Contents
- 1 Editor’s Choices: Gifts for Someone Traveling Abroad
- 2 The Greatest Gifts for Friends Going Abroad
- 2.1 What are the best gifts for someone moving abroad?
- 2.2 1. World voltage adaptor and converter
- 2.3 2. Portable phone charger
- 2.4 3. A Travel Clean Kit
- 2.5 4. A portable muscle massage gun
- 2.6 5. Travel journal
- 2.7 6. Pay for their luggage to get shipped to them with Luggage Forward
- 2.8 7. Wireless, noise-canceling headphones
- 2.9 8. AirTags
- 2.10 9. Stainless steel water bottle
- 2.11 10. DSLR Camera
- 2.12 11. Cash in the local currency
- 2.13 12. A gift card to their favorite store
- 2.14 13. Give them an experience in their new home
- 2.15 14. A care package of food from home
- 2.16 15. A travel guidebook for their new home country
- 2.17 16. A subscription to Going
- 2.18 17. A high-quality carry-on
- 2.19 18. A great day bag
- 2.20 19. Create a photo book of memories
- 2.21 20. Give them a language-learning subscription
- 2.22 21. A VPN subscription
- 2.23 22. Kindle Paperwhite
- 2.24 23. Compression packing cubes
- 2.25 24. Handheld luggage scale
- 2.26 25. Dock & Bay Beach Microfiber Towel
- 2.27 26. Travel-sized umbrella
- 2.28 27. Travel document organizer
- 2.29 28. High-quality SSD hard drive
- 2.30 29. Personalized luggage tag
- 2.31 30. Personalized recipe book
- 2.32 31. A cookbook with recipes from their new country
- 2.33 32. A small personal safety device
- 2.34 33. Small toolset
- 2.35 34. Flexible tripod and Bluetooth remote
- 2.36 35. American measuring cups
- 2.37 36. Portable kitchen scale
- 2.38 37. Personalized photo blanket
- 2.39 38. Travel-sized compact printer
- 2.40 39. Create a playlist with your favorite music
- 2.41 40. Portable Bluetooth speakers
- 2.42 41. GoPro HERO11
- 2.43 42. Selfie stick
- 2.44 43. Long-distance touch bracelets
- 2.45 44. Beard care kit
- 2.46 45. Instant camera
- 2.47 46. Menstrual Cup
- 2.48 47. Solis mobile hotspot
- 2.49 48. A Swiss Army Knife
- 2.50 49. Securing luggage straps
- 2.51 50. Add-A-Bag Luggage Strap
- 2.52 51. Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
- 2.53 52. A scratch-off world map
- 2.54 53. Rumpl The NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
- 3 Practical Gifts for Someone Moving Abroad: FAQs
- 4 The Best Gifts for Friends Going Abroad: Wrap-Up
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If you’re thinking about going away gift ideas for friends overseas or family members who live abroad, you might be wondering whether you should choose a present that’s practical or something sentimental.
Sometimes, the most perfect gift will appear and it will be both! But part of the fun, or stress, is deciding.
Finding great gifts for friends going abroad is tough, but hopefully, you’ll find a fun gift that makes sense specifically for them from this gift guide!
Editor’s Choices: Gifts for Someone Traveling Abroad
World Voltage Adaptor and Converter
With an average of 4.5 stars from more than 3,960 reviews, the FOVAL International Travel Adaptor and Voltage Converter is one of the most practical gift ideas for someone moving to another country.
Portable Phone Charger
With an average of 4.5 stars from more than 45,600 reviews, the Anker PowerCore 20,100mAh Portable Charger is the best gift for a friend going abroad.
Travel Journal
With an average of 5 stars from more than 220 reviews, giving your loved one a travel journal is a perfect, sentimental going-away gift for a friend moving overseas.
The Greatest Gifts for Friends Going Abroad
What are the best gifts for someone moving abroad?
