Great Gifts for Friends Moving Away: Thoughtful and Memorable Ideas

Saying goodbye to a friend who’s moving away can be bittersweet. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one for them, but it can also leave you feeling nostalgic. Whether they’re relocating for a job, family, or adventure, a thoughtful farewell gift can serve as a sweet reminder of your bond. If you're unsure of what to give them, don't worry! We’ve curated a list of 18 thoughtful gifts that will help your friend carry a piece of your friendship with them as they embark on their new journey.

1. Custom Photo Album: A Keepsake of Memories

One of the best ways to help your friend remember the good times is with a custom photo album. You can put together a collection of your favorite memories, from fun weekends together to special moments only the two of you shared.

If you’re looking for something more personalized, opt for a scrapbook filled with handwritten notes, tickets from concerts or events, and photos. For a more professional touch, you can get a bound photo book printed. This is a great option, especially if you’re part of a close-knit group—crowdsource photos from others and create a collective gift that will make your friend smile every time they look through it.

2. Digital Picture Frame: A Modern Twist on Photo Memories

For friends who embrace technology, consider gifting them a digital picture frame. This high-tech gift will allow your friend to upload and display their favorite memories. A small, budget-friendly frame can cost under $50, while larger frames with more features can range from $100 to $150.

Choose one that matches their new home’s color scheme for an added personal touch. A digital frame is a great gift for friends who love to relive the moments that made them happiest, and it’s practical too, as it doesn't take up much space in their new home.

3. Travel Mugs: A Practical and Thoughtful Gift

As your friend moves to their new home, they’ll likely be doing a lot of traveling—whether it’s for work, visits home, or adventures. A quality travel mug will help keep their drinks warm or cold, and it’s a gift that will definitely come in handy. If your friend already owns one, consider gifting them something extra, like an insulated wine glass or a stylish water bottle.

To make the gift even more special, you can include their favorite coffee, tea, or wine along with the mug. These are gifts that will serve as a reminder of your thoughtfulness every time they take a sip on the go.

4. Local T-Shirts and Other Hometown Goods: A Piece of Home

Help your friend stay connected to their roots by gifting them local merchandise from your hometown. T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and keychains from local shops or landmarks are great ways to remind them of where they came from. If your friend already has too many t-shirts, you can go the extra mile and turn them into a quilt to provide them with something both functional and sentimental.

For a more creative twist, consider making a personalized local map art print showcasing places that are meaningful to both of you. This gift will be something your friend can hang in their new space as a reminder of their roots.

5. Scented Candles: A Fragrance that Evokes Memories

The power of scent is undeniable—it can trigger memories and emotions in ways that visuals alone cannot. This is why gifting your friend a scented candle tied to special memories is such a thoughtful gesture. For example, you could give them a state scented candle that reminds them of their home state, or a city candle that captures the essence of their hometown.

At Aarka Origins, we offer candles such as the Cozy Weather Soy Candle with the warm and inviting scent of autumn sage, cashmere, and almond milk, which could help remind them of the coziness of home. Or, consider gifting the Reading by the Fire Soy Candle, which evokes the comforting aromas of chai cream and chestnut—a perfect match for any book lover settling into their new space.

These candles aren't just gifts; they’re experiences that bring a warm ambiance to their new home, especially during the cooler months.

6. Keepsake Jewelry: A Friendship Bracelet for Adults

For a meaningful and lasting gift, consider keepsake jewelry. Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, there are plenty of options on platforms like Etsy where you can find handmade jewelry that can be customized with a special engraving.

If your friend isn’t a fan of jewelry, think outside the box and get them a personalized keyring or a charm that holds sentimental value. This way, your friend will carry a little piece of your friendship with them wherever they go.

7. Self-Care Kit: Help Your Friend Relax During the Move

Moving can be incredibly stressful, so why not help your friend unwind by putting together a self-care kit? Fill a basket with soothing products like bath bombs, scented soaps, face masks, and fluffy socks. You can even take it a step further by gifting them a spa gift certificate to help them relax after the move is complete.

A self-care kit not only helps ease the stress of moving but also serves as a reminder to take care of themselves during this chaotic time.

8. Art and Decor: A Personalized Touch for Their New Home

Moving to a new home means your friend has the opportunity to decorate their space however they want. Help them personalize their new environment by gifting them art and decor. Whether it's a beautiful wall art print, a decorative throw pillow, or a unique handmade vase, your gift can add character and warmth to their new living space.

If you’re unsure of their style, consider asking them about their future home decor plans or snooping through their Pinterest boards for inspiration. If all else fails, a gift card to their favorite home decor store is always a good idea.

9. Games and Activities: A Fun Way to Create New Memories

Give your friend something fun and engaging to do once they’ve moved into their new home—whether that’s for themselves or to enjoy with their new neighbors. If you and your friend have a favorite board game you’ve played together, gift them a new copy of the game so they can continue enjoying it after the move.

For friends with young children, a DIY activity bucket is a great idea. Fill it with coloring books, puzzles, and other activities to keep the kids entertained while the parents unpack. This is a thoughtful gift that can help ease the transition and keep everyone occupied during stressful moments.

10. Travel Gear: Essential Accessories for Their Next Adventure

If your friend is moving to a location that’s perfect for travel, consider gifting them travel gear that will come in handy. From a universal power adapter for international moves to a solar-powered light or camping gear for outdoor adventures, these practical gifts will make their transition easier.

They’ll appreciate having the right tools as they embark on new adventures in their new city or country.

Conclusion

Moving away is a huge milestone, and finding the perfect gift for a friend can be challenging. Whether you choose a scented candle, self-care kit, or digital photo frame, the best gifts are those that help your friend remember the wonderful moments you shared and embrace their new adventure. For a literary twist, consider gifting them one of our literary-inspired candles from Aarka Origins, like the Snowed In & Reading Soy Candle with its nostalgic scent of peppermint spice and honey tea—perfect for winding down in their new home.

No matter what gift you choose, remember that the most important part is the thought and care you put into making your friend’s transition smoother and celebrating the bond you share.