Great Gift Ideas for Loved Ones Living Abroad

Holiday time can be difficult with friends or family living overseas. As much as we want them back home celebrating the holiday with us, many people simply can not afford to fly home, or get the time off from work. This leaves a question in mind, What is the best way to remember our friends and family members who live abroad, making them feel like they are here with us? There are several gifts that you can send to your loved ones that will make them feel special this holiday season, and below I listed a few ideas that my family and I share with our loved ones abroad. Each of these ideas are ideal for people of all ages.

1. Baked Goods
After my brother moved abroad, he would visit every couple years, and each time he would head over to the corner bakery to purchase the chocolate chip cookies which were exclusive to them. Every Christmas I will send him a couple dozen of his favorite chocolate chip cookies, he says it is the best gift he ever got, and that it was a taste of home from his childhood which he missed. If you know what baked item is your loved ones favorite, why not send them a couple dozen for Christmas and let them relive home, while away.

2. Cookbook
A family and friends cookbook with each persons special recipe with their picture on the page is a nice gift to give. Each time they open the cookbook, they will remember their friends, and family when they glance over at the picture, and then after when they taste the freshly baked food.

3. Digital Picture Frame
A digital picture frame is a great gift idea for friends and family who live far away. Many digital picture frames are recordable, meaning you can record a personal message such as "We miss you, or we love you". Inserting pictures of the entire family, or group of friends will provide a slide show they can enjoy each time they look at it, and they get to hear your voice.

4. Video
A video greeting is another great gift idea for loved ones who do not get home to visit during the holidays. If you are unable to have everyone meet in one place, simply pass the video camera along to different people so they can record their own holiday greeting. This is a nice idea for anyone of any age, each time they feel homesick they can play the video, and enjoy your messages.

5. Airline Tickets
If you are a frequent flyer, and many miles racked up, why not turn them in for a airline ticket gift.
This would be great for grandparents, parents, and young adults who can not afford to purchase tickets to come home for the holidays.

6. Phone Cards
International calling can be expensive, by giving a prepaid phone card as a gift, you will be able to keep in touch with any loved one, or friends living overseas.

7. Gift Basket
Many on line websites like Figis, Swiss Colony, and Harry and David have a great selection of gift baskets for people of all ages and genders. They even offer special pricing to military, APO, and FPO addresses.