Long-distance relationships can be quite the challenge, but when your connection is as special as it gets, you’ll go the extra mile – or thousands of miles – to keep that special someone close, no matter the physical distance. When you can’t be in the same place, sending thoughtful gifts becomes a powerful way to express your love and longing.
Remember, it’s the sentiment that truly matters, so any gift you send in a long-distance relationship is bound to bring a warm smile to your partner’s face. Yet, if you’re looking to really elevate your gift-giving game and find something unique and creative that does justice to your amazing partner, this list of long-distance relationship gift ideas is your ticket.
Of course, you know your partner better than anyone and have a deep understanding of what they hold dear. So, when selecting a gift, the key is to keep their preferences and your heartfelt emotions in mind. Our aim is to spark your imagination with these ideas and assist you in discovering the perfect unique gift for your long-distance love. If you’re hungry for more inspiration, our collection of ‘thinking of you’ gifts will help point you in the right direction.
Be In-Sync
1. Dual zone watch
This gift is practical as well as thoughtful. Send them a watch set to both their time zone and yours. Instead of constantly calculating the time difference between you, all your partner needs to do is glance at their watch. It also serves as a reminder of your love whenever he/she y checks the time.
2. Coordinates bracelet
With a customized coordinates bracelet, your partner can carry you with them everywhere. You can customize the location and geographic coordinates in latitude and longitude. It is a lasting memento of how far you are willing to go to make your relationship work.
3, Name a star after them
If you want to melt their heart, send them a certificate of a star named after them.
4. Countdown clock
Send a clock with a countdown until the next time you see each other.
5. Heartbeat ring
Get real time heart beats whenever you miss your sweetie via this amazing heartbeat ring.
6. Activity tracker
Send your loved one an activity tracker that allows you to make a game out of who take the most steps and manages phone alerts, so you never have to miss a text or call.
Be Practical
7. Luggage
When you are far apart, a weekend bag or a nice set of luggage will let your loved one travel to see you in style. It’s one gift you know for sure that they’ll get mileage out of!
8. Webcam light
In a long distance relationship, there’s no doubt you’re sending each other videos and chatting online. So you want to see your beloved more clearly and feel closer than ever. Let their brightest side shine with a webcam light that creates the perfect lighting anywhere.
9. Portable charger
If you’re in different time zones, you don’t want to miss out on a rare opportunity to talk just because there’s no battery left in their phone. Gift your partner with a portable cell phone power bank so you don’t have to worry about their phone dying in the middle of a conversation.
10. Calendar planner
This practical gift is a little more special when you fill it out with all the dates you’ll be seeing each other over the coming year. Be sure to add anniversaries and other special dates that have meaning for the two of you.
11. Gourmet coffee
Because long nights on the phone usually require some pick-me-ups in the morning
12. Lap desk
Perfect for holding tablets and phones. The best part of all? You can have virtual meals together on the go and talk about your day.
Be Sweet
13. 3D greeting card
It’s always a nice surprise to find something other than bills and junk mail in your mailbox, so a greeting card will bring a smile to your loved one’s face. When you really want to up the ante, a colorful 3D card makes a big impact. This PetalPop You’re a Gem card goes even further, featuring a mini-bouquet along with a colorful water-repellant 3D card.
14. Quote mug
Be the first thing on your love’s mind every single morning with a quote mug. Even better, write your own quote on a picture perfect mug and pair it with your favorite snapshot of the two of you.
15. Make a book out of your emails and texts
Do your texts and emails add up to a love story worthy of a novel? Turn your conversations into one, and mail him or her a personalized book that they can keep forever (long after they upgrade to a new phone and lose those precious memories).
16. Languages of love catchall
The meaning behind a gift to your long distance partner is to tell them you love them, so why not say it in several different languages.
17. His and her pillowcases
On that same note, you can be the last thing on your love’s mind before they drift off to sleep. Couple pillowcases let your love know that you are always thinking of them. The Always Kiss Me Goodnight customized pillowcases are a thoughftul reminder that you’re together in spirit, and they will look beautiful together once you’re finally reunited.
18. Map wall art
Highlight the location where your partner wishes they could be, with a heart-shaped definition of love map wall art that will remind them of you every day.
19. The key to your heart
This vintage lock paperlock is inspired by the “love locks” placed on the gates of Pont Des Artes in Paris. You can recreate this romantic gesture by gifting your guy or gal with the key to your heart.
