Life

The best gift ideas for people in long-distance relationships

Absence may make the heart grow fonder, but gifts are nice, too.
By Leah Stodart  on 
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collage of gifts
Credit: mashable photo composite / jackbox games / winc / embie design / apple / facebook

Long-distance relationships are the epitome of bittersweet.

A perpetual ache takes the place of the company you wish you were keeping; whoever said "absence makes the heart grow fonder" was really onto something. They were also corny as hell, but mushy quotes elicit less of an eye roll when you treasure falling asleep on FaceTime together every night.

However, LDRs don't have to be as dramatic as Fake Deep Twitter makes them out to be. There are tons of items out there that can make the separation more bearable, especially if your next trip to see each other is still up in the air. Until teleportation is a thing, fill the void with these nifty gifts that can make you feel more connected, keep that spark alive, or simply help your S.O. feel less alone. (The presents can't prevent every downside, but at least they'll give your person reassurance that they're on your mind.)

With Valentine's Day coming up, this is an especially opportune time to let your long-distance loved ones know you're thinking of them with a gift. While some of these gifts are clearly for couples, others aren't limited to a romantic long-distance relationship. Living far away from family members or friends and not seeing them often can be just as hard. Many of these gifts would make just as sweet a gift for your BFF or your family.

red we're not really strangers box
Credit: URBAN OUTFITTERS

'We're Not Really Strangers' (opens in a new tab)

Best For Starting Conversations

Being far away from each other can make genuinely intimate connection feel difficult, but We're Not Really Strangers is a game that can help you keep the spark alive and well. Basically a series of conversation starters for getting Deep™, this game is a fantastic option for a unique long-distance date night. No matter how long you've been together, you can always learn more about each other and strengthen your bond.
heart plant in white vase
Credit: THE SILL

Hoya Heart (opens in a new tab)

Best If They Have A Green Thumb

If your S.O. has an affinity for plants, what says "I love you" more than one that's shaped like a heart? The Sill even sells a duo version of the adorable plant, in case you want to take care of them together from afar.
person touching long distance touch lamp with blue light
Credit: JOHN HARRISON AND VANESSA WHALEN

Long-distance touch lamps (opens in a new tab)

Best For Couples Who Hate Texting

Meet our favorite long-distance gadget for five years running. These colorful touch lamps let your loved ones know you're thinking about them in real-time. After each person connects their lamp to WiFi, they'll sync up, and a quick tap sends a message to the other. (A touch to one lamp will make the other light up.) Get ‘em in a pair for you and your best pal or boo.
two people in matching pjs on colorful blankets
Credit: MEUNDIES

Shortsleeve modal PJ sets from MeUndies (opens in a new tab)

Best For Coordinating Couples

Yes, matching pajamas are cool. Even if you're not in the same place as your lover physically, donning the same cozy giraffe-print loungewear will make you feel a little more connected. This particular pair even has pockets.
letters to open when booklet
Credit: CHRONICLE BOOKS

'Letters to Open When...' (opens in a new tab)

Best For Couples In Different Timezones

It can be hard to find the right moment to talk when your person lives in a different timezone. Letters to Open When... features a collection of writing prompts that you can complete and send to your partner for when you just can't seem to catch each other at a good time. Miss your soulmate but they're sleeping on the other side of the planet? Open one of their letters to hold you over until your next FaceTime session.
disney+ logo
Credit: DISNEY+

Disney+ (opens in a new tab)

Best For Movie Nights

Movie nights are the classic date night plan, and just because you can't get to a theater or cuddle up on the couch doesn't mean you can't still make them happen. Disney+ has a stellar catalogue of movies and shows, as well as a watch party feature that makes streaming in tandem stress-free. 
jackbox party pack 7 logo
Credit: JACKBOX GAMES

A Jackbox party pack (opens in a new tab)

Best For Faraway Friend Groups

While there may never be a party game as competitive as Mario Kart, anything from Jackbox is guaranteed to be a good time. If you and your boo miss hanging out with your friend group, Jackbox makes for the perfect long-distance game night. Each person in the group just has to download the app and put in the room code. (Only one person has to have a Jackbox account.) We're partial to Quiplash 3, which will absolutely expose your less-funny half — but Jackbox has a ton of game bundles to choose from.
black vibrator with charger plugged in
Credit: LOVEHONEY

Agent Provocateur x Lovehoney The Salsa Silicone Bullet Vibrator (opens in a new tab)

Best Sexy Gift

Looking to send them something a little spicy this Valentine's Day? Check out Agent Provocateur's collaboration with Lovehoney, which includes such gems as this bullet vibe made of "velvety-soft silicone" with a rose gold interface. Items are packaged and shipped discreetly.
thrive market grocery bag surrounded by food
Credit: THRIVE MARKET

A grocery delivery subscription (opens in a new tab)

