We’ve spent the past few weeks getting closer than ever with some of our friends. Physical isolation has caused all of us to reach out to the people we cannot be around right now. Voice and video calls take up much of our days, as do online games and Netflix watching parties. We’re really getting to know our friends and family a lot better.
Nonetheless, sometimes there’s just no substitute for physical proximity, and some older family and friends may not be all that good on a video call. Numerous times we have wanted to reach out with a more material expression of love, and gift giving has become one of our favorite pastimes.
But what gifts can you send during this time? Ideally, you want to send something that shows love and is also useful. The good news is that there are a number of gift ideas that you can easily get delivered to whoever you’re missing.
Try reaching out with some of the following gifts.
Wine (from a wine club)
We know we’re not the only ones who are using this opportunity to get better acquainted with the subtleties of wine. Relaxing with a glass of wine is the ideal way to end a day in quarantine. What’s better is if you can share the experience with others.
You definitely know a few wine lovers. Make their day by sending them a wine gift online. It will be even better if you can do some wine tasting with them. This is where an online wine club membership can come in handy. You can get bottles and tasters sent to you and your loved ones, then join them online as you enjoy the different flavors and learn more about the nuances.
Books
A lot of people want to read more but never get the time. Now, however, many people would love the chance to read. They might not have a ton of books at home, however. This is a great opportunity to share some books that you love or are currently reading. Think about what interests your loved ones and find a book on Goodreads or by browsing Amazon or other online booksellers.
You can send hard or softcover books to those who are not good with technology or simply prefer the physical experience. Alternatively, you can share ebooks with ease. And Audiobooks can provide the perfect reading experience for anyone who loves to read with their eyes closed or while they are doing other stuff (such as cooking or working out).
Exercise equipment
It is very frustrating not to be able to go to the gym at this time. We need to blow off steam more than ever, but the only space we have to do so is our homes. In light of this, tons of experts (and faux-experts) are sharing great home workouts. Unfortunately, many of these workouts assume you have certain basics. For example, they will provide exercises that require resistance bands or small weights. They might work under the assumption that you have a pullup bar.
If a loved one is struggling to find a good substitute to their regular workout, some exercise equipment can be a great gift. Something as simple as a resistance band opens up so many workouts. Pullup bars are perfect for anyone who wants to build some serious muscle (and has suitable doorways).
Alternatively, buy them a subscription to a service like Sworkit, which guides you through workouts step-by-step. Make sure you have a context for these gifts. If they have mentioned their frustrations with home workouts, these deliveries will make them smile. If they haven’t, they might feel implicitly attacked!
Healthy snacks
Being stuck at home presents a number of potential hazards. One is the snack cupboard. We all stacked up on snacks as soon as we knew we would have to spend this much time indoors. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to resist the urge to eat those snacks when you’re bored. You end up feeling guilty and bloated, while constantly running out of these snacks.
That’s why it is so important you keep some healthy snacks. They don’t need to be too low on calories or lack any sugar whatsoever. They just need to be better than milk chocolate and sugar-coated candy. Dried fruits and nuts are perfect, as are fresh fruits.
Get some for yourself. Then have some delivered to your loved ones. They will get to enjoy your loving gift without feeling guilty. You’ll feel like you have helped them, rather than provided something that will only encourage unhealthy habits.
Getting gifts delivered is the perfect way to reach out to the people you are missing in isolation. Share what you can and use this time to improve all your relationships.
