20 Heartfelt Best Friend Moving Away Gifts That’ll Make You Both Cry (Don’t Miss #7!)
May 14, 2025 | by Roz L
Moving away is a bittersweet moment that calls for heartfelt celebrations and memories.
As your best friend embarks on a new adventure, it’s only natural to want to shower them with gifts that encapsulate your friendship.
From the sentimental to the practical, the perfect gift can serve as a reminder of your bond, no matter the distance.
This list showcases 20 thoughtful best friend moving away gifts that will surely tug at the heartstrings of both you and your bestie. Get ready to shed a few happy tears as you explore these touching farewell ideas!
1. Customized Friendship Jewelry
Jewelry is always a great way to express your love, and customized friendship pieces can add that extra touch of sentimentality.
Think matching necklaces or bracelets engraved with each other’s initials or a significant date.
You could go for a simple yet elegant design like a bar necklace or a more intricate piece like a charm bracelet featuring symbols that represent your friendship.
Wearing these tokens will remind your best friend of you every day, no matter how far apart you are.
Plus, it can be a fun activity to pick out the pieces together before they leave!
Here are some tips for choosing the perfect piece:
– Personalize it with meaningful engravings.
– Pick a style that matches your best friend’s aesthetic.
– Consider materials: sterling silver, gold-plated, or even birthstones.
This gift not only showcases your affection but also becomes a cherished keepsake they can carry with them.
2. A Memory Scrapbook
Nothing says ‘I’ll miss you’ quite like a heartfelt memory scrapbook.
Gather photos, notes, and mementos from your time together and arrange them in a beautifully crafted book.
You can include little details like captions, doodles, or quotes that resonate with your friendship.
This project can turn into a fun day spent reminiscing, flipping through old pictures, and recalling shared laughs.
Make sure to leave some blank pages for your friend to add new memories from their new adventure!
Here are some unique ideas to enhance the scrapbook:
– Use washi tape and stickers for decoration.
– Include little envelopes for letters.
– Create a special section for future plans and dreams.
It’s a lovely way to celebrate your friendship while giving them something to cherish as they start their new chapter.
3. A Fun Care Package
Moving to a new place can be overwhelming, so why not send your friend off with a fun care package?
Fill it with their favorite snacks, cozy socks, personal care items, and maybe a few essentials they might forget.
You can even add a handwritten letter to give it that personal touch.
Aim for items that will remind them of home and bring comfort during the transition.
Here are some fun ideas to include:
– Their favorite candy or snacks.
– A cozy blanket or themed mug.
– A journal where they can jot down new experiences.
This thoughtful gesture shows that you care and want to make their move a little smoother.
4. A Customized Map Art
Map art is not just decor; it’s a reminder of your shared adventures.
Get a custom print that highlights important places in your friendship, like where you met, favorite hangouts, or even where they’re moving to.
You can create a collage or a simple print that marks these spots with hearts or stars.
This will be a stunning piece they can hang on their wall in their new place, reminding them of the fun times you’ve had together.
Consider including a quote about friendship or travel to personalize it further.
Here are some tips for making it special:
– Choose a color scheme that fits their new home.
– Include small notes about each location.
– Frame it beautifully to enhance its presentation.
A customized map art piece is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and adventure!
5. A Personalized Photo Calendar
Help your best friend keep track of dates with a personalized photo calendar.
Select a dozen of your favorite pictures together and pair them with important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or planned visits.
Each month will become a sweet reminder of your bond and the memories you’ve created together.
You can make it even more special by adding fun captions or inside jokes for each month.
Consider these tips while creating the calendar:
– Choose a mixture of silly and sentimental photos.
– Think about including motivational quotes for each month.
– Opt for a layout that fits their personal style.
This functional yet thoughtful gift will keep you close in their heart, no matter the distance!
6. An Adventure Fund Jar
Every new beginning deserves a little adventure!
Create a personalized adventure fund jar for your friend.
Decorate a jar and label it with something fun like ‘Future Adventures’ or ‘Travel Fund’.
You can start it off with a little cash or coins and empty it out occasionally for spontaneous trips or activities in their new city.
It’s not just a gift; it’s a promise of future adventures together!
To make it special, you could add a few ideas of places they might enjoy exploring in their new city on slips of paper to get them excited.
– Include a cute note explaining how it works.
– Decorate the jar with stickers that resonate with your friendship.
– Encourage friends and family to contribute as well.
