I need help with gift ideas. In May, a friend of mine is graduating from college. This summer, she’s going to Korea to do missionary work. I’m not entirely sure how long she’ll be there, but I think she’ll be there at least over the summer and probably longer. Since she’s excited about it, I’d like to get a combination birthday/graduation gift that might be useful while she’s there. The only problem is that I have no idea what that might be. I don’t have tons of money to spend. Anyone have any ideas?
Sewing Kit? Stationary and some international mail stamps? If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with gift certificates.
I would say either clothing or a prepaid calling card good for international calls, since I assume that calling between Korea and the U.S. is fairly expensive.
Perhaps some essentials such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste. These things sound prosaic, but your friend may not be working in a developed area, and such touches of home might be appreciated.
Stationery is always a good idea, especially if you take some of the envelopes and address them to yourself. She’ll know that you want to hear from her, and she’ll be sure to write.
Another good idea is a “care” package filled with some treats that may not be readily available. Some Oreos, animal crackers, goldfish crackers, M&Ms. Whatever her favorite little treat is. Enjoying some Cracker Jack might help her overcome some homesickness some evening.
Since you don’t have a lot to spend, maybe a photo or memory album would be a good idea. You may not have photos of yourselves together (enough to fill an entire album), but write down some memories that she can enjoy if she’s feeling homesick. I think if someone is spending a few months away from home in a different country (especially at so young an age) they would want to feel as if they’d taken something of home with them. Maybe you can come up with some more ideas, keeping this in mind. Good luck. You’re very thoughtful to want to give your friend something special.