Clever Gift Ideas For Long Distance (Or Socially Distanced) Couples

Game night is off limits for me and my husband because he cheats. Mind you, I’ve never been able to prove he cheats, but he can’t possibly be that good at board games. If you’re super competitive like me, a card game like Our Moments might be a more peaceful date night activity. It prompts you and your partner to talk about things you might not think to ask, and to remember some good times you may have forgotten. It can be played over the phone or FaceTime, or in real life for when you’re finally together again and want to re-establish that emotional bond. And the best part, there’s no room for cheaters. (Or sore losers.) Amazon Reviewer Joeseph lev says “The ‘Our Moments Couples’ deck is so much fun! My husband and I were driving for over 5 hours to our last vacation, and instead of just listening to the radio, we started some very deep conversation using those cards.”

Is your partner missing your signature scent? Do you want them to think about you even when you’re not around? Send a fancy soy candle that has the same notes as your favorite perfume or cologne. They can light it when you’re chatting on the phone to make it feel like you’re in the room with them. This candle comes in tons of scents (sandalwood, anyone?) so it should be easy to find something similar to your own favorite scent. And the description says it has one of the longest burn times on the market, so you’re getting a bang for your buck.  It also has over 14k reviews, including this gem from Amazon Reviewer Kevin Goodrich: “I bought the Vanilla Latte and Pineapple Evergreen and they both were terrific scents. It lasted approximately 50 hours as I kept track out of my own curiosity. It burned evenly and even the jar was so simple and elegant looking.”

With fifteen pounds of weight and a super fuzzy sherpa lining, this blanket is almost as good as a hug from your love. It might actually be better than sharing the bed with your partner because it can’t steal the covers, because it IS the covers. Plus, people say they help you sleep like a baby, while Amazon Reviewer Lei Wang says “ It makes you feel so relaxed like you just left the spa.” I’m guessing this is the mathematical equivalent to having your partner’s arm, shoulder, and leg gently draped across you while you snooze. I suggest buying two, one as a gift to yourself and the other to ship to your better half. That way, you both can feel an extra layer of comfort during these cooler months.

Are you like me and the only photos you have of your spouse are buried deep in your camera roll between pictures of your kids and yummy snacks you want to relive? Bring your partner’s face into your space and enjoy those photos IRL with a smart photo frame. It’s super easy to add new pics, and it automatically scrolls through your favorite memories. 

One of the best things about having your partner in arms reach is the random touches, hugs, and high fives. These Bond Touch Bracelets let you experience those random moments of physical interaction from anywhere in the world. If you don’t have an Apple watch, these touch bracelets are a cheaper alternative to keep you connected to your sweetie. As long as you have WiFi or Bluetooth, you can feel your partner’s touch literally anywhere on the planet. If your significant other has a job where they can’t check their texts or email, this is a great way to discreetly remind them that they’re in your thoughts. Amazon Reviewer Letzgetweird93 says “These are so awesome. The touches are vibrant and every time I receive one from her, a huge smile comes across my face. It’s a simple, yet amazing way to let your significant other know that you’re thinking about them.”

Another “thinking of you” device that is a little more romantic than a simple text message are these Friendship Lamps. When you touch your lamp, your partner’s lamp will glow a custom color, letting them know they’re on your mind. These sell in sets of two, but you can buy multiples to synch together. So, if you’re in a polyamorous relationship, this is a perfect gift where no one has to be left out. The LED lasts 40,000 hours (that’s like, years) and the lamps are handmade here in the USA and come with a forever guarantee, too. They sound simple enough to set up, but Amazon Reviewer Myrna C says the tech support is super helpful in case you or your partner need assistance. “If you get at-all stuck or confused, the Filimin site offers their assistance by phone or e-mail. I can personally say, their customer service is great.”

The time when you and your sweetie are reunited will come, even if that “when” has a big question mark. But if long distance is your norm, this neutral canvas weekender bag makes packing for quick trips a breeze, and can double as a gym bag for when you’re between visits or can be used as a carry-on if you plan to brave the airport (just don’t forget your mask!). It has a separate shoe compartment to keep your clothes dirt-free, and it even comes with a free toiletry bag to stash even the heftiest skincare routine supplies. Says Amazon Reviewer Carly: “It’s deceptively big and can store so many items in it without looking bulky.” The green canvas is a great neutral but the stripes are also pretty cute. It’s a romantic way to let your partner know you’re counting down the days until their next visit.

Ever notice that the strongest person in the relationship is usually the worst at opening jars? This handy electric jar opener is the perfect kitchen gadget for anyone with slippery fingers. That way, they can still enjoy their PB&J’s even if it doesn’t come with a side of your super human strength.

Morning coffee (or afternoon tea) is always better with someone you love. If you can’t be together, this custom mug will remind you you’re both starting your mornings with one another on your mind.

These “we are connected” pillow cases are great for you each to have, so when you turn off those devices and turn in for the night, you can still be reminded of your connection to one another. And once you’re reunited, they still look super cute as a set.

Even if your partner isn’t attending too many in-person events, that doesn’t mean they’re not booked with around the clock Zoom calls. Help them keep your date on the books with this tidy 2021  Moleskine planner.