This fun gift will surely inspire your friend to explore and make new memories while keeping you close in spirit.
7. A Friendship Blanket (Don’t Miss This One!)
A friendship blanket is a cozy way to let your friend know that they’ll always have a piece of you with them.
Opt for a soft, warm blanket that can be embroidered or printed with a meaningful quote or date.
Every time they wrap themselves in it, they’ll feel embraced by your friendship, no matter the miles that separate you.
This gift is not just practical for cold nights but also serves as a comforting reminder of your bond.
Consider these suggestions when choosing the perfect blanket:
– Pick colors that resonate with their style.
– Choose a fabric that’s soft and high quality.
– Include a little tag with a personal message.
This heartfelt gift will surely make them smile and remember the moments you’ve shared!
8. A Personalized Playlist
Music has a way of connecting people, and a personalized playlist is a sweet gift idea.
Curate a list of songs that remind you of your best times together, and include some tracks that resonate with their new journey.
You can share it digitally or burn it to a CD and decorate the case for that personal touch.
Adding a small note explaining why you chose each song will make it even more special.
Consider these tips to make your playlist memorable:
– Include a mix of their favorites and some new discoveries.
– Create a cover design that reflects your friendship.
– Send them updates with new songs to add over time.
This thoughtful musical gift will not only keep your memories alive but will also become a soundtrack for their new adventure!
9. A DIY Care Package Recipe Book
Cooking together is often a cherished memory in friendships, so why not create a DIY care package recipe book?
Compile a book of your favorite recipes, including those you’ve cooked together and new ones your friend can try in their new place.
You can also include personal notes about each recipe—perhaps a funny story about a cooking disaster or a special memory related to it.
Include recipes that are easy and quick for weeknight meals, as well as a few indulgent treats for when they want to celebrate.
Here are some ideas to get started:
– Include sections for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts.
– Add a few cooking tips or your favorite cooking hacks.
– Consider including recipe cards they can fill out with their own creations.
This gift will remind them of you every time they try out a recipe, keeping your culinary adventures alive.
10. A Personalized Puzzle
Puzzles can be a fun and engaging way to celebrate your friendship.
Create a customized puzzle featuring a memorable photo of you two or a favorite location.
As they assemble the pieces, they’ll not only be reminded of the good times but also have a new piece of decor for their home once completed.
Including a heartfelt note that explains the significance of the photo adds an extra touch.
Consider these tips for making it special:
– Choose a high-quality photo that captures a special moment.
– Opt for a puzzle size that’s manageable for them.
– Encourage them to invite friends over to assemble it together.
This way, your gift becomes a fun activity and a beautiful reminder of your friendship.
11. A Travel Journal
A travel journal is perfect for your bestie who’s moving away to a new city.
This thoughtful gift will encourage them to document their new experiences, adventures, and feelings about their journey.
You could even start the first few pages with prompts or quotes to inspire them.
Every time they open it, they’ll think of you cheering them on from afar.
Here are some tips to personalize the journal:
– Include sections or prompts for each month.
– Add pockets for tickets or postcards.
– Write a personal message on the first page.
This gift will allow them to look back on their journey and remember the support of their friends.
12. A Personalized Coffee Mug
For the coffee lover in your life, a personalized coffee mug can be a daily reminder of your friendship.
You can choose to have a fun quote, a significant date, or even a cute illustration that represents your bond printed on the mug.
Every sip will evoke warm memories and a sense of connection, even if you’re miles apart.
Consider including some of their favorite coffee or tea to go alongside the mug for a sweet surprise.
Here are a few ideas for personalizing:
– Choose colors or designs that match their personality.
– Add a small note inside the mug for an extra thoughtful touch.
– Opt for an insulated mug if they travel a lot.
Each morning will become a little brighter with this thoughtful gift.
13. A Plant with a Meaningful Note
Plants symbolize growth and new beginnings, making them a perfect farewell gift.
Choose a low-maintenance plant that suits their lifestyle, like a succulent or snake plant.
Attach a note explaining the significance of the plant and how you hope it will thrive just like your friendship.
This will remind them to care for it, just as you both care for each other.
Here are some ideas to make it special:
– Choose a pot that matches their aesthetic.
– Include care instructions, especially if they’re new to plants.
– Consider adding a small decorative sign with a quote about friendship.
This gift will bring life to their new space and symbolize your bond continuing to grow.
