To ask for your ideas for a memory box/care package for my DS who is going to Asia for his year abroad?

[LittleMisty]

My son is off to Asia at the end of August.

I am hugely proud that he's brave enough to do this, delighted for him but scared too, and panicking at the idea that I won't see him for a whole year.

I'd like to make these last weeks a bit special, and prepare a small care pacjage/memory box.

Do you have any ideas or experiences to share, either as a parent or when a student yourself?

He has been at uni in the next town to ours and has been home one or twice a month for the weekend over the past two years, and I've been to see him once or twice. But this is very different.

It's a sweet idea, but how about an item of jewellery if he wears it (nothing flashy that would make hine a target, obviously). Ideally something that would hold it's value so he could sell it if he really needed the money! Or something that is useful as well as nice to have, like a really decent wallet or pen. Or a high quality rucksack or walking boots - there are lots of things he'll need.... You can give him cash too, as I am ahew you already have.

Or, if he likes them, you could pay for him to get a tattoo? My mom offered to do this once when I was really poorly in hospital, and I was so excited! (If course she reneged as soon as I got better, but never mind. )

Thank you for talking sense, and for the nice ideas.

I think money has the unanimous vote!🤣

A nice picture of you all. Dd1 was happy to have that on her year to France. If laminated its a bookmark.

Useful things ok but not memory box type things, more to carry! Adapter plug, medications, bottle that filters water, hand washing soap, a toothbrush holder … all useful plus a new backpack perhaps?

Don't bother
It's just more stuff for him to carry around & lose

You're doing this to male you feel better about him going not for him

If he hasn’t already got one get him a really good rucksack. Let him pick it as he’ll know what dimensions he needs.

Sort out a playlist for him, send him photos regularly as you keep in touch, don’t give him anything physical. Giving him stuff is just stuff he has to carry or loose.

I went to Asia and my parents sent dairy milk and books (novels) both very gratefully received. Although I guess with kindles books are less helpful these days!

Back in the day my mum got me an iPad to Skype with her. Once I was settled she sent seasonal “care packages” things like wee treats from M&S, miniature soaps from our favourite shops, odds and ends from paperchase (RIP). I think just the little things she saw while out and about that we would normally have bought together.

There was a mum on the WIWIKAU Facebook group who was convinced her DS needed her to send him a raw chicken and other ingredients for a roast dinner. He was only in the UK and I hope she finally saw sense.

You can send him photos & messages everyday if it makes you feel better. Does he have international insurance for his phone?

With DD I created a playlist and told her to listen to it if she felt lonely. I uploaded some funny little childhood tunes as well as favourite school run/family get together music.
I knew she was heading to one particular city and wanted to be there during a particular celebration so booked (and left them my card details) a really upmarket hotel for three nights and told her two days before she was due to arrive in said city. Apparently she got some surprised looks at reception arriving with her backpack and nothing else, but now says it was the best few days with power shower, pool and delicious meals.
Other than that I agree with insurance and a hidden body pouch with some currency.

In all seriousness, this. ^^ My mum used to post it to me in Nigeria and I learnt to make soda bread in a frying pan just so Id have something to put it on.

My DD is recently back from a year in Asia. We waited until she had been there a few months then asked for a list of what things she missed and sent her those. This mainly consisted of crisps and tea bags!

He’ll have a great time!

That’s a really bad idea. And it wouldn’t be for him - it would be to make you feel better, imagining him looking through the box and thinking of you. He won’t be. It would be discreetly hidden away before leaving so as not to waste space in his luggage.

Time to accept your kid is growing up and start backing off a bit.

Ha, when I went travelling around the world in my 20s my mum didn’t give a shiny shit 😂

Money and all the proper insurance. Making sure he has the appropriate insurance is the most significant thing you can do for them.

Hand sanitiser