1. DSLR Camera
2. Portable phone charger
3. Wireless, noise-canceling headphones
4. AirTags
5. World voltage adaptor and converter
6. Stainless steel water bottle
7. Travel journal
8. Cash in the local currency
9. A gift card to their favorite store
10. Give them an experience in their new home
11. A care package of food from home
12. A travel guidebook for their new home country
13. A subscription to Going
14. A Travel Clean Kit
15. Pay for their luggage to get shipped to them with Luggage Forward
16. A high-quality carry-on
17. A great day bag
18. Create a photo book of memories
19. Give them a language learning subscription
20. A portable muscle massage gun
21. A VPN subscription
22. Kindle Paperwhite
23. Compression packing cubes
24. Handheld luggage scale
25. Dock & Bay Beach Microfiber Towel
26. Travel-sized umbrella
27. Travel document organizer
28. High-quality SSD hard drive
29. Personalized luggage tag
30. Personalized recipe book
31. A cookbook with recipes from their new country
32. A small personal safety device
33. Small toolset
34. Flexible tripod and Bluetooth remote
35. American measuring cups
36. Portable kitchen scale
37. Personalized photo blanket
38. Travel-sized compact printer
39. Create a playlist with your favorite music
40. Portable Bluetooth speakers
41. GoPro HERO11
42. Selfie stick
43. Long-distance touch bracelets
44. Beard care kit
45. Instant camera
46. Menstrual Cup
47. Solis mobile hotspot
48. A Swiss Army Knife
49. Securing luggage straps
50. Add-A-Bag Luggage Strap
51. Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
52. A scratch-off world map
53. Rumpl The NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
1. World voltage adaptor and converter
Numerous countries have different-shaped power plugs; your friend will likely need an adapter to connect their electronic items to a power source after moving abroad.
Rather than spending money on new products, it’s easier for movers to invest in an adaptor that can connect their electronics to the power source.
My favorite universal travel adapter is the FOVAL International Travel Adaptor Power Step Down 220v to 110v Voltage Converter.
Despite its small size, a FOVAL International Travel Adaptor is compact, easy to transport during a move, and simultaneously powers multiple devices, including health devices like CPAP machines.
Since I moved to Europe, I’ve brought it all around the continent with me, and it’s been the perfect solution.
It even has four USB ports along with its two type B outlets!
2. Portable phone charger
If your friend is like me, I am never around a power source when my phone needs to be recharged for the day.
Having a phone without battery power can be exceptionally inconvenient when learning to navigate a new city.
Depending on your friend’s destination, they may or may not have access to charge their smartphone in their new city.
The AnkerPowerCore 20,100mAh Portable Charger is the best solution for charging a smartphone on the go.
This power bank is an external battery weighing under 13 oz. and can charge the average smartphone multiple times before needing to be recharged itself.
When the external battery runs out of power, it can be recharged at their new home or hotel room.
Giving this thoughtful gift to your friend abroad will ensure that their smartphone has enough battery power to help them access valuable information needed during their move and beyond.
It saved my phone almost every day all around New York City and abroad–it’s the perfect practical gift!
3. A Travel Clean Kit
Airport terminals, train stations, bus stations, and taxis have always been dirty environments.
Frequent travelers are more conscious of the bacteria and viruses they’re exposed to while in public spaces.
Your friend’s destination city might have different social expectations for how people conduct public health and hygiene practices.
Giving your friend a Travel Clean Kit will prepare them for crowded travel environments.
They’re also a lightweight gift, as each Travel Clean Kit includes a single-use seat cover, facial mask, sanitizing alcohol wipes, and shoe covers.
4. A portable muscle massage gun
Traveling and moving abroad is stressful, both emotionally and physically.
Even just a long flight can induce uncomfortable muscle tension, let alone the neverending stress that comes from planning a move and then adapting to the new environment.
Your friend may not have the opportunity to immediately find a masseuse or chiropractor in their new hometown.
Instead, you can provide them with a massage gun as an amazing gift solution to massage away their muscle tension.
I like the Theragun Mini because of its portable size and 150-minute battery life.
Also, this massage gun is quieter than others on the market, small enough to be included in a backpack, and can be used on plane flights or train rides without disrupting your friend’s fellow passengers.
5. Travel journal
Giving your friend this travel journal is one of the more personal, really affordable gift ideas for friends overseas.
I like this journal option because you can customize the exterior of the journal with your friend’s name and favorite color.
Your friend will have the opportunity to journal and transcribe the details about their new adventure abroad.
Unlike social media, your friend will have a space to record intimate details about their trip that they may not want publicly shared.
