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Traditionally, the holidays are for spending time with loved ones and reuniting with family—but sometimes life has other plans. Whether you can't afford to fly home for the holidays, are spending this year with the in-laws, or just can't find time in your schedule for a traditional Thanksgiving, you can still find ways to show love for your family.
There are tons of gifts you can ship over to your loved ones to ease the sting of not being there in person. Not only will a thoughtful present make you feel that much more connected to each other, but it will also symbolize your appreciation and gratitude. Here, the top items to send this Thanksgiving when you can’t be there in person.
1. This Thanksgiving dessert essential
Would it really be a Thanksgiving feast without a pumpkin pie? Made from natural ingredients like ginger, cloves, cinnamon and heaps of pure pumpkin, the pie is shipped frozen so your recipient is able to thaw and serve it at their leisure. And you don't have to sweat over homemade pie crust to make sure your loved ones will enjoy it.
2. This limited-edition Diptyque gift set
Candles are always a welcomed gift, especially during entertaining season.
Fewer candle brands are more iconic than Diptyque, a brand that even Meghan Markle loves. Featuring timeless fruit- and floral-forward fragrances from notes of fig, white flowers and spice, it’s the ultimate way to help your loved ones create a warm and welcoming environment in their home over the holidays.
You can send an individually gift-wrapped Diptyque candle or opt for the four-piece candle gift set to keep the cozy vibes going.
$40 at Nordstrom $99 at Nordstrom
3. This highly-rated L.L.Bean throw
Who doesn't want to feel extra cozy during the cold months of the year?
Every member of their household can take turns cozying up under this super soft throw that looks as great wrapped around your shoulders as it does draped over a sofa. It comes in three colorways, each of them featuring a plush design that'll keep your loved ones warm even on the darkest days of winter.
4. This advent calendar for tea lovers
If your loved ones are tea lovers, this is the perfect holiday gift.
Advent calendars are the gifts that keep on giving because they a) offer dozens of mini gifts for your loved one to enjoy, and b) allow you to countdown to the holidays together.
The book-style calendar comes with 25 tea pyramids in festive flavors like Gingerbread Treat, Irish Holiday, Winter Warmer, and more. Plus, all teas are organic, the packaging is compostable, and the leaves are sourced from small scale farmers in Sri Lanka—so you can feel good about sharing every cup..
5. This top-rated box of Godiva chocolates
Like Willy Wonka's golden ticket, but better.
Boxed chocolate has unfairly gotten a questionable rep because it supposedly lacks originality. That’s not the case with this iconic gold box decked out with your choice of a personalized ribbon and note.
It features gourmet-quality Belgian chocolates, like buttery caramel coated in rich dark chocolate and white chocolate with hints of raspberry puree. Because of that awesome selection, the box has also racked up a 4.7-star rating and 7,500 reviews, many of which claim the packaging is as exquisite as the chocolates themselves. This gift also eliminates the burden of them having to choose what to have for Thanksgiving dessert, because the answer will definitely be this epic collection of treats.
6. These top-rated silk flowers
These blooms will stay perched on their mantle to infinity and beyond.
This Thanksgiving, consider sending a centerpiece made of artificial flowers (which, let’s be honest, sounds a lot fancier when you call them silk flowers) since your loved one can enjoy them forever.
This top-rated arrangement includes three bouquets, one bunch of greenery, and a ceramic vase. It comes in 16 variations, including an autumnal color palette with a more festive vibe that’s sure to add some life to their home.
7. This giving shawl
Happy tears may very well be in your future.
What better way to exhibit your gratitude over Thanksgiving than by gifting a Giving Shawl? This top-rated shawl is like comfort food in apparel form: It features a buttery soft nylon material, an inside pocket for storing your belongings, and a keepsake bookmark printed with an encouraging, heart-warming message. It’s great for sending to virtually anyone, as it’s one-size-fits-most.
8. This adorable way to "succ" up to your pals
A little bit of humor goes a long way.
Missing Friendsgiving this year? No sweat. What’s awesome about this gift set—which features an adorable succulent in a metal gold planter—is that you can customize virtually every aspect. Choose your soy candle scent—like pumpkin pie, white tea or chardonnay—and select any add-ons (for a small fee) including chocolate, lip balm, a tote bag, or coconut milk soap.
9. This missing puzzle to their holiday
It's a playful way to show you care.
You might be physically apart this holiday season, but there’s nothing like a puzzle to metaphorically bring you all together. This special keepsake operates as both an activity they can do on family game night, and a décor item to display when not in use (it also comes with a matching photo box, so you don’t need to complete the puzzle to show it off). You can customize your puzzle size, difficulty level and photo collage, making it a unique gift they’ll cherish forever.
10. This dinner prep savior
You've never seen fashion and function intersect in the kitchen like this.
If you won’t get to be there for Thanksgiving dinner when you normally help cook and set the table (right?!), this gift is bound to lend an extra hand in your absence.
The set comes in three varieties, each boasting a more stunning floral theme than the next. Its 20 melamine, silicone, wood and nylon utensils are the perfect addition to any kitchen, whether they plan on cooking or baking their way through the holiday season.
11. This best-selling wine purifier
Level up the wines they already own.
Because Thanksgiving is not like any other night, sediment-filled boxed wine isn’t going to cut it. This wine filter with 2,800 reviews strategically removes all sulfites and preservatives (that are known to contribute to headaches and hangovers), while maintaining each wine’s natural aromas, hues and tasting notes. Acting as an aerator, the Ullo also “opens up” the wine, too, allowing you to properly savor each drop.
12. This sophisticated olive oil and balsamic vinegar collection
Perfect for cooking, dipping, and drizzling, this set will make any foodie swoon.
Olive oils and vinegars are such a great gift no matter the occasion—but they’ll be especially well-received during “cooking season” when folks are looking to take a few extra risks in the kitchen.
In this beautifully presented gift set, you get bold and delicate extra-virgin olive oil varieties, basil-infused olive oil, lemon-infused olive oil, and a full-bodied aged balsamic vinegar from Modena to balance out the flavors. These award-winning oils and vinegars are all organic and great as drizzling agents, salad dressings, or bread dippers.
13. This festive skincare set from Lush
Soaps, lip scrubs, and bath bombs, oh my!
Allow them to usher in the colder weather with Lush skincare essentials that pair best with a piping hot bath. Start with the ever-hydrating Snow Bear soap made of oat milk and coconut yogurt, followed by Salted Caramel lip scrub made with jojoba oil and shea butter for keeping lips soft even in the driest days of winter.
14. This 'cheesy' gift box
Take appetizers off your loved one's plate by sending a thoughtfully curated box.
Getting cheesy is not only allowed but it's actually encouraged over the holidays. The very appropriate "So Very Thankful" gift box is filled with Harry and David's top-rated seasonal, gourmet cheese and accompaniments, perfect for a pre-Thanksgiving appetizer.
15. A sweet fall treat that everyone will love
These sweet treats are the perfect way to indulge during the holidays.
It's not the holidays without (a wide range of) dessert. This seasonal set from Milk Bar includes an apple cider donut cake that features donut sugar frosting, apple cider jam, and caramelized apple donut crumbs throughout. Plus, it includes a tin of Milk Bar's iconic and quirky assorted cookies that anyone will make room for, even after a heavy dinner.