12 Great Long Distance Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is near. It's the beginning of winter and there is probably lots of ice and snow somewhere in this wonderful country making travel extremely difficult and sometimes just downright frustrating. There may be an added sadness if you are ill, unable to travel, or not able to get together with family or friends this time of the year. If there is someone who is not here to share your Christmas, you can still share the season with others even if your family is far away with long distance Christmas gift giving.

A Long distance Christmas gift

Here's some of my favourites over the years :

1. A most memorable keepsake gift was a book made up of photos of the first year of our grandson's life and our involvement in it – this gift will keep giving forever. It may be an album of a trip, honeymoon, family reunion
2. Gift your travel points to buy an airline ticket home – in Spring or Summer; or to a vacation destination together
3. Help set up  a Skype / facetime account for friends or family to keep in touch, even for a few minutes a week or more often – this is my number one joyful way of keeping in touch with our grandson and never fails to cheer me up
4. For the techno person in your family who is able to make up short videos and email a Christmas package of the previous year happenings – it is lovely to share those “moments in time” at Christmas – and for the rest of the year
5. A digital photo (picture) frame is another over the years much used gift.  This is a great way to display, share and enjoy photos.  Time permitting start a data traveller with special photos as part two of your gift.
6. And there will always be framed photos – a gift of the heart – of happy times and to make you laugh
7. Make a date in the future – a special concert – a sports event – an art gallery display - an airshow - or a meal at your favourite restaurant
8. Send your long distance loved ones a set of cards (12) with your stamped, self-addressed envelope – obviously this only works in Canada
9. Always a Big fan of home cooking and preserves See Christmas Gift cooking in Links
10. Books are always a special treat and don't break in the mail - or buy online and have delivered direct
11. A Christmas email is now the norm with many families but Christmas cards with a photo and a note – well, they are irreplaceable
12. As a last resort - gift cards can be good – only if they are used
13. Always a great idea – a phone call at Christmas or to welcome the New Year
14. Finally, the Twelve Days of Christmas, gift idea:  Pick out a gift theme or 12 different items which need not be expensive, such as, 12 small books.  If you wish the 12th and last gift could be given for Christmas and be "special".  In the month of December, mail or give one gift at a time (over 12 different days) with a card and a note. Just for fun!

As long distance parents and grandparents we do try to always be together as a family, if at all possible some time over the holiday season, which can be any where from November to January, and with grandchildren (as we only have one – it's easier) we love to be with them at some time. It is always a special and most happy time.

Be unique – think of a gift or an event that would be special for those you love and show them that you care, for Christmas or any other special occasion. These Christmas long distance gift suggestions have all been given, or received, in our family over the years.

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
― Charles M. Schulz

Merry Christmas!

Notes & Links

• Christmas is coming - lots of great gift ideas
• Easy Christmas baking - chocolates
• The Twelve Days of Christmas song

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day
(Silver Bells - traditional carol)

And so, I'm offering this simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Altho' it's been said many times
Many ways
"Merry Christmas to you"
(The Christmas Song - traditional carol)