6. Pay for their luggage to get shipped to them with Luggage Forward
We’ve all heard the luggage horror stories.
My friend loves to retell the time when her underwear exploded across a busy airport because of a luggage mishap.
Although it makes for a great story, I know I certainly don’t want to experience that kind of scenario firsthand.
Moving requires more packing and luggage than someone needs for a simple vacation.
And, keeping track of multiple luggage items can be overwhelming, heavy, and expensive.
Rather than transporting several bags throughout an airport, pay for Luggage Forward to ship your friend’s luggage directly to their new home.
Gifting this service will help your friend have peace of mind during their move because they’ll only need to travel with a few items.
Their energy will be directed towards getting to their destination instead of monitoring their life’s possessions in airports and bus terminals.
7. Wireless, noise-canceling headphones
Planes and trains are loud and noisy; standard headphones can’t provide their users with a listening environment capable of drowning out environmental sounds.
Noise-canceling headphones help eliminate distracting noises from the local environment so that listeners can enjoy their audio.
If your friend is moving by plane or train, ensure they have a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones for their trip.
Since I like to listen to music or podcasts to pass the time during long transit hours, my go-to noise-canceling headphones are the Bose QuietComfort 45.
These headphones are exceptionally comfortable to wear for several hours at a time.
Also, these noise-canceling headphones have some distinguishing features that set them apart–mini microphones that measure the surrounding noise to adapt the sound quality to the surrounding environment.
8. AirTags
Just yesterday, I ran around for 20 minutes looking for my misplaced keys and wished I had an AirTag attached to them.
Similar to a Tile Mate, an AirTag is an Apple accessory that prevents people from losing and misplacing their valuable items. They can also be helpful to find stolen and pick-pocketed items.
If your friend loses an object with an AirTag attached, they can search for its location using an Apple product, like an iPhone or iPad.
This awesome gift is basically a fancy keychain capable of being tracked by radar. After noticing an item is missing, your friend can use the Find My app on their Apple device to figure out the item’s location.
9. Stainless steel water bottle
Reusable water bottles are a must for anyone on the go. I prefer using stainless steel because plastic bottles have been shown to leach BPAs into water.
Also, unlike glass, stainless steel is durable and doesn’t shatter when dropped on hard surfaces.
I’ve been using a S’well water bottle for years now, and it’s held up well despite numerous drops and dishwashing cycles.
They’re one of my favorite gifts for someone moving abroad who’s mindful of their water consumption and anyone who wants to save money by filling their bottle with free water.
It’s also one of my top zero-waste travel essentials since I contribute to less waste by not utilizing single-use plastic bottles.
10. DSLR Camera
Moving abroad is an exciting experience, which is why I recommend giving a DSLR Camera as one of the best gifts for friends going abroad.
A DSLR camera will allow your friend to capture the unique adventures they experience on their new journey–in higher quality and more professional detail than their smartphone.
My favorite DSLR Camera to travel with is the Nikon D3500. The Nikon D3500 camera model is an excellent option for beginner and seasoned photographers.
With an on-screen guide instructing users on composing and improving their photography skills, they can easily snap crisp photos and capture HD video.
Your friend will be capturing Instagram-worthy travel pics in no time.
Additional Camera Specs for the Nikon D3500:
- 11-Point Autofocus
- Bluetooth Capabilities
- 24.8-Megapixel CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100-25,600
- 1080/60p Full HD Video Recording
11. Cash in the local currency
The process of moving abroad is exhausting. Your friend will likely travel across several time zones with very little sleep–I did!
After reaching their destination, they will need to exchange their money for their new country.
Be one step ahead of your friend and get them local currency using Xe Currency.
It’s my favorite currency exchange service because they offer competitive exchange rates and can deliver the exchanged currency efficiently.
Their app is also user-friendly and has an offline ability to quickly check an exchange rate between monies.
Providing your friend with some money in the local coin will give them the ability to head straight to their new living accommodations to rest after transit and adjust to the local time zone.
12. A gift card to their favorite store
If your friend has already moved abroad or if they plan to do so soon, consider giving them a gift card to their favorite online retailer.
Maybe they’d love an Apple gift card to buy a new phone, or an Amazon gift card since they ship almost anywhere.
