Distanced Gift-Giving: 6 Presents for Those Who Can't Be Home for the Holidays

With the new contagious Delta strain and still unvaccinated, social distancing is still part of the norm. There’s a decent chance that someone in your family or even a close friend will not be home for the holidays. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate from afar and send them well wishes. Let them know you are thinking of them by sending them something extra special this year to beat those self-isolation blues. 

Here are six presents for those who can’t make it home for the holidays, from candles transporting them to their hometown to gifts that make an apartment feel homier. These distanced gift-giving ideas will brighten their holidays.

#1 A Candle That Smells Like Home

Have a transatlantic family across the pond or on the other side of the Pacific? If they can’t be home for the holidays, send home to them — a country candle. From eastern Asian countries like India and China to neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico, several country-inspired candles can transport them home without a plane ticket. Even if your distant loved one misses New England’s powder snow, you can send them winter candles that can make their space feel festive for the holidays.

#2 Virtual Classes

Classes always make a wonderful holiday gift. You can purchase a single class or a six-week course, and you can choose to take the class together as a way to bond. However, in the age of social distancing, it’s tricky to find in-person classes that loved ones can attend, let alone ones they can take together. But there is a way around it: virtual classes.

Even though you are thousands of miles or countries apart, you can watch virtual classes together. If you can, pick an online virtual course that can be watched at your leisure or at least within a reasonable time that suits both time zones.  

Need any ideas for virtual classes? Think of activities they enjoy or things they’ve always wanted to learn. Do they love to cook? Then get them an online cooking class from Gordon Ramsey or Whole Food’s basic Home Ec 365 for beginners. If they are an artistic, creative type, try a creative online class about photography or interior design. There are countless options out there to engage and learn new skills. 

#3 A Little Bit of Greenery

Send them a little bit of greenery to liven their place up. Whether you choose to send them a bouquet of fresh holiday flowers like poinsettias or a houseplant they can enjoy beyond the holidays is entirely up to you. Hint: If they have a green thumb, go for the latter. Another fantastic gift they might appreciate is a wreath for their front door, which feels more festive and welcoming when they arrive home after a long day. 

Not sure how to ship a plant? You don’t have to! Have a company do it for you. Choose potted plants, bouquets, and wreaths from any number of online shops such as The Bouqs Co., The Sill, Terrain, and many others that will ship straight to their door. They offer elegant and charming greenery that they are sure to love. 

#4 Meal Kits with Comfort Food

Meal kits are convenient any day of the week, helping busy folk prepare a healthy meal in an hour or less. But, sometimes, when you’re missing home, you want to curl up on the sofa, watch a movie, and indulge in some comfort food. What do we mean by comfort food? Well, that depends on where you call home. For New England transplants, it might mean clam chowder. For Southerners who’ve moved across the country, it means a helping of barbecue and collard greens.  

So choose a meal kit that is sure to whet their nostalgic appetite. Don’t see a location-specific meal kit they would like? You can always build your meal kit in a box filled with local treats. Shipping soup might be tricky (especially if it’s a milk-based soup that needs to be preserved), but you can always use a soup delivery service. Ramen Hero is a pretty special treat! 

#5 A Self-Care Basket 

Source: Tatyana Soares/Shutterstock.com

A self-care basket is another thoughtful present for those who can’t be home for the holidays. The best part is that it’s effortless to make yourself. We recommend doing so to make it more personable and customized. Consider their favorite ways to unwind and fill a box with many goodies. Do they love to read? Get them a subscription to Kindle Unlimited or a novel by their favorite author. You can even include a bookmark, a pen, and a gratitude journal.  

Do they love to melt their troubles away in a warm bath with a cup of tea or glass of wine? Send them some bath bombs, a detox face mask, and body lotion to treat dry skin. Top it off with a tin of gourmet tea leaves and a cute mug or a bottle of wine and chocolates too.

#6 A Cozy Robe and Slippers

Another distanced gift-giving idea? A cozy robe and slippers. While this present could be part of a self-care basket, we think it works as an excellent stand-alone gift too. Find a robe or even a kimono made of fleece, jersey knit, or plush velvet that offers a luxurious feel—looking for a great pair of slippers? Check out specialty brands like Dearfoams, and Sorel for comfort and arch supportChoose a faux-fur or sherpa-lined interior for that extra luxurious feel. Perfect for chilly mornings when they want to roll out of bed to get coffee or unwind after a bath, a cozy robe and pair of slippers is just the trick. 

We hope these six presents help inspire you to find the perfect gift for that special someone missing home. Even though you can’t be together in person, the thought goes a long way. Send some love their way so they are not too homesick, and bring a little comfort this holiday season.

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