Personalized Gifts for Siblings: For Every Brother, Sister and Stepsibling

Siblings are our first friends, first rivals and, for many people, the longest relationship of their lives. They also give each other some of the worst gifts imaginable: the half-eaten chocolate, the regifted toy, the "I made you this" that is clearly a used tissue.

With a little help, siblings can give each other gifts that mean something. Here are personalized gift ideas for brothers and sisters, from toddlers to grown-ups.

Why sibling gifts matter

Giving to a sibling is practice in noticing someone else, and siblings notice each other constantly. Kids know exactly what their brother is scared of, what their sister would trade anything for, who helps them when no one's looking.

Our film My Sister the Reindeer is about a boy who drew his big sister as a reindeer pulling his sled up the hill, even when her friends were watching. That kind of observation is the start of a great sibling gift.

Gifts for big siblings

Big brothers and sisters often carry a lot: helping with little ones, sharing rooms, being patient when they don't feel like it. A gift that recognizes that can mean a great deal.

• A "big sister" or "big brother" certificate or award, made by the parents
• A one-on-one outing with a parent, without the little one
• Their own drawing, celebrated: framed, or made into something they wear
• A special privilege: a later bedtime, choosing dinner, their own shelf

When a new baby arrives, the older child especially needs to feel seen. Our films Holding the House and The Whale Brother are about exactly that.

Gifts for little siblings

Little siblings worship the big ones. Gifts that connect them to their big brother or sister are often the most treasured:

• Something "just like" the big kid's: same hat, same backpack, same hoodie
• A drawing by the big sibling, framed for the little one's room
• A storybook recorded by the big sibling reading aloud

Our film The Little Shadow is about a little brother who drew his big brother with a tiny shadow following him in a red hat. The shadow was himself.

Matching sibling gifts

Matching outfits are a classic for a reason: they make siblings feel like a team.

• Matching hoodies or T-shirts with one drawing that both siblings appear in
• Matching pajamas for holiday mornings
• Coordinating pieces, like "big" and "little" versions

For more, see our guide to matching family outfits made from one drawing.

Gifts for stepsiblings and blended families

Blended families often face a tricky first holiday together. Gifts can help new siblings feel equal and included:

• Matching gifts for all the kids, so no one feels left out
• A group project, like a family drawing or a shared photo album
• A gift from one sibling to another, chosen with care

Our film Room on the Sled is about a boy's first Christmas with his new stepbrother, and the sled he drew long enough for everyone.

Gifts for grown-up siblings

Adult siblings may live far apart or be busy with their own families. Gifts that call back to childhood can be especially touching:

• An old childhood photo, framed, recreated in the present day
• A shared childhood drawing, rediscovered and given back
• A recipe from the family table, written out
• A sibling trip, just the two (or three) of you

For the sibling coming home for the holidays

The big brother home from college, the sister flying in for Christmas. Our film Home in Three Steps is about a little boy who drew his college brother with legs so long he could walk home in three steps.

Helping kids give sibling gifts

Young kids need help giving well. A few tips for parents:

1. Ask what they notice: "What does your sister love? What makes her laugh?"
2. Let them make something: a drawing, a card, a bracelet
3. Give them a small budget for a store-bought gift, and let them choose
4. Keep the secret together, which is half the fun
5. Let them hand it over and explain it

Turning a sibling drawing into a keepsake

At ANORA, we embroider children's drawings on hoodies and T-shirts, as drawn. A child's drawing of their sibling, worn by that sibling, is a rare thing: a gift from one sibling to another that both will remember. For teens and grown-up siblings, you can order matching pieces so both wear the same drawing.

You can upload a drawing here and preview it first. Production and U.S. delivery take approximately 12 business days from the start of production. During our grand opening, code BESTGIFT takes 15% off.

Our hoodies and T-shirts come in adult unisex sizes (S to 2XL), so they suit teens, grown-up siblings and parents best.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good gift for a big sister?

Something that recognizes her role: a one-on-one outing, a special privilege, an award from the family, or a younger sibling's drawing of her made into something she can keep.

What can a younger sibling give an older one?

A drawing, a handmade card, a coupon for a favor, or a small gift chosen with a parent's help.

What are good gifts for stepsiblings?

Matching or equal gifts that make every child feel included, or a shared family project like a group drawing or photo album.

What are good matching gifts for siblings?

Matching hoodies, T-shirts or pajamas, ideally with something meaningful on them, like a drawing that includes both siblings.