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DIY Going Away Gifts For Best Friends [TOP PICKS]

ByBen
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When someone close to you is about to embark on a new chapter in life-whether that’s a move across the country, a major career change, or just a shift in their personal journey-it’s natural to want to send them off with a meaningful gift. However, choosing the right going-away gift for your best friend can be tricky. You want something that reflects the depth of your relationship, speaks to their personality, and somehow encapsulates all the memories and emotions you both share. But it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A DIY gift that comes from the heart can often be the most meaningful way to say goodbye.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of DIY going-away gifts for best friends. From understanding what your friend truly wants to avoiding common gift-giving mistakes, you’ll get practical tips, creative ideas, and a little bit of inspiration to make the process of choosing and creating a thoughtful, personal gift a lot easier and more fun.

10 DIY Going Away Gifts For Best Friends

1. Scrapbooking Supplies

If you want to give your best friend a heartfelt gift that captures all the amazing memories you’ve shared, scrapbooking is an absolute winner. You can mix photos, ticket stubs, handwritten notes, and little doodles to create something so personal that it’ll make them tear up (in a good way!). Plus, it’s fun and super creative – you can get playful with colors, textures, and stickers. Honestly, it’s like a mini time capsule of your friendship.

Even better, with all the scrapbooking supplies available these days, you can really tailor the gift to their personality. From glittery embellishments to chic washi tapes, there’s something for every vibe. You’ll have so much fun putting it together, and your friend will cherish it forever because it’s one-of-a-kind.

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2. Candle Making Kits

Candles are cozy, thoughtful, and something anyone can enjoy, but making them yourself? That’s a whole new level of personal touch. A DIY candle kit lets you mix scents, colors, and even embed tiny trinkets or notes. Imagine your friend lighting it and thinking, ’Wow, they actually made this for me.’ It’s such a warm, personal gesture and also a really fun craft session for you.

The best part is the customization – you can match their favorite scents, pick colors that remind you of inside jokes, or even add glitter for a bit of sparkle. It’s like giving them a little piece of your friendship that they can literally light up every time they miss you. Plus, making candles is just relaxing and oddly satisfying, so it’s a win-win for both of you.

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3. Personalized Jewelry Kits

Jewelry is already a classic gift, but making it yourself? That’s next-level thoughtful. A DIY jewelry kit lets you craft bracelets, necklaces, or charms that literally spell out your friendship. You can add initials, favorite colors, or symbols that mean something special to both of you. Every time they wear it, they’ll be reminded of all the fun memories you’ve shared.

These kits are perfect because they give you creative freedom while still being beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never crafted jewelry before, you’ll end up with something stylish and sentimental. Imagine your friend’s face lighting up when they see a bracelet you painstakingly put together – it’s priceless. Plus, it’s a keepsake that will last way longer than any store-bought gift.

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4. Photo Printing and Framing Kits

Photos are the ultimate memory keepers, but you can make them extra special with DIY frames or albums. These kits let you print your favorite snapshots and assemble them into a beautiful display. You could go classic with a frame, create a mini photo album, or even make a collage wall piece. Every glance will remind your friend of the laughter, adventures, and silly moments you’ve shared.

What’s really cool is that you can get super creative with layouts, decorations, and captions. Whether it’s playful doodles, inspirational quotes, or tiny confetti details, you can personalize it endlessly. It’s the kind of gift that feels like it came straight from your heart – and let’s be real, that kind of thoughtfulness is unforgettable.

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5. Bath Bomb Making Kits

Who doesn’t love a luxurious bath bomb to unwind after a long day? But a bath bomb made by you? That’s next-level pampering! With a DIY kit, you can mix colors, scents, and even add dried flowers or glitter to create spa-quality bath bombs. It’s like giving your friend a mini at-home retreat with a personal twist – they’ll literally feel your love fizzing in the water.

Bath bombs are also super versatile – you can make them relaxing, energizing, or just plain fun. And let’s be honest, they make an Instagram-worthy gift too. The time you spend creating them will feel like bonding with your friend all over again, and the moment they drop it in the tub, they’ll think of you. It’s a gift that keeps on giving – literally, bubble after bubble.

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6. Handmade Soap Kits

Soap is practical, but handmade soap? That’s thoughtful and charming. A DIY soap kit lets you pick scents, colors, shapes, and even textures to make a truly custom gift. You can infuse them with their favorite essential oils or decorate them with dried flowers – every bar will be a little work of art that shows how much you care.

