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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Just because you can't hug them in person doesn't mean you can't hug a big ole pillow shaped like their face.
Each battery-operated string of lights comes with 20 clips for photos, and has eight different lighting modes so you can personalized it based on the vibe of your space.
Promising review: "This product is so cute! All of the lights in the clips work perfectly fine and give a soft glow. My favorite part of this product is that with the remote you can turn it to whatever setting and brightness you choose. This also allows me to shut it on and off without out having to get up out of my bed at night if i need some light late at night. The clips are also great quality and are perfect for hanging pictures, cards, money, etc. This adds a cute aesthetic to my room." —Dee Vee
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
The printer is controlled using an app that lets you edit the lighting and crop of the photo you choose, and comes with a pack of ZINK (zero ink) paper — the printer doesn't need an ink cartridge because it prints the colors from the paper itself. The ZINK paper also has an optional adhesive peel-off back, so you can turn any photo into an instant magnet or sticker.
Promising review: "I did a lot of research on printers and by far this is the best to buy. The reasons are endless, but the app and the printer makes beautiful pictures. There are so many options, from borders, adjusting lighting, resizing, rotating, collage, and the list goes on and on. This little printer does more than a big one can. Another added bonus is the picture back peels off to use as a sticker or put on a magnet for the office pics. I use my planner also like a memory keeper of the day to day happenings. So when I can grab a quick pic of the grandkids, in the moment, on my phone later in the evening I print the perfect size and stick it into my planner. Now I am not letting little moments slip away. Nor do I have to drag a photo album out to see it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this printer and will be giving them as gifts this year to family and friends. 10 Stars and all thumbs up!" —Carol Smith
Get it from Amazon for $79.97.
TBH, all of my answers to these are cake-related, but do with this what you will.
Promising review: "My boyfriend loved this! Said it was the most thoughtful gift he ever received! Had a blast filling this out and we reference it a lot!" —Lori Dison
Get it from Amazon for $10.32.
Once you purchase the "Mushion," all you have to do is send a high-quality photo of the face you want printed on it, and Firebox will format it for the cushion from there.
Promising review: "It was great! The mushion was of extraordinary quality and I will most likely buy more in the future!" —Firebox Customer
Get it from Firebox for $22.99.
Similar to other Alexa-enabled devices, the Echo Show 5 responds to voice commands and can be synced with Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Video, and other apps and programs like Spotify, iTunes, and NPR.
Promising review: "I bought these for my mother, brother's family and mine for Christmas. Figured it was a quick way to communicate between Michigan and Indiana where everyone is spread out over. Usage was so-so the first few months, but now it's at least once a day. Thank you for coming up with such a simple product that does so much to keep my family connected face-to-face in these times!" —mike
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
I ordered one of these, and they're nice and lightweight — plus the elastic is easy to tie for a snugger fit!
Type Of Fit: Elastic ear straps
Pocket For Filter: No
Fabric Type: Polyester
Shipping Time: Expected to ship between June 22 - June 29
Get masks from Zazzle for $12.95.
This comes with a range of questions from “What did you have for lunch today?” to “Can people really change?” Plus, since it's a five-year journal, you'll be able to keep up with it long-term and appreciate how you all change over time.
Get it from Amazon for $15.08 or from Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $15.62.
Copper and Brass Paper Goods is a Black woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in Afrocentric wrapping paper and gift-giving accessories.
Get it from Copper and Brass Paper Goods on Etsy for $4.
Red Lines Designs is a Michigan-based Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in handmade vinyl gifts, from wine glasses to decals to ring dishes.
Promising review: "This wine glass turned out so AMAZING!! I bought three for family birthdays this week... Shipping was super fast and price was great!! Such a fun gift idea!! Everyone loved it!!" —Maria Galdamez
Get it from Red Line Designs on Etsy for $7.99+ (available in 35 colors, including *glitter* options!).
A perfect gift for when you and your fam have to "PIVOT!!!" your usual hangs.
Get it from Firebox for $16.99.
Each pack comes with a mix of flavors, including Tie-Dye (vanilla), Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Cookie Dough, Triple Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Chip Pancake, Red Velvet, Mint Cookie, Brownie Batter, Cake Batter, Cookie Butter, and Confetti.
Get it from Baked By Melissa for $37 (also available in vegan form!).
So basically, you can set up little codes for yourself — maybe blue is "I miss you," pink is "call me when you get a chance," purple is "I love you."