20. Inspirational print
Things can get a little sad when you are in a long distance relationship. Send a motivational quote to remind them that things are still going strong no matter the distance.
Be Personal
21. Photobook
You don’t need to be crafty with scissors and stickers to create a beautiful scrapbook full of your treasured memories together and favorite photos. Photobooks today are sleeker than the photo albums of your childhood and easier to create.
22. Photo magnet
Make it silly, sweet or romantic.
23. Custom Blanket
Compile all your favorite pictures together and keep your sweetie warm.
24. Engraved promise ring
Engrave your special date, quote or initials.
25. USB mixtape full of “your” songs
Grab all those songs that bring you both beautiful memories or sync up your online playlists
26. Joint journal
Keep a journal/scrapbook and send it to your honey. They can read it and include some journal entries of their own. You can also start a private blog together.
27. Charm bracelet
Jewelry is a gift that is appreciated near or far, and a monogram charm bracelet is a timeless classic. Have it engraved with her initials to let her know that she’s always on your mind.
28. Care package
Compile all of his or her favorite things or things they need such as snacks, t-shirts and supplies. Throw in some pictures of you two to make it extra special.
Be Silly
29. Selfie stick
A selfie stick is the perfect way to send silly pictures to each other from wherever you are.
30. Boyfriend/girlfriend body pillow
Send a big body pillow and make it extra funny by adding a photo of you sleeping.
31. Love coupons
Give your love something to look forward to with love coupons that can be redeemed when you’re together. You can make these fun or frisky, whichever you think your partner will enjoy the most.
32. Pickup lines
Send them a stack of pickup lines, one for every day of the month.
33. Custom illustration of you together
Bring a picture of you two to a local fair and have someone illustrate you.
Be In Touch
34. “Open when” letters
Mail a stack of letters that let you be there for your partner, even when you can’t physically be there. Tailor them to be opened at a specific moment and fill themwith your funny, sweet or sentimental thoughts. You can even include photos, treats or trinkets to make them extra special. You can find open when letter ideas here.
35. A ticket
The best gift of all is the one that enables your loved one to come see you in person. If you’re in a long distance relationship, you’re likely purchasing tickets on the regular, but that doesn’t mean one can’t also be a gift.
36. Send a telegram
There’s nothing more timeless than romance, and sending a telegram is an old-fashioned romantic gesture reminiscent of the epic couples of yesteryear. You two aren’t the first couple in history to be separated by distance, and a telegram will remind you that love notes can travel beyond internet access or even electricity.
37. Customized smartphone/tablet case
Even if you are not talking on the phone or video chatting, a custom case will always make you think of them.
38. Gourmet fruit box
Send a sweet treat and a sweet note! Plus you are also making sure your honey eats healthy!
More long distance gift ideas
Here are even more gift ideas that your significant other is sure to love. If you want to send them an extra special surprise, ship flowers or a gift basket to their work or a location they frequent. They’ll never expect it and you’ll win extra points!
39. Bouquet of roses
Pick the color based on the message you want to send them.
40. Wine gift basket
Make the gift basket extra romantic by including a date and time to video chat and have a glass of wine together.
41. Balloons
If your significant other likes public gestures (or you want to embarrass them a little) send balloons to their office telling them how much you love them.
42. iPad stand
Perfect for lazy nights spent laying in bed and video chatting.
43. Charging station
This will help them keep all their devices charged so that they’re only ever a phone call away.
44. Artwork for their home
What’s better than a picture of the two of you together or a piece of art that represents your journey together? Map wall art may be a fitting choice.
45. Personalized jewelry
Give them a personalized piece of jewelry that they can wear everyday and read a special message meant just for them.
46. Photo throw pillow
So your face is the last thing they see when they go to bed.
47. Fortunate cookie with a message
Whenever they pick up their keys, they’ll always know you’re rooting for them!
48. Roll-up keyboard
An easy to transport keyboard is great to bring along when they’re traveling to see you.
49. Fun socks
Get them fun printed socks of something you both love.
50. Scented soap
You can even create soap with a custom sent to tailor it to their favorite smell.
Of course, you know your partner best and have the keenest insight on what kinds of gifts they will treasure. The most important thing when choosing a gift is to keep the recipient in mind and to give from the heart. We hope these ideas will get your creative juices flowing and help you find the perfect unique gift for your long distance love. If you are looking for even more inspiration, these thinking of you gifts will steer you in the right direction.
LDR Magazine / Modern Long Distance / Survive LDR / Huffington Post
