Top 30 Gifts to Give Someone Who is Moving Away: Thoughtful Presents for a New Beginning

Saying goodbye to a friend, family member, or colleague who's moving away can be tough. But it's also a time to celebrate their exciting new adventure! Whether they're moving across the country or just to a new city, a thoughtful going-away gift can help them feel loved and remembered.

To help you find the perfect present, we've compiled a list of gifts to give someone who is moving away, categorized to make your search easier. 

Sentimental Gifts to Give Someone Who is Moving Away to Preserve Memories

These good moving away presents are all about keeping those precious memories alive even when you're miles apart.

• Personalized Photo Canvas 

When considering what to give someone who is moving away to cherish their past, a personalized canvas print from Personal House is a perfect choice. It's a beautiful piece of art to decorate their new home and a constant reminder of the good times you've shared. 

I actually ordered one of these for my sister when she moved across the country, and I was so impressed with the quality! The colors were vibrant, the canvas was sturdy, and it arrived ready to hang. She absolutely loved it, and it now has pride of place in her living room.

Personalized Photo Canvas Prints as Gifts to Give Someone Who is Moving Away

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• Memory Book or Scrapbook

When wondering what to get someone moving away, consider a memory book or scrapbook filled with photos, inside jokes, and memories you've shared. This is a great gift for best friends, close friends, or family members. I particularly like the ones from Paper Source - they have a wide variety of styles and are made with high-quality paper. 

• Personalized Friend T-shirts 

If you're looking for gift ideas for a friend that is moving away, why not celebrate your bond with matching or complementary Friends themed T-shirts from Personal House? You can customize these with your names, nicknames, or a fun quote. The fabric seems soft and comfortable, and the printing looks like it will hold up well in the wash.

Personalized Friend T-shirts as Gift Ideas for Friends That Are Moving Away

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• "Open When..." Letter Box

This is one of the most personal and heartfelt gift ideas for someone moving away. Fill a box with personalized letters for different occasions ("Open when you're feeling lonely," "Open when you miss home," "Open when you need a laugh," etc.).I made one of these for my best friend when he moved to college. He told me that he often reread the letters when he was feeling homesick or stressed, and they always made him feel better.

• Custom Engraved Compass

A beautiful compass engraved with their initials, a special date, or a meaningful quote is a classic and timeless gift for someone moving away. I recently saw a beautiful compass from Dalvey that would be perfect for this. It was made with high-quality materials and had intricate detailing. The engraving was also very precise and elegant.

Custom Engraved Compass as Sentimental Moving Away Gifts

• Long Distance Friendship Lamps

These innovative lamps are truly unique gifts to give someone who is moving away. They connect to Wi-Fi and light up in unison when one person touches theirs. It's a magical way to stay connected across the miles and show your loved one you're thinking of them. This is ideal for close friends, family members, or romantic partners who value staying in touch. 

Great Moving Away Gifts to Help with the Transition

Moving can be stressful! These great moving away gifts are practical and designed to make their transition a little smoother.

• Personalized Tumbler 

Help them stay hydrated on the go with a personalized tumbler from Personal House. Add their name, a fun design, or an inspirational quote,  so you can create a truly unique gift for someone moving away. 

I've been using my Personal House tumbler for months now, and I absolutely love it! It keeps my coffee hot for hours, and the lid seals tightly so I don't have to worry about spills. Plus, it's really durable - I've dropped it a few times and it's still going strong!

Personalized Tumblers as Moving Away Gifts to Help with the Transition

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• Gift Card to a Home Goods Store

A gift card to stores like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Amazon is always a safe bet when you're unsure of their specific needs or preferences. It's especially helpful for anyone setting up a new home, providing flexibility and allowing them to choose exactly what they need. I always appreciate receiving gift cards because it gives me the freedom to choose something I really want or need. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of gift-giving for the giver!

• Subscription Box for Their New City

Is there a local coffee roaster, craft brewery, or artisan bakery in their new city? A subscription box introduces them to local goodies and helps them explore their new surroundings. This is a fun gift idea for people moving away, especially for foodies, those who enjoy trying new things, or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the local culture. 

• Housewarming Gift Basket

Put together a basket filled with cleaning supplies, snacks, and other essentials to help them settle into their new home. This is a thoughtful gift for someone moving away who appreciates practical gifts. I like to include items like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day hand soap, fluffy dish towels, a scented candle from Bath & Body Works, and their favorite snacks.

Housewarming Gift Baskets as Gifts to Give Someone Who is Moving Away

• Portable Toolkit

This is a practical gift idea for someone moving away, especially for anyone who likes to be prepared or enjoys DIY projects. I personally recommend the toolkit from Stanley. It's compact, durable, and has all the essential tools you need for basic repairs around the house. I've had mine for years, and it's come in handy countless times!

Gift Ideas for People Moving Away for Their New Journey

These gift ideas for people moving away are all about embracing the excitement of a new adventure and supporting their journey.

• Scratch-Off Travel Map

A scratch-off travel map is a fun and interactive way for them to track their travels and explore their new surroundings. This is a perfect gift to give someone who is moving away, especially for travel enthusiasts or those who are moving to a new state or country. 

There are lots of different maps available, some even with fun facts and information about different destinations. I gave one of these to my friend who was moving to Europe for a year, and she loved it!