Promising review: "My love is being deployed across seas to Kuwait for the Army and we both know that there aren't going to be too many times where we are able to chat on the phone or Skype/FaceTime each other with the time change and her schedule over there. I wanted to find something that would keep us close even though we are going to be so far away. These are so awesome. The touches are vibrant and every time I receive one from her, a huge smile comes across my face. It's a simple, yet amazing way to let your significant other know that you're thinking about them. You don't need wifi, just a bluetooth connection to your phone. Thank you Bond for keeping us close. PS. Our 15-month-old loves feeling the touches and loves sending his mom touches as well." —Amazon Customer
Get a pair from Amazon for $98.
This version is even cooler because you can connect frames not just between two people, but as a group — so if several of you have frames, one of you can tap it and the others will get a light with your signature color, so they know it's you.
Promising review: "Arrived on time/earlier than expected. Solidly built and easy to set up! Got the two-pack, arrived together and packaged well with easy instructions. Got one for me and one for my boyfriend to help us connect another way during the pandemic quarantine as we already have a long distance relationship. We both love them! It's a great feeling seeing it light up knowing your significant other is thinking about and missing you too!" —Ann
Get it from UncommonGoods for $99 per frame ($198 for two frames).
Morning Joy Co. is a Black woman co-owned Etsy shop established in 2020 specializing in custom laser-print wood signs and home decor.
Promising review: "I have never had better customer service than this shop! They sent me pictures updating me, and were quick when I had questions or when they had questions! They kept me informed through every step and even sent it out way before I anticipated. This was a Father’s Day gift and the typical ship time fell after Father’s Day... I still wanted it but they unexpectedly got it out in time! I am so thankful and will be a return customer!" —Emily Reel
Get it from Morning Joy Co. on Etsy for $59+ (available in two colors).
Once you order, you'll be able to choose a "State 1" and "Initial 1" to represent one person, and a "State 2" and "Initial 2" to represent the second person.
Promising review: "This was a gift for my best friend since I'd recently moved far away. She absolutely LOVED it. She's the kind of friend that stays connected no matter where I've been. This gift truly honors that!" —azcoolmom
Get it from Amazon for $17.50 (available in three colors).
Tatoorary is an Etsy shop established in 2014 and based in the Netherlands that specializes in temporary tattoos, offering a large range of sizes, colors, and designs. Each tattoo lasts from two days to a week.
Promising review: "Great temp tattoos! Love the designs. They went on perfectly and scrubbed off easily when I was ready to remove them (after a couple days)." —Kimberly Smith
Get a set of two from Tattoorary on Etsy for $3.
Psst — if your library offers Kindle compatible e-books, you can read for free on your Paperwhite, too!
Promising review: "I can read poolside and in bed with no glare. I love how light it is and the battery life is out of this world. I travel for work and I travel internationally for fun. It's light in my bag, long lasting on the plane, and rarely has to be charged on a business trip — even when I'm gone all week. I've ended up getting everyone in my family one because they all fell in love with mine. I have an iPad — it's way too heavy in bed and the glare makes it uncomfortable to read in daylight. Nothing is as easy on the eyes." —Natasha Lund
Read BuzzFeed's closer look at the Kindle Paperwhite for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $129.99.
Marshmallow of the Month is a Black-owned subscription box that includes six marshmallows, along with homemade graham crackers and curated teas, coffee, or cocoa based on that month’s marshmallow flavor. Each box also comes with a chocolate ~surprise~.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this box. Everything is perfect and the attention to detail is wonderful. Every box is personalized and packed with extra care. The product is so yummy and interesting. I just renewed for 3 more months and I can't wait to see what else they send. It truly feels like a good friend is sending a care package. Give this box a try, you will be so glad that you did. It would also make an excellent gift." —Dana W.
Get it from Cratejoy for $9.75+
Promising review: "I bought this pillow as a gift for my long distance relationship. I was both impressed with the packaging and the quality of the pillow. The packaging was beautiful with a unique design. The pillow inside was extremely soft and the colors held up well after the first wash, no bleeding. Also included was a little greeting card, with a motivational message on the front, and an envelope. Overall, this was a wonderful gift and would definitely recommend to anyone!" —Nans
Get it from Amazon for $17.86.
Well Told is a New Hampshire-based Etsy shop established in 2009 that specializes in quality etched glassware, from wine glasses to pint glasses to whiskey tumblers.
Promising review: "Love these glasses! Delivery was super quick even during COVID times. My boyfriend is going to love them." —Sam
Get it from Well Told on Etsy for $16 (available in 248 cities and towns).
By Tracy is a Massachusetts-based Etsy shop established in 2014 that specializes in coffee mugs, personalized gifts, and custom orders.
Promising review: "Bought this mug for my mom after recently moving 5.5hrs away. She loves it! Production and shipping extremely fast. Beautiful mug. Definitely would recommend!" —galanakisj77
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.