Best For Conscious Snackers

A subscription to Thrive Market saves your S.O. from facing the Trader-Joe's-on-a-weekend chaos alone. Produce and eggs aren't sold here, but they do have organic and thoughtfully sourced meat, fish, wine, pet food, and other non-perishable goods. It's especially practical for people who have dietary restrictions or who hate cooking from scratch. Plus, its prices are comparable to Walmart's.
person looking at incoming call from apple watch on their wrist
Credit: APPLE

The Apple Watch Series 8 (opens in a new tab)

Best If They Hate Carrying A Phone

Patience is a virtue or whatever. It's also a must to keep your spirits up in a long-distance relationship. Sporting the newest Apple Watch can keep both of you busy and constantly connected. Send iMessages from your wrist, go for a virtual run together, and exchange heartbeat patterns via Digital Touch to cushion the loneliness.
phones with plane ticket cases and watches
Credit: CASETIFY

A plane ticket phone case (opens in a new tab)

Best For Frequent Flyers

Traveling is the backbone of any long-distance relationship. Casetify's chic collab with Pangram Pangram brings iPhone cases (as well as AirPod cases and Apple Watch bands) featuring mock plane tickets to cities like New York, Berlin, and Sydney. Display your boo's hometown, where you met, or whatever other place marks a special memory.
cat eating from pet safe automatic feeder
Credit: PETSAFE

An automatic pet feeder (opens in a new tab)

Best For Pet Parents

Instead of begging a neighbor to stop by or simply overfilling the food dish, an automatic pet feeder ensures that their fur baby is fed on schedule while they're gone. This one can be programmed for timed feedings with specified portions, and is also smartphone- and Alexa-enabled in case your partner wants to keep closer tabs on meals.

A Tile Bluetooth tracker (opens in a new tab)

Best For Forgetful People

While the destination (seeing you) is always a blast, the journey (getting there in one piece) isn’t always so blissful. A Tile Pro Bluetooth tracker can eliminate the frantic search for lost luggage at the airport, missing keys, or another travel fiasco. It can even make a lost phone ring when it's on silent.
collage of masterclass teachers
Credit: MASTERCLASS

A MasterClass subscription (opens in a new tab)

Best For Keeping Your Partner Busy

Hearing someone you care about gushing about something they care about is seriously heartwarming. If there's a skill they've always wanted to learn, there's probably a MasterClass for that. These aren't just any online courses, though: Natalie Portman teaches acting, Tom Morello teaches guitar, and Gordon Ramsey teaches cooking.
Long-distance bracelets
Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS

Long-distance bracelets (opens in a new tab)

Best For Couples Who Talk 24/7

When texting constantly simply isn't cutting it, this matching set of bracelets can send a sweet "I'm thinking of you" reminder. A quick touch of one bracelet makes the other light up and vibrate — as if to send a "touch" to your partner when you can't be there IRL.
wood box with red heart
Credit: MARIE POULLE AND JEAN GREGOIRE

The Lovebox spinning heart messenger (opens in a new tab)

Best For Sentimental Types

Make mushy letters a thing again with the Lovebox. Pull up its companion app on your phone to send a sweet message to the screen under its lid — say, a love note for your honey or a "thinking of you" for grandparents who don't text. The heart on the box will spin, alerting the person on the other end that they’ve got mail. It might be corny, but this nifty box has earned over 100 five-star reviews.
white luna weighted blanket on blue graphic background
Credit: MASHABLE COMPOSITE / LUNA

A weighted blanket (opens in a new tab)

Best For Professional Cuddlers

When you're not there to make your person feel safe, a weighted blanket can be a stand-in Big Spoon. An affordable fan favorite, the Luna is composed of layers of glass beads — yet somehow still feels like a cloud. The organic cotton cover doesn't trap sweat and is safe to wash on a gentle cycle. Weights range from five to 25 pounds.
personalized phone case, cup, and photo book
Credit: SHUTTERFLY

Literally anything personalized (opens in a new tab)

Best For Showing Off A Loved One

Not seeing your partner for extended periods of time will have you wanting to slap their face on everything, and we don't blame you. A step up from the expected phone background, putting your favorite picture together on a snuggly blanket, a coffee mug, an ornament, a face mask, or a surprisingly thoughtful oven mitt is sure to spark a smile.

Noise-canceling headphones (opens in a new tab)

Best For Audiophiles

Whether it's listening to Spotify on a train ride to your lover or just FaceTiming in an obnoxiously loud public place, Sony's bestselling noise-canceling wireless headphones are here to make long-distance go more smoothly. Take your pick from three colors to suit their style: black, blue, or silver.
three lit homesick candles
Credit: HOMESICK

A Homesick candle (opens in a new tab)

Best For Nostalgic Couples

Homesick's collection of hand-poured soy wax candles features scents inspired by specific locations that'll remind your long-distance loved one of home. There are over 50 options available, from Southern California (with notes of orange, lemon, sea breeze, rose, and jasmine) to Wisconsin (a concoction of butter, maple, cinnamon, cranberry, and peppermint that's meant to smell like a warm Kringle on a snowy afternoon).
person holding blue fujifilm instax camera
Credit: FUJIFILM

