What to give someone moving abroad for a few years?

[danishyellow]

acquaintance having a farewell party as they head to USA for his work. Don’t know them closely but want to wish them well.
any idea?

I wouldn’t get anything. He’ll probably have enough stuff to take. Go to the party, buy him a drink? ( have spent a few years abroad when younger and never got/wanted things to take. Except the odd framed little picture of home or something from close family.

its a family, they are moving all together. They are hosting the party at the house they are moving from. Don’t like to turn up empty handed

Just turn up with a bottle of wine. It’s not really a life event that requires buying someone a gift?

Take sonething they can use between now & leaving.

I don't mean to sound mean, but you're not a close enough friend for them to want to pack Momentos when they're probably already leaving stuff behind that they'd rather take. A bottle of wine and a nice box of biscuits.?

Thanks all

I'd take a bottle of wine and maybe a box of chocs.

IF I knew them well, I'd take a packet of their favourite twinnings or some British sweets. They'd then have the choice to use before they go, take or give away.

Nothing. It’s just something else for him to pack.

Reminds me of the ‘Katy’ books where they were given heavy books when they went away and were gutted to have to leave them behind.

It’s tricky because I expect they have limited luggage space but it’s a nice thought. I would take something that can be used at the party, or you could put together a little hamper with British tea, chocolate to take with them - but this may be difficult if they are short on space. (Speaking as someone who has moved a lot).

It may not be a life event in your eyes, but it’s a nice thought from OP and I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.

Bottle of wine or better yet, something everyone could enjoy like really nice brownies or cookies or chocolates.

I did the opposite move, from the US to UK. I would have cried if someone turned up and handed me one more thing I had to pack.

AirTag (if they have iPhones)?

Just bring wine. I only took essentials when I moved away

Could you give them an IOU promising to send a small parcel of things they miss in two months time? I did something similar for a friend a few years ago and sent crisps, marmite, specific sweets and teabags.

You can get US gift cards. Even better if it's an ecard. Barnes and Noble if they like books.
Or a card with some dollars in it?

If I was close to them I'd get something, but an acquaintance I'd probably just bring something for the party.

As someone who did move to the US, this is a fabulous idea.

If anyone had brought me wine or teabags or chocolate I would have cried. We had a party before we left and I begged people not to give any gifts. Thankfully most of them listened.

As someone who's done international moves, no one appreciates an extra thing to pack. The bottle of wine suggestion much the best, or something else that can unproblematically be consumed or given away before they leave.

Which is what I said on my previous message (as someone who has also done international moves).

I am a book lover. When I moved away I was given Kindle vouchers - which was a great present.