Bargainist Gift Guide: Long Distance Friends and Family

Americans are extremely mobile. Jobs, relationships and weather take us and our loved ones to other states and different time zones. That makes keeping in touch incredibly important. Need a gift that will make the miles between you and your friends or family melt away? We’ve got some ideas.

Best Friend Necklace - Some things are meant to go together—like peanut butter and jelly. Even when you and your BFF are far apart you can keep each other close to your heart with necklaces from the Pumpkin Pye Boutique at eCrater.com. Prefer java over sandwiches? Pick up a pair of mug and coffee bean necklaces instead.

The Traveling Journal Starter Kit - Sometimes status updates and text messages can seem a little impersonal. Revive the dying art of letter writing by creating a traveling journal that’s mailed between you and your long distance loved ones. The Traveling Journal Starter Kit from TheTravelingJournal.com comes with everything you need to start this meaningful tradition for just $24.99. Conveniently enough, the handmade journal is designed to fit perfectly into a small flat rate box from the post office so you never have to worry about paying big bucks for shipping.

Bed and Breakfast Gift Card - Give them an incentive to plan a joint vacation with a gift card to BedandBreakfast.com. There are no hidden fees, no blackout dates, and no expiration dates. Plus they’ll ship the gift card to your loved one for free.

Personalized Stationary - Give them some of the cutest stationary around from HelloLucky.com. A set of 25 personalized cards and envelopes starts at $58. Who knows, maybe this will encourage them to write you more letters.

Movie Passes - Go on a movie date, even if you’re not in the same zip code. Buy your long distance friend or family member movie passes and tell them you’ve got to go see the same movie on the same night. May we suggest Burlesque, starring Cher? Then you can call each other after and do your best impersonations of the singing legend.

By Alison Storm

The Popcorn Factory sale - Send a sweet treat across the miles! Select gifts are 30% off through 11/29/2010.

Sally Beauty Supply coupon - Save 25% sitewide with coupon code 555156. Expires 11/29/2010.