The art of gift-giving has become a bit more complicated in these socially distanced times. Before, gifts were something to supplement the words of affirmation or quality time you gave or spent with your friend. Now, with reduced chances to meet in person, gifts have to communicate so much more.
Here are seven gift ideas that will show your friend how much you treasure them, even when you’re six (or more) feet apart.
#1: A Mini Lamp to Bring The Light In
With social distancing measures in place, in-person hugs, warm smiles, or hearty laughs are hard to come by. Make up for this lack of physical warmth with a cute mini lamp.
These adorable designs include glowing food items of all kinds, like:
- Nigiri sushi
- A cheeky pear
- Giant dumplings
- A cup of bubble tea
- And so many more!
Not only is this gift cheerful and practical, but it’s also metaphorical. You’re sending them a sweet token of light to ward off the darkness in their room and in their lives.
And who could possibly stay sad when looking at a chunky, glowing potato?
#2: A Heated Pillow or Plush for Warmth
If you have a friend who likes simple and useful things, a heated pillow is a perfect gift. Consider getting a heated plush if your friend adores a cute aesthetic. What’s more, this warm gesture helps reduce stress and increase emotional well-being.
#3: A Gift Card to a Favorite Restaurant
Most of your traveling pals have had to cease their travel plans for the sake of their (and others’) personal safety. Cheer up these adventurous souls by giving them gift cards to a local restaurant. Even though their trip to Rio De Janeiro was canceled, they can still pick up some pão de queijo (cheese bread) from the Brazilian place down the street.
Not only does this make your frequent-flyer-friend feel better, but it’s also a great way to support a local business in this time of need.
#4: A Subscription Box
Monthly subscription boxes are ideal gifts for any friend with quirky or niche hobbies and interests. They’re customizable to your unique pals and super thoughtful as long-distance gifts. These lovely delivery boxes come at a range of prices, so you can definitely find one that fits your budget.
Send boxes full of any of the following goodies:
- Makeup
- Skincare samples
- Capsule wardrobes
- Anime merch
- Japanese snacks
#5: A Flower Bouquet
Roses, orchids, violets, evening primroses: flowers are a physical manifestation of love. For literary enthusiasts, gifting flowers can be a fun academic endeavor, because each flower has a different meaning.
Flower bouquets are a beautiful and colorful way to brighten up every room. If you can stealthily find out what your friend’s favorite flower is before you send flowers to them, it can become an even more meaningful gift.
#6: A Snazzy Succulent
Succulents are lovely little gifts, especially for those friends that don’t have the patience to keep flowers alive. They only need to be watered once every two weeks and are very hardy. Not to mention, they look so chic on desks, shelves, and windowsills. Even if your friend goes on a business trip or forgets to water the plant for a week, it will be okay.
Succulents are the ideal no-fuss, no-mess gift for your busiest friends.
#7: Cute Stationery
If your friend likes to journal or loves going all-out for party invitations, cute stationery is an excellent gift. Even the most tech-savvy of friends have to use pen and paper sometimes, right? In any case, beautiful new stationery is sure to make the tasks of list-making, sketching, and memo-writing a lot more fun.
Show Your Friends That Their Presence is a Present
Gifts are a great way to show your appreciation. A thoughtful gift says, “thank you for existing. You make my life better, so here’s something to make your life better.” Whether that gift is a lamp, a bouquet, a pen with a bunny cap, or a plant, a gift is love in a tangible form.
With these ideas, you’ll be sure to communicate your love clearly and colorfully.
