This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for helping me keep this blog going!
Moving can be stressful. There’s a lot of planning and packing and (usually) driving involved. There are a lot of goodbyes and maybe even some tears.
I know because I’m right in the midst of it.
Do you have friends or family who are preparing for an upcoming move? Perhaps you’d like to brighten their day with a care package or gift. I’ve compiled this list of gift ideas for your friends who are moving or PCSing (if they’re a military family). Some of these will be great if you live nearby, others can be given from far away. Some would be a great gift, while others could be thrown into a box for a care package. No matter what, your friends will thank you for your caring thoughts and giving attitude.
- Gift cards to their favorite local places to use before they leave.
- Gift Cards to Chain Restaurants
for them to use during their trip to their new home.
- Gift card to Lowe’s — they can purchase boxes, bubble wrap, and other moving supplies there.
- Trash Bags
— these can always be used when moving and if they are white, they can write on them with a permanent marker.
- Paper Plates
& Plastic Silverware
— great to use when you’ve already packed your dishes.
- Audio books to listen to on the drive to their new home.
- Mix CDs — You could make them based on their favorite type of music, or a fun idea would be to find a bunch of songs that mention the place they are moving to. For instance, if someone is moving to California, include all the songs that have California in them like “Hotel California” and “Back to California.” Just Google “songs about (whatever state they are moving to).
- Spot It! on the Road Travel Game
— great if they are able to ride together to their new home and if they have kids. It has five games plus travel bingo included.
- iTunes Gift Card
so they can make a playlist for the drive to their new location.
- Travel Litter Bag
for the car — a long trip means a lot of trash piling up in an already full car. We just got one of these and we love it!
- Gas gift cards to use during the move — for gas or snacks.
- Crossword Puzzle Book
— this can be done together out loud in the car if they get to ride together to their new location.
- Would You Rather/You Gotta Be Kidding Card Games
— fun for couples, teens, and older children.
- Babysitting services — if you live close by, offer to babysit the kids so the parents can focus on packing and cleaning before the move.
- Sharpie Markers
— great for marking boxes.
- Your strength — if they need help loading or unloading boxes, offer to help.
- Cleaning — if you enjoy cleaning, offer to help clean their place before they move out.
- Town ornament — Buy or make a Christmas ornament that represents the place they lived so they can always cherish those memories.
Are you the one getting ready to move or PCS? Check out my Pinterest board for moving tips!
This is a great list! We moved back in July and so much of this would have been helpful. The gift cards are genius, especially to restaurants. Those first few weeks are tough b/c you’re spending so much time on the road or unpacking. I know we ate out a lot and it got expensive.
Ashley LaMar recently posted…Must-Read Books For a Faith-Based Marriage
Thanks Ashley! Yes, we are eating out a lot as we are running out of food in our fridge. The movers come tomorrow and the next day, so I know we’ll only be eating out in the days ahead too. Those costs can definitely add up!
Give your friends a figurine or some ornaments that can be displayed around the house were they can remember you when they always see it.
Great idea Ryan!