This way, they’ll be able to shop from home without having to worry about shipping costs or buy something they didn’t realize they needed until they arrived.
Just make sure to read the fine print–there are often restrictions on using gift cards out of the country they were purchased in.
13. Give them an experience in their new home
It takes time to get acquainted with a new city.
While it would be great to send them on a Contiki to get acquainted with their new home, multi-day guided trips might be out of your price range.
However, if your friend is moving to a large city, help them explore the local attractions by purchasing an experience through GetYourGuide, Viator, or Go City Pass.
I think this is one of the best farewell gifts for a friend going abroad because it forces them to experience a city in ways that might be out of their budget or comfort zone.
14. A care package of food from home
Send your friends some curated tasty treats to help them fight off homesickness.
While I’m sure your friend will enjoy experiencing the local cuisine, they’ll love having a personal stash of comfort foods in their new home.
I love receiving a gift box from Packed with Purpose because they have exceptionally tasty treats. Also, the company directs its profits towards benefiting suppliers that serve specific communities and the environment.
A Packed with Purpose bundle is a present you’ll feel good about giving and a physical gift your friend will love receiving.
15. A travel guidebook for their new home country
When moving to a new place, I like to read tons of travel guides and blogs about my new destination.
Travel guides give me realistic expectations for what to expect in the country and city of my new home, and quality books highlight the local attractions.
I like to find my travel guides on Amazon because the reviews and “bestseller” ratings help me choose the best guides specific to my destination.
A travel guide is one of the best gifts for overseas friends because it will give them all the best information about their new hometown in their native language.
16. A subscription to Going
One of the best gifts for people going abroad is the ability to fly affordably. Flight expenses are one of the priciest hassles about moving abroad–especially if it means flying over an ocean.
The price of airfare can be a barrier for your friend to make special visits back home or keep them from traveling around to other incredible places near their new city.
However, there are some fantastic resources out there to help cut costs on flight expenses.
Purchasing a subscription to Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been one of my favorite methods for saving money on flight expenses.
Flight Experts at Going discover flight deals specific to your preferred airports and notify you of the flight deals.
Subscribers have noted saving nearly 90% on flight fees when using this subscription service.
17. A high-quality carry-on
I learned the hard way that a carry-on bag can make or break a flight experience.
On my last international trip, I ran through the Amsterdam airport with a broken 2-wheel carry-on suitcase and a heavy backpack with straps that dug into my shoulders.
I barely made it to my connecting flight because the luggage kept breaking, and the pack was so disorganized that it was difficult to find any of my travel essentials inside.
After vowing to never use either of those again, I now use a Hynes Eagle Travel 40L Backpack, a Samsonite Mobile Solutions Spinner Carry-on, and a Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase as more user-friendly options.
The backpack has excellent built-in organization and is made specifically for carry-on dimension requirements.
And this 4-wheel carry-on is perfect, with front pockets for last-minute items and pretty gold zippers.
18. A great day bag
Many foreign countries use public transportation as the primary method for traveling throughout their cities.
Your friend will likely walk or use a public bus system or metro more often than back home in the United States.
I recommend anything from the range of Samsonite backpacks as a travel gift for friends moving overseas who frequently commutes on their own without a car.
They’re stylish, durable, and can withstand holding the necessary items of an average public transportation commuter.
This one has been my favorite while navigating New York City every day for years, and it’s held up very well. If you’re looking for other options, check out my whole breakdown of different travel bags and purses.
19. Create a photo book of memories
Just because your friend is moving overseas doesn’t mean they won’t miss you when living away.
Create a Mixbook of your favorite memories together to give them a sentimental gift as a going-away present.
It doubles as a heartfelt token of your friendship and a tool for fighting homesickness.
I have a complete guide on creating a Mixbook if you’re interested in learning more! This memory book is also one of my favorite gifts for history buffs, too.
20. Give them a language-learning subscription
I’ve made so many mistakes mispronouncing words in foreign languages–especially Italian.
I studied Italian in school for years, and although now I live in Italy, there are still days when I butcher one of the languages of love.
While it often provides locals with some entertainment, it can be pretty embarrassing to not be fluent in the local language.
Encourage your friend to practice their new language by buying them a language learning subscription.
