What gift can I buy my daughter's childminder who is emigrating to Australia?

[JackiePaper]

I am stumped, dd has been going to her for the last 2yrs, she is 3.5, any childminders - what would you like?

Can you buy her something useful which she could take on her move to Oz but nothing too large.
Maybe something summery/beachy? where is she moving to?

Or maybe a massage treatment? You could be pretty stressed with all that to organise and I LOVE massages (having said that, would she have time to use it before going?)

Otherwise I do know that other popular presents have been plants (long life so your child can always be remembered) or something personal they've made?

How about some nice sunglasses small, easy to pack and will deffo come in handy in Aus.

I am very

Sunscription to a magazine that she reads. Very expensive to buy overseas ones in Oz.

Oh nothing plant, wood or made from natural untreated fibres. Quaratine will confiscate it then destroy it.

When I lived in Australia there were loads of English things I really missed. Assuming she has an address where she will be staying initially you could you make a parcel and send it ahead so it arrives a few days after her.

Things I really missed - Marmite, minstrells - chocolate in Oz tastes weird, PG tips, English jam. I'm sure you could do another thread and gets lots of ideas. If you post in advance you can ship it and it's much cheaper. You could also put in some pic's of your kids with her etc.

Then you can give a nice card when she leaves and say your present will be waiting for you when you arrive.

What an idiot, sorry, I wasn't quite thinking that one through! lol

some really lovely ideas, thanks, I want to get her something meaningful that will remind her of DD ifywim. I like the idea of the 'english box' though - can you send food items to Oz? would they get stuck in quarrantine?

also how long does it take to post stuff out there? she doesn't have an address yet, although she is going on Aug 17th - her DH's work are sorting it apparently.

Jackie as long as they're sealed I think it's fine. Google an have a look. Depends how much you want to pay, to how long it takes to get there. Check with the Royal Mail, it's not like posting to the USA, it's fairly easy.

As a pom in Australia the mag subscription is a fab idea. When I first got here I was desperate for familiar things. They are expensive to buy for out here though - think grazia for 300+ ukpounds. Lavitabellas idea is also a fantastic one. It is fine to send food to Aus, just make sure it's all sealed and you declare it on the customs form.

Your dd could make her something she could use here - sunglasses holder, bbq apron, decorated photo frame, um . . . .

What about a piece of Jewellery, little bracelet, locket, beads etc