Even in this era of coronavirus, there are still big events where we want to give a gift to a loved one: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, and “just because.” Wondering how to give a gift in a safe and responsible manner in a time of coronavirus? Our corresondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has curated a list of innovative gift ideas in a time of social distancing. It’s our gift guide of birthday, anniversary and more gifts to give while social distancing. So you can stay calm, and gift on.
innovative gift ideas in a time of social distancing
Who doesn’t need a bit of a pick-me-up right now? With everything so turbulent right now, we’ve all been looking for something to take our mind off of the news. And you know what cheers us up the most? Getting an especially thoughtful, surprise gift in the mail, from the very people we currently can’t see.
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Just because we’re social distancing, it doesn’t mean that we can’t help each other find some happiness in these troubled times. In fact, now that we’re separated, there’s all the more reason to go the extra mile, and really show the people we love how much we love them.
But how can you ensure that you’re giving a safe and responsible gift in a time of coronavirus?
We’ve done some research, and we’ve got answers. So if you know someone – whether they’re a child, teen, or adult – who could use something to put a smile on their face, we recommend these twelve fantastic gifts ideas.
Our guide for how to give birthday, anniversary and other gifts while maintaining a safe social distancing practice.
1. Birthday Cake from Milk Bar
Despite the circumstances, birthdays haven’t stopped happening. There are plenty of Aries turning one year older right now, who are being made to host their celebrations over Zoom. And yes, you can still give a great birthday gift while social distancing How can you help make their special day more exceptional? Send them a birthday cake.
And not just any birthday cake – the best birthday cake in the world! Milk Bar is currently shipping their one-of-a-kind funfetti birthday cakes, meaning that all of our stay-at-home birthday celebrations just got a whole lot sweeter. Send this to someone, and you’ll be their birthday hero.
BUY NOW – $60
2. Chocolate Fudge Cake from Goldbelly
Carlos’ Bakery – yes, the Carlos’ Bakery, made famous on Cake Boss – is shipping their legendary chocolate fudge cake, all the way from New Jersey. With layers of thick ganache, and decorated with chocolate sprinkles, this decadent birthday cake is sure to make the birthday person’s day.
BUY NOW – $69
3. Birthday Flowers from Floom
You can also help jumpstart the festivities by giving someone a beautiful birthday bouquet. This is a present that will smell and look amazing, and help to liven up any in-home celebration. This pastel hand-tied bouquet from Floom ships from a local florist, and includes sunflowers, roses and craspedias, making it one extraordinary birthday gift.
BUY NOW – $120
4. Easter Bouquet from From You Flowers
Birthdays aren’t the only special occasions that are a little different than usual this year. It can be hard spending the major spring holidays away from our families, but you can make it easier by giving someone this beautiful Easter bouquet.
BUY NOW – $50.99
5. Trio of Plants (And Planters!) from Bloomscape
With all the time we’re spending inside right now, some people are looking for new hobbies (we’re looking at you, Instagram sourdough bakers).
Giving someone a plant is not just giving them a way to keep their home fresh and healthy. It’s also giving them an activity to help fill their days. These three lovely plants are easy for beginner plant-parents to care for, and come in three customizable planters.
BUY NOW – $65
6. Petite White Orchid from The Sill
This stately orchid is another way for brand new horticulturists to get started. Give someone this beautiful flower, and select the color and shape of its planter to match their design preferences.
These are also pet-friendly, meaning your friends won’t have to worry about a dog or cat getting a little too curious. We all need more beauty in our lives right now, and this orchid is the perfect way to share some.
BUY NOW – $75
7. Mini Herb Garden from plants.com
A lot of us are spending more time in our kitchens than usual at the moment, so why not give the gift of this charming miniature home herb garden? It will save on trips to the grocery store, and will help to make all homecooked meals that much more delicious. This is a super thoughtful and outside-of-the-box present to give to a friend or family member.
BUY NOW – $34.99
8. Framed Photo from Framebridge
Since we’re all missing time with our loved ones right now, why don’t you give something that will make those loved ones feel closer than ever? Framebridge lets you upload a photo directly to their website, and will then send a pristine framed version to your recipient. This is a sweet way to remind the people in your life that you’re close by, even during social distancing.
BUY NOW – $69
9. Long Distance Friendship Lamps from Uncommon Goods
These lamps are just maybe the best invention of all time, and something we didn’t know we needed until right now. The lamps come in a set, and are intended for two separate homes, no matter how far away from each other. When you put a hand to your lamp, its counterpart will glow, showing the other person that you’re thinking of them. Get these lamps for yourself and a friend, and you’ll feel like you were never even apart.
BUY NOW – $170
10. Books from Scholastic
We all know and love Scholastic. In addition to being the publishing mastermind behind Harry Potter, they are the hosts of our favorite book fairs, and the all-around best literature providers for kids of all ages. If you know a child who is stuck at home right now, nothing will occupy them better than a little bit of escapism – into a book. Looking for a title suggestion? We recommend the just-released middle grade book Ghost Squad, from Claribel A. Ortega.
11. Empire State Building Lego Set from Fat Brain Toys
We all need a good project to keep us busy right now. You can give someone this incredible and gigantic lego set of the Empire State Building, thereby guaranteeing them many hours of busy fun, and an in-home tribute to New York City. We know how popular puzzles are right now, so why not pivot to everyone’s favorite three-dimensional puzzle.
BUY NOW – $129.99
12. Math Game Bundle from Really Good Stuff
Who says that math can’t be fun? Really Good Stuff has created an entire bundle of math-centric games designed for kids who are in elementary school. If a child you know and love is safe at home right now, this is a great gift that will let them have some fun, while also keeping them their arithmetic skills fresh during this time of coronavirus.
BUY NOW – $179.99
our social distancing gift guide
That’s our guide for how to give a birthday gift, anniversary gift, and other gifts while maintaining a safe social distancing practice during this time of coronavirus. Stay safe and healthy, dear reader. We are in this together.
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.