18 Gifts To Give Your Loved Ones Who Can’t Make It Home for the Holidays This Year

There’s a myriad of reasons why your loved ones might not be able to make it home for the holidays. Maybe your family is dispersed across various states and exorbitant plane tickets have them staying put. Or, maybe they missed a layover and can’t make it on the next flight in time to join the festivities. Whatever the reasoning, sending a gift to those who will be joining in spirit shows them you’re thinking about them. In some cases, a sentimental gift even brings the celebrations to them when they need it most.

From meal subscriptions that taste just like home-cooked dishes, to candles that smell like special places, here are the 18 best gifts to give your friends and family who can’t make it home for the holidays this year.

For the person who wants a home-cooked meal (but doesn't have time)

Factor 75, 8-Meal Subscription — $99.00

Home-cooked meals are often a cornerstone in holiday celebrations. This year, send the spread to them with a delicious, chef-made dish from Factor 75. Giftees will enjoy ready-to-eat, fresh dinners like scrumptious mustard salmon, keto poblano bowls, and classic roasted sweet potatoes and steak. All you have to do is pick between 4-18 dishes you want to be delivered to your loved one’s door and wait until they call you to say how good it was.

For the one who's always in charge of the holiday playlist

Marshall, Action III — $280.00

If they can’t run the aux cord this year, they’ll appreciate turning the sound up on this quality speaker from their own home. While small, it’s designed to deliver sound to an entire room while balancing volume and clarity. Using Bluetooth, it pairs with smartphones, so they can pump up the holiday jams (or whatever genre they prefer.) Available in black, white, and brown.

For the person who misses snuggling in their own bed

Luna, Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket — $80.00

As temperatures dip, consider gifting a comfy blanket like Luna’s weighted blanket. Made from lyocell bamboo, this weighted blanket is snuggly, has anti-microbial properties to keep funky odors at bay, and promotes air flow for a sweat-free night. Plus, it’s Oeko-Tex certified, which means that it’s free of harmful chemicals and additives (bye, skin irritation).

Colors: 6 colors and patterns available.

For the person with a green thumb

The Sill, Fiddle Leaf Fig — $68.00

Fortunately, the home gardeners who are spending the holidays at home won’t be forced to part with their precious plant collection. Add a lil’ something to their indoor jungle with another plant bb, like The Sill’s Fiddle Leaf Fig, which is the perfect gift for anyone with a green thumb. With a click of a button, you can deliver a small or large fig in your planter of choice. All they’ll have to do is show it some TLC.

For the home chef who is usually in charge of dinner

"Black Food" by Bryan Terry — $16.00

Offering artwork, mouthwatering recipes, and heart-rendering essays, Black Food by Bryant Terry is a showcase of the diverse voices of the African Diaspora and celebrates Black culture, community, and joy. The book boasts recipes inspired by Black cuisine, from corn and goat’s milk pudding to okra-filled tamales. It’s a treat for the home cook in your life and who knows—it might inspire a meal for next year’s celebrations.

For the cozy homebody

Homesick, State Candle — $38.00

By now, you’ve surely seen these candles on a gift guide or another, and for very good reason. They’re formulated with nostalgia in mind, crafted to smell like the places a person is missing. Whether that’s a state, city, whole country, or a vacation spot, sparking up a Homesick candle will instantly transport them back to places they’re aching for.

For the passionate holiday baker

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer 5 Quarts — $350.00

Every baker needs a mixer in their kitchen rotation, and this one reigns supreme. Using 10 speeds, this small-but-mighty commercial mixer can stir up sugary concoctions (think: cupcake mix, pancake batter, and snickerdoodle dough) in just seconds. Even more, it comes with four accessories: a flat beater, dough hook, wire whip, and a pouring shield for all of your baking needs.

Colors: 19 different colors.

For the person who's spending the holidays outside

Outdoor Research, Coldfront Down Mittens — $65.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

If your friend or family member can’t make it home because they’re spending the holidays on the slopes, this is the gift for them. Outdoor Research’s toasty mittens are filled with a 650-down and constructed with a paneled design to keep their mitts warm and ready for action. Whether they’re riding a black diamond or snow-shoeing in their backyard, they’ll appreciate these snuggly mittens. Available in black, maroon, and green camo.

