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As we approach the end of the year, there’s no doubt this holiday season will be different for many families and friends across the world. Still in the midst of a global health crisis, regaining a sense of community couldn’t feel more important during a time of loss and economic hardship. While it might not be possible to be together in person, considering the many varying circumstances, there are ways to still feel connected.
For those you’re unable to spend the holidays with, we’ve compiled a list of things that could make social-distancing more bearable. From fun games to practical tools, check out the ways you can spend time with your loved ones, without actually being in the same room.
A Streaming Bundle for Co-Viewing
Have a Hulu Watch Party with the Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu streaming bundle, or step into the HBO Max “virtual movie theater” together with the Amazon Prime Video, Cinemax, and HBO Max bundle. Co-watching can be a great way to share memories, without leaving your bed, and the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the latest shows.
"Homesick" Candle
Give the gift of a sensory trip to another state with a Homesick candle. These soy wax candles are designed to evoke the scents and memories of all 50 states, from the soft rains of Washington to the desert sands of Arizona and apple orchards of New York.
Echo Show for Video Calls
Perfect for connecting with family, the Echo Show 8 is a cheap and easy way to make sure you're still getting quality face time. Available on Amazon, beyond video calling, you'll also be able to catch up on news, watch TV shows, movies, music videos, or movie trailers and listen to music from streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify.
Personalized Birthdate Book
Learn more about each other from the stars with this made-to-order book that illustrates your unique astrological birth chart. The Birthdate Book is available to order online and gives you over 70 pages of detailed horoscope analysis, mapping the stars and planets at the exact moment you were born. Send to a friend to start a conversation about who they are and what their future holds.
Surprise Meal Delivery
Surprise someone with their favorite meal from UberEats, Postmates, or whatever delivery service you choose, then give them a call to have a virtual dinner together. This works for friends, family, and romantic interests alike, and is an easy way to show you care. All you need is their home address.
Book of the Month Subscription
Stay on the same page with the same Book of the Month subscription while also staying up-to-date with the latest releases. Book of the Month allows you to choose one book per month of their 5 featured selections, then delivers them to your door. There are three gift plans at three different price points, making it the perfect gift that keeps on giving for an avid reader.
Fitbit Smartwatch
Give a loved one a Fitbit Smartwatch then add them to yours to compare your 7-day step totals. Along with adding some friendly competition to the relationship, this will encourage you both to get outside and stay active.
While you might not be able to toast in person, using an alcohol delivery like Drizly or Saucy means you can still enjoy your favorite drinks together. Order at the same time then get on a video call for a happy hour that—almost—feels like you're in person.
Pixel Lovebox
For when texting gets tiring, let the Lovebox deliver your messages to loved ones. Sending messages from anywhere in the world from the mobile app, when the box receives a message on the front of the Lovebox will begin to spin. Available at Amazon.
Super Mario Nintendo Advent Calendar
This retro-inspired Super Mario advent calendar is perfect for the gamer in your life. From tiny figurines to cute accessories, this gift continues to give throughout the month.
Adjustable Cell Phone Stand
Make Facetiming easier with this adjustable cell phone stand for all your calls, because it's important to stay connected during this time.
Matching Sweats
Make staying home cozier with matching sweatsuits from Dumbgood. The masters of collabs with cult classics, their latest Goosebumps release is nostalgic and comfortable.
Friendship Lamps
Show your friend you're thinking of them with a Friendship Lamp that light in hundreds of different colors. Connecting to your home wifi, touch your Friendship Lamp, and their lamp lights the same color as yours. When they respond by touching their lamp back, the two lamps will light a new color.
Tamagotchi On
You may remember playing this cute game as a child but this interactive virtual pet is still available. Not only is it a fun way to pass the time, but you can connect with friends for a virtual game moment.
Plant Subscription
Brighten up their home with a plant subscription. The Sill has four options for monthly deliveries or House Plant Box has a range of low-cost house plants or succulents.
PlayStation VR
Since you can't connect in person, join each other in virtual reality. There are a number of bundles available on Amazon ready for you to put on your headset and blast into the skies with an arsenal of iconic iron man gear.
Weighted Blanket
Given the current news cycle, good sleep is understandably harder to come by. Send a weighted blanket for just the right amount of pressure and an added sense of calm.
Personalized Message on Cameo
Surprise a friend with a personalized message from one of their favorite celebrities on Cameo. Check out the site for a range of celebs across music, sports, film, YouTube personalities, reality-TV stars, and models.
Kindle Paperwhite
Read the same books with a Kindle Paperwhite and gain access to millions of eBooks with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Jigsaw Puzzle
Pass the time with an Andy Warhol-themed puzzle and send it to a friend to compare progress and add some friendly competition.
Long Distance Touch Bracelets
If you've found yourself long-distance in this period of social distancing, a pair of bond touch bracelets could help to keep you connected.