I love Babbel because its interactive interface makes language learning fun and easy. Also, the subscription can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
And if they really want to become fluent, Rosetta Stone has been the leading language learning program for decades.
21. A VPN subscription
Tech experts advise that everyone should use a VPN subscription as a primary way to protect their private data on electronic devices, especially when using a public internet connection.
Using a personal VPN will help prevent scammers from accessing your friend’s personal information when they log onto insecure WIFI in airport terminals, train stations, and unfamiliar cafes.
The most popular VPN service for everyday consumers is NordVPN. It’s a perfect long-distance gift since all you need to do is pay the subscription or purchase fee and send them the set-up information–no mailing required!
22. Kindle Paperwhite
If your friend loves reading books but likes to explore the world, consider giving them a Kindle Paperwhite eReader.
This device is designed specifically for reading, with up to ten weeks of battery from a single charge, warm light view options, and allows users to read books while offline.
Plus, since this device is waterproof, you don’t have to worry about accidentally getting wet.
23. Compression packing cubes
Are you tired of opening your suitcase only to find all your clothes messy and unorganized?
Well, you don’t have to anymore, thanks to Bagail compression packing cubes.
These handy little packing cubes allow you to organize your luggage while saving space by compressing your clothing items into smaller spaces.
These compact packing cubes are made from soft, smooth nylon fabric that protects your clothes from wrinkles and stains.
They come in six different sizes, allowing you to keep your clothes grouped and packed perfectly.
24. Handheld luggage scale
I’m sure you’re familiar with the agonizing process of weighing your checked luggage to ensure it falls under the 50lb/23kg threshold.
Instead of worrying about whether your suitcase will be able to fly, you need a traveling luggage scale.
This portable scale by Etekcity automatically measures your bag’s weight, so you won’t get charged for excess baggage.
This scale is accurate to within 50 grams, which is less than half a pound. It has a low battery indicator and automatic shut-off function to save even more time and energy.
25. Dock & Bay Beach Microfiber Towel
There’s nothing worse than getting ready for a trip and realizing that you don’t have any decent travel towels.
Sure, you could buy some cheap ones at the store, but why settle for something that will leave you feeling gross after your beach on the beach or your shower?
Dock & Bay Beach’s microfiber travel towels are very lightweight, making them ideal for packing and traveling.
You can fold them up and put them in your suitcase or roll them up and carry them wherever you go.
They’re also incredibly versatile. These towels are available in a variety of different colors and patterns. They dry quickly, don’t absorb any moisture, and stay sand-free if you’re using them on the beach.
26. Travel-sized umbrella
A small, reliable umbrella is one of the best gifts for someone moving abroad.
If you’re looking for something compact, portable, and comfortable to carry, check out the Totes Mini Auto Open Close NeverWet® And Sunguard® Umbrella.
This umbrella is designed for the rain to roll right off its canopy and to block 98% of harmful UV rays, which helps protect you from sunburn and skin cancer.
It’s also easy to carry around thanks to its handy wrist strap and compact size, which fits easily into your bag or purse, making it ideal for traveling.
When it rains, simply push the button to automatically open and close the canopy.
Whether your friend is going to the park or heading home after a day of shopping, you’ll be ready for any rainy day adventure.
27. Travel document organizer
If you’re looking for practical gifts for someone moving abroad, you can be sure they will definitely need to carry some important documents.
Luckily, Zoppen’s Multi-Purpose RFID Blocking Passport Holder & Travel Wallet can hold everything they’ll need.
This compact yet stylish wallet holds everything you need to travel safely and securely.
Inside, you’ll find a passport holder and vaccination card holder, along with 11 different compartments for storing all sorts of important documents.
There’s even a slot for holding your phone, so you don’t have to dig through your bag to retrieve it.
Plus, this wallet is RFID-blocking, which protects sensitive information from hackers who may try to steal it.
So whether you’re heading off to visit family overseas or taking a trip across the country, you can rest assured knowing that your most valuable possessions are safe.
Thanks to its sleek design, you can easily slip this wallet into your purse or backpack, making it a stylish and convenient addition wherever you go.
28. High-quality SSD hard drive
My external hard drive was one of the most essential items I brought when I moved abroad.
