If this dumpster fire of a year has proven anything, it’s that friends, lovers, and other special relationships matter more than ever, no matter how far apart you may be. Bridge the distance by sending that special someone a gift that lets them know how much they mean to you.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$25 from Etsy
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Has the pandemic made it hard to see your far-away friend or lover? If that's the case, they will certainly appreciate this gift set, which includes a number of sweet items that will let them know how much you miss them.
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$30 from Amazon
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Among the many models that Cheapism buyers have been snapping up is this one. With its high-definition wide-angle lens, the Avater webcam can capture the whole family, and it’s compatible with Skype and other major video conferencing apps.
$10 from Amazon
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The PopSocket collapsible grip sticks to the back of a device, making it easier to hold. It also serves as a stand or those long late-night video calls to tell each other good night.
$19 from Etsy
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Let that special someone know how you feel about them with a message that only the two of you know about. But be brief: You’ve only got 70 characters to work with. Available in 11 colors, the bracelet measures ¼ inch wide and 9 inches long.
$20 from Amazon
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Give that special someone across the miles a collection of smiles in a jar. Each note is meant to convey a message of "inspiration, laughter, motivation, and success."
Related: Thoughtful and Easy DIY Holiday Gifts That Will Save You Money
$35 and up from Etsy
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Commemorate the time and place you first met — or send ’em a clue about when and where to reconnect — with this engraved sterling silver pendant. Personalize one side or all four with times, dates, names, geographic coordinates, or anything else you can think of. Available in sterling silver, 18-karat gold, or rose gold finishes in a variety of necklace lengths.
$35 and up from Etsy
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If you and your best friend grew up together in a certain era, you almost certainly used to make each other mixtapes or sang certain songs in the car at the top of your lungs. Rekindle the tradition with this unique handmade gift, which can be customized with cover artwork, too.
$16 and up from Etsy
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Missing someone and feeling blue? Opening one of these cards and reading words from a friend or lover can be a comfort when the loneliness sets in or the world seems to be going crazy. Each set contains envelopes stamped with one of six messages, with matching blank notecards inside.
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$31 and up from Cratejoy
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TheraBox is a monthly subscription box that reminds your closest friend that you're not only thinking about them but also sending them positive vibes. Each box includes six to eight "wellness goodies" plus a "happiness activity" that, if you live near each other, you can do together.
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$98 from Uncommon Goods
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Send warm thoughts and good vibes to that special someone whenever they cross your mind. Simply tap the bracelet, and your loved one's half of the set will light up and vibrate. Replacement bands in different colors are available for $8.
$20 from Amazon
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Cooking for one can be a depressing affair, especially when you're missing your BFF, but it doesn't have to be. With humor and grace, Michelin Star-winner Anita Lo provides tips and recipes for the solo diner that will make quality ingredients count.
Related: Clever and Practical Cookbooks to Give Everyone on Your Gift List
$26 from Etsy
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The two of you fit together like two puzzle pieces, no matter how many miles may lie in between. Why not state the obvious and create a custom keychain set you both can share. Each aluminum tag is roughly 2 inches square.
Related: 100 Christmas Gifts for $25 or Less
$32 from Amazon
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These soy candles can burn for up to 80 hours. With a unique botanical scent for each state — “A crisp fall afternoon in the Adirondacks,” is how the maker describes New York — it will evoke memories of home or wherever that special place of yours may be.
$36 and up from Bouqs
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Who doesn’t love fresh-cut flower arrangements? A gift subscription to Bouqs includes your choice of four collections — roses, seasonal blooms, rustic combos, or single-flower bouquets — and three sizes. Bouquets are delivered on a schedule that you determine: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly deliveries.
$45 from Powell's Books
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If your friend is more the bookish type than one who craves cut flowers, then send ‘em a gift subscription to this book club. Every six to eight weeks, a new shipment will arrive in the mail. Each contains a signed hardback copy of a notable book from an independent publisher, plus a second surprise book and other goodies to keep things fun.
$11 from Amazon
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Every turn of this hardcover journal’s pages will reveal a new fill-in-the-blank expression, suggestion, or phrase to complete. Because no one ever tires of knowing how much you love them.
$130 from Uncommon Goods
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No matter where you come from or where you may be now, two hearts can come together as one with this framed 16-by-13-inch print. Choose from two map styles and six fonts to create a custom message of love from across the miles.
$15 and up from Trade Coffee
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You may not be able to share a cup of coffee and conversation together in person, but you can always brew a fresh cuppa and sit down for a long phone call. Trade Coffee subscription service works with 50 noteworthy roasters like Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Caffe Vita in Seattle, and PT's Coffee Roasting Co. in Topeka, Kansas.
$90 from Uncommon Goods
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It’s home decor for two homes: Each pillow is printed on one side with a unique state illustration, and on the other with an "ode" to that state. The durable cotton pillow covers are removable and machine washable.
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$80 and up from Etsy
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Whether you’re separated by one time zone or a dozen, this sleek modern clock will always let you know what time it is over there. The concrete clock measures just over 5 inches in length and is available with or without custom text.
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$30 from Amazon
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You knew they were a catch the first time you met. Celebrate that memory and daydream about the new ones you’ll make the next time you’re together. These BoldLoft ceramic mugs are available with six different designs — five that say “I love you” and one for when “I’m sorry” is more appropriate.
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$30 and up from Amazon
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Coffee mugs not your thing? Perhaps these perky pillowcases, also by BoldLoft, is more appropriate for those late-night long-distance calls to say “I miss you and love you.” These cotton-polyester pillowcases are available in queen and king sizes.
$100 from Lovebox
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Send a special message to your sweetie via the Pixel app, and the heart on the Lovebox will spin until your best friend opens the lid to view your note.
Related: 30 Holiday Gifts to Buy Early
Head for the hills (or anywhere else you want to visit) next time you get together and rent a house for the weekend. This recently remodeled Rocky Mountain chalet features a gas stove, well-stocked kitchen, and bathroom. Drive to Breckenridge for skiing or relax on the 3.5 forested acres. Once the day is done, warm up in the traditional Finnish steam sauna.
Related: Best Winter Home Rentals in America
$63 from Amazon
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This AmazonBasics carry-on bag is a Cheapism favorite because it’s inexpensive, durable, and can be stashed just about anywhere aboard an airplane. It can swallow a weekend’s worth of clothes and a laptop, too, if you pack carefully. Available in five colors and two fabric styles.
$13.50 from Amazon
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Count the days until the big day arrives — whether that day is a wedding, a birthday, family reunion, or your next romantic weekend together — with this desktop calendar. Available in two colors.
$21 from Amazon
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Yes, we already included a mug set in this gift guide, but what are best friends for if not chatting with while sipping a hot cuppa? This set of customizable ceramic mugs, available in two sizes, is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Related: Gifts for Best Friends
$24 from Etsy
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Candles make great gifts, but candles with personal messages make even better gifts. These candles are "Sending Socially Distant Hugs," with a customization option that'll print whatever you want to accompany that sweet thought across the miles.
$14 and up from Universal Yums
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They'll think of you every time they dip into this snack subscription service. Each month, a UY box will arrive filled with with sweet and salty treats from a different country. Each box also includes a 12+-page booklet filled with trivia, recipes, and other goodies.