14. A Customized Blanket with Photos
Turn cherished memories into cozy comfort with a customized blanket featuring your favorite photos together.
Select pictures that capture the essence of your friendship, and arrange them thoughtfully on a soft throw.
Every time they snuggle under it, they’ll be wrapped in warmth and nostalgia, feeling your friendship across the miles.
This blanket can become a centerpiece in their new home, showcasing your memories in a playful yet warm manner.
Here are some tips for creating a beautiful blanket:
– Choose a color scheme that compliments their decor.
– Pick a mix of candid and posed photos to tell a story.
– Consider adding a quote or date to personalize it further.
This gift beautifully combines comfort and sentiment, perfect for your best friend moving away.
15. A Heartfelt Letter or Video Message
Sometimes, the simplest gifts are the most touching. A heartfelt letter or a video message can capture your feelings perfectly.
Write down your favorite memories, express your hopes for the future, and let your friend know how much they mean to you.
You can even create a video montage of your adventures with music and captions to make it extra special.
This personal touch will resonate deeply, reminding them of the beautiful bond you share.
Consider these tips for crafting your message:
– Use a fun format like storytelling or a list of ‘Top 10 Memories’.
– Make it colorful and visually appealing if it’s a letter.
– Keep it genuine and from the heart.
This gift is sure to evoke tears, laughter, and a deep sense of connection.
16. A Virtual Experience Together
Even if you’re separated by distance, you can still enjoy experiences together. Consider gifting a virtual class or an online experience that you can both participate in.
From cooking classes to digital escape rooms, there’s a wide range of options available.
This way, you can make new memories while being apart, and it gives you both something to look forward to.
Here are some ideas for fun virtual experiences:
– A cooking class featuring a cuisine they love.
– A virtual wine tasting or cocktail-making class.
– An online art workshop for creative fun.
These shared experiences will keep the bond strong while you both embrace new adventures.
17. A Travel Map with Pins
Help your friend document their new adventures with a travel map.
This map can be a wall decoration where they can pin locations they’ve visited or plan to visit during their time in the new city.
You can also provide them with some initial pins to get started!
Including a small note with suggestions of places to visit will make it even more special.
Consider these tips when gifting a travel map:
– Choose a design that suits their home decor.
– Provide fun pushpins in different colors.
– Include a small guide of must-visit places or hidden gems in their new city.
This gift will be a constant reminder of your friendship as they explore and create new memories.
18. A Friendship Recipe Box
If you both love to cook, consider gifting a friendship recipe box.
Fill it with your favorite recipes and some space for your friend to add their own.
You can even include handwritten notes or little tips that make your recipes unique.
This way, they can not only recreate old favorites but also discover new ones in their new home.
Here are some suggestions for creating an awesome recipe box:
– Choose a beautiful box that reflects their style.
– Include dividers for different meal types.
– Add some cooking tools or spices to kickstart their culinary journey.
This gift combines practicality with sentiment, perfect for a best friend who loves to create in the kitchen!
19. A Customized Travel Mug
For friends on the go, a customized travel mug is both practical and sentimental.
Personalize it with a favorite quote, your names, or a design that represents your friendship.
Every time they enjoy a hot beverage, they’ll think of you, keeping your bond alive even when you’re apart.
Consider these tips for customizing the perfect travel mug:
– Choose an insulated model to keep drinks hot or cold.
– Use colors that match their personality or favorite things.
– Include a photo on the bottom for a surprise!
This functional gift is sure to be appreciated as they transition into their new life.
20. A ‘When You’re Missing Me’ Box
Create a special ‘When You’re Missing Me’ box filled with little gifts for different occasions.
Each item can have a theme, like ‘When you want to celebrate’, ‘When you’re feeling lonely’, or ‘When you need a laugh’.
This way, your friend will have something to reach for when they miss you, ensuring they feel your love even when you’re miles apart.
Ideas for items to include:
– A bottle of bubbly for celebration.
– A funny movie or book for a laugh.
– A sweet treat for comfort.
This gift shows your thoughtfulness and understanding of their feelings, making it a truly unique farewell gift.
Conclusion
Saying goodbye to your best friend is never easy, but with these thoughtful gifts, you can keep your bond strong despite the distance.
From personalized keepsakes to fun experiences, each gift is a reminder that true friendship knows no bounds.
Consider adding your unique touch to these ideas, and remember that it’s the love and thoughtfulness behind the gift that counts the most.