I have libraries of family pictures, research papers from college, and other documents that I definitely do not want to lose.
With the Samsung SD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 1TB, you can easily access your data anywhere thanks to its compact size and lightweight design.
A solid-state hard drive means no moving parts inside, so they don’t break as easily as a hard-disk external hard drive.
This portable drive features a USB Type C connector that allows you to connect the device directly to your computer without having to remove it from another port.
And with a capacity of 1 TB, this drive gives you plenty of room to save your favorite music, videos, and other media.
29. Personalized luggage tag
Lost luggage won’t be found without a luggage tag listing your contact information. If your friend is worried about checking their suitcase, gift them custom luggage tags.
These lightweight luggage tags are durable cast acrylic, making them extremely strong and resilient. They’re available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the color that matches your luggage perfectly.
They’re also very discreet, so your personal information can’t be read from far away–you have to get close to the luggage tag to read the information.
Pro Tip: Giving a personalized luggage tag is a perfect gift along with an AirTag is an excellent combination!
30. Personalized recipe book
When you’re looking for gift ideas for friends going abroad, give them a blank recipe book, and fill in the first few pages with your favorite recipes.
When they’re feeling homesick or missing their favorite comfort meals, they can open the book and feel connected to their loved ones by making their recipes.
And, since they’re in a new culture, it gives them a place to store recipes for the new foods they encounter.
31. A cookbook with recipes from their new country
If you don’t really have any favorite recipes of your own to share; instead, gift them a cookbook filled with recipes from their new country.
While they’ll probably want to try every restaurant in their new area, eating out can become expensive. Having a cookbook with authentic local recipes allows them to try out these new foods in the comfort of their home.
32. A small personal safety device
When I lived in New York City, keeping a bottle of pepper spray on my keyring always made me feel a little bit safer.
Although you can’t take pepper spray on a plane when moving abroad, you can bring a personal safety alarm.
The She’s Birdie–The Original Personal Safety Alarm is a device made by women, for women, to keep us safe. It comes with a 130dB siren and strobe light, which helps create a diversion and alert your immediate area if you’re being attacked.
33. Small toolset
Wow, when won’t having a small toolset save you?
Changing light bulbs, tightening the screws on your kitchen cabinets, and a million other little hang-ups that come with domestic living become incredibly more difficult when you can’t communicate what’s wrong since you don’t know the language.
This Cartman 39-Piece Tool Set contains everything you need to perform everyday household repairs.
All the tools included in this kit are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, which means that they should last for years.
34. Flexible tripod and Bluetooth remote
When I first moved to Italy and started traveling around on my own, one of the things I wished I had was a lightweight tripod and Bluetooth remote to take my own pictures when I was out.
The UBeesize Flexible Tripod is fantastic because it’s tiny enough to fit into a day bag or even a large purse and can be bent to attach at whatever height you want it.
It also comes with a Bluetooth remote, so you can take as many pictures as you’d like on your own.
35. American measuring cups
When cooking or baking, American recipes use imperial measurements. However, most of the rest of the world uses the metric system.
If your friend moving abroad loves to cook or bake, gift them a set of American measuring cups so they can always make their favorite recipes when they’re overseas.
Otherwise, you’ll have to convert the measurements every time you need to weigh flour, eggs, butter, and every other ingredient.
36. Portable kitchen scale
Another gift for the kitchen! A portable kitchen scale is another excellent gift for your foodie friend.
They’re small enough to fit anywhere and weigh everything from nuts to cookies.
You can weigh up to 5kg/11lb in your preferred unit of measurement, including ounces, grams, and milliliters.
This digital model by Etekcity only has one piece, so your friend won’t lose any parts as they move.
37. Personalized photo blanket
Trying to figure out what to gift a friend who is going abroad? A personalized blanket is a great going away gift for a friend moving overseas since they’re thoughtful, practical, and unique.
You create a design on Canva or Shutterfly’s system with pictures of your favorite memories together and print it on a sherpa, fleece, or plush fleece blanket, or use one of their pre-made templates.
These are perfect for cozying up on cool nights, and what better way than with your most heartwarming memories.
38. Travel-sized compact printer
I know, I know, no one prints anything anymore. But a travel-sized printer is perfect if you’re trying to figure out what to gift a friend who is going abroad for studies.
