloons and decorations. I've seen a cake pan that bakes into a giant cupcake-not sure if it was at Michaels or Williams-Sonoma.
If there are lots of kids, have different adult clothing and accessories for them to dress up "big people" style and have a parade of their creations.
Hallmark stores sell giant oversized cards for differnet occasions.
Since you don't need much, if people ask about gifts, suggest donating to a children's hospital-Loma Linda or CHOC. You can even call them to see if there are items they are need of (books, toys, blankies, etc.) and donate those things.

For the special occasion... take a photo of her next you/your tummy, letting her hug it. Take several, then choose one that you like, and then develop it and frame it for her. Or, using the photo, go to www.kodakgallery.com and then you can put the photo on anything like a t-shirt, pillow, a book or mug etc. This is also real cute and a "forever" kind of souvenir memento.

When I was pregnant, each month my daughter and I took photos of her cradling my growing belly...it was real special for her and fun. It was a real special Mommy & daughter thing we did.

And, your new baby when he/she grows up... can look at it and it will be a real special thing for the new baby too.

Other than that, www.orientaltrading.com has some great party themes and accessories. Here is the link for the "big sister" party accessories:
http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/search/processRequest.d...

Good luck,
Susan

Hi there!

I had three children and never did a party. Very thoughtful of you though. My best advice is to give her lots of love & attention after baby comes home and include her in anything she would like to be involved in and make her feel needed. That is really all she needs. A party will be fun, but that will be done and in the past for her, so love, love , love and attention is what she'll need. Before you know it all will be fine. My kids never went through major adjustments with a new baby sibling coming home. Also, remember newborns sleep a lot, so there will be lots of one-on-one time with your daughter.

Congratulations!

I haven't had a big sister party, I LOVE the idea. My only idea is play on the word BIG. Like a BIG sandwich-a 6ft long sub....My kids would never eat a sub though. GOOD LUCK!!

Hi
I think this is a great idea. Make sure you include a gift from her sibling-to-be
Good luck

I just wanted to say that this is a really nice idea. What a great way to let big sister know how important she is. So many times moms write about how their little ones feel displaced and less important when the baby comes and they sometimes "act out" badly. Whatever activities you do, I'm sure big sister will be encouraged and happy. Maybe something including dolls and/or a tea party, dressing up like grown-up ladies.

No particular advice, just wanted to say that your daughter and your future child are very lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring Mom.

I had a big brother party for my son and felt it helped immensely! We worked it just like a birthday party, with arts and crafts, a cake, etc. It also tied in to Halloween so that was fun.
We just made a big deal out of it! The best gift someone brought was a baby doll and a stroller... so he could have his own baby to take care of. He really liked it. We sang "He's a jolly good fellow" instead of Happy Birthday.
I also checked out 20 or so sibling books from the library and read them to him before sister came along.
Good luck1

Wow! What a wonderful idea. She is so lucky to have a caring and thoughtful mommy like you. I wish I had done that for my 2 older kiddos.
Where do you live? and Are you planning to have the party at home or somewhere else? There is a great, monthly family event called Royal Dance Party. I am sure that your daughter would have a blast there and would remember it as a special "big sister" afternoon. It is so much fun! Check out the website to see all the activities: http://www.royaldanceparty.com
There is a great caricaturist there. The caricature of your daughter could be a great keepsake to cherish.
Congratulations and have an easy delivery!
M.

what a great idea! i too am expecting at the end of march and have a 3 year old son. i would love to do the same thing. please let us know what you end up doing and ideas you end up incorporating. thanks.

Hi! Just a suggestion from a grandma. Make her a book of her own with copies of EVERY picture of her being held by everyone and anyone. They have no concept of time and seeing all the pictures will help her understand that babies need to be held a lot.