We’ve got some great gift ideas that will help keep your loved ones close, no matter how many miles separate you.
Being far away from your loved ones over the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate together. With a little imagination—and the magic of online shopping—you can stay connected to your people no matter how far-flung.
Get Connected
As we’ve learned from Star Trek and Stranger Things, portals can be tricky. The new Portal from Facebook offers up a high-resolution window into your loved one’s world, without the Tribbles or existential goo. With a smart camera that automatically pans and zooms and special features like Story Time, the Portal offers a dynamic and intimate experience. Imagine Aunt Lettie’s surprise when you seat her next to Cousin Albert Portal-ing in from Thailand for the holiday feast!
Bonus: When you’re not using it for a call, you can play music and get the weather and calendar updates (via Alexa), or use it as a digital photo display using your Facebook and Instagram photos.
Honestly, Aunt Lettie might be more comfortable with a Friendship Lamp, which makes it possible to send love across the miles with a simple touch. Friendship Lamps come in twos—one for you and one for your special someone. When you turn one on with a touch of your hand, its mate emits the same ambient glow, letting your loved one know you are thinking of them.
The Way to Their Heart
For those times when you can’t be there in person, but want to make a tangible contribution to the festivities, try edible gift options.
This Top 10 Favorites Gift Basket is tailor-made for the foodies in your life. The mix of gourmet spreads and crackers are perfect for the holiday hors d’oeuvres table, while the syrups and baking mixes can be squirrelled away for enjoying later.
For the kosher holiday table, we recommend the charming Bon Appetit Kosher Gourmet Gift Basket, loaded with pistachios, smoked salmon, chocolate-covered grahams, and other treats that will endear you to your long-distance loved ones.
The Decadent Chocolate Gift Tower from California Delicious is stacked with an assortment of chocolates ideal for keeping everyone busy as they wait for the official dessert to arrive on the table. Imagine the compliments you will receive as your family and friends fight over the last Godiva chocolate almond!
Maybe not everyone loves chocolate (the horror!). The Fruitful Sweetness Gourmet Tower has something for everyone: dried fruit, caramel popcorn, and French truffles. Even better, these treats come in reusable packages with a hand-tied bow, just the thing for wrapping next year’s gifts.
Hygge Helpers
When the feast is over, there’s nothing better than recovering on the couch with your people and a cozy throw (or three) from UGG®. The Classic Sherpa Throw Blanket is ultra-soft and the perfect companion on a blustery night.
The Sausalito Throw Blanket in Leopard will keep you cozy and chic.
Wonderfully warm and incredibly plush, the Allegra Faux Fur Throw creates instant hygge.
Make It Personal—on Paper
No pressure, but people love to receive holiday cards in the mail. Whether you send a triumphant overview of the year’s successes or an ironically awkward family portrait, a custom return address stamp is the finishing touch that tells the world you have your act together this year. This Stamp Out Self-Inking Custom Return Address Stamp can be personalized with your address information in a variety of fonts and themes. We like the casual grace of the Honeycut style.
We Come Bearing Gifts
Sometimes the best option is to eschew the gifts and show up in person! Whether you are staying for a season or a quick weekend, we have what you need to arrive in style. Bring everything you need to settle in for a long visit with the handsome Brookstone® Dash 2.0 Softside Luggage Collection. It comes equipped with wheels, a telescopic trolley handle, and pockets to help you stay organized.
For a high-impact yet brief weekend visit, we like the Classic Duffel from Piel Leather. Gliding smoothly on roller blade wheels, this handsome bag features multiple organizational pockets and a spacious main compartment.
Pack what you need to look sharp for the family photos with a classic Vera Bradley 4-Piece Travel Cosmetic Set.
Whether in person or from afar, we wish you the happiest of holidays!