When you’re dating long distance, you have to be choosy about which holidays you spend together. A biggie like New Year’s might get priority, which could mean you wind up spending Valentine’s Day apart. And if you’re not going to get to see your S.O. in person on February 14, the gift becomes all the more meaningful.
These presents will let your partner know you’re thinking of them this Valentine’s Day, and will make the days until your next visit a little more bearable.
A memory jar
Write down all of your favorite memories of your S.O. on slips of paper, fold them up, and drop them in a pretty glass jar. Send to your boo with a note telling them to pull out a memory whenever they’re missing you. Add in a few of your favorite couple photos too.Williams-Sonoma Biscotti Jar, $, available at Williams-Sonoma
Movie night
Put together a box of your love’s favorite home theater staples: popcorn, candy, a cozy blanket, and — the perfect finishing touch — A24’s special “rom-com” candle. On top, slip in a fake “ticket” with a date, time, and the movie you two will be watching together via FaceTime. (I recommend When Harry Met Sally).A24 A24 Rom-Com Genre Candle, $, available at A24
Long-lasting flowers
It’s cliché for a reason: Everyone loves getting flowers. Bouquets from Venus Et Fleur come in a variety of arrangements, and their special Ecuadorian “eternity roses” can survive for a year or longer with the proper care.Venus Et Fleur Venus Et Fleur Arrangement, $, available at Venus Et Fleur
Their favorite treat
You don’t have to be together to enjoy an intimate meal. Order up their favorite food or dessert through a meal delivery service like UberEats. To take things up a notch, order in for yourself too, and the two of you can have dinner together over FaceTime.Milkbar B’Day Truffle Dozen Box, $, available at Milkbar
A smart frame
The Nixplay Smart photo frame lets you update it with new snapshots from afar via an app. Switch out the picture at random times to subtly let your partner know you’re thinking of them. (You could even slip in a risqué one now and then.)nixplay Nixplay Smart Photo Frame, $, available at Nixplay
A scrapbook
There’s something special about paging through a physical scrapbook, filled with your fave pictures, memories, and inside jokes.Never Ever Land Scrapbooks Never Ever Land Scrapbook Album. 12×10″ Pink Scrap Book. Scrapbooking Supplies, Memory Book, Wedding Guest Book, Photo Album, Baby Shower Present, Valentines, Engagement, and Anniversary Message Book., $, available at Amazon
Your signature fragrance
Whatever you’re sending, personalize it by adding a few strong spritzes of your favorite perfume or cologne. Old school, yes, but it’s effective: They’ll feel extra mushy as they open the package.Heretic FLORGASM, $, available at Heretic Parfums
A cooking gadget
The message behind an appliance gift should be, “I think you’ll use this constantly and enjoy it” — not, “You should cook more.” If your S.O. is always complaining about their tiny kitchen, for instance, a Brava multi-cooker could make their life so much easier, and earn you their unending gratitude. Juicers, Instapots, slow cookers, and SodaStreams — all are potential gifts, if your partner has expressed a true interest or a need for them.Brava Brava Starter Set, $, available at Brava
A playlist
If you want to go through the hassle of recording a mixtape the old-school, cassette-tape way, more power to you. The rest of us can easily put a modern twist on the traditional mixed tape by putting together a Spotify playlist of all the songs that remind us of our babe.Beistle Beistle S57763AZ2, 2 Sheets Cassette Tape Peel ‘N Places, 12” x 24” Sheet [2 piece], $, available at Amazon
An experience
You may not be with your love on February 14, but you will be together soon enough. Start getting excited about it by planning out your next trip, and send a little hint as your V-Day gift. If you book a hiking trip for two, for example, send your boo hiking socks. If you book a concert, forward along the e-tickets. Photo: Pavel Brodsky/Unsplash.
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