For the coffee fanatic

Jot, Coffee Duo — $39.00

Calling all friends and family of coffee aficionados—Jot’s Coffee bundle is nothing less of delicious. This concentrate duo features a smooth, medium roasted coffee and a dark-flavored one packed in cute jars. All that’s needed? Some water or your milk of choice, whether it’s almond, whole, oat, or pistachio milk, making it a solid gift for those who need a caffeine jolt.

For the person who's always cold

Asket, Cashmere Wool Scarf — $115.00

With brisker temperatures looming, a wool scarf makes an ideal gift, and this oversized scarf from Asket has us swooning. Constructed of a recycled wool and cashmere blend, the scarf keeps your loved one’s neck and shoulders protected as the weather plunges. It comes in four classic colors—beige, grey, navy, and black—and pairs perfectly with a knit sweater and denim jeans.

Colors: 4 different colors.

For the person who's skipping out for the Turkey Trot

Bala, Starter Kit — $203.00

Featuring a set of bangles, a weighted ring, and 3-pound bars, Bala’s Starter Kit is ideal for all the fitness folks, be it novices or pros. Do some weighted kick-backs with the ankle weights, bicep curls with the Bala bars, or overhead presses with the ring. The workouts are endless with this trio.

Colors: 9 different colors.

For the traveler who lives far away

Monos, Carry-On — $245.00

Treat the traveler in your life to a Monos carry-on suitcase. Outfitted in a sturdy polycarbonate shell with ultra-quiet wheels, this carry-on is cream of the crop when it comes to luggage. It’s designed to fit in any overhead bin and comes in ten gorgeous colors and prints, from baby blue to desert taupe. They’ll be glad they have it handy the next time they make it home.

Colors: 10 different colors.

For the person who normally hosts

Uncommon Goods, Sliding Cheese and Snack Board — $58.00

Give the hostess (or host) with the most-est his acacia wood sliding charcuterie board. The top layers holds four ceramic dishes for dips, cheese, fruit, assorted crackers, and the now-trendy butter. When you slide the top layer, it reveals four elegant cheese-serving utensils, making it a unique gift for any soirée hostess.

For the bookworm

Kindle, Oasis — $280.00

If you’re looking to splurge on the bookworm, Kindle Oasis is a favorite among Amazon shoppers and readers alike. With a 32 GB capacity, download your favorite books and read them in adjustable warm light (no more strained eyes). The thin and ergonomic-design makes it easy to carry and travel with. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can read in the bath or pool.

For the runner who's *also* doing the Turkey Trot

Bombas, Running Socks (Pack of 4) — $72.00

In need of a stocking stuffer? Well, Bombas running socks fit easily into a stocking. Constructed with a polyester and cotton blend, these socks are breathable and wick away moisture (odors no more). We love that they come in four different colors and are packed in a gift bag, so you won’t even need to worry about wrapping.

For the person who really wanted to be there

Uncommon Goods, Ode to Home State Tote — $45.00

Have someone on your list who lives out of state and just couldn’t swing coming home this year? Cheer them up with this sentimental tote that’ll give them a sense of home wherever they go. Each bag comes adorned with a state illustration and a poem, aka, “ode” to each state. From California’s redwood forests, to Florida’s gulf stream waters, there’s something special to celebrate in each place and guaranteed to make your giftee feel a little less homesick.

For the memory maker

Artifact Uprising, Everyday Photo Book — $62.00

We all have a “memory maker”, aka, the person at the party who’s constantly snapping photos to capture the moment or sneakily taking video to share with you later. If that person is on your shopping list, Artifact Uprising’s gorgeous photo album is the gift for them. Creating one is simple—just choose the color and number of pages, upload your photos, and presto, you’ve got a keepsake album to cherish forever. They can even be personalized with a pretty gold foil font to make them that more special.

For a long-distance relationship

LuvLink, Friendship Lamps — $179.00

Does your significant other live in a different state? Or are you and your best friend and ocean away? Enter, these friendship lamps that allow you connect with your loved ones when you’re not physically together. With the simple touch, your special someone’s lamp will light up, letting them know you’re there even when you’re miles away. You can even change the lamp’s colors to codify your messages. For example, yellow might signal a cheery, “Hello!” while pink could mean “I love you.” They’re a cute way to stay in touch and build connection when you can’t be together.

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