It’s also really fun to make! Melting, molding, adding colors and scents – it’s like edible-looking art that’s totally functional. Your friend will appreciate the effort and creativity, and every time they use it, they’ll think of you. Plus, soap is something everyone needs, so it’s both sentimental and practical.

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7. Memory Jar Kits

Memory jars are such a heart-melting gift because they’re literally filled with your memories. With a DIY memory jar kit, you can write notes, quotes, or tiny messages and decorate them with ribbons, stickers, or confetti. Your friend can pull out a note whenever they miss you, making it a little daily reminder of your friendship.

The beauty of memory jars is that they’re endlessly customizable. You can add funny inside jokes, motivational quotes, or even small keepsakes like charms or photos. It’s the kind of gift that keeps giving long after the day you give it, and honestly, it’s the ultimate ’I’ll miss you, but I’m still with you’ present.

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8. DIY Plant Kits

Plants are awesome gifts because they literally grow with your friendship. A DIY plant kit lets you plant seeds, decorate pots, and nurture them over time. Every sprout will be a tiny reminder of your bond. Plus, crafting the pot and personalizing it with colors, patterns, or messages adds a sweet touch that store-bought plants just can’t match.

These kits are also super therapeutic – planting seeds, decorating pots, and watching growth is oddly satisfying. Your friend will love caring for the plant and thinking of you every time they water it. It’s not just a gift, it’s a living symbol of your friendship that keeps thriving even when you’re apart.

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9. Customized Mug Kits

Mugs are classic, but a mug you made yourself? That’s pure magic. With a DIY mug kit, you can decorate, write messages, and even draw inside jokes that your friend will laugh at every morning with their coffee or tea. It’s personal, functional, and a fun little project to do before they go on their new adventure.

These kits usually come with ceramic markers or paints, so you can get really creative. You could go super artistic, doodle, or just write a heartfelt message. Every time your friend uses the mug, they’ll remember your bond, and honestly, it’s the kind of gift that keeps starting conversations even when you’re apart.

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10. DIY Keychain Kits

Keychains might seem small, but that’s exactly why they’re so perfect as going-away gifts. A DIY keychain kit lets you create something personal, unique, and portable – your friend can carry a little piece of you wherever they go. You can add beads, charms, initials, or little symbols that remind them of your friendship. It’s tiny, but oh so meaningful.

Plus, making keychains is actually really fun! It’s quick, crafty, and perfect if you want a heartfelt gift without spending days crafting. Every time they reach for their keys, they’ll see your creation and think of all the fun memories you shared. It’s the ultimate small-but-powerful reminder of friendship.

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Buyer Guide For DIY Going Away Gifts For Best Friends

When it comes to making a DIY going-away gift, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it’s not only meaningful but also something that will be appreciated and remembered. Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps:

Understand The Emotional Connection

  • Sentimental vs. Practical: Going-away gifts can fall into two categories: sentimental and practical. Sentimental gifts focus on your shared memories or inside jokes, while practical ones serve a functional purpose for your friend’s new life stage.
  • Nostalgia: You want to give something that brings a smile when your friend looks at it years from now. Whether it’s a scrapbook, a memory box, or a framed photo, think about items that spark nostalgia.
  • New Beginnings: If your friend is moving to a new place or starting a new job, a practical gift that helps them settle into their new life can be just as meaningful.

Consider Their Personal Interests

  • Hobbies and Passions: What are they into? Are they a fan of painting, baking, hiking, or photography? A custom DIY gift that reflects their interests will always have that personal touch. For example:

    • A handmade leather notebook for someone who loves writing.
    • A personalized cookbook for someone who enjoys cooking.
  • Style and Aesthetics: Is your friend minimalist or does their space resemble a Pinterest board of eclectic pieces? Match the aesthetic of your DIY project to what you know about their preferences.

Budget Wisely

  • Don’t Overthink Cost: You don’t need to spend a ton of money to create a meaningful gift. Sometimes, the most thoughtful gifts are also the simplest. For example:

    • A jar of “memory moments”, with small notes detailing shared experiences.
    • A hand-painted mug with a phrase or image that reminds you both of a funny inside joke.
  • DIY Doesn’t Mean Cheap: While DIY can be budget-friendly, remember that the value lies in the time and effort you put into the creation. The more personal and unique, the more priceless the gift becomes.

