Going away hamper for friend moving to New Zealand -what should go in?

[WitchOfEndor]

So my DFriend is moving to New Zealand and I want to make up a hamper of stuff for her to open when she gets there.

What do you miss most/find hardest to get hold of, and what will or won't get through customs (not talking drugs or anything, just not sure if they are strict on some food)?

I'm unsure on the practicalities of either giving it to her to put with her furniture etc and open when it arrives, or post it to her once she's there.

Any advice gratefully received!

Not quite a hamper, but a high-resolution, glossy Google earth pic of her UK home. Possibly post this to arrive when she gets there.

It's a nice thought but I'd go for something more portable. I imagine space is a real issue in their luggage.

I would wait with the hamper, until she has been there long enough to 'miss' things. However, if she loves marmite, make sure she takes some - although you can get marmite there (not just vegemite) it isn't proper Marmite! If I was sending a container from the UK to NZ - half of it would be Marmite

I think one of the nicest things is to get letters in the post & I love it when I get sent Christmas Decorations - something personal or very UK/NZ. It's the little things that make you feel 'thought of' and a 'touch of home' and IF you are in a position to, start a savings fund so you can plan to go over and see their new home/life. Even if it means going on your own.

If you do want to send something though, there's a thread (or 8) about relocating to NZ, the people on there might be able to help you with what they miss from the UK :)

That is a lovely idea! I moved oversees two years ago and have one thought though. Will she have room to take a hamper of things with her? Packing up and shipping your life is really difficult and expensive. With airline restrictions in baggage it is a struggle to get everything you need/want with you. Shipping boxes costs a fortune, too. And if she is doing a large container on a boat, she might not be getting her things for two months or so. If she is going the container route, try and make sure the things you give her have a long shelf life so she can pack them away and use them in NZ. But if she is getting her thighs any other way I would suggest not adding to her packing woes. Can you send something via Amazon when she gets there? At first the novelty of a new place takes over, but in a few months you really miss the small things from home.

Sorry- just saw the end of your thread again. Shipping companies pack everything for you for security reasons. So if you give it to her to send with furniture just make sure it isn't wrapped so that you can't see inside. Shipping later is a great idea, but possible very expensive. Either way, it will be a much appreciated gift. Food should be ok, as long as it isn't meat, dairy, or fruit/veg.

Marmite
Jaffa cakes
Traditional sweets (dolly mixture etc)
Walkers crisps

Weirdly one of the things I find hardest to get in NZ is decent nude tights. I buy them online from John Lewis and have them sent over. (I'm a Kiwi but lived in London for many years)

Also a shipping company will not ship food or perishables. You would be best shipping it separately. Having moved countries several times, bulky gifts (while very thoughtful and much appreciated) can be inconvenient to receive just before you are due to travel, as suitcase space is at a premium. When I last moved I only had what was in my suitcase until my shipped items arrived 2 months later, so I had no extra suitcase space at all. I'm sure your friend will appreciate the gift much more if you can mail it to her. Just keep it small to avoid spending a fortune on post.

They won't let honey in

Maltesers I used to miss, and ikea
There is still no ikea in NZ,
When back in uk I used to go to ikea to pick up bits and pieces

You can get UK Marmite here, in the regular supermarket, it's called Our Mate as the Marmite name is taken by a similar (but inferior ) product.
You can actually get most UK foods here in the British food shops but they are $$$.

You have to be careful not to put fresh stuff in as Customs don't like that. You can be in big trouble for bringing an apple in

Mostly I used to miss Jaffa Cakes and Shreddies. If you could pop an IKEA, an M and S and perhaps a small branch of Boots in she will prob be eternally grateful. Maybe a central heating system too

Sorry I don't have any more practical ideas, I'll have a think when the dcs are in bed (Sunday evening here)

WhatSheSaid I'm glad you finally have proper marmite. I might reconsider moving back there again!

Jaffa cakes and shreddies - my friend misses those too. Frankly I think Jaffa cakes are the work of the devil and shreddies, whilst 'fine' aren't something worth 'missing' - but each to their own :)

I think it's just the general difference in shops I really, really notice when I go back to NZ. The lack of variety compared to the UK.

Love the beaches though!

Thanks for all the ideas, I think i will wait until she has settled in and ask her what she misses most and send it over then. I've also suggested our DSs can send each other postcards to keep in touch and see what each other gets up to. Going to miss them so much