Skip to main content
DEAL WATCH: Keurig K-Express | 22% off $69.99

Keurig has changed the face of coffee, and snagging one of these for less than $70 is a solid deal. Read Review

BUY NOW
Lifestyle

15 gifts to send if you can't make it to Thanksgiving

Offer your thanks from afar

Roses in a vase on red background, blanket on a beige background, and chocolate box on green background. Credit: Yiliyajia / L.L. Bean / Godiva / Reviewed

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

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

Two side-by-side photos of pumpkin pie with a slice missing, which sits on a plate beside the pie.
Credit: Wolferman's

A Thanksgiving dinner without pumpkin pie is sacrilegious.

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.

$55 at Wolferman's Bakery

2. This limited-edition Diptyque gift set

On left, a box of four Diptypque candles. On right, a singular candle burning.
Credit: Nordstrom / Reviewed

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

On left, a beige blanket with the corner folded. On right, a gray blanket folded on its side.
Credit: L.L. Bean / Reviewed

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.

$119 at L.L. Bean

4. This advent calendar for tea lovers

On left, the tea advent calendar shot from above. On right,  cup of tea surrounded by holiday cookies and candy canes.
Credit: English Tea Shop / Amazon / Reviewed

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..

$19 at Amazon

5. This top-rated box of Godiva chocolates

Two side-by-side photos of Godiva box of chocolate with lid removed.
Credit: Godiva

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.

$59 at Godiva

6. These top-rated silk flowers

On left, silk flowers in a vase on a mantel. On right, same flowers on a kitchen counter.
Credit: Yiliyajia

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.

$26 at Amazon

7. This giving shawl

On left, giving shawl wrapped up with a bow in a box. On right, person wearing the shawl while reading a book.
Credit: Demdaco

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.

$54 at Amazon

8. This adorable way to "succ" up to your pals

An open gift box shot from above, revealing a succulent, candle, and bath bomb.
Credit: Olive Branch Design Co.

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.

$46 at Etsy

9. This missing puzzle to their holiday

On left, a semi-completed puzzle on a coffee table. On right, a puzzle box slightly open to reveal the pieces.
Credit: Shutterfly

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.

$26 at Shutterfly

10. This dinner prep savior

Two side-by-side photos of The Pioneer Woman's quirky kitchen tools on a wooden countertop.
Credit: The Pioneer Woman

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.

$35 at Walmart

11. This best-selling wine purifier

Wine being poured into a glass through the Ullo filter.
Credit: Ullo

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.

$60 at Amazon

12. This sophisticated olive oil and balsamic vinegar collection

On left, five bottles of olive oil and vinegar. On right, an olive oil and vinegar bottle surrounded by cheese and accoutrements.
Credit: Williams Sonoma / Enzo's Table / Reviewed

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.

$50 at Williams Sonoma

13. This festive skincare set from Lush

Box of Lush products on a red background
Credit: Lush / Reviewed

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.

$115 at Lush

14. This 'cheesy' gift box

Two side-by-side gift boxes with cheese and other snacks revealed inside
Credit: Harry & David / Reviewed

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.

$110 at Harry & David

15. A sweet fall treat that everyone will love

On left, a three-tiered cake next to a box of cookies. On right, a close-up of the cake.
Credit: Milk Bar / Reviewed

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.

$87 at Milk Bar

Related content

  • Ditch Solo cups this holiday season

    feature

    5 unbreakable glasses and cups for Thanksgiving dinner
  • Several Thanksgiving kitchen tools surrounding an image of a cooked turkey, on green and orange backgrounds.

    best-right-now

    The Best Thanksgiving Tools of 2024

Up next