25 Best Gift Ideas For Expats Living Abroad

Are you looking for gift ideas for expats living abroad?

Whether it’s the holiday season, a birthday or simply a special occasion, it can be tricky to come up with gift ideas for your friend or family member who is planning to move abroad or is currently living abroad.

As an expat, I know that it isn’t straightforward, and you need to consider a few things (delivery, costs, etc.) apart from deciding the best gift.

But you’ll be surprised how many things you can actually gift – from small and budget-friendly to bigger gifts.

I’m going to tell you a list of great gift ideas for expats living abroad and future expats, so you don’t have to spend so much time guessing.

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Gift ideas for someone moving abroad

Are you looking for gift ideas for someone moving to another country? Here is a list of great gift ideas for future expats.

1. Luggage

Having good luggage is a must for anyone who is going to travel regularly or move abroad. You don’t want to get a cheap suitcase that will break with a bit of extra weight or become damaged by the weather.

This is a gift that any future expat will appreciate because it will be very useful for transporting things from their home country to their new country or even if they love travelling.

It’s definitely one of the most practical gifts for someone moving abroad.

What things do you want to consider when buying a suitcase?

✔️ Material – You have two options: soft or hard luggage. A soft suitcase is useful for getting as many things inside as possible. The only thing you must check is if it’s waterproof to keep things dry. A hard suitcase is robust but heavier and harder to close in case of overpacking.

✔️ Wheels – Having a wheeled suitcase will avoid carrying unnecessary weight. 

✔️ Weight – The average hold luggage limit for a long economy flight is about 23kg. It’s super important you get a light one for expats, as they’ll pack more than normal.

2. Luggage scale

Another unique gift that not many expats will think to buy for themselves is a luggage scale. It’s essential to keep track of how heavy your luggage is going to be before going to the airport. This will help them pack accordingly on their journey home.

3. Personalised luggage tag

Have you ever happened to have the same suitcase as someone else on your flight? I have a couple of times, and I was worried about getting the wrong suitcase because I didn’t have a tag to differentiate it.

It’s a simple and small gift, but it can be a saviour. Your friend doesn’t want to arrive in a new country and get the wrong luggage, or someone else gets her luggage!

4. Accessory bag

It’s easy to lose things while you’re abroad when many of your personal items are contained in only a suitcase (or sometimes just a carry-on!).

Consider gifting your friend an accessory bag, so they never lose their beautiful jewellery, make-up, and other vital trinkets during their time abroad.

5. Travel pillow

I’m not a big fan of travel pillows as I find it very difficult to sleep on a flight. However, they can be helpful because it gives you some comfort.

For anyone who doesn’t have any problems sleeping on a flight or train, it’s a great gift. Also, it’s a very budget-friendly thing to buy if you don’t want to spend much money.

6. Travel wallet

There are so many wallets out there, but as an expat, I agree a bigger wallet with more compartments (several bank cards, point cards from your favourite retailers or cafes, ID cards, etc.) will help keep things organised.

At the same time, you can also look at passport wallets! I love keeping my passport neat and the closest to brand new. 

7. Camera

8. Tripod

If your friend is moving abroad alone, as I did, and she loves photography, a tripod will be her best friend.

I know how awkward it is to ask people to take pictures, and if you do, you don’t always get the picture you imagine in your mind.

9. Battery bank

How many times have you run out of battery and rushed home? I have so many. 

Battery banks are super affordable, and they will save her from unnecessary circumstances in which she starts stressing out because she can’t call, check her emails or scroll through Instagram.

Even worse, if she’s bought her train or bus ticket on her phone app!

10. VPN

A unique gift that many tech fans will love is a VPN or virtual private network. This gives them not only the peace of mind of a secure internet connection but also maintains the quality of the internet and the speed they’re used to.

11. Adapter

This depends on the country your friend will move to, but you’ll find different plugs in some countries, especially if she moves outside of the EU. This is why an adaptor or an extension with several plugs becomes so handy.

Not only will she use it in her new country, but when she travels too.

