It’s that time of year again where high school and college graduations are happening! My graduation is this week and I’m beyond excited. It’s also the time of year where a lot of expat families pack up and move onto their next location, although that may have changed a little with the current pandemic. I’ve always been the sentimental type to give a friend a proper send-off before they move, and I think a big part of that is the gift! It can be hard to think of something unique, easy-to-pack-up, and memorable to give a friend or family member before they move away or go to college. That’s why I’ve chosen 6 gifts that I think are perfect! Some of them don’t even cost anything to make.
Make them a playlist
This doesn’t cost anything to make, yet it still says a lot! People have different ways to show affection, and mine is definitely through songs and music. There are specific songs that remind me of certain people and memories that we’ve shared. Creating a playlist especially for them is a sentimental but also practical gift idea!
Buy them a subscription box
I’ve always thought that these are so cool! There are a bunch of different subscription boxes to choose from, but in essence they’re a package that you can buy where they deliver something to the recipient each month. There are subscription boxes for beauty products, chocolates, clothes, and crafts to name a few. I think it would be a nice thing to receive once a month knowing it’s come from a friend, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving – for as many months as you purchased the subscription for!
Purchase a Starbucks gift card
Most college kids live of Starbucks so I don’t think you can go wrong with this one! A daily caffeine fix can get expensive, so I’m sure any graduate would appreciate a gift card to a coffee shop.
DIY an Essentials Kit
Depending on if you’re giving a gift to a graduate or someone moving away, you can DIY your own essential kit for them. It’s a really personal and practical gift. Before my sister went to college we gave her a huge box with her ‘college essentials kit’ with anything that she could possibly need!
Write some letters
One of the best moving gifts that I’ve given someone was a series of letters which have labels such as, ‘open me when you reach your new house’ or ‘open me before your first day of school’. You can pair the letters with little gifts to go along with each one, for example, a photo frame for their new room, and some stationery before their first day of school. Just like the subscription box this gift is something that keeps on giving for a long time!
Create a bucket list
Depending on where your friend is moving to or going to college, you can create a personalized bucket list for them! For one of my friend’s graduation gifts I researched a bunch of places and restaurants near her college and put them all into a bucket list. You can get creative with the formatting and design! Also, you can ask your friend to take a photo and document each time they tick off something on the bucket list, it’s a good way to stay in touch.
Whatever you choose to buy or make, get creative, add photos and personal touches – they will love it! I think it’s a nice idea to give someone something special before they move away and these are my top ideas. Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas!
See you next week
