...and don't forget to write!

February 2, 2011 1:22 PM

Another gift-filter: our friend is moving back to China!

A well-loved colleague at Big Ad Agency is moving to Beijing for new work. Although she was born there, we would like to create a China Survival Kit as a kind-of-funny-yet-thoughtful going-away gift.

As somewhat ugly Americans, what would the contents of this kit be? Go nuts. We don’t know what we’re doing.

posted by functionequalsform to Grab Bag (3 answers total)

Best answer: When I moved to China several years ago, my family and friends hosted a little going away party and gave me lots of really thoughtful gifts--most of which I couldn't take with me on the plane due to luggage restrictions. So, definitely pick things that are light. I would also suggest putting together a little "things to keep you busy while you pack kit" (food, music, alcohol, etc.).

What I really, really loved:

- Pictures . . . I immediately hung pictures of my friends and family in my new apartment.
- Packages and letters filled with my favorite foods, things I was missing and warm wishes . . . sent to my address in China. Letters and little things mailed from the U.S. made me feel top drawer.
- Books . . . if she likes to read, send her new bestsellers/things she would like. I often had trouble accessing the latest things I wanted to read.
- Best gift ever: Music/playlists! My sister made me mix tapes to listen to on the airplane . . . in the flurry of preparing to move I didn't have time to do this for myself. She also made me one three years later, when I was moving back. She included a mix of songs that were humorous and songs that represented my emotions at the time (e.g. change, moving on, etc.).
posted by WaspEnterprises at 1:42 PM on February 2, 2011

Best answer: Maybe a one year subscription to a quality VPN so she may freely surf across the Great Firewall?
posted by sharkfu at 1:45 PM on February 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Best answer: If she's into wine, get her some good German Rieslings, or other not-popular-with-the-noveau-riche types of wine (like high-quality new world reds). They're just not available in BJ. At all (Maison Boulud excluded).

Witopia offer a good VPN (iPad/Phone compatible).
posted by flippant at 2:16 PM on February 2, 2011