Scratch-Off Travel Maps as Gift Ideas for People Moving Away

• Journal and Pen Set

This is one of the best gifts to give someone who is moving away, particularly for writers, those who enjoy reflection, or anyone who wants to keep a record of their journey. I personally love the journals from Moleskine. They're well-made, have a classic design, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. 

• Experiences in Their New City

Instead of a physical gift, consider gifting them an experience in their new city, like tickets to a concert, a sporting event, or a cooking class. This is a great gift idea for someone moving away and loving to try new things and explore their surroundings. Do some research to find events or activities that align with their interests.

• Personalized Luggage Tag

A stylish luggage tag is a practical and stylish gift to give someone who is moving away, especially for frequent travelers or those who appreciate personalized accessories. I'm a big fan of the leather luggage tags from Tumi. They're durable, look sophisticated, and can be personalized with initials or a monogram.

Personalized Luggage Tags as Gift Ideas for People Moving Away

• Donation to a Charity in Their Name

If you are finding last minute gift ideas for people moving away​, consider making a donation to a local charity in their new city in their name to honor their move and support a good cause. Choose a charity that aligns with their values or interests. 

Gifts to Give Someone Who is Moving Away to Keep Them Connected

Even though you'll be apart, these thoughtful gifts to give someone who is moving away will help you stay connected and maintain your bond, bridging the distance with shared experiences and meaningful reminders of your friendship.

• Matching Friendship Bracelets

A classic symbol of friendship, matching bracelets serve as a constant reminder of your connection. This is a sweet and simple gift for someone moving away, especially for close friends or best friends. I have a matching bracelet with my best friend from college, and even though we live in different countries now, every time I see it, I'm reminded of her and our shared history.

Matching Friendship Bracelets as Gift Ideas for People Moving Away

• Subscription to a Streaming Service

Gift them a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify so you can continue to share movie nights, TV shows, and music even when you're miles apart. This is a fun and modern gift idea for someone moving away, perfect for anyone who enjoys entertainment and staying connected through shared experiences.

• Prepaid Phone Card or International Calling Credits

If your friend is moving abroad or far away from family and friends, consider giving them a prepaid phone card or international calling credits. This practical gift idea for a friend that is moving away makes it easier and more affordable to stay connected with loved ones. When my cousin moved to Japan, I got him a prepaid card from Rebtel. It had really competitive rates and he said the call quality was excellent, which made staying in touch much easier.

• Digital Photo Frame

Digital photo frame with photos of friends and family is a thoughtful gift idea for people moving away, especially for those who appreciate visual reminders and staying connected with loved ones. It displays cherished memories and keeps loved ones close, even when they are physically far away.

Digital Photo Frames as Gifts to Give Someone Who is Moving Away

• Personalized Playlist or Mix CD

Curate a playlist of songs that remind you of your friend or that you think they will enjoy in their new city. This is a fun and sentimental gift idea for someone moving away that allows you to share your musical tastes and create a soundtrack for their new adventure. You can create a digital playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, or go old-school and burn a CD with a personalized cover.

Farewell Party Gifts for a Memorable Send-Off

• "I Love You To The Moon And Back" Wooden Plaque 

This personalized gift from Personal House is a beautiful way to express your love and support for someone special who is moving away. Customize it with a heartfelt message or a special date to make it a truly unique and cherished keepsake. 

This is a perfect gift to give someone who is moving away, especially for family members, close friends, or significant others. Personal House offers different sizes and customization options, making it a truly personal gift.

"I Love You To The Moon And Back" Wooden Plaques  as Farewell Party Gifts

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• Guest Book

I recently attended a going-away party where they had a guest book, and it was so lovely to read all the heartfelt messages from friends and family. I think it's something the person moving away will treasure long after the party is over. This is a thoughtful gift idea for people moving away, especially for those who appreciate words of encouragement and support.

• "Adventure Fund" Jar

This is a fun and interactive gift idea for a friend that is moving away. Have everyone at the farewell party contribute to a jar labeled "Adventure Fund" to help them explore their new city or go on a fun trip. I love this handmade gift idea for friends because it's a collective effort that shows how much everyone cares. It's also a practical gift that can help them make the most of their new surroundings.

• Personalized "Bon Voyage" Cake

A delicious cake with a "Bon Voyage" message is a festive way to celebrate their new adventure and send them off with sweet memories. You can order a cake from a local bakery or, if you're feeling ambitious, bake one yourself!

Personalized Cakes as Farewell Party Gifts for a Memorable Send-Off

• Photo Album with Pictures from the Farewell Party

I always appreciate receiving photo albums as gifts because they allow me to relive special moments. This is a wonderful way to commemorate the event and provide a tangible reminder of the love and support of their friends and family. This is a thoughtful gift idea for someone moving away who enjoys reminiscing and cherishing memories.

• Group Video Message

Gather friends and family who can't attend the farewell party and create a heartfelt video message for the person moving away. This is a wonderful way to show your love and support, even if you can't be there in person. It's a great moving away gift that they can watch over and over again in their new home.

No matter what gift for someone moving away you choose, the most important thing is to show them how much you care and that you'll miss them. A thoughtful going-away present will be a cherished reminder of your friendship and the good times you've shared.