Recent data shows that moving house is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. So, if you have a friend or family member moving, it’s important to show them love and support.
One of the best ways you can support a loved one moving away is through gifts. Research has shown that receiving a gift, especially from someone you’re close to, activates core areas of the brain associated with reward and pleasure.
If you’re looking for gift ideas, this article is for you. It covers everything you need to know, from the science behind gift-giving, gifts to get them before they leave, and gifts you can organise to be delivered to their new address.
For example, if your loved one is moving overseas, away from Australia, sending them a slice of home is a great idea. Gifting them snack box hampers, packed with Australia’s iconic treats like Tim Tams and Vegemite, is a good way to show support, especially if they’re feeling homesick.
The science behind receiving gifts
When a person receives a gift, it activates the core areas of their brain associated with reward and pleasure. The same areas also stimulate the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is also known as the ‘happy hormone.’
Dopamine is the chemical that produces feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. Essentially, it makes the person ‘feel good’. Dopamine can also help lower a person’s vulnerability to conditions such as anxiety and depression, and reduce stress.
Moving is always stressful, but moving overseas is on another level. Sending your loved one a gift (or two) during this time can help boost their dopamine, alleviate stress, and also help them form positive memories associated with the transition.
Ideas for before they leave
There’s no reason why you have to wait until they move to get them a going-away gift. Below is our list of ideas for presents, including practical gifts to help them with their trip, that you can get for your loved one.
Books
This gift has been a staple for decades, if not longer, for a loved one going travelling. Books are the best travel companions. They can help them get through airports, the flight there, and keep them company long after.
If you’re not sure what book to get your loved one, just ask! Find out their favourite author or genre and go from there. It’s also important to consider the size and weight of the book(s). We recommend sticking with paperbacks, so they’re easy to pack and carry.
Photo album
If you want to make sure they never forget you, we recommend putting together a personalised photo/memory album. They’re always a cute gift idea, unique, and a great way for them to remember home.
Gift cards
It might not be as thoughtful as a photo album, but gift cards are great if you want practicality. At the best of times, moving is expensive, especially overseas. Gift cards can be a great way to show love and support for a friend or family member during a move.
If you’re not sure what store to get a gift card for, you can always opt for a Prepaid Visa gift card. Gift cards can help alleviate the stress of a move, as your loved one can put the credit towards practical items, like suitcases and bags.
Kindle
If your loved one has an especially long flight, like from Australia to the United States, they might need more than one book. You might want to consider getting them a Kindle E-reader, combined with a gift card or preloaded with a few titles.
Kindles make great travel gifts because they’re space-efficient and can easily be included in a carry-on bag.
Travel-related items
If your loved one prefers practical gifts, or you’ve already got them a sentimental gift, travel-related items are perfect. Below is a list of a few must-have travel items that make for great practical gift ideas.
- Eye mask
- Neck pillow
- Travel jewellery box
- Portable power bank
- Toiletry bag
- Travel power adapter
- Carry-on bag or backpack
Presents you can send them
The gifts don’t have to end when your loved one gets on a plane. When they’re settled into their new home, you could send gifts to their new address. It’s also a great opportunity to remind your loved one that you’re thinking of them.
Meal delivery kit
Moving into a new house is hectic at the best of times, from unpacking boxes to setting up utilities. If you want to help take the load off, we recommend signing up for a meal delivery kit and sending it to your loved one.
Planning meals, even when you’ve been in your home for years, can be stressful. Meal delivery kits can help take off the stress and also give your loved one more time to unpack and get everything ready in their new home.
Snack box hampers
A hamper filled to the brim with different Australian treats delivered right to your loved one’s door is a great way to send them a slice of home. It’s also a good way to remind them that while they can leave Australia, Australia never leaves them.
Many Australian snack box hamper services ship overseas. Many of them also let you customise the items inside, so you can make sure your loved one gets their favourite chocolate, lollies, and snacks.
Scented candles
There are many scented candles that are formulated to smell like or be reminiscent of a specific place. For example, Adelaide Hills Candle Co. makes scented candles inspired by different towns and areas in the region. It’s a great way to send them a little piece of their former home.
Decor
Delivering your loved one new furniture and decorations is a great way to practically support them as they’re settling into their new home. Just make sure you have their permission. Ask them what furniture or decor they’d like, and you might be able to organise getting it shipped straight to their (new) front door.
Gifts for staying in touch
Maintaining long-distance relationships, whether it be with a friend, a romantic partner, or a family member, is always hard, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re looking for gift ideas to help you stay in touch, we recommend:
Letter-writing set: Nothing beats old-fashioned pen and paper when it comes to gifts for staying in touch. Buying your loved one a letter-writing set can be a fun and thoughtful way to communicate.
Digital photo frames: Many digital photo frames come with a function that essentially turns them into ‘connected’ photo frames. So, you can sync up your loved one’s digital photo frame with your own, so no matter where you are, you’re connected, sharing and staring at the same pictures.
Dual time watches: Function meets fashion when it comes to dual time watches. You and your loved one can get dual time watches, set up to include each other’s time zones. Not only does it act as a constant reminder, but it can also make organising phone calls or video catch-ups easier.
