Gifts

My mom also did it with my sister and I. The one who wasn't having a birthday, got a very small, inexpensive gift, sometimes just candy or something that was wrapped. The birthday girl obviously got all the presents and the fuss was about her. I thought it worked well and my sister and I didn't turn out bratty or not being able to understand it is someone elses day.

Em is fully aware that she doesn't get pressies when its other people birthday. And she loves giving gifts.
I dont actually want to involve her in the party cause I'm really anal about things being perfect.. sad but true.
I will be letting her choose some of Kates gifts to buy her. But I just feel that I have to remember Em at her age has suddenly had a sibling thrown at her, the birth of Kate is an important day for all 3 of us - Hell I should get gifts for the 18 hour labour I was in.
I too often saw the look of sadness and loss in Em's eyes when Kate was born and she was basically pushed aside by certain realtives. People forget this and fauwn all over the younger child and dont realise that the older child is yerning for something.
I have always made a point of taking a gift for the older child at the birth of a younger child.
So Em will get a gift - a tiny one really, but still she will love it and it will make her feel like the special little girl she is.

I only have one boy. So can't comment from experience. But I agree with Julz.
I think its important they understand that a birthday is about the birthday boy/girl.
I think by giving both gifts can confuse them when they attend other parties, they might expect gifts then too.

I think we sometimes forget how much a child can understand at such a young age. We just need patience to explain things in a easy way for them.

However what I would do is let the sibling help with the party arrangements for the other sibling so they feel involved on the right side if you know what I mean. Like let them choose the cups and paper plates, and help with what goes into the party packs. And let the sibling give all the presents to the birthday sibling and help with opening them. That way they still feel involved and get recognition for helping so still feel important. Visa versa when the other sibling has a birthday

Hope that helps a little

I don't give the sibling gifts as I feel that a birthday is all about the birthday boy, if it is Liam's birthday, he gets first choice on the toy he wants to play with, ditto for Brandon. When Liam was smaller, I let Brandon "help" open the pressies (should read - Brandon opened all Liam's presents for him)

I want to make the birthday boy feel special, not have to share his day with his brother. At the party obviously both get to take part, and if help is needed with blowing out candles then the brother can help blow, but presents, no.

We didn't get gifts but got to take part in the party and got awarded in some way, but no no gift.

I think it is important that kids know that they don't get presents when it is the siblings birthday.

We hosted a party at our home for a friend's 1 year old and Dylan didnt' quite understand that the toys were not for him, but with careful explanations it was fine and now Dylan really enjoys the giving as much as receiving.

My Mom did the same for us until we understood why the one was getting spoiled etc.

I think its a lovely idea.

Ok cool. I love my children to the ends of the earth, but dont want to spoil them too much and make them bratty. So I'm glad others have done it and turned out ok