Practical gifts for someone moving abroad

Goodbye gifts for friends moving away

The ideal gifts for friends moving away should be practical, sentimental, or both. Your friend will likely be without several household items and would benefit from something useful, such as kitchen appliances, linen, or a portable charger.

On the other hand, you could say a heartfelt goodbye with a personalised keepsake, a photo album* of cherished moments together, or a handwritten letter. For something practical and sentimental, consider a custom mug with a printed inside joke or picture*, a blanket embroidered with their name, or a travel bag filled with home comforts (e.g., favourite snacks, a cherished book, handwritten family recipes). 
 
Here are some more gift ideas for friends moving overseas: 

*Seven Seas Worldwide does not endorse these products

What to gift someone who is going abroad for studies

The best gift for someone going abroad for studies is an item that makes their life easier or more comfortable. Focus on something helpful, thoughtful, and related to their course or new country. Doing so helps them adapt quickly to their new environment whilst reminding them of you. Also, remember that large gifts are more difficult to travel with. So, the smaller, the better! 

Here are our best gift ideas for someone moving abroad to study: 

• A sturdy backpack with multiple pockets: ideal for carry-on luggage and everyday use at university for books, gadgets, lunch, etc.
• A laptop: essential for students across all disciplines for research, assignments, and staying connected to loved ones back home using video chat. 
• Noise-cancelling headphones: helpful when studying in busy cafes or for being considerate in quiet places like libraries. 
• A "good luck" book: a hardback collection of family and friends' photos, notes, and drawings, wishing them well on their new adventure.
• A portable charger/power bank: keeps devices charged during long commutes or study sessions without access to an outlet.
• Practical stationery: notebooks, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, and planners help them stay organised and are great for occasions without access to power.
• A reusable bottle: an aluminium water bottle* or stainless steel coffee mug* saves them money and helps the environment. 
• A course-specific gift: a calculator for a mathematician, a sketchbook for an art student, or a stethoscope for a medical student*, etc.
• A travel adapter: enables them to avoid buying costly new electronic items. However, electrical adaptors are considered a short-term solution.
• A multi-socket extension: so they can plug in several devices at once.
• A travel journal: a hardbound diary with prompts, such as "First impressions" and "Everyday life", to help document their time overseas. 
• Small comforts from home: a framed family photo or a small keepsake that provides emotional support.

*Seven Seas Worldwide does not endorse these products