Mini Projector
Take your on-screen experience to the next level with a mini projector. Compatible with over 10 devices, this if the perfect gift for any movie-lover or gamer.
Letters
Sometimes you can't beat an old-fashioned letter. With Letters to Open When your loved one can choose when to open a personalized bunch all from you.
Indoor Herb Garden
If you're looking to start a new hobby with friends, an indoor herb garden is one that will also elevate your cooking.
Flower Subscription
A flower subscription from a service like BloomsyBox or Urban Stems is a thoughtful way to fill a loved one's house for long after the holidays. Delivered to their door, be sure to pick out their favorite bunch.
Turntable
For the music lover in your life, a turntable could be a great way to stay connected. After sending this gift, you can send a share their favorite records that remind you of them.
Charging Stand
In a time where we're on our phones and other devices more than ever, a charging stand is a cheap and practical gift to help a friend stay connected.
G-Shock Gravitymaster Watch
If you're social distancing in different timezones, the G-Shock Gravitymaster watch could help you stay in touch. With dual timezones, the guessing work will be gone and you'll feel closer than ever.
Message in a Bottle Capsule Letters
These cute Message in a Bottle Capsule Letters will elevate your note-writing. Each one has a blank piece of paper in it for you to jot down your thoughts.
Photo Album
Send a photo album to remind a loved one of your good memories between you both. Not only is it a nice keepsake, but it will help them feel more excited about your reunion to come.
Tabletopic Conversation-Starters
While you may not be able to talk in person, sending Tabletopics conversation starters can still elevate your family's phone conversations.
Silk Pillowcase
If we're spending more time at home, and therefore often in bed, a silk pillowcase can add a touch of luxury, with hair and skin benefits too.
Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
Since most of us would love to be on an Animal Crossing island in the sun, why not keep that energy with a real-world KK Slider controller for Switch.
CBD
CBD is a natural way to reduce daily stress. With pre-rolled joints to room sprays, brands like Sackville and Co have all your CBD needs covered.
Xbox Game Pass Membership
Xbox Game Pass comes with over 100 different titles that are frequently being updated. Play together or separately, you'll never get bored of being at home.
Airpods
If you have a friend or family member still struggling with wire headphones, Airpods will be a welcome gift. Whether they use them to play music or give you a call, these will easily be setup with all their Apple devices.
Black Silk Pajama Set
Stay cozy with The Black Silk Pajama Set from Mastermind World, featuring contrasting trim and skull embroidery. Available at Complex Shop.
Retro Landline Phone
This colorful Rotary Design Retro Landline Phone is great for any bedroom or office. A twist on the classic 1960's classic phone design, this plugs into any standard phone socket for easy use.
Criterion Channel Subscription
For the ultimate film buff, a subscription to Criterion Channel will gain them access to a library of more than 1,000 important classic and contemporary films. Subscribe also to send each other recommendations and have after-movie debriefs.
Personalized Book
For a baby or a child, give a personalized baby book as a lifetime keepsake. Customize the book with their first and last name, birth date, gender, the names of family and friends who love the child.
Nintendo Switch
Gaming is even more enjoyable when sharing the experience with friends. Many of the games available for Nintendo Switch are multiplayer, including Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing, Pokémon Shield, and more, making it the perfect gift for long-distance group fun.
Yoga Mat
With a number of great yoga classes and videos online, giving the gift of a yoga mat might be the push you both need to start working out together— over the internet.
Polaroid
Motivate each other to capture memories with Polaroid Originals OneStep+ Bluetooth Connected Instant Film Camera. With standard and portrait lenses, it's the perfect gift for capturing moments instantly.
Recordable Toy
This recordable Brontosaurus allows you to send a special message to a child for them to replay as often as they like. As well as being cuddly, it plays your 20-second voice message with every hug. Also available as a bear, penguin, or cow.
Echo Dot
The Echo Dot is a compact smart speaker for hands-free calling, voice-controlled music, and is connected to Alexa. While this gift would be well-received in any household, it's particularly helpful for that one family member who struggles to text back (you know the one).
Adult-Youth Sesame Street Socks
Match with a family member with this range of adult-child Sesame Street socks. With every pack purchased, fourteen pairs will also be donated to those in need on your behalf from Bombas.
Message Pillow
While cheesy, this double-sided pillowcase with a message will show a loved one you care, and give them something to hug.
The Spice Subscription
For the chef in your life, a spice subscription is a thoughtful way to show you're invested in their cooking. Delivered every month to their door, you'll no doubt get to reap the benefits of the many new flavors once you reunite in person.
Meditation App
Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace can help relieve anxiety during this time. Both apps have tailored meditations for specific circumstances, whether it's getting better sleep or meditations solely focused on exercise, making a monthly subscription to either a thoughtful gift idea.
Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal
Our Q&A a Day journal provides a question for every day of the year, for you and a loved one. While we're not saying you'll be social distancing for all three years, it's a great habit to get into to stay in touch.