This HPRT wireless Bluetooth portable printer and case is designed to give you the freedom to print wherever you happen to be.
It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux (but not Chromebooks), meaning you can print documents from almost any device you own.
It’s lightweight, compact, and has its own carrying case, which is perfect for a student abroad.
So whether your friend is heading to the airport, running off to class, or taking a trip somewhere, you can rest assured knowing they’ll have everything they need to stay productive.
39. Create a playlist with your favorite music
Bringing it back old school with a modern twist!
Instead of making a mixed tape, or burning a CD with your favorite music, create your friend moving abroad a playlist on Spotify and listening to your favorite music together–no matter where you are in the world.
40. Portable Bluetooth speakers
And for them to be blasting your favorite music on the other side of the world, they will need speakers.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is a thoughtful gift for friends going abroad.
This compact JBL Go 3 speaker is designed to fit easily in any bag or backpack, which makes it perfect for travel.
Plus, it has some impressive specs. The robust sound quality lets you listen to your favorite tunes wirelessly, even outdoors. And its battery lasts up to five hours on a single charge, which should last you plenty of time during your travels.
41. GoPro HERO11
If you want to gift the ultimate compact camera, a GoPro Hero 11 might be exactly what you’re after.
This waterproof action camera captures incredible footage and lets you share it instantly via live streaming.
This device is designed to capture every moment, whether you’re skiing down a mountain or hiking a trail.
Its ultra-wide angle lens lets you capture everything in front of you, and its Ultra HD filming quality means you can zoom in on any part of the frame and still get crystal-clear images.
In addition to capturing every moment, this device lets you stream your recordings directly to social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube.
Share your adventures with family and friends, and let them watch the action unfold as you record it.
It’s built to withstand harsh conditions, and its rugged design ensures that it will stay working even if you drop it in the dirt or submerge it in water.
42. Selfie stick
Since you’re on the hunt for a gift for friend going abroad, I’ve found a great one that’s both thoughtful and practical–a selfie stick!
This is such an awesome gift for anyone who loves to travel alone, as it allows them to capture memories without having to ask someone else to take photos.
Although you can get a more basic selfie stick, the DJI Mimo gimbal stabilizer is lightweight, compact, and extendable that allows for creative angles and perfect selfies.
It features advanced 3-axis stabilization technology that compensates for unwanted movements and catches the moment with cinematic smoothness.
And, the ActiveTrack follows the subject smoothly to keep them center frame–ideal for when you want to tell a visual story.
43. Long-distance touch bracelets
One of the most meaningful presents I’ve come across is a long-distance touch bracelet.
This unique gift is designed to bridge the physical gap between two people in different locations.
The way it works is that each person wears a bracelet, and when one person touches the bracelet, both bracelets will light up simultaneously, no matter where they are in the world.
44. Beard care kit
If you’re specifically trying to figure out what to get a beard-growing friend or a gift for brother going abroad, try a beard care kit.
Growing and maintaining a beard is challenging, and even more so when they’re traveling and don’t have their products on hand.
45. Instant camera
Although we can all use our phones for easy and excellent pictures, nothing beats an instant camera.
An instant camera offers the chance to take pictures quickly and easily and get physical prints right away.
Not only is it fun and easy to use, but it’s also a great way to capture all those special moments and share or keep them as a memento of the moment.
It’s lightweight enough to carry around while traveling. Plus, they don’t require any special software or batteries–just point, shoot, and you’re done!
46. Menstrual Cup
OK, hear me out–a menstrual cup is an awesome option for a going-away gift.
Not only is it practical and more cost effective than traditional tampons or pads, but it’s also an environmentally friendly choice that your friend can use over and over again.
Especially if your menstruating friend is worried about finding period products that work for them in their new country, giving them a menstrual cup means they always have their go-to option.
And since they’re lightweight, they can add it to their travels without any added bulk or weight.
47. Solis mobile hotspot
If you’re looking for a perfect gift for your foreign-going friend, then look no further than a mobile hotspot–they’ll never have to worry about not staying connected!
When choosing a mobile hotspot, make sure you do your research–there are a few things to consider, such as data usage and speed, so find something that fits their needs.
