Gifts for Adoptive/Foster Babies. Update Post 13

[snowdragon]

A co-worker of mine at the museum recently had a 19month old foster child join his family, he and his partner are looking at adopting the child if they can. /BG
 
  When most of my friends have babies I crochet an afghan or cross stitch bibs or something like that and I wanted to do the same for this child. I don't care that the kid is a foster child and there's a chance that they may loose him, they are overjoyed with his being there and I wanted to do something that would show them I share their joy at this child''s arrival ( if that makes sense). My question is would an afghan be appropriate for a 19 month old, and would it be ok to give a "welcome little one" gift at this stage? Or are there etiquette rules about this that I would be breaking? Thanks.

[AndreaBeth105]

Good for you for wanting to celebrate with your coworker!  I think that your gift will absolutely be appropriate and that your coworker will really appreciate the guesture.

An afghan is appropriate, although you may want to make it a little larger if you usually just make baby-sized afghans, so that the child can use it for a bit longer.

[Betelnut]

Aghans are good gifts for adults so I would think they are appropriate for toddlers too!  Who knows, your afghan may become this child's "lovey"!

In other words, go for it!

[SPuck]

There is nothing wrong with sending a gift in any situation. The only difference this time is that you will have to make something that is larger.

[Winterlight]

I think it's a charming idea.

[TootsNYC]

I think a slightly *bigger* afghan (that is, if you normally do a baby blanket) would be appropriate for a 19-month-old.
;-)


also, a 19-month-old might have a favorite color, so you might inquire is this is known (or if it exists yet).

What a nice idea! And even if the child ends up not staying with them, it'll be a nice memory from that time in his life.

[amylouky]

I think it would be perfect. Make it as snuggly as possible! And thick. All the littles we've had have without fail come to us with sensory issues, and like sleeping with thick/heavy blankets. One of our girls (21 mos old) would pile stuffed animals on top of herself.. we finally wised up and bought her a weighted blanket.

[strawbabies]

I think an afghan is a great idea, as long as you make it bigger, as the PP have said. 

[snowdragon]

I have made it twin bed sized. All my baby blankets are that size.

Thanks so very much for all your comments!

[TootsNYC]

I love that you make them all that big.My kids love their blankets like that, but they're a slightly too small size to use for very long.

[thunderroad]

I have made it twin bed sized. All my baby blankets are that size.

Thanks so very much for all your comments!

How thoughtful!  You sound like a wonderful friend and co-worker, and I am sure the gift will be appreciated by both child and (foster)parent. 

[Arrynne]

I'm a fost-adopt parent and I treasured the gifts my friends and coworkers gave me and the baby.  Afghans are fabulous for little ones.  You might want to go for more lap-sized instead of baby sized.  I still have the afghan my mom made for me when I was three. I took it to preschool every day and used it for naptime. 

[Calypso]

I still have the afghan my Aunt made me 40-mumblemumble years ago. I still love it like crazy.
We lost Aunt shortly after she made the afghan. I was pretty young then, but I think because I think of her every time I see that afghan, I remember her well.

[snowdragon]

I gave it to my friend on Friday - today when I was at the museum he stopped and thanked me again, telling me that the child carries it with him everywhere. So I guess, it's a hit.
  My co-worker seemed very touched that I would make something for his kid...thanks so very much.