How to Bid a Friend Farewell

About 25 percent of the United States population will relocate this year. Families will move in and out of neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominium complexes, apartment buildings, and other residences.

Chances are, someone you know and love will move away this year. Sadly, you'll promise to call and write and e-mail. You may even plan a trip to visit these folks. After all, it's nice to have friends in other places too!

Here are seven gifts of whimsy and wisdom to wish your fine friends well, as they depart for their new home.

A Pail of Plenty:

Fill a bucket, basket, or beautiful bag with a bounty of beloved items. Pick a theme that reflects the recipient. Is he a golfer? Is she a gardener? Do they love gourmet foods? Select a set of fun little presents that fit their interest.

Keep in Touch Kit:

Purchase a collection of cute writing papers, envelopes, and pens. Add a roll of postage stamps. Include an address book. Fill in addresses of friends and family, if you can. Don't forget to list telephone numbers and e-mail addresses!

Frame It Up:

Buy or make a pretty photo frame. Fill it with a special picture of you and your departing friends, so they will have a sweet memento of your time together.

Shoot 'Em on the Spot:

Purchase several disposable cameras. At a going-away party, invite all the guests to take pictures. Send the cameras with the folks who are moving, or develop the pictures and send the entire set to your friends at their new address. (They will love receiving new mail, particularly after a few weeks, when they may miss you the most!)

Most photo developers will also produce a CD-rom or load photos onto a web-site for sharing, if you wish. As another option, you could load all the photos into an online photo album, and e-mail the link to your relocated friends.

On-the-Road Comfort Kit:

Pick a pretty box, cookie tin or container. Fill it up with treats, snacks, and trinkets to keep the family comfortable and entertained during their journey to their new home. Include travel-sized games and puzzles for the kids, coloring books and crayons, paint-with-water books, playing cards, crossword puzzle books, a music CD to play in the car, and more.

Scrapbook Story:

Create a special scrapbook to highlight the many good times you have shared. Add handwritten comments to memorable photographs. Include stickers, clip-art, rubber-stamping or other special touches. Be creative, and have fun. Get the kids involved too!

Words That Bless:

Write a letter that expresses what their friendship means to you. Tuck your note into a lovely card. This will become a treasured memory. Include a special photo, if you have one.