#Best gift ideas for people in long-distance relationships

Let your loved one know you’re thinking about them in real time with long distance touch lamps. 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 them in a pair for you and your best pal or boo, or as many as you need to keep the whole family connected. 

We can all agree that cuddles are comforting — but did you know that hugs have been proven to decrease stress and anxiety? When you’re not there to make your person feel safe, a weighted blanket can be a stand-in big spoon. With seven layers that conform to the body’s shape, these heavy blankets can increase dopamine and serotonin levels, pushing them toward the deep sleep they deserve.

Though your partner can’t be physically close to you, wearing the coordinates of both of your locations on a bracelet together is a heartwarming sentiment — plus it’s just stylish. Spice up the average jewellery gift with these pretty, customisable coordinate bracelets. Available in gold, silver, or rose gold, it’s a perfect, subtle way to carry someone with you 24/7. 

Being patient in a long distance relationship? Forget it. The Apple Watch can keep your partner motivated and busy until your next meet up, and help them count down the minutes until they see you next (of course). This wrist candy can iMessage, connect to Bluetooth and Spotify, get smartphone notifications, and more, all while doubling as a fitness tracker to help your partner concentrate on reaching goals instead of being lonely.

Living in an empty house or apartment without your significant other can be sketchy. If your partner is the type to get paranoid over every single noise, the Ring Video Doorbell can offer some peace of mind. Just ask Alexa to see the camera in real time, watch video playback to see who’s stealing packages, and get alerted to any motion.

Couples who laugh together stay together. If your partner has a good sense of humour, this gift is the next best thing to you being there: a pillow with your face on it, obviously. The images are surprisingly high-quality, and the reviews prove that it won’t let you down. You deserve someone who wants to cuddle your face every night — there’s even a monster-sized option for spooning.

Space between you and your best friend is hard regardless — but couples in separate countries rather than cities definitely have it toughest. The distance does make for some adorable artwork, though. This personalised piece reminds you that even though the distance may be great, you are always close where it counts. It’s mushy for sure, but they’ll appreciate the constant reminder that you’re always connected at heart.

Being in a relationship with a pet parent essentially makes you a parent by association — and if you’re missing your fur baby as much as you miss your boo, the Furbo can keep you connected. It’s a two-way pet camera and app-operated treat dispenser that will allow both of you to log on and watch, talk to, and fling treats at your pup or kitty.

When you can’t have your person right there, pictures are the next best thing — especially instant ones. The Instax Mini 9 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. 

While the destination (seeing you) is always a blast, the journey (getting there in one piece) isn’t always so blissful. Whether it’s lost luggage at the airport, missing keys, or another travel fiasco, a pack of Tile Mate Bluetooth trackers and their app eliminate frantic searching and get your boo to you faster. Great for bags, keys, phones, wallets, and more, they can even make a lost phone ring when it’s on silent.

Movie dates while cuddling on the couch are off the table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still watch stuff together. Instead of counting down to make sure no one starts the episode early, this Chromecast and Google Home Mini make streaming simultaneously a breeze. Just tell Google to use Chromecast from your mobile device and boom: You’re streaming from loads of different apps. And yes, you can cast on two different TVs at once.

Every long-distance couple knows that a heavy duty travel bag is a necessity. If you’ve noticed that your partner’s current luggage is worn out or just not working, make their trips to you easier by gifting a weekender bag. Oflamn’s roomy duffles come in numerous colours so they can travel comfortably and in style, complete with a shoe compartment and free toiletry bag.

When you don’t get to see your person nearly as often as you’d like, documenting those special moments to tide you over until the next time is critical. While a wall of picture frames isn’t nearly enough room, a digital picture frame sifts through your memories so that each has their time to shine.

It’s a given that everybody needs a good pair of headphones. Whether it’s listening to Spotify on a train ride to your lover, or just FaceTiming in an obnoxiously loud public place, the noise-cancelling Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones are here to make long distance go more smoothly. With volume-optimised EQ for audio balance, a noise-rejecting dual microphone system, and 20 hours of battery, they’re truly an exceptional gift.

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 viola: makeshift date night.

If audiobooks or podcasts are a passion you two share, a subscription to Audible is the ultimate form of long-distance entertainment. At the end of the month, you can designate time to call and gush about your adventures — who knows, maybe you’ll even listen the same ones.

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 sweet nothings right to bae’s door.

Why do we keep recommending subscription boxes in this long-distance relationship gift guide? Well, everyone loves them, for one, but also they truly make the perfect gift for someone who lives far away. Each month, when your S.O. opens their box and gasps at the goodies inside, they’ll think of you. And of how much you care. Awww.