Birthmom Q & A

Gift for Birthmother

Question

We are coming up on our daughter's birthmother's first birthday since she placed her child with us. Our adoption is finalized and obviously an open adoption. We would like to give her a birthday gift from our child and us. We want it to be something that will have great meaning to her. Do you have any suggestions on what would be an appropriate gift that would be special for her?

Answers

There are so many options for gifts these days. There are many online companies such as Shutterfly.com that, for a small fee, will turn your pictures into a beautiful album to give to your child’s birthmother. A locket or piece of jewelry is a wonderful idea. Anything with your child’s hand or footprints will also be treasured by the birthmother.
- Alberta birthmother to a 9 yr old son, open adoption

I have a locket with my son's picture in it, engraved on the back as if it's from him, that I have worn almost daily for four years now. I was so touched when I opened it and read the engraving, I cried. It is most definitely treasured. Other ideas may include, something that incorporates your child's birthstone, a video, a picture frame with several pictures in it, an outfit your child has outgrown, a special box for keepsakes. The box may have your child's picture on the top of it, or a picture of your child with his birthmom.
- Ontario birthmother to a 5 yr old son, open adoption  

My daughter gave me a talking digital picture frame. It has her talking on it, saying her abc's and saying I love you and it has a bunch of pictures of her and myself and her family and her special first's caught on film. I love it so much and it's a simple gift but it is so wonderful. Another idea is to get her a stuffed bear and record your child's voice in it. Hope this helps good luck.
- British Columbia birthmother to a 4 yr old daughter, open adoption   

It is hard to say without knowing her, but I bet that anything from your child or somehow incorporating your child would mean the most. A locket with your child's picture? A photo album? Footprints/handprints/some other craft or design that incorporates your child? Any of these, I think, would be wonderful.
- Ontario birthmother to a 6 yr old son, open adoption

For years I have worn a ring with my daugther's birthstone int it. This gift means the world to me and was given to me by her parents when the adoption was finalized.
- Nova Scotia birthmother to a 7 yr old daughter, semi-open adoption

I'd go with a chain with the heart that breaks in half with the two sides saying mom and daughter. I have one side and my daughter has the other. That way she will always be close to my heart. You can keep your daughter's half of the necklace for her until she is older. Whatever gift you give your child's birthmother will be treasured forever.
- New Brunswick birthmother to a 18 yr old daughter, open adoption within the family (my mom adopted my daughter)