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22 Meaningful Long-Distance Friendship Gifts to Show Your Love From Miles Away

If you can't celebrate Christmas with your best friend IRL, these ideas are the next best thing.

By Amy Elliott and
long distance friendship gifts
vellabox, etsy

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When your best friend lives far away, it's important to find ways to let her know that she's always in your thoughts, whether it's through text, FaceTime, or one of these long-distance friendship gifts. When it comes to buying a thoughtful gift for your best friend, you can go one of two ways: something sentimental that'll tug at her heartstrings or a practical find that nods to your commonly-shared interests.

This list of gift ideas covers all the bases, full of personalized options to warm her heart, self-care gifts for your next Zoom night, or unique picks to remind her that distance is nothing but a number of miles. A few gifts, in particular, offer tangible reminders of a shared hometown or a state that means something to both of you, like where you used to work or attend school. When you factor in the miles between you two, it may be easier to send a gift straight to her door, which is exactly why we've included some subscription boxes or virtual gift ideas that work no matter the distance. If you'd rather create a custom care package or finish off the gift with a handwritten card, you can do that too.

FYI: Certain items may be shipped later this year due to the pandemic. You can check here for all shipping deadlines to ensure your item arrives in time for the holidays.

1
Easy Way to Go Personalized

Amazing Items Custom Best Friend Mug

Custom Best Friend Mug
Credit: Amazon

When she pours her morning coffee, she'll think of you instantly, as long as she's using this personalized coffee mug. Tailor it to your friendship by sending along your skin tones, hair colors, names, and friendship anniversary date.

RELATED: The Best Gifts to Buy on Amazon

2
The Gift That Keeps on Giving

FaceTory Sheet Masks Subscription Box

Sheet Masks Subscription Box
Credit: Amazon

Set her up with the essentials for a virtual spa night by gifting her a monthly sheet mask subscription. At the start of every month, she'll receive four or seven sheet masks (your call) that target different skincare needs like aging and hydrating.

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3
Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed

Knock Knock "Why You're My Bestie" Fill-in-the-Love Book

Best Seller
"Why You're My Bestie" Fill-in-the-Love Book

This instant keepsake invites you to share your silliest — or sappiest — thoughts with your far-flung BFF, guided by roughly 100 fill-in-the-blank prompts like "When we're old, let's ________."

4
Make It Interactive

Peonyandlaces Open When Notecards and Envelopes

Open When Notecards and Envelopes
Credit: Etsy

This clever version of snail mail will make her feel loved when she needs it most, like when she feels lonely or needs a hug. All envelopes are labeled to fit a specific need, and then it's up to you to write a heartfelt note to stick inside.

RELATED: Unique Gifts to Buy on Etsy

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5
Make 2021 Her Best Year Yet

Good Housekeeping 2021 Live Life Beautifully Planner

2021 Live Life Beautifully Planner

Each time she opens this planner in the year ahead, she'll feel inspired to live a simpler, happier life. Along with the weekly calendar pages, it's packed with family-friendly recipes, organizing tricks, and helpful how-tos.

6
Cute Enough to Wear Daily

DearAvaGifts Soul Sisters Necklace

Soul Sisters Necklace
Now 10% Off
Credit: Etsy

She's your North Star, and vice versa. When she wears this dainty compass necklace, she'll be reminded that you're always there to guide her home – no matter how far it may be.

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7
Get It at the Last Minute

Beauty&Jones Long Distance Friendship Picture Frame

Long Distance Friendship Picture Frame
Credit: Amazon

Place one of your silliest or sweetest snapshots in this 4" x 6" picture frame. Then stick a few other options in her card, so she rotate them out to highlight your best moments together.

8
If She Recently Moved Away

Homesick State Scented Candle

Best Seller
State Scented Candle

Scent evokes memories, and this line of candles has a fragrance for every state, filling her space with reminders of her old stomping grounds or a place you both hold dear.

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9

Compendium Pop-Open Cards

Pop-Open Cards
Credit: Amazon

Before wrapping up this gift, take some time to write a sentence or two on the back of all 30 cards. Use this moment to jot down your favorite inside jokes, revisit old memories, or share just how much she means to you.

10

DistinctlyIvy Long Distance Friendship Keychain

Long Distance Friendship Keychain
Now 20% Off
Credit: Etsy

No matter where life takes her, the sentiment on this keychain rings true. Stamp a gold, silver, or rose gold keychain with your current home states, along with your initials. You can fit up to four states, in case you have other long-distance pals to add in.

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11

thepinklocket Clay Jewelry Dish

Clay Jewelry Dish
Now 20% Off
Credit: Etsy

She can pick exactly what she wants to store in this trinket dish, whether it's her daily jewels or small momentos that remind her of you. But just be sure that she doesn't cover up the engraved message: "Today I will slay."

12

Simon & Schuster Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

On Sale
Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close
Now 58% Off
Credit: Amazon

Meet your next BFF book club pick: Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, the hosts of Call Your Girlfriend, examine what it really takes to make friendships — near and far — in this best-selling read. Who knows, you two might learn something new along the way.

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13

Akola Karatasi DIY Bracelet Kit in Rainbow

Karatasi DIY Bracelet Kit in Rainbow
Credit: Akola

Friendship bracelets are making a comeback, and these paper beaded versions from Akola are as chic as ever. This kit comes with all the materials to make up to seven bracelets, depending on wrist size, for her nearest and dearest.

RELATED: Awesome Gifts That Give Back

14

BaubleBar Design a Pisa Necklace Gift Card

Design a Pisa Necklace Gift Card
Credit: Baublebar

Baublebar takes the guesswork out of gifting with their e-gift cards, which are specific to a certain accessory that they carry like the ever-popular Pisa necklace. That way, she can choose colors and charms that catch her eye, and you can take a sigh of relief.

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15

effiespaper That Life? Live It Spiraled Notebook

That Life? Live It Spiraled Notebook
Credit: Etsy

When you can't be there to hype her up, this notebook will do the job. Write a message of encouragement inside that she can turn to whenever she's feeling overwhelmed.

16

Bespoke Post Unplug Box

Editor’s Choice
Unplug Box
Credit: Bespoke Post

Enter self-care in a box: This curated gift set comes with all the makings for a pamper night, including an essential oil diffuser, cozy socks, bath bomb, and turmeric concentrate. (FYI: Gift her a Bespoke Post membership, so she can have a new box arrive at her door each month.)

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17

Cosmopolitan Going Out Top

Going Out Top

Now that we're in the age of Zoom parties and virtual happy hours, this tongue-in-cheek tee is a wardrobe staple. Tell her to pair it with her favorite sweatpants for an ironic (er, iconic) look.

18

Uncommon Goods Long Distance Friendship Lamp

Long Distance Friendship Lamp
Now 34% Off
Credit: Uncommon Goods

You'll both benefit from this two-part gift. Once you each set up your respective lamps, you'll be notified when the other person taps theirs as a sign that they're thinking of you.

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19

Vellabox Monthly Candle Subscription

Monthly Candle Subscription
Credit: VellaBox

Give her candle stash a monthly refresh with Vellabox. Each month, a candle, either 4 oz. or 8 oz., scented for the season will show up at her door — no questions asked.

20

Chatbooks Standard Photo Book

Standard Photo Book
Credit: Chatbooks

Pressed for time and on a budget? Download the Chatbooks app to create a 6x6 photo book right from your phone. It’s an easy, affordable way to commemorate an epic visit, or to compile some of your greatest selfies of all time (excluding the ones she made you delete).

Headshot of Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

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