As everyone works together to combat the novel coronavirus, many people are feeling discouraged. Social distancing and quarantines have made people around the world lonely and anxious. Staying apart is one of the best ways to show your loved ones you care about their health, but the resulting isolation is still challenging.

You may be wondering how to show your loved ones you care while limiting viral spread. The good news is, you can share hope and encouragement with the special people in your life through gift-giving. And the act of gifting and knowing you're making a difference will lift your spirits, too.

Delivery Gifts to Send to a Loved One

Everyone loves surprises! Ship a gift box to your friend to brighten their day. Send a personalized present to a family member to make them feel appreciated and remembered. You can even order gifts to send long-distance to encourage faraway friends.

There are many types of gifts to send in the mail to make your loved ones feel happier during the difficult times of social distancing. If you want to show your family and friends you care while social distancing, bring a smile to their face by sending a safe, socially distant gift. Read on to discover some of the best gift delivery ideas for your loved ones.

1. Cards or Letters

Sometimes, your heartfelt words are the best gift you can give. Send a card or letter to your loved one to let them know you're thinking about them. They will enjoy opening their mail and seeing your letter waiting for them. Use humor to make them laugh, or get sentimental to bring a knowing smile to their face. Social distancing might keep you away from them, but they'll feel like you're near when they read your letter.

2. Flowers

Flowers are a tried-and-true gift that will brighten your loved one's day. When they see flowers on their front porch, they'll wonder who is thinking of them and what the occasion is. It will touch their heart to know you were thinking of them and sending them a "just-because" present. They can put the flowers in a vase to add happiness to their home, and they'll think of you every time they see them.

3. Scented Candles

Candles make a great gift any time of year, particularly in the age of COVID-19. Candles can provide soft mood lighting to bring comfort during the dark hours of the night. They also offer delicious and stimulating scents. These can turn even a lonely home into a pleasant place for your loved one to be. The simple aesthetic of a scented candle can be what the doctor ordered for your friend or family member who feels the weight of social distancing.

4. Delivery Meals

"Comfort eating" received its name for a reason. People turn to their favorite foods during periods of stress and grief. For some, this has become a more challenging task with the closing of restaurants and indoor dining. If your loved one can't leave the house for takeout, consider dropping off or scheduling delivery of a delicious meal from their favorite restaurant. Your thoughtfulness will make their night and give them a satisfying meal to ease their stress.

5. Books

Is a book lover in your life missing the people they used to spend time with? Send your friend a gift box of books to show them you care. Reading will give them hours of enjoyment as they observe social distancing directives. Books are a thoughtful gift for anyone who's mentioned their love of the written word to you. Choose books from a genre they enjoy, and they'll look forward to getting lost in their favorite pastime. It will be even better because you handpicked the books.

6. Video Games

Video games have been popular for several decades, but they've seen a spike in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. People are using them as an escape from daily life. They provide virtual goals, a sense of progression and satisfying stress relief. Many people enjoy overcoming the challenges found within the game. If you have a friend or family member who loves gaming, send them a new game to enjoy. Or, you can mail them a gift card to their favorite video game store.

7. Streaming Services

Like video games, streaming services provide viewers with an escape from unpredictable and stressful events. If you set your loved one up with an account on a streaming service, you open up many possibilities for them. They can watch their favorite shows and movies on demand. It's the perfect quarantine gift. But times are hard, and they may be unable to pay the monthly subscription. Offer to pay the subscription for a few months if you're fortunate enough to afford it.

8. Movie Snacks

What goes better with a great movie than tasty snacks? Consider combining this delivery gift with the gift of streaming services. Your loved ones will be able to watch their favorite shows and movies while munching on a delicious snack. If you're unsure what to send, you can never go wrong with flavored gourmet popcorn. With flavors ranging from salty to sweet, your family member or friend will love watching movies and eating their seasoned treat.

9. Sweet Treets

One of the simplest pleasures of life is the enjoyment of chocolate, candy and other sweet treats, especially amid COVID-19. Gourmet chocolate gift boxes are perfect for anyone in your life with a sweet tooth. You can also send a gourmet variety box of sweets to your loved one so they can try different candies depending on their mood. Whatever you choose, your family member or friend will feel loved and appreciated every time they indulge.