12. Journal

Moving abroad for the first time is a life-changing experience that will make anyone step out of their comfort zone. A journal is perfect for writing about adventures, first impressions of the country, feelings, etc.

A journal is a budget-friendly gift, and I’m sure any expat will love it!

13. Gift cards

A gift card is a safe option when you have no idea what to get for your friend who is getting ready to move abroad. 

You can get a gift card from her favourite retailer – anything from clothes to electronics, or even better if you buy an Amazon gift card, which can be used anywhere at any time!

I found Amazon gift cards very useful as I had to buy a couple of books when I moved to the UK.

14. Subscriptions

Gifting a month or year subscription will help your friend save a little since moving abroad comes with many expenses. 

✔️ Netflix

I am not a big fan of watching TV; however, Netflix is definitely worth it! Access plenty of films and series without paying an expensive monthly fee for channels.

Not every country offers free channels or interesting TV programs, so Netflix is a great option.

✔️ Adobe Lightroom

If editing pictures is her thing, Adobe Lightroom is the best editing app you can get her. Although there is a free version, it does not include as many features as the paid version. 

Lightroom is simple to use, and it allows changing contrast, light, colours, etc., creating personalised presets to save time editing and have a consistent Instagram feed or blog.

✔️ Language apps

There are plenty of language apps to choose from; however, some of my favourites are Rosetta Stone and Duolingo.

The best thing when moving abroad is to practice listening and language skills as much as possible, and of course, expats will have plenty of opportunities to do so. However, a language app can help improve grammar and learn new words.

✔️ Audible

Books can be heavy and occupy space in her overpacked suitcase or bag, so Audible becomes very handy. She needs to download the app on her phone and have her headphones ready to listen to books.

Not only is it useful for flights but for any time or day, especially if she spends a long time commuting.

Gifts for expats

15. Personalised calendar

A personalised calendar is always a good option as it allows for important dates, like flying home to visit your loved ones, to be noted. 

You can choose a design for the calendar and add your best pictures for each month, which will bring back good memories and really make a difference. 

16. Print

Prints aren’t only good additions to her home decoration, but they can be meaningful too. Gifting a print to your overseas friend is a great idea, especially if it is a picture or map of their hometown.

Every time she looks at the print, she remembers friends, family, food and places in her home country.

17. Photobook

If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful gift for a loved one, a photo book is perfect. Photo books take you back to the beautiful and fun memories you’ve had with special people. 

Homesickness is real when you’re an expat. Sometimes you miss home, people, food, etc. and looking at a photobook can make you smile and brighten your day.

I like old-fashioned photo books you get in a bookshop, filling them with pictures, stickers, etc., because you put more heart and effort into them.

However, if you aren’t a crafty person, there are plenty of online companies that give you the opportunity to choose from colours, designs, etc., that will be automatically applied to you. So you can just focus on getting your pictures. 

It’s also easier to deliver as you can add your friend’s address, and it’ll be delivered to her straight away.

18. Coffee table books

Who doesn’t love a good coffee table travel-related book? I love flicking through and getting inspiration on where to go next.

My favourite travel books are from Lonely Planet; they have a good range of books ideal for any traveller.

I recently got Travel By Colour, and I love it! It’s super fun to go through the book.

19. Scratch travel map

Most expats love travelling and exploring new places, so a scratch travel map is a fun and interactive thing to gift.

You can get a national map from the country your friend has moved to or a traditional international map. 

I was given one that included a national and an international map. Since I travel a lot to local places, I have found the national one very useful.

I also think a national one can be more useful for expats since they’re more likely to go on day trips to discover their new country when they move abroad.

20. Food from home

Something that I constantly miss is the food, and most expats miss food from their home country at some point. Although they may be able to prepare that traditional dish, it’s very likely that it does not taste like the one at home.

I’ve cooked paellas and tortillas de patatas many times, and believe me, they’re far from perfect and have the flavours I associate with Spanish food. The same happens with other cuisines. Traditional dishes taste better at home, for sure!

However, what better way to tell someone you miss them than by gifting them some of their favourite snacks? Any expat would appreciate a food parcel with authentic traditional ingredients or snacks.

