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Whether one of your friends is going away to college or moving for a new job opportunity, it’s always bittersweet. You’re happy and excited for them, but also sad that they won’t be close by anymore. In this case, a thoughtful “going away gift” is a perfect way to show them how much you care, no matter how far away they may be.
I’ve rounded up some Pinterest-worthy DIY going-away gifts that will be so memorable for any friend who’s taking a leap into a new stage of life. If you’re looking for a fun “Open-When” gift, a collage picture frame full of memories, or a fun gift basket, any of these gift ideas will make your friend feel comforted and loved.
Keep scrolling to find the best thoughtful going-away gift your friend will absolutely love.
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10 Thoughtful Going Away Gifts
1. “Open When…” Cards
I absolutely love the idea of “Open When…” cards. How fun would it be to have little notes you could hold onto until you needed them? Moving away can be hard, and the feelings don’t sink in until you’ve fully settled in, so having a note of a small gift to open when you’re feeling sad, angry, frustrated, or happy will make your friend feel seen by you in different stages of their move.
Greeting Cards with Envelopes
Caliart Markers
2. Best Friend Memory Collage
One of my favorite gifts to make for friends is a collage with a personalized quote or poem for them to take with them. It’s such a meaningful way to share some pieces of your friendship for them to remember and have a part of their new home when they move. Simply, gather a cute frame, some scrapbook paper, stickers, and photos to create a cute collage.
Gold Wavy Frame
Cute Scrapbook Paper
3. Color Coded Note Jar
Similar to the “Open When…” cards above, a color-coded note jar has a related theme and intention behind it. Whether you write quotes, encouraging notes, or funny inside jokes, each color of folded paper represents a specific emotion or prompting — like “I love you notes”, “remember when” for a fun memory, or quotes and lyrics your friends would enjoy.
Large Mason Jars
Neon Colored Paper
4. Long Distance Gift Box
This long-distance gift box is the perfect gift for a best friend who lives in another state. I mean, how fun would it be to open a box full of cool surprises? Plus, it’s so easy to pull together some items your friends love. Whether that’s a cute mug, a bag of coffee beans, a fun sweater, or an accessory to wear. The possibilities are endless!
5. Bestie Keychain
Looking for a simple, inexpensive going-away gift? This bestie keychain will travel with your friend everywhere. It’s the perfect accessory to add to her car keys, travel bag, or purse. Just add an iconic photo of the two of you to keep the memory alive while she’s away.
Photo Keychain
Beaded Bag Charm
6. Mod Podge Memory Box
Mod Podge crafts are always so fun and super easy to do. That’s why I love the idea of this one — it’s simple and so thoughtful. All you need is a wooden box, some Mod Podge paste, and photos to adhere to the outside. Create a collage of your photos and special moments to cover the box. Then, when it’s complete, fill the box with a couple of your friend’s favorite things and some memories to hold on to.
Book Memory Box
Mod Podge Gloss Sealer
7. College Bound Gift Basket
Is your friend going off to college this fall? If so, give her a gift basket full of her favorite things to take to college. Add a cute blanket she can have in her dorm room, a handful of her favorite candy, and some skin care products to help her relax after a day of classes and studying.
Small Woven Basket
Checkered Blanket
8. Sunshine Box
How adorable is this sunshine box? Just opening a box full of stunning yellow color would instantly boost my mood. To the box, add a cute yellow sweater or top, a face mask, and other fun yellow-themed goodies that will make your friend smile.
Yellow Cardigan Sweater
Medicube Jelly Gel Mask
Yellow Volcano Candle
Amuseables Collette Tarte Au Citron
9. A Personalized Mixtape
I’m going back to the 90s and early 2000s with this gift idea. We used to make mixtapes for all our friends, and it was so fun. Creating a personalized mixtape with all of your friends’ favorite songs and artists is such a thoughtful gift. She can listen to the CD when she misses you!
Blank Media Disks
Sticker Jewels
10. Make a Memories Scrapbook
I made a scrapbook one year for my friend, and it was one of the most fun projects and gifts to give. Not only did it make me smile making each page of memories, but she also thought it was the best gift. 15 years later and she still has it to look through. There’s something so timeless about a scrapbook and creates capsule of time for you to remember back on.
Linen Scrapbook
