Mini Makeover: Australian Treats Gift Box

Around this time last year one of my closest friends (who just happened to guest post for me last Tuesday) moved back from 5 years living overseas. She lives in a different state to me and I wanted to surprise her with a ‘welcome home’ gift box upon her return. I decided that I would buy her some Aussie treats that she missed whilst overseas with a note about how she could now have these any time she liked.

Moving home can be equally as daunting as moving overseas and I really wanted her to feel like people were excited that she was home, and who doesn’t love a surprise gift box?! Today I’m going to share what I put in it and why it’s also a great gift for international visitors!

What you’ll need:

• Cheezels These are classic Aussie party food and I couldn’t resist adding them to the box
• Tim Tams I picked two small packets rather than the big one so that she could share if she wanted to, or keep them for herself
• The Natural Confectionery Company Party Mix The Jungle Jellies were always my favourite, but they don’t sell them any more so the party mix is a good second option. There’s something for everyone in them (and Aussie Made!)
• Mint Slice These are much like a Peppermint Pattie with a crumbed base and totally delicious!
• A Box to put them in

This really is as simple as choosing some Aussie treats that you love and finding a box that will fit them all in. I used a packing box with some ribbon around the outside that fit in an express post satchel and also added a card with a note on it. I’m a big believer that you don’t have to necessarily go totally overboard when making something like this, just a few things here and there that will make someone feel special.

If you were going to make up a box like this for a first time visitor to Australia I would also consider adding some other Aussie only things to the box. You could include a travel tube of Vegemite (with the instructions that Less is MORE!) and maybe an Australian magazine or two like Inside Out or Real Living or perhaps Frankie, depending on their tastes. We have some really awesome magazines that are produced in Aus, and I just love sharing them with the world.

If you wanted to get really creative you could make them a mix CD or maybe get them an Aussie CD that they might like. If they’re arriving in the summertime even some sunscreen would probably be appreciated. You can get most of the things from your supermarket (if not all) and could be added to your weekly shop if needed.

Most of these could also be sent overseas to Aussie expats who are missing home. Just check the food restrictions for those countries and the weight of your box as overseas shipping can get out of control really quickly! I remember living overseas and having Cottees Cordial, Freddo Frogs, Milo and Vegemite shipped in because I missed them so much. It’s funny what you don’t realise that you will miss!

Have you ever done anything like this treats gift box? What would be your number one thing to add?

If you do try this, I’d love to see a photo or hear about how it went! Tweet me your pics at: @danniellecresp or instagram me at: @dannielle with the hashtag: #styleforahappyhome