I’m not going to lie; long-distance relationships can be challenging and complicated. But, I’m also here to tell you that they’re completely and entirely worth it. And yes, people will tell you that long-distance relationships never work out, but my high school sweetheart and I have been together for almost a year with the majority of our time spent in separate cities. To be honest, my boyfriend and I didn’t really know what to expect when we decided to go long-distance, but we both quickly learned the importance of staying connected even though we’re physically hundreds of miles apart. I’ve noticed that the little things can really help, especially when I know that I won’t be able to see him for an extended period of time. But, if you’re like me and you aren’t the best at scrapbooking, then here’s a list of some interesting gift ideas (thanks Pinterest) for your significant other that will give him or her a little part of yourself!
1. Open When cards
Fill each card with a personalized note and a little gift (a gift card to his or her favorite restaurant, your favorite quote, gas money, pictures of the two of you, etc.) to make them even more special.
2. Heart-shaped map
If you’d prefer to DIY, paint a small canvas instead of buying a frame. For the heart, cut a stencil out of cardboard and use that when cutting the maps. The maps (which can be printed on regular printer paper) should then be glued onto the canvas.
3. Care package
Decorate the inside of each box with a theme to make it extra special.
4. Mug
To DIY, write on a blank mug with an oil-based Sharpie. Let the Sharpie dry and then bake it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the mug to cool completely before removing it from the oven to prevent cracking. You may want to put it in the oven for another 30 minutes once it cools to allow the Sharpie to set completely and not come off the more you wash it.
5. Love coupons
These are a quick and easy way to come up with date ideas so you and your partner can make the most of your time together.
6. Decorated picture frame
Try incorporating some of your favorite memories onto the frame. Try writing a note around your favorite picture of the two of you together or collect all of your favorite keepsakes from the moments you’ve shared together.
7. Reasons why I love you book
Put each reason on the back of a playing card and fill the entire deck with 52 different reasons why you love your significant other.
8. DIY countdown
You can transform any photo calendar into a countdown by adding a different picture of you and your significant other for each month while counting down the days until you’re back together.
9. 365 day jar
Fill out a note for each day of the year with reasons why you love your partner, some of your funniest moments, date night ideas, quotes that make you think of him/ her, your favorite song lyrics, or memories for the two of you to look back on.