Something borrowed- ideas

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My friend is eloping and I’m the only person that she’s told (she has a complicated relationship with her family, hence the elopement).

I’d really like to send her a box filled with nice things to help her celebrate (she lives in the US so I can’t be there in person).

I’m planning to do ‘something old, new, borrowed and blue’ as part of the gift.

I’ve managed to find something for everything except ‘borrowed’ and wondered if anyone had any suggestions:

Criteria:

• Must be small and light enough to fit in a shoe box (with other items).
• Nothing too valuable (it’s going via UK and US post)
• Needs to be able to get through US customs without any drama
• I won’t see her for a while so nothing that I’d need back imminently
• She has her wedding outfit sorted already (so no need for accessories etc).

I’d be really grateful for any ideas/suggestions. All the ideas I’ve found online are for borrowing heirloom jewellery from the bride’s mother or MIL which obviously doesn’t work in this case!

I’m also keen for other ideas of things I could include in the box. I want her to feel loved and celebrated even though I can’t be there!

Secondhand book of poems or a book of one of the old classics ?

A small, lightweight heart that you have hanging in your house. If you don't have one, can you sew? It would be an enjoyable thing to whip up whilst watching TV of an evening.

Maybe a small sum of money she can tuck in her dress and pay you back later?

The something old/new/borrowed/blue tradition is for the bride's outfit and accessories so it's no wonder you aren't finding many useful ideas if you want to exclude outfit and accessory items.

What about the sixpence in her shoe?

Easy enough to get hold of for less than a fiver, you can buy sixpences on Amazon, ebay etc... if you don't mind cupronickel, or get a silver one (more expensive at £23, but will be dated this year) from The Royal Mint.

My friend gave me a Kirby grip, I used it in my hair then gave it back after my wedding.

The classic thing is a lacy beribboned garter, might that work? Another idea is a little fabric heart she could tuck inside her dress somewhere.

Or if you know what type of eye shadow she wears and it's available over here perhaps you could buy some for her.
Or if she's having flowers, perhaps some ribbon to tie around her posy? An old fashioned thing was to have a little silver horseshoe ornament tied to your bouquet, but I don't think anyone does that anymore! Often seen on old wedding photos though.
Are you including a box of confetti? There might be restrictions on dried flowers being imported to USA, so best to stick to paper confetti.

What a lovely thing to do for your friend, it's sure to help make her day extra special.

My mum gave me a lacy handkerchief and stitched it into the skirt of my dress. I gave it back afterwards but she kept it in a box of photos and cards for me. ( it was unused!)

A Kirby grip sounds like a great idea. She can tuck it into her hair no matter what the style.

Kirby grips are a great idea, and I also have a small book of love poems that I’m happy to pass on.

@AdaColeman good point about the confetti. I’m going to send an order direct to her with flowers, champagne and petal confetti from a local florist (she’s getting married in the mountains so probably can’t use paper confetti)