Fact: Long-distance relationships kinda suck. So if you're in an LDR right now, know that we feel for ya. Planning trips and having marathon FaceTime calls can make the distance feel a lil less sucky, but if you really wanna let your boo know that they're on your mind, the best way to do so is with a thoughtful gift that they can have around when you’re, well, not. Whether you're after a gift that commemorates an S.O. going away, a gift that also celebrates an anniversary, or a cute just-because prezzy, the best long-distance relationship gifts tend to be something that'll remind your S.O. that you're always there for them, no matter the distance (all together now: awwwww).
From genius tech gifts (seriously, what did people in LDRs do before the internet?!) to heart-melting romantic gifts for the sappy types, we've got ALLLL the best long-distance relationship gift ideas for couples, no matter what stage of the relationship you're in. A bunch of these have free and rush shipping options too, considering you're prob mailing it far away!
Now scroll on for even more unique and sweet gift ideas for your long-distance partner, 'cause if they can't have your presence, then they deserve a few presents. (And btw, some of these items also make great gifts for long-distance friendships and parents who live far away, too. You're welcome!)
Sure, you could wake up and text them, but where's the fun in that?! With this gadget, you can send them a message or a drawing that feels extra special.
With just a touch, your loved one can send a little light-up alert and vibration to let you know they're thinking of you. The bracelets also connect to an app for you two to send sweet lil messages back and forth.
These little love notes
MESSAGE PILL CO. Long Distance Messages in a Bottle
These little love notes
MESSAGE PILL CO. Long Distance Messages in a Bottle
Not crafty or creative enough to put together a DIY LDR gift? Order one of these jars instead. Each comes with 50 prewritten love notes for your loved one to read when they're really missing you.
They can wear your heart on their sleeve wherever they go if ya get 'em one of these precious embroidered sweatshirts (which come in just about every color imaginable).
Few things are more romantique than a handwritten letter, which is what makes this book filled with blank love letters for you to fill out the most romantic gift on this list.
It's the little things, right? Get 'em this token they can keep in their pocket, wallet, purse, or at their bedside, that'll be their constant reminder of you. You can customize it with a sweet message.
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this keepsake journal
Rockridge Press 100 Things I Love about You: A Love Journal
this keepsake journal
Rockridge Press 100 Things I Love about You: A Love Journal
When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you can feel pretty, well, distant. Make it a point to do something every day (like filling out the prompts in this cute journal) to bring you two closer.
this pair of glowing lamps
FriendshipLamps Set of Two Long Distance Friendship Lamps
this pair of glowing lamps
FriendshipLamps Set of Two Long Distance Friendship Lamps
No matter how far apart you two are, you'll feel like your person is right there with you, thanks to these lamps that light up when the other person touches theirs.
Again, ya can't beat the romance of a handwritten letter, but this updated version puts all other letters to shame. With this greeting card, you can record a video of yourself that plays whenever they open it up. Uh, how cool??
If you two are living in separate time zones, then this genius double wall clock (which you can customize however you like) will help them keep track of the time wherever you are.
This light up acrylic frame lets you put one of your favorite photos on display and choose a song that reminds you of your recipient (which they can play on Spotify any time they scan the plaque with their phone). Swoon.
This digital picture frame allows you to email and upload photos directly to the frame's display so you can constantly surprise them with new pictures.
If your nightly calls/FaceTimes have devolved into long pauses followed by "Sooo..." then this book of intimate conversation starters is the perfect restart button. Even if you think you know the answers, your partner may surprise you—then you have way more to talk about!
If your S.O. is a softie, then you can basically guarantee that this pretty print (which you can customize however you'd like) will make 'em shed a few tears.
Nothing says, "Miss u, mean it," quite like a pretty soy wax candle with a message. Choose between three different size options and a WHOLE bunch of gorge scent options.
Holding a phone for hours-long FaceTime calls can be exhausting! This handy phone stand will make 'em sooo much easier. They can adjust it to whatever angle is most convenient and comfortable for them. (BTW: It's compatible with all iPhone models and most Androids!)
Yes, absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it can also make the sex even hotter. This toy can be controlled from any place using the We-Vibe app *wink wink* for when you’re in the ~mood~ but can’t be together IRL. Did we mention that it has 10 different vibe modes and touch-sensitive receptors? Sold.
With this handy mixtape, you can put together a playlist of their fave jams on Spotify or Apple Music that they can listen to whenever they have access to a USB port.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.