A Goodbye Craft

It is often difficult to find the perfect gift for a friend or a loved one that is leaving. Nothing seems good enough. Try a different approach and make a goodbye gift instead of purchasing one. It is simple and fun while it also expresses your love and affection for your departing friend.

  1. Memory Box

    • A memory box is very easy to make. Simply take an old shoe box and cover the outside and the lid with construction paper (a brown paper bag will also suffice). Next tape or glue photos or pictures cut from magazines around the outside of the box. For instance, if you once went to a New York Yankees game with your friend, cut out a photo of one of the players or the stadium and tape or glue it to the box. Also consider writing messages on the outside of the box. Write anything from a note to an inside joke the two of you had. Finish up by placing "memories" in the box, such as pictures, souvenirs from a trip you took together or anything that reminds you of him. Use your imagination.

    Picture Frame

    • Buy an ordinary wooden picture frame. Use glitter pens, markers, and stickers to decorate the outer edges of the frame. Personalize the frame for the individual. Pick out the perfect picture to place inside. A good idea for a picture would be one with the two of you together, or perhaps one with the individual who is leaving that brings back a memory of his time in what will be his former home.

    Memory Board

    • Buy a 2-foot-wide tack board. Either paint the board or cover it in construction paper. Painting is a better option as construction paper may tear or fall. Find pictures of the individual who is going away or pictures of things that she loved. Write messages and memories on the board. Use glitter, markers, and stickers to decorate the board.

    Signature Shirt

    • All you need is a white t-shirt or white button-down shirt. Find different colored permanent sharpie markers. Write messages, draw pictures or write about memories in different colors all over the shirt. Pass the shirt around to the recipient's other friends as well and allow them to share their thoughts and memories. While the shirt certainly CAN be worn upon completion, it will keep much better if it is simply saved as a keepsake.