Some common ingredients you can easily send include spices, sweets, canned fish or meat, chocolate and pickles.

One of the best Spanish gifts I’ve received is a food box! I was over the moon to cook with ingredients from Spain, such as saffron and olive oil. Although I can’t compare my dishes with my grandma’s, food tastes better with local ingredients.

21. Gift experiences

I don’t know about you, but I love surprises, and who doesn’t like to be surprised by an experience? From a relaxing and pampering day at the spa to a wine and food tour or a two-night stay in a cosy cabin.

Tinggly provides the best gift experience boxes because they have incredible experiences in over 100 countries worldwide, so you don’t need to worry about options.  

For example, if your expat friend lives in Europe, and you don’t know what European city to choose for the experience, you can simply get the Weekend Getaway in Europe box, which has over 10,000 hotels.

You can find a wide range of gift experiences with Tinggly – from adventure activities such as bungee jumping and hot air balloon rides to cultural activities such as cooking lessons and handpicked experiences.

If you wonder how it works, once you choose the gift box/card according to your budget and occasion, Tinggly delivers the eVoucher or box, and then your friend can pick the experience and use it whenever they want, as there is no expiry date!

By buying a Tinggly experience box, you also contribute to the environment and help remove 5kg of plastic from oceans and offset the CO2 carbon emissions.

📌 Check out Tinggly gift experiences here

22. Airline gift card

Your expat friend will definitely appreciate this gift! Expats tend to travel to their home country or go for special occasions like Christmas, so getting some money for flights is perfect – especially when flights are expensive!

23. Photo tiles

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for an expat friend, photo tiles are your best choice because they can take you back to good times. 

PastBook photo tiles are simple to order and use, and they look incredible. You just need to go to their website and upload your beautiful photos with your friend. 

Once your friend gets them delivered, she can easily stick them and move them around on the wall to create her desired composition.

These photo tiles are a great addition to your friend’s room decoration and will certainly remind her of your memories together.

24. Meaningful jewellery

There’s nothing like a piece of beautiful jewellery to show a friend you really miss them. You don’t have to break the bank to get them something special, either! Places like Etsy and Amazon have a treasure trove of beautiful and unique jewellery (some you can even customize) that your expat friend will surely love!

25. Christmas ornament

Make sure your expat friend has a memorable Christmas by gifting them a unique ornament for their tree!

Whether you personalise the Christmas ornament with a picture of the two of you or maybe find an ornament that includes a memento from your home country or state, your friend will cherish a special gift like this all season long. 

Tips when buying gifts to send abroad

Do some research

If you really want to impress your friend, research what things she can find in her new country and what things she may struggle to find there. Some products aren’t available everywhere. 

Alternatively, you can also ask your friend if she needs something.

Check customs restrictions

Check customs restrictions before you even buy a present because otherwise, you’ll have to deal with a return, and you’ll be back to the beginning.

Check the shipping dates

Sending a Christmas or birthday present? I know it’s tricky because you can’t avoid worrying if your friend will get it in time. This is why it is super important to post or order these gifts in advance and sometimes pay a little extra to ensure they’ll be delivered when you want.

Weigh the costs

If you’re planning to post the gift, check your post office prices, as depending on the size and weight, you’ll be charged a different amount. What you don’t really want is to pay unreasonable fees.

Although ordering online and posting it directly to your friend is usually the cheapest and most convenient option, you’ll sometimes find that shipping it yourself may be cheaper.

Use a credit card or PayPal

Are you buying something online? In that case, make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy website and company. If you don’t really know the brand, you can do some research about it and read some reviews.

When buying online, I always use a credit card or PayPal to avoid disappointments or scams.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gifts For Someone Moving Overseas

Conclusion on the best gift ideas for expats living abroad and future expats

I hope this moving abroad gift guide has inspired you to look for the perfect gift for your friend, family member or loved one abroad.

If you have any questions or want more advice on expat life, check out my living abroad guides or reach me by email at cristina[at]mylittleworldoftravelling.com or on Instagram. I’m always happy to help.

Cristina xx

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