Saying goodbye to someone heading off on a trip can be bittersweet. You want to wish them well, but you also feel sad about not having them around for a while. A thoughtful bon voyage gift is a great way to send them off with your love and let them know you’ll be thinking of them while they’re gone. With a little creativity and personalization, you can pack a gift box full of useful items and heartfelt touches they’ll remember long after the trip ends.
Pick a Theme
This gift is all about the journey they’re embarking on, so pick a theme that fits the destination or purpose of their trip. A beach vacation may warrant a “sun and fun” box filled with sunglasses, sunscreen, and seashells. If they’re headed somewhere cold, create a “stay warm” box with gloves, a scarf, and hand warmers. Or if it’s a backpacking adventure, make an “explore” box with a compass, hiking socks, and trail mix.
Get creative and make the theme meaningful. For example, if they are going on a soul-searching journey, make a “find yourself” box with a journal, meditation music, and an inspirational book. Or if it’s a romantic getaway, do a “love is in the air” box with a photo album, love note prompts, and mixed CD. Let the theme reflect their unique story and interests.
Tailor it to Their Interests
Think about the recipient’s hobbies and passions so you can include gifts that speak to what they enjoy. An avid reader would appreciate a new novel, book light, and comfy airplane pillow. For a foodie, fill the box with exotic spices, artisanal snacks, or a gift card to try local cuisine. Include playing cards for someone who loves games, a travel journal, and a nice pen for a writer.
Get super creative and tailor every item to their unique likes. For instance, if they are a film buff, include foreign films set in the country they are visiting. If they love music, pre-load a music player with a playlist inspired by their destination. Even small trinkets can be themed to their interests, like guitar picks for a musician or paint brushes for an artist. With thoughtful personalization, every gift can resonate.
Pack the Essentials
No matter where they’re headed, there are some practical items that will come in handy:
Travel-size toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion
Bandages and medications like motion sickness tablets, antacids, pain relievers
Hand wipes and sanitizer for on-the-go cleanliness
Tissues and lip balm for dry airplane air
Earplugs, sleep mask, and comfortable socks for resting during the trip
Snacks like nuts, energy bars, and gum for when they need a quick bite
Chargers, adapter, and backup battery for device charging on the go
Make it Personal
Along with the practical items, include sentimental gifts that will remind the recipient of your connection:
Handwritten cards and letters to open during their trip
Customized photo book highlighting your favorite memories together
Inside jokes – trinkets referencing things just the two of you would find funny
Copy of your favorite book, album, movie, or game to share what you enjoy
DIY coupon book with “IOUs” for future get-togethers after they return – dinners, activities, quality time, etc.
An embroidered brooch that you can find in any embroidery company. It must have an Inspiring quote or coordinates of your special place for them to pin to their bag or jacket to keep you close during their travels
Include Something Local
Add a touch of the locale by including something representative of the place they’ll be visiting. This could be food items like chocolates, cookies, or coffee if they’re traveling somewhere known for those. Or souvenirs like a postcard, miniaturized landmark replica, or item with the city/country name printed on it.
Even if you don’t know exactly where they’re headed, including something symbolic of travel in general, like a passport cover or luggage tag, fits the theme.
Pack Something Useful for the Return
While most items in the box will be for use during the trip itself, you can also include a gift to welcome them home when the journey ends:
Their favorite treat or food they’ve missed while away
Flowers or a small plant for their home
Gift card for a meal at their favorite local restaurant
Toiletries or comfy loungewear to unwind after traveling
Handmade welcome home sign
Photos printed from their trip to reminisce over together
Putting It All Together
Once you’ve gathered items for your Bon Voyage box, arrange everything in a sturdy box or tote bag, using tissue paper, shreds, or crinkle-cut paper to cushion the gifts. For an extra thoughtful touch, include a printed packing list detailing all the enclosed gifts.
If desired, create a theme around the packaging as well – decorate with washi tape in the colors of their destination’s flag, include stickers or luggage tags with the city name, or tie ribbons around the handle in the color of the location on a map.
However you choose to package and personalize it, your Bon Voyage gift box lets your loved one know how much you’ll miss them, and provides the comforts of home as well as excitement about the journey ahead while they are away. The time and care you put into selecting meaningful gifts they can use during their trip shows how much you cherish your relationship and look forward to celebrating their return.
