What would you give to the friend moving to another town?

Hi Jenny I have same problem so shall wait and see what suggestions are put forward. Neighbours are doing a socially distant get together for her and collection but I would like to get my own gift for her

Well, maybe a bunch of photos will do? If you've been friends for a long time and you have shared memories, then you can probably collect some photos of you two and print them out or give her a photo book. I know that Shutterfly does that. Or, if you don't want to give her a gift that is a thing, then make a slideshow out of your photos and she can re-watch it whenever she wants, too. I'm not a great expert when it comes to all the computer stuff, but I know that Smartshow 3d is a rather good program for that, my DD used when my DGD was turning 18, and we've got a very heartfelt slideshow at her Birthday party. Probably your friend would like it, too

Same here. My friend is today inspecting a flat in a town about 150 miles away. I shall miss her. And would like to give her a gift, if she goes, so I'll be watching this thread. It's tricky because she is having to downsize and get rid of lots of possessions so I don't want to clutter her up.

Monk yep, I feel it. I'd like it to be something from me only, not from a group of people.

I've had an idea. I always pass on my regular magazine to her.
So I could now buy her an annual subscription to that magazine.

Some books of stamps, so you can write proper newsy letters to each other every so often, and some nice notepaper and matching envelopes.

I know there’s texts, e mails, phone calls etc. but a letter in the post is always welcome I think, or is that just me?

The magazine subscription is a great idea! Very thoughtful. And I like the idea of providing her with a parting gift of some lovely notepaper and stamps. An old friend of mine (known her since I was 18) has an aversion to the telephone and new technology. Her time is taken up with caring for her 90+ father. I have been sending her a notelet every month to keep in touch. I look forward to hearing back from her regularly.

Calendargirl

Some books of stamps, so you can write proper newsy letters to each other every so often, and some nice notepaper and matching envelopes.

I know there’s texts, e mails, phone calls etc. but a letter in the post is always welcome I think, or is that just me?

Not just you at all, Calendargirl!

I write letters to my youngest grandson. He only lives a few miles away but I sent a couple of cards/letters to them both during lockdown. The younger one eagerly wrote back so it's now become a regular thing.

He is 9 and apparently waits for the postman to see if he's got a letter!

So it's not just the older generation that enjoys handwritten letters

a photo of the 2 of you?
a nice picture to go on the wall?
a plant/ornament/something for the garden?

How about some notelets from somewhere like NT shop and a nice fountain pen. I still write letters and I love using my new bamboo pen.

Lovely ideas, especially the magazine subscription. Alternatively an apron or a pair of oven gloves for her to remember you on a daily basis.
Nothing too bulky as she might be trying to declutter in her move.

Personally I would love a magazine subscription. We swap magazines within our street. Gardening magazines, saga, and check out Landscape Magazine which someone left on my doorstep recently. I’d never heard of it or read one before - I was impressed.

When we moved away my friend and neighbour went very quiet and I thought she was cross with me and then she gave me a patchwork cushion she had been making for me. I still have it many, many years later (but I have lost touch with her!)
I was so touched. So I suggest something handmade or hand decorated would be best but a magazine subscription would be nice or even a book about her new area, with walks and so on for when you go and stay.

I was given a Garden Gift voucher when I moved away from an area I lived in to be used when I'd settled in my new home so that I would have a living memory of our friendship.
Not much use without a garden but I suppose it could purchase an indoor plant. I bought rose bushes with my voucher.

I was given Landscape magazine as a present and I love it. Such a nice idea.