Solis wireless hotspots provide a secure and portable Wi-Fi connection that they can take with them wherever they go.
They use vSIM technology so no SIM cards or configuration is required, and customers can control and manage their data plan anytime.
With different plans to fit any budget, from pay-per GB to 24-hour daypasses and even monthly subscription options with extra security of VPN service if desired, and their multi-carrier mobile network, your friend will stay connected in any area by searching for the strongest available signal.
48. A Swiss Army Knife
Along with a small tool set, a Swiss Army Knife is a perfectly practical, lightweight gift.
A good quality Swiss Army Knife is small enough to fit in any pocket or bag, and it comes with plenty of tools, such as scissors, nail files, knives, and even corkscrews.
This makes the knife really versatile–no matter what adventure your friend is embarking on, they’ll definitely find a use for their Swiss Army Knife.
49. Securing luggage straps
If you’re friend is moving abroad to stay, they’re probably bringing more than the basic luggage allowance.
If you know they’re the ultimate over-packer, a set of luggage straps is one of those essential items that every traveler needs.
They help keep your suitcase secure, give you a way to identify it quickly in a busy baggage carousel, and reduce stress significantly when packing!
With a max force tension of over 400 lbs, you can be sure that your friend’s stuff will stay safe and secure inside their bags.
There’s no more wasted time at baggage claim when they use their new Untethered luggage straps, which make it easy to identify their bag on arrival.
50. Add-A-Bag Luggage Strap
Go with me here–there are two different kinds of luggage straps!
Looking for a farewell gift under $10? When it comes to traveling, convenience and organization are key.
That’s why the Add-A-Bag Luggage Strap is a helpful gift for any globetrotter.
Made from premium nylon material, this heavy-duty strap is designed to securely attach an additional bag or any other clothing item to your suitcase or wheeled luggage.
The carabiner clip is designed for easy opening and closing, allowing you to quickly put on or take off the strap and easily change its position.
Whether it’s a jacket, neck pillow, camera bag, or any other item, you can easily grip it with the adjustable strap, freeing up your hands and making your journey more comfortable.
51. Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
The Scrubba Portable Wash Bag is an incredible, pocket-sized portable washing machine.
At only ~5oz, the Scrubba bag not only serves as a dry or wet bag but also provides users with an electricity-free, machine-quality wash in just minutes.
Your friend won’t have to worry about unhygienic hostel sinks or losing their delicates to industrial washers when they’ve got their own self-contained bag
It’s perfect for digital nomads or expats who don’t have access to regular laundry services.
52. A scratch-off world map
If your friend is moving to another country, they likely love to travel.
If you want to give them a unique way to document their adventures, give them the Scratch The World Travel Map.
This highly detailed scratch poster is the ultimate traveler’s map, allowing them to personalize and display their world travels.
Scratching off a new country is so satisfying. All they need is a coin to remove the gold coating over the countries and cities they have been lucky enough to explore.
As they scratch, a beautifully styled, up-to-date world map is revealed underneath in cartographic detail, including countries in different colors, their boundaries, cities, hill shading, the highest mountains, rivers, bathymetry, and state outlines.
What a way for them to showcase their travel accomplishments!
53. Rumpl The NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
I don’t know about you, but I’m almost always cold. If your expat friend experiences the same problem, an interesting gift for someone going abroad is the Rumpl The NanoLoft Puffy Blanket.
Made from 100% post-consumer NanoLoft insulation technology, this down-alternative blanket offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for those cold nights abroad.
The nanometer high-elastic cloth with soft nap provides a soft and cozy feel, ensuring that you stay comfortable wherever your adventures take you.
One of the key features of this travel blanket is its ultra-lightweight and packable design.
With a blanket size is 38 x 52 inches, weighing only 0.7 lbs, and packing down to a compact 3.5 x 11 inches, it can easily fit into your backpack or luggage without taking up too much space.
Not only does the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket come with a packable water-resistant stuff sack, it’s also machine washable and dryer safe.
Practical Gifts for Someone Moving Abroad: FAQs
The Best Gifts for Friends Going Abroad: Wrap-Up
These practical gifts for someone moving abroad can bring them a little comfort from home when they’re living so far away.
I hope these gifts for friends going abroad will inspire you to find unique ways to surprise your friends overseas!