Thoughtful ways to show love from abroad, beyond sending money.
When you live abroad, distance can stretch the heart in unexpected ways. You’ll miss your loved ones’ birthdays. You’ll miss spending Christmas holidays together. You miss the ease of being close; showing up with a small gift, cooking together, being present in ways that money alone can’t replace.
Living abroad makes staying close to loved ones hard. So you do what many people abroad do: you send money home. It helps and shows love in its own way. But sometimes, you want to go beyond the usual. You want your support to feel more personal, and stay connected, for each gift to say “I’m thinking of you,” “I care,” “I’m still here.”
Here are thoughtful gift ideas you can send home that go beyond a simple bank transfer.
1. School Fees Support
Education is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Even a small contribution toward school fees makes a big difference to your siblings.
Instead of sending the money and hoping it’s used for school, you can:
- Pay directly to the school. If they’re in a Canadian university, you use CadRemit to pay their tuition.
- Buy textbooks or learning materials
- Pay for after-school lessons or exam prep classes.
2. Health And Hospital Needs
Life happens, and health expenses often arrive without warning. Your support can be a big relief to your loved ones. Instead of gifting them the money, you can:
- Pay directly at their clinic or hospital.
- Purchase health insurance plans. Many providers would allow remote payments.
- Arrange for annual check-ups for your parents.
- Cover prescription medications or supplements.
This kind of gift is quiet and feels a bit more intentional, as it says, “Your well-being is important to me.”
3. Grocery Or Food Delivery
Who doesn’t love food if they’re not foodies? Food is comfort, and sending groceries is one of the easiest ways to show love. It takes pressure off your loved ones, especially when prices keep rising, and makes their day-to-day feel a little lighter.
You can:
- Order groceries online from nearby stores and have them delivered directly to their homes.
- Arrange monthly market runs so essentials never run out.
- Send special ingredients for holidays and celebrations.
- Pay for vouchers so they can shop from their favourite vendors.
- Order a meal from their favourite local restaurant
- Send pastries or desserts from a bakery they love
- Arrange weekly or monthly meal deliveries for convenience, especially if they work long hours. A meal they didn’t have to cook.
Whether it’s Christmas, Eid, Easter, a wedding, or a birthday, groceries are a practical, thoughtful gift that is always helpful.
4. Data and Phone Airtime Subscriptions
Staying connected isn’t just a convenience; it’s how you stay in touch when being far away. And because your loved ones rely on mobile data for everything from WhatsApp calls to work, gifting them data or airtime can make a bigger difference than it seems.
You can:
- Send monthly data subscriptions so they’re never worried about running out mid-conversation.
- Pay for their home Wi-Fi, giving them reliable internet for work, school, and entertainment, and for keeping in touch with you.
- Top up airtime regularly so quick calls, texts, and urgent check-ins with them are always easy.
It’s a simple gift, but also thoughtful. You’re not just sending data, you’re keeping the connection alive, making every “How are you?” “I miss you,” and shared moments possible, no matter the distance.
5. A Holiday Or Weekend Getaway
Life back home can be stressful for your parents, siblings, or relatives, who might rarely want to take time off. Gifting them a holiday or weekend getaway can be as meaningful as gifting money.
You can:
Even a short break can help them recharge and have more time to spend with you,
- If they’re planning a trip, you can suggest booking their hotel stay.
- Pay for spa or relaxation sessions.
- Arrange local tourist trips or holiday packages.
6. Sponsor Skills Training Or Courses
Not all gifts must be physical. Sometimes the best gift is growth.
Think of:
- Tech courses for your younger relatives
- Hairstyling, makeup, or tailoring classes for them to upskill in.
- Baking and small business workshops
By supporting learning, you help someone gain independence and income opportunities. That’s a gift that continues to give.
7. Home Repairs Or Home Essentials
Maybe the roof leaks. Maybe the house needs painting. Maybe the kitchen is due for an upgrade. Or think about what they use daily or what would make their home more comfortable. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that improve everyday living.
You can:
- Pay contractors directly
- Small appliances like blenders, fans, or electric kettles
- Send a handyman service.
- Home décor pieces that brighten their space
- Kitchen gadgets they wouldn’t splurge on
- Small appliances like blenders, fans, or an electric kettle
These are practical, lasting gifts that improve their quality of life every single day.
8. Care Packages
Nothing says “I know you” like a box filled with their favourite things. It could be snacks they love, beauty products they always use, or simple comforts they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves.
Think about:
- Their favourite skincare or haircare products
- Snacks or chocolates, they enjoy
- Scented candles, teas, or self-care items
- A handwritten note they’ll want to keep forever
A care package creates an experience. It brings back memories, sparks joy, and gives your loved one something to unwrap, and it feels like you’re present with them.
9. Gifts Tailored To Their Personality
The most meaningful gifts are the ones that say, “I see you.” Think about their hobbies, lifestyle, and interests.
- You can get them cooking tools, spices, or recipe books if they enjoy cooking.
- If they’re students, getting a study lamp, stationery, or a backpack works.
- For someone who is a fitness lover, getting them workout gear or supplements can mean the world to them.
- For a new parent, baby essentials or home organizers are thoughtful gifts.
It’s thoughtful, intentional, personal, and everything a gift should be.
10. Create a Legacy Gift They’ll Keep for Years
Give something that grows in value or meaning over time.
You can:
- Create a custom family photo book.
- Commission a portrait of someone special.
- Build a digital family archive with old photos and stories.
- Send a box of unique souvenirs from your new country.
These gifts connect them to your world, not just your remittances.
Money is useful, but when you choose specific gifts. You’re showing more intention, helping in meaningful ways, so your support and presence are felt.
Living abroad doesn’t mean not being there for your loved ones. Whether it’s paying school fees, groceries, data subscriptions, or a quiet weekend getaway, each one says: “I’m here. I remember. I still care.” And sometimes, that is the real gift.
