As the festive season sets in, finding the perfect gift for loved ones abroad can become quite a challenge, if not a headache. How can you capture the holiday spirit across borders? Expat.com gives you unique ideas for end-of-year gifts that blend a touch of life abroad with local warmth, making it easier to send a meaningful present to your loved ones back home.
A 100% local gourmet basket
Spoil your closest friends and family with a gourmet basket filled exclusively with the delights from your expat country. Here are our recommendations:
- Sweet treats (chocolates, candies, pastries, jams, artisanal and typical honey);
- Savory snacks (dried fruit, cookies with regional flavors) ;
- Local spices and condiments (rare local spices, herbs, seasoning blends, olive oils);
- Local teas and coffees ;
- Local wellness products.
Make sure to check the list of items that can and cannot be sent through postal services. Contact the local postal services in your host country for more information. Additionally, explore specific parcel services tailored for traditional products available in certain countries.
Online courses
Consider offering online courses about subjects they're passionate about. Here are five ideas for you:
- Virtual cooking classes ;
- Foreign language lessons ;
- Yoga classes or virtual meditation ;
- Personal development courses ;
- Virtual fitness classes.
Books, e-books or audiobooks
Explore your host country's cultural heritage by delving into books or audiobooks to share with your loved ones back home. Consider the following:
- A subscription to an audiobook platform;
- E-books on local culture;
- An anthology of regional poetry from your expat country;
- Traditional recipe books.
Local handicrafts
Share the beauty of local craftsmanship by gifting your loved ones unique jewelry, decorative items, or traditional clothing. Find inspiration here:
- Traditional handmade jewelry;
- Handcrafted and local wall decoration;
- Traditional clothing;
- Local pottery;
- Handcrafted home accessories.
A subscription to a themed box
Choose a monthly subscription to a themed box that delivers treasures from around the world directly to their doorstep. Here are some examples of popular themed boxes:
- A box of cooking lessons with professional chefs;
- A nature weekend box in unusual places;
- A "Sustainable Beauty" box with beauty products made from natural and sustainable ingredients;
- A personalized box with products selected according to the recipient's interests.
A video call with the whole family
Bridge the gap with a surprise video call, perhaps the best gift of all. Wondering how to set one up?
Plan the family reunion
Coordinate with family and friends to choose a suitable date and time. Make sure everyone is available and ready for the surprise.
Choose your platform
Choose a popular videoconferencing platform such as Zoom, Skype or Google Meet.
Prepare a pretty invitation
Send a virtual invitation with an animated message. Include the meeting link and clear instructions on how to join the call.
Personalize your celebration
Theme the call - it's the festive season, after all, and everyone's getting out their Santa hats!
Prepare games, speeches, or special moments to make the call unique.
Test the technology
Before the big day, conduct a connection test to avoid technical problems during the call. Make sure everyone knows how to activate the camera and microphone.
Capture the moment
Take a screenshot or video to immortalize the moment, and share these memories with all participants after the call.
Enjoy the moment
During the call, relax, enjoy shared moments, and let love and joy permeate the conversation.
A personalized photo album
Create a personalized photo album with memories of your life abroad. Our tips:
- Embark on a journey through the pages to revisit your adventures, encounters, and discoveries in your adopted country.
- Capture the essence of those who are significant to you by creating portraits of your friends, colleagues, and all the people who have left a mark on your life abroad.
- Explore the local cuisine through pictures featuring photos of native dishes, vibrant markets, and even your own culinary experiences.
- Don't forget festivals and traditions through pictures, showcasing local festivals, cultural events, and unique traditions.
- Share your personal evolution through photos that reflect your growth and adaptation to the new culture, illustrating the positive impact of your expatriation journey.
A gift card for online services
Bring joy with a gift card, like a box, but for online services. Let us guide you:
- Endless entertainment awaits on a streaming platform, providing a diverse selection of movies, series, and documentaries.
- Share a music streaming service that lets them discover new songs and artists.
- Continuous learning with online courses or access to a learning platform to stimulate curiosity and enhance their skills.
- Virtual reading with access to an online bookstore, where they can choose from a variety of e-books.
- Wellness at home, with yoga, meditation, or fitness classes at home.
A surprise visit to your loved ones!
During the festive season, the feeling of distance is more present when you live abroad. Why not go the extra mile and give your loved ones the ultimate gift by making a surprise appearance on Christmas or New Year's Day? Here's how to add some excitement to that surprise:
- For a last-minute surprise, keep your visit a secret until the very end to create an unexpected delight. Announce your arrival just before the big day—or maybe not!
- Organize a virtual treasure hunt to announce your visit. Send playful and mysterious clues that will guide them to the excitement of your arrival.
- Get ready with a festive costume to add a playful touch to your arrival. Whether it's a Santa suit or something whimsical, it's sure to enhance the fun.
- Use your creativity when announcing your visit. Use a creative approach to share the news, whether it's a short, funny video, a comic strip, or a personalized card.
- Plan special activities for your visit, like movie nights, board games, or even a karaoke night. Ensure you have everything you need to make unforgettable memories.
- Send mysterious messages before your arrival, like "Expect a special surprise in the coming days!" to build up excitement.
- Create a photo album of shared moments over the years. Gift it during your visit to recall and cherish those fond memories together.
- Be inspired by the ideas mentioned above and bring along small surprise gifts for each family member. These personalized touches always add a special touch to any surprise visit.
Happy holidays to all!
You now have everything you need to treat your loved ones, friends, and colleagues back home during your time abroad. Before you make your choice, we wish you all the best for the festive season!