An instant camera (opens in a new tab)

Best For Capturing Every Moment

Pictures (especially instant ones) are the next best thing when you can't see their face IRL. The new Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is the ultimate sidekick for vintage-obsessed couples: Once printed, the photos can be put in mini frames or in a clear phone case for cute reminders wherever you go. 
state print with california and texas
Credit: EMBIE DESIGN

A two-state print (opens in a new tab)

Best For States-apart Couples

Couples who are states (not just cities) apart got the super shitty end of the stick. That distance does make for some adorable artwork, though. This piece takes each person’s name and location and puts them side by side on a custom print. It’s mushy for sure, but they’ll appreciate the constant reminder that you’re always connected. (Note that the frame is sold separately.)
plate of steak, potatoes, and tomatoes
Credit: HELLOFRESH

A HelloFresh subscription (opens in a new tab)

Best For Foodies

Cooking together is one of the most underrated things that non-long distance couples take for granted. A HelloFresh subscription for each of you can guarantee a way to spend time "together" each week (plus a cleaner eating routine). Just order the same meals, conduct your guided prep via video chat, and voila: a cute date night.
person wearing gold plate necklace
Credit: BROOK & YORK

Coordinate-engraved jewelry (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Detail-oriented

Accessorizing with your favorite person's coordinates is a potentially cliché yet heartwarming sentiment. Spice up the average jewelry gift with these minimalist bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, and rings from  Brook & York, which can be subtly engraved with your loved one's location (or a location with a special meaning to both of you).

A Winc membership (opens in a new tab)

Best For Wine-with-dinner Couples

Date nights don't have to stop when your boo leaves. If each of you signs up for Winc, you'll have something new to sip (and discuss) during your romantic dinners over FaceTime. Its wine subscription boxes are super customizable, with vinos for those with casual palates to connoisseurs with refined tastes starting at just $13 per bottle. 
box of chocolates that reads "miss your face"
Credit: MASHABLE PHOTO COMPOSITE / WHATCANDYSAYS

Chocolates with a message (opens in a new tab)

Best For Someone With A Sweet Tooth

What's better than an old-fashioned love note? One that you can eat, obviously. This ultra well-reviewed shop on Etsy revamps the traditional gift of chocolate to let you send *literal* sweet nothings right to bae's door — but there are options to make it naughty if you want.
digital picture frame showing a picture of a person holding their kid
Credit: NIXPLAY

A digital picture frame (opens in a new tab)

Best For People With A Maxed-out Camera Roll

When you don't get to see your person's face IRL as often as you'd like, capturing those special moments to tide you over until the next time is critical. If a wall of picture frames isn’t nearly enough room for everything on your camera roll, pop your selfies together on a digital picture frame so that each one gets their time to shine. This model's got 8GB of memory, a mobile app, and Alexa compatibility to make choosing the lineup a piece of cake.
person holding a tan and brown herschel bag
Credit: HERSCHEL

A Herschel weekender bag (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Frequent Traveler

Packing for impromptu weekend trips is best described as "throwing any relatively clean article of clothing within reach into a suitcase." Herschel's Novel duffel bag helps organize that last-minute chaos with an internal storage sleeve and a separate compartment in the bottom for shoes. It comes in two sizes and, as with anything from Herschel, has a ton of color options.
box filled with skincare products
Credit: BIRCHBOX

A Birchbox subscription (opens in a new tab)

Best For Pampering From Afar

Self-care is a surefire way to get your spirits and confidence up while you're missing your long-distance loved one. Every time they open their monthly Birchbox, they'll think of you — and look forward to showing off the results of their new grooming or skincare routine the next time they see you in person.
movie lovers fill in poster
Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS

A movie poster full of date night potential (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Cinephile Couple

Movie night is the quintessential date night activity that's obviously made a bit harder when you're apart. If it's getting tricky to think of something new to watch, and you'd rather avoid the scroll-through-Netflix-for-45-minutes slog, this movie poster gives you 1,500 to choose from. Make your way through the list or choose one at random, and mark it off after you've watched it. Best of all, once movie night is over, this poster hanging on your partner's wall will remind them of the quality time you shared together.

A Lego bouquet (opens in a new tab)

Best for A Long-Lasting Twist on a Quintessential Gift

A bouquet of flowers is The Valentine's Gift, if a little temporary. Tbh, the idea of watching a bouquet slowly die after the holiday is over (and your potentially no longer in the same location as your lover) sounds depressing to say the least. A more permanent solution? A Lego flower bouquet — you can build it together, it never needs to be watered, and the flowers can be enjoyed for years to come.

Leah is a shopping reporter at Mashable, where she covers shopping trends, gift ideas, and products that make life easier. She graduated from Penn State University in 2012 and is watching horror movies or "The Office" when she’s not shopping online herself. You can follow her on Twitter at @notleah(opens in a new tab).


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