When in a long-distance relationship, a surprise visit to see your partner checks all the boxes of useful, thoughtful, and memorable gifting material. But this year, buying a plane ticket or taking time off of work may not be the most feasible of options — so, you'll likely have to send your SO something special in place of yours truly.
We hunted down the best gifts to show your faraway person that you'd go the long-distance if you could: some of the options will make their alone time feel a little less lonely; others will make eventual back-and-forth travel a bit more tolerable; a few will help you feel closer as a couple. Whether you live miles apart or are just temporarily out of arm's reach, the sweet ideas ahead are here to save the [holi]day.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Personalized Time Zone Clock
So they know when it’s time to send you a "goodnight" text.
Usual Wines, Mixed Pack
Have a mixed pack of single-serving wine shipped to your partner's door to plan a candlelit wine date from afar.
Bouquet subscription
Send your partner a recurring bouquet of flowers every month that you're away.
Bluetooth vibrator
This vibrator is controlled by a smartphone app and can be turned on from any distance. So your partner can do the honors of making you orgasm from across the country.
Picture Frame
Fill this cube frame with the fun Polaroid photos you took together.
Galaxy Projector Sky Light
Purchase this galaxy projector for you and your partner to stargaze together from miles away.
Phone stand
Prop your phone up on this stand for FaceTime dates that go all night. For some extra ambiance, this stand serves double duty as a vase for some sweet blooms.
"Send Nudes" Pin
A pin to celebrate your favorite couple's activity: sending nudes.
Body pillow
For the little spoons missing their big spoons.
Lingerie
Whether they're wearing new lingerie, you're wearing new lingerie, or you both are, give the gift of dressed-up sexy selfies.
Bath Bomb
A sexy bath bomb for all your partner's "me time."
Weekender Bag
If the distance between you is only a short train ride or road trip away and they're going to be traveling to come see you, might as well get them a practical weekender bag.
Blue Apron gift card
Sign the both of you up for Blue Apron and you can cook the same dinner "together" each night.
Dopp kit
A new dopp kit for those future overnight trips or just a little something to keep their bathroom drawer organized.
Stationery
Pretty stationery for all those love letters you said you were going to send each other.
Planner
Map out your future facetime dates and road trips in this classic planner.
Candle
A candle to match the perfume you always wear.
The Sun Is Also A Star
This bittersweet story of a couple working through their own LDR challenges could give you hope for your relationship. Send a copy and keep one, so you can do a book club for two
Long-Distance Lamps
Tap this light when you’re thinking about your partner, and their corresponding lamp will simultaneously light up miles away. Cheesy? Yes. Cute? Also yes. Funny way to creep them out in the middle of the night? Sure, that too.
Bath Caddy
People in LDRs can Netflix and chill (in the bath), too.
Long Distance Touch Bracelet Set
Let your significant other know you're thinking of them with these matching connected bracelets. Touch one and the other lights up and vibrates with customizable colors and visuals.
Travel Toiletries
For your eventual reunion, upgrade their travel toiletries with this Aesop set. It comes with all the fancy face masks and creams that they always forget to pack.
SiriusXM gift card
If your partner is game to take a road trip to visit you, give them a SiriusXM subscription so they can listen to the best tunes along the way.
Vibrator
A millennial pink vibe gives them something to look forward to.
Foot Massager
You can't rub their feet at the end of a long day, but this gift is the next best thing.
Mugs
Matching mugs with your corresponding states can help keep your coffee ritual unscathed, even when you're away.
Instagram Photo Book
Cherishing memories is important when you're in an LDR. Print a photo book of the Instagrams you posted during your last visit so they can re-live them whenever they want.
Matching phone case
Using a couple's phone case shows the world who they're texting.
Audible Gift Card
Start listening to the same Audible book and you can compare notes along the way, like a virtual book club.
Going Into Town: A Love Letter To New York
This clever New York City-themed picture book will remind them why they moved away in the first place.
Neck Pillow
This comfortable neck travel pillow makes those future discount train tickets seem like a good idea after all.
Hulu Gift Card
So you can both cry to This Is Us together.
Light-Up Phone Case
A light-up phone case, because taking high-quality selfies requires just the right lighting.
Portal From Facebook
The perfect gift for a bi-coastal partnership.
College Sweatshirt
Wearing this college sweater will remind your partner of all the memories you shared together. But it's made with cashmere yarn, so it's fancier than the ratty sweatshirt they actually wore in college.
Outlet Adapter
They could probably use another outlet adapter; this one isn't hideous.