Add Personal Touches

  • Personalized Engravings or Monograms: Think about adding their initials, favorite quotes, or a special date to the gift.
  • Handwritten Notes: Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt letter. Include a note with your DIY gift that expresses your feelings and why you made it just for them.
  • Memory-Based Crafting: For example, creating a scrapbook of your shared adventures or a time capsule with items that represent special moments in your friendship.

How To Learn What Someone Really Wants

Figuring out what your best friend really wants for a going-away gift can be harder than it sounds. They might not always express what they need or might not want to burden you with a list of demands. But there are a few clever ways to get to the heart of what would make them happy:

The Subtle Approach

  • Pay Attention to Conversations: Is your friend constantly mentioning something they want to get, but never actually gets around to buying? Or perhaps they talk about something they’d love to do but haven’t had the chance? This can be a golden clue for your gift.
  • Casual Ask: Mention casually something like, ’Is there anything you”ve been eyeing for your new place or new life”? It’s a simple, non-intrusive way to start gathering ideas.

Ask Their Inner Circle

  • Family and Other Close Friends: Sometimes, the people closest to them will have a better idea of what your friend needs or secretly wants. They may know what’s on their wishlist or could suggest something based on their recent experiences or conversations.

Observe Their Current Needs

  • What’s Missing in Their Life?: If you notice they’re constantly borrowing something from you or complaining about something they don’t have (like a nice travel bag, for instance), that’s a good clue for a practical gift.
  • Plan for the Future: Is your friend moving to a colder climate or a new city? They might need warm accessories like a blanket or a travel journal to document their adventures.

Ask Directly (Without Spoiling The Surprise)

  • If you can’t figure it out, it’s okay to ask your friend directly, especially if they’re moving and you want the gift to be genuinely helpful. Ask them what they’re most excited about and subtly gauge whether any gifts might align with their plans.

Top Gift-Giving Errors To Watch Out For

Gift-giving can be a tricky business, even when you know the person well. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid, so you don’t end up with an awkward or unwanted reaction:

Overthinking The Gift

  • Don’t Try Too Hard: While it’s nice to go all out with an elaborate DIY project, don’t stress if it’s not the most complex thing you could make. Sometimes, simpler gifts are more heartfelt because they feel more genuine.

Ignoring Their Personality

  • Avoid Cliché Gifts: Just because something is ’popular’ doesn’t mean it’s right for your friend. For example, not every person wants a friendship bracelet, even though they’re cute. Consider if it fits their style before committing.
  • Avoid Overly Personal or Intimate Gifts: If you’re not sure whether a particular gift will be appreciated, don’t go too deep. A personalized scent diffuser might not be as well-received as you’d expect if they’re sensitive to scents.

Ignoring The Emotional Context

  • Be Careful with Humor: Humor is a great way to bond, but make sure your joke is the right one for the situation. A light-hearted gift can be perfect if you and your friend have that kind of relationship, but make sure it’s not something that could be misinterpreted.
  • Keep the Mood in Mind: While you want the gift to be thoughtful, don’t forget the emotional weight of a going-away moment. Make sure the tone of your gift reflects the nature of the goodbye.

Choosing A Gift That’s Too Practical

  • Functional Is Fine, But Don’t Forget the Sentimental: If you choose a purely practical gift, such as a set of kitchen utensils or a travel pillow, make sure it has some personal touch that ties it back to your friendship.

Best Places To Shop For Gifts

While DIY gifts often come from your own creativity and effort, there are a few places where you can find materials, inspiration, and unique items that will enhance your gift:

Craft Stores

  • Michael’s or Joann Fabrics: These are great places for all your DIY materials, from art supplies to decorative accents.
  • Etsy: For personalized items, Etsy has a huge variety of options made by independent artisans that can be customized for your best friend.

Online Marketplaces

  • Amazon: If you’re looking for something more practical but still unique (maybe a custom-made item or something high-quality that can serve as a base for your DIY project), Amazon is a one-stop shop.
  • Redbubble and Society6: These platforms allow independent artists to sell their work, so you can find quirky, artistic prints and accessories that will give your gift a distinct flavor.

Home Goods And Lifestyle Stores

  • Target, Ikea, or Urban Outfitters: These places have great options for items that you can personalize, such as throw pillows, blankets, or decorative items for their new home or space.
  • World Market: Perfect for more eclectic or international items that would make a cool, one-of-a-kind going-away gift.

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