It can be hard to know what to get your friend that lives halfway across the world. After all, such a long distance makes it seem impossible to get them anything meaningful. However, this is not the case. Here are four gift ideas for your international friend.
1. Send a Card
Sometimes all someone needs are to know that you remember them. Be it a birthday or a Christmas card, it’s a great way to transmit to your friend that you think of them and thought enough ahead to send them a card. Make sure you know how long it will take for a card to get there and plan ahead so it does get there on time! Include photos, fun stickers, or just a meaningful message.
2. Send Money
It’s the equivalent of sending a gift card. Using an international money transfer app, you can easily send money your friend can pick up. Some countries even let you send money directly to a bank account. That way, they can use it for whatever they want or need, which is never a bad gift. They’ll probably be thrilled.
3. Send a Taste of Home
Whether they grew up with you and then moved abroad or are your overseas pen pal, getting a package of food is always fun. You’ll have to plan carefully, but it can be done. Check out transit times to their country; based on that, you can decide what foods you can safely send. Packaged, sealed, and shelf-stable foods will be your best bet, but if transit times are fast, you may get away with sending homemade cookies or other similar low-moisture treats. Send candies or local seasonings, or jars of peanut butter. Whatever is hard to get there, send it! Food is a fabulous way to show your love and friendship to someone, so think this one over.
4. Send Them An Experience
You can always do your research online and gift them an experience. From horseback riding to tours of famous places, see what there is to do in their country and what you think they’d enjoy but probably wouldn’t spend the money on themselves. This is a thoughtful, fun gift they will remember for years.
5. Send Them a Playlist
Most music services are available in most countries. Choose a subscription service and buy them a subscription or a digital gift card to that platform. You can also create a playlist just for them and then share it.
6. Send Personalized Gifts
You can send a necklace with map images of your friend’s hometown and their new city of residence. Send a photobook full of pictures of your time together and any images they’ve shared of their latest adventure or home country.
It’s The Thought
No matter what you choose to send them, your friend is sure to love it. They say it’s the thought that counts, and in this case, anything you send overseas will likely be very appreciated and loved by your friend simply because it’s from you.
