Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. And with an ongoing global pandemic and social distancing enforced, many of us are wondering how in the hell will we celebrate the holidays this year? As we navigate this new normal due to the coronavirus, it will certainly be a challenge for sure. Not to worry. I’ve compiled a list of 8 social distancing gift ideas that will put us in the holiday spirit and enable us to enjoy the festivities.
10 Social Distancing Gift Ideas for the Holidays
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- A care package – There’s nothing more sentimental than sending a care package to you love ones as a holiday gift during these times. The care package can be filled with treats and goodies, toiletries, beauty and grooming products, and any of their favorite products you know they’d love.
- Cook them a meal – In the spirit of contactless delivery, how about you cook your loved one’s favorite meal and drop it off right outside their home.
- Virtual gift card – Who doesn’t like a gift card? When I think of gift cards, America’s favorite online retailer comes to mind. Amazon, anyone? Or make it Starbucks or whatever they’d prefer.
- Drive-thru holiday gift exchange – While social distancing is enforced, it doesn’t have to cancel the holiday festivities, right? I still like a good ole fashion gift exchange, only this time make it a drive thru.
- Secret Santa – Let’s put a spin on Secret Santa by having a designated individual put names in a virtual hat and assign gift exchanges. On gift opening day, the group can get together on a Zoom or virtual chat for the big reveals.
- Be Thankful – With technology at our finger tips, families are able to record most important moments and milestones in their lives and share with loved ones. Why not record short videos of why you appreciate and are thankful for each other. This may be a great Thanksgiving moment and pre-Christmas gift exchange. Come together, perhaps Thanksgiving night, and take turns unveiling “Why I’m thankful for you” videos.
- Digital “Telegram” – Get your loved ones’ favorite artist to sing them a jingle or their favorite song online. Surprisingly this can be pretty easy and not as expensive as you’d imagine. If the artist isn’t too famous and still pretty local you can pay to get them to sing and shout out your loved ones on social media.
- Paid subscription for a streaming service – They’re pretty easy to subscribe to unsubscribe so why not pay for three-month’s worth of online streaming to your friend/family members favorite provider, a new provider or bundle a few.
- Artwork – I’ve recently come across sketch artwork. Etsy has tons of artists that are very talented in sketch work. How about you send them a photo of your loved one and get a recreated sketch work image framed and send to them. Sweet, huh?
- Mail It – Not so surprising or creative, but do people write letters or send things by standard mail anymore? A positive message may lift up the spirits of your loved one if they haven’t seen you in some time. Writing them a touching letter can have a positive impact.
Now that I’ve shared my 10 social distancing gift giving ideas with you, I’m excited to hear some of your own. What can we add here?
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20 Comments
Pam Wattenbarger
October 28, 2020 at 6:32 pmWith as much television, music, and everything as people are viewing/listening to now, a streaming service subscription is a great idea.
Ben
October 28, 2020 at 6:59 pmA streaming subscription is one of the best holiday gift ideas for this year that I’ve seen! I mean, we’re not really going anywhere for quite a while still.
Amber Myers
October 28, 2020 at 7:03 pmThese are some great ideas. My husband is deployed, so I already sent him a care package. We also send letters!
Melissa
October 28, 2020 at 8:22 pmThese are all great suggestions foe a socially distant holiday. Love the artwork idea.
Brandy Ellen Writes
October 29, 2020 at 3:32 amThese are some pretty simple gift ideas for those who are not able to see family in person for the holiday season.
Nikki Wayne
October 29, 2020 at 7:35 amThanks for the ideas. My family would love the paid streaming or a gift voucher.
Gervin Khan
October 29, 2020 at 7:36 amThese are great ideas and I think I will choose to cook for their favorite dish as my holiday gifts to my loved ones. Thank you!
Jennifer
October 29, 2020 at 11:43 amWe’re doing the drive through thing with our family! I’m high risk and don’t want to take any chances.
Jennifer
October 29, 2020 at 11:44 amThis year we’re doing a present drop off. I’m high risk for Covid and don’t want to take any chances.
Heather
October 29, 2020 at 1:28 pmLove these ideas! We have been thinking about gifting a streaming service for my mother in law.
Lynndee
October 29, 2020 at 2:54 pmI’ve actually been thinking about what to give my in-laws this Christmas. Thanks for the ideas.
Catalina
October 29, 2020 at 3:47 pmLove these ideas! In this era of social distancing it’s nice to receive a gift! It means that someone thinks of you!
Claudia
October 29, 2020 at 5:49 pmI love these ideas. Just because we have to stay away from each other doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the holidays together. These are perfect.
Janeane M Davis
October 29, 2020 at 7:34 pmI never thought about socially distant presents. I always think about social distance presence. These are great ideas to help us be present and give presents safely.
Tara Pittman
October 29, 2020 at 8:07 pmI will be using the virtual gift card for my two sons. They will be both overseas for the holidays
Sherry
October 30, 2020 at 3:13 amI love sending care packages. My mom used to bake and put together packages for family and friends. I have continued her tradition.
Betsyyy
October 30, 2020 at 5:00 amNothing beats the artwork as a gift for mee! Thank you for the great ideas 🙂
Ryan Escat
October 30, 2020 at 8:32 amThese are great tips,my wife loves cooking so much. I bet she’ll prefer cooking for her loved ones.
Beth
October 30, 2020 at 11:03 pmThese are wonderful suggestions. Two of my sisters live in town, and it is so sad that we can’t spend the holidays together.
katrina m kroeplin
November 3, 2020 at 10:14 pmi love these ideas, very creative. i will have to think about them for sure.