My boyfriend and I have always lived in separate states. Luckily, it didn’t take us long to realize that clever and thoughtful long distance relationship gifts can help bridge the gap between in-person visits. With the majority of our communication taking place via FaceTimes, texts, phone calls, and emails, trading tangible gifts—including love letters, just because—has made all the difference.
Typical long distance relationship gifts like flowers are great, but the best ideas go beyond fresh cut stems to instead give you activities to do together, or provide moments of meaningful connection. A wine subscription, for example, is an easy way to create a new tradition—discovering your new favorite wines together over a weekly FaceTime happy hour. A beautiful journal sent back and forth between you two each month is another great avenue for love letters, secret messages, or to record parts of your day you didn’t get a chance to share on the phone. Before you know it, you’ve written a book on your relationship without even meaning to.
Especially while we’re social distancing, now is the time to send your person a clever gift that makes them feel loved. Here, 21 long distance relationship gift ideas that truly go the distance.
Take a Class Together
Learning something together gives you another exciting topic to discuss each day.
Enhance Your FaceTime Calls
An iPad mini makes for a fun gift that upgrades your FaceTime calls, too.
Go Hands-Free
Because propping your iPad up against the wall just won’t cut it when you’re cooking together, or having a drink over FaceTime.
Discover Your New Favorite Wine
Buy your sweetie a wine subscription and instate a weekly happy hour so you can catch up all while discovering your new favorite wines.
Luxuriate At Home
Waffle robes and slippers are hotel staples. Buy this set by Hay for some at-home luxury.
Go On a Health Kick
This cookbook is filled with 250 healthy recipes you can try cooking over Zoom.
Cozy Up
A weighted blanket can feel like a hug. Drape one over your feet to feel closer to one another during FaceTime movie nights.
Share a Cup of Joe
Start a new ritual together—enjoying a cup of coffee together before the day begins.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
Buying you and your person a lemon tree makes for a fun hobby. Compare notes as you get to know how much water and sunlight your tree needs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor when the lemons ripen.
Take Note
Send this beautiful journal back and forth, documenting your relationship along the way.
Find Some Zen
Send your sweetheart a new yoga mat, and start streaming workouts together.
Watch a Double Feature
A projector that’s easy to set up means a night at the movies without leaving your homes.
Write Love Letters
Keep things playful with these playing card-inspired notecards. Try to challenge yourself to write a love letter once a week until the cards run out.
Share a Signature Scent
Find a signature scent you both love. Every time you put it on, you’ll think of one another.
Play Games
In a long distance relationship, a pretty puzzle is the type of game you’ll actually want to play together.
Set the Mood
A new record player will ensure the vibe is always right when they’re at home.
Play Your Song
Send them a record by their favorite artist to really hit it home.
Always Feel at Home
Buy a lovely smelling diffuser for each place, and you’ll feel at home no matter whose apartment you’re at.
Frame Your Memories
Artifact Uprising simplifies the framing process. Upload your memories for framed prints that will arrive ready to hang.
Have a Spa Night (At Home)
This face mask will leave you both with glowing skin.
Monogram It
Computers and phones are central to long distance relationships. Get a monogrammed laptop sleeve for safe-keeping.
