Continued...... Nephew is nearly 20, will be going on a 4 week training course, then abroad to look for a job. What can I give him that will be useful, small, portable and possibly something he's going to need that he won't have thought of himself. Any ideas, ladies?
When mine have left I have always bought a laundry basket and filled it with cleaning products, tea towels, Persil, Comfort and stain remover, dusters, kitchen roll, loo roll and toilet brush and cleaner.
I gave each of my daughters a set of luggage. - the kind that fits one piece inside the other so didn't take up much room. Various pieces went with them on their travels and they then, when they got their first flats, provided 'top of the wardrobe' storage.
I bought my daughter a St Christopher when she went travelling three years ago, and she's never taken it off. Very small and on a longer chain to go under the neck of her t shirt, as I worry about jewellery thieves ripping necklaces off your neck.
Young people can be very careless with money and cards. DS2 rang up from Barcelona to ask me to cancel his cards - they had been in his back pocket. Would you believe it?
I made a small first aid kit when each of my children went abroad, in a plastic see-through bag, so they could see at a glance what was in it. Made all the items as small as possible. As far as I remember, it it included: a box of matches, plasters, needle and thread, disinfectant, ibuprofen, antihistamines. Also gave them a small swiss knife with all the essentials.
Just make a contribution to his expenses. Young people these days have very particular ideas, and even the best thought out gifts may be left behind when they go. Having said that, I did put together a few travel items as suggested above, and sent them with DS2 as presents for DS3 and girlfriend when they all met up in California for Christmas..
Got a lovely thank you WhatsApp from both of them. The compact cutlery set was especially appreciated.
Your nephew is not backpacking, though, so will have other needs. If money is too abstract an idea, how about gift voucher for a good backpack or suitcase. This is something that benefits from being better quality which he may not be able to afford otherwise.