In many states, the COVID-19 pandemic means stores are closed and in-person parties are canceled.
But birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are still happening.
If you're looking to get something special for your loved ones, a virtual gift will have to do.
Think about what they need in this time of quarantine.
Could they use some music? Are they all about streaming video? Do they need a fresh supply of games? What about food delivery? Whatever the interests of your friends and family, there's something for everyone on the internet.
Here are a few virtual gifts you can send them.
Meal-Kit Delivery
Everyone's got to eat, but stores are crowded and the bigger grocery delivery services are scaling back, so why not send the novice chef in your life a meal kit.
Editors' Choice selections include Blue Apron and Sun Basket, but there are also delivery boxes made especially for vegans, the budget-conscious, and more.
If they don't cook, get them pre-made but healthy Freshly meals.
Subscription Box
The gift that keeps on giving throughout the year is a subscription box.
Some ideas include Loot Crate for the nerd in your life, Blue Bottle for the coffee lover, Sprezzabox for the stylish guy in your life, and Japan Crate for all those jealous of the Kit Kat flavors you can only find in Japan.
Just understand that some boxes may take a few extra weeks to deliver these days.
On-Demand Fitness
If your quarantined pal is looking to up their fitness game during isolation, on-demand workout subscriptions abound.
Services like Aaptiv, Barre3, ClassPass, and Glo offer livestream workout videos and—more importantly—gifting options. Fiit and Movement for Modern Life can be given as a gift for those in the UK.
Music Streaming Service Subscription
Video-Streaming Services
If movies and TV shows are more their jam, video-streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are also giftable.
If you go for Amazon Prime, you won't just get them all the shows and movies they could possibly stream, but also free downloadable books and magazines, photo storage, and, of course, free shipping—to be used on on physical items once coronavirus is behind us.
Live TV for the Cord Cutters
If your friend has cut the cord, a number of streaming services provide live TV options without the hassle of a cable subscription.
Our Editors' Choice selections include YouTube TV, which offers an excellent variety of channels, top-notch DVR features, and solid performance; and Hulu, which features all the major news, sports, and entertainment channels and networks, plus excellent DVR capabilities.
Gaming Purchases and Subscriptions
Digital options abound for gaming fans:
Ebooks and Audiobooks
If you're shopping for an avid reader, you can provide them with a Kindle Unlimited account, with or without an ebook reader.
If they prefer listening to audiobooks, get them a subscription to Audible.
You can also gift them an individual ebook or audio book by finding the perfect title and clicking the Buy for others button on Amazon or Give as a Gift on Audible.
Then add their email, a message, and set a date for delivery.
All-Purpose Tech Gift Cards
If you have a tech geek to buy for but don't know what to get, there are plenty of places online to get e-gift cards that don't need to be placed in the mail.
The obvious places include Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, but you can also check out Newegg for hardware and consumer electronics and B&H for photography and video equipment. Ebay also offers e-gift cards for the bargain hunters you know.
During the pandemic, it's also important to support local businesses whenever possible.
You can easily do this from websites like GiftRocket, Giftly, and Treat, which allow you to buy gift cards for local bars, restaurants, gym, stores, and online services that partner with them.
