44 Best Going-Away Gifts That Won't Take Up Too Much Suitcase Space
Because wrapping up a jar of your tears isn't really an option.
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It’s a bittersweet fact of life that sometimes people have to leave. Whether your work wife is moving to a new job, your favorite roommate is getting married, or your best friend is relocating to a whole new city, the absolutely devastating move (for you) is also a lil exciting (for them). So before the big day, you'll wanna get them a going-away gift to remind them that you were, and will always be, better than all of their new friends/coworkers/roommates.
Put down the large sculptures and gigantic appliances—the last thing they want is another heavy thing to move. Instead (and I say this as someone who has moved way too often), go for smaller, practical things that help 'em out. For example, if they’re leaving to study abroad or moving into a house across the country, this list has plenty of long-distance friendship prezzies, including sentimental decor and useful travel gifts. Plus, you'll also find gifts that can be personalized for that extra-special touch—pair with an afternoon of helping them pack up their things and you're golden.
So grab that money you used to try to bribe 'em to stay, and snag one of the going-away presents below.
Help them bring all the good mems from their old house into their new one with a custom watercolor portrait. You can even send them the printable file, if they'd prefer to not travel with a big frame!
Take advantage of L.L. Bean's customization feature and get their old address, zip code, or state embroidered onto this perfect zip-top bag.
Flowers are always a good gift. But what'll take this gift from good to great is the fact that you're going to send this bouquet to their NEW address a few days after they move in. They'll definitely feel the love!
Feel free to frame this card so they can keep it on their new desk (sigh) so they don't forget you.
Moving typically means dropping biggg money on new furniture and decor. This heartfelt print is the perf way to help 'em out and ensure that they think of you, like, all the time.
Sure, you could just text... or, you could download the Lovebox app and send each other little surprise notes throughout the week. The heart on the front of this adorable box will start spinning each time there's a message inside!
Leaving home isn’t always easy, but lighting this candle that reminds them of their home state helps. You can find one for all 50 states, in addition to select cities and countries.
For a gift that just might make ’em cry, here’s a custom hand-cut map that you can get made of virtually any address. From their last apartment to their alma mater to their fave pizza shop, the possibilities are endless with this sweet gift.
Ideal for a coworker—with a good sense of humor!—who's moving on and moving up. (Don't worry, they'll be touched when they read the fine print.)
Since your friend won't be seeing your face on the reg anymore, you can keep it fresh in their mind with these personalized socks.
Not good at goodbyes? Add this Michael Scott card to your cart (*laughs to keep from crying... *).
Anyone who struggles with change will likely find some comfort in this self-help book.
How cute is this house key-inspired charm that can be engraved with sentimental details like a zip code or city name? You can purchase it individually or attach one to a Catbird necklace or bracelet for an additional fee.
If you know their new address, you can make their life a lil easier with a cute return address stamp.
Through the power of Wi-Fi, these cute little lamps can sync with one another, meaning you can simply touch one and the other lights up at the same time. It’s a great way of saying, “Hey, I’m thinking of you, and also, don’t you just love technology???"
If you know they're about to do a lot of traveling, help make their trips easier with this spacious duffel bag. It has a padded sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch laptop, tons of pockets, and even a bottom compartment for holding shoes.
Complete with a shaker, muddler, strainer, jigger, and walnut bartender stand, this pretty rose-gold mixology set is very giftable (not to mention very chic).
Why gift 'em one cute framed photo of you two when you can get them a digital frame packed with pics? You can even upload some photos in advance as a fun surprise.
Your loved ones already know you’re a ride or die. But giving them a little reassurance in the form of a cute bracelet—especially before a big move!—doesn’t hurt.
Allow your friend to pay homage to their old home state with one of these stoneware and glass-glazed ornaments.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.
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