How to 'dress up' functional gifts

[HastingsLikeTheBattle]

DD2 (12) is going on a school trip at Easter, her first one abroad in secondary school, and will more than likely be her only one. She knows that it is costing a fortune, and as such, money is tight for Christmas and her December birthday.

I wondered about getting her things she'll need for her trip anyway, but I don't want her to feel short-changed. I don't think she will, but I just want Christmas to be special still.

Anyone have any ideas what I can get for a cultural trip to Greece?

Pretty washbag filled with travel sized mini toiletries.

Passport cover (she'll probably have to take her passport out of it when she is actually travelling)

Purse with some euros - possibly a small neck purse.

Book of Greek myths

A travel adaptor - not sure how you can dress this one up 😄

A travel hairdryer or straighteners

A journal to write down her thoughts and experiences when she is travelling

A power bank for a bit of extra charge for her phone (if she has one and is allowed to take it on the trip)

Thank you Woolly, some amazing ideas there!

Good headphones

Microfibre towel, they are great and take up virtually no space. DD has two for camping with the Scouts and it makes a huge difference to packing.

New swimsuit and bag for wet stuff

A camera. And photo album/scrap book for storing postcards, tickets etc.

Sun tan lotion for her stocking.

Lovely ideas here already. A lovely travel bag (Primark may have some)
Pjs and stuff you would be buying her anyway (doesn't have to be for christmas)

Cinema voucher etc (again you probably give her money on occasion for things like this)

Voucher for photo printing

Travel cushion

Nice eye mask

Colouring in book of Greek places

Scrapbook/journal

Greek phrase book
Small travel guide

Decathlon have good micro fibre towels in various colours and sizes

M&S and other supermarkets have a 3 for £7 (or less) deal that often includes things like dolmades and marinated feta. Not quite stocking filler appropriate though!

Does she have a decent hand luggage sized suitcase? I have an it brand one and it has survived many batterings from being put in the hold. They have lots of sizes and they’re £30-50. Alternatively, a rucksack that will definitely fit on the plane?

Subscription for an online Greek language course with Babbel.
uk.babbel.com

I have formulated a list from all your lovely ideas thanks! She originally wanted a Nintendo switch, but I think she has realised that may have to be put back a bit. It's the first year she hasn't believed in Santa, so at least she understands the concept of affordability

On my list -

washbag (probable Harry Potter)
purse with euros (will that change after Brexit?!)
travel book and phrase book
book relating the the areas she is going
journal
power bank
nice suitcase (will have to check whether it is hand luggage or hold required)
I will look into the Greek language course, but she is already learning 3 languages at school and is feeling a tad overwhelmed with them!

after that it will be lego

Tesco do boxes of baklava, Lidl’s is nicer but they don’t have it all year.
Maybe a travel guide for the region.