When living abroad, the holiday season often comes with a little ache in the heart — the feeling of not being physically present with your family.
But giving a gift remains a beautiful way to say, “I’m thinking of you.” The challenge is finding ideas that are easy to send, not too fragile, and full of meaning.
Here’s a selection of simple, heartfelt ideas perfect for expatriates who want to bring joy despite the distance.
A box of local products
Giving a little piece of your host country is a charming idea.
Choose a few local specialties that are easy to ship: tea, coffee, spices, artisanal cookies, jams, or regional chocolates.
Arrange them nicely in a box or small basket, and add a personal note: “A little piece of our new life to warm your heart.”
A delicious and meaningful gift that easily crosses borders.
A photo album or personalized book
Photos remain one of the most touching gifts to give, especially from afar.
Gather your best memories of the year — trips, birthdays, everyday moments — and create a photo book or personalized calendar.
Websites like Photobox, Cheerz, or Lalalab let you print and ship directly from abroad, often with fast and reliable delivery.
It’s the kind of gift that truly touches the heart because it tells a story — your story.
A subscription box delivered directly
To avoid complicated international shipping, you can give a gift subscription delivered directly in France.
A few ideas:
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A gourmet box (Le Petit Ballon, Gourmibox, or La Thé Box),
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A wellness or beauty box (Blissim, Prescription Lab),
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A book subscription box (Once Upon a Book or Kube),
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A cultural or music subscription (Spotify, Audible, Netflix).
It’s a simple way to offer a surprise that lasts for months, without worrying about postal logistics.
A handwritten letter or card
Sometimes, simplicity has more impact than any package.
Taking the time to write a real letter, adding a few photos, a child’s drawing, or a little story from daily life — that’s a gift in itself.
You can even slip in a few small, flat keepsakes — a postcard, a concert ticket, a dried flower — to bring the paper to life.
This intimate and sincere gesture remains one of the most precious things to receive during the holidays.
A symbolic piece of jewelry or accessory
For a light yet lasting gift, think of a small piece of jewelry, a keychain, a French scarf, or a handcrafted candle.
Choose an item that tells a story: a stone symbolizing protection, a token of friendship, or a design inspired by your host country.
Tucked into a padded envelope, this kind of gift travels well and keeps all its emotional value.
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