Best Long Distance Gifts Under $50

Budget-friendly LDR gift

A long distance relationship gift priced under $50 that prioritizes thoughtfulness and personalization over expensive technology, often providing equal or greater emotional value than higher-priced alternatives.

Money shouldn't be a barrier to showing someone you care. After reviewing dozens of products in this price range, we found that the best gifts under $50 often outperform expensive gadgets—because thoughtfulness matters more than price tag.

Here are 20 long distance relationship gifts under $50, all reviewed and organized by category.

Quick Picks: Best LDR Gifts Under $50

Best Personalized Gifts Under $50

1. Custom Star Map — Our Top Pick

A print of the night sky exactly as it appeared on a date that matters: when you met, your first date, when you said "I love you," your anniversary. It's scientifically accurate and genuinely beautiful. The best services (TheNightSky, GreaterSkies, MapsByMia) print on quality paper and offer framing options. We recommend getting it framed—an unframed print feels incomplete.

Pro tip: Include the GPS coordinates of where you were, not just the date. Makes it even more specific to your moment.

$40-50 (framed adds $15-30)

2. Personalized Song Print

Your song's lyrics or soundwave visualization printed with your names and date. Some services include a Spotify code you can actually scan to play the song. Quality varies wildly across vendors—services like Songly and ModernMapArt are reliable, but Etsy shops are hit-or-miss. Check reviews before ordering.

$25-45

3. Coordinate Bracelet Set

The GPS coordinates of meaningful locations engraved on matching bracelets—one for each of you. Where you met, where you kissed, where you live now. Subtle enough to wear daily, meaningful when you know what the numbers represent.

$30-45 per set

4. Coordinate Necklace

Same concept, different jewelry. A delicate chain with coordinate bar pendant. Works better for those who prefer necklaces to bracelets. Available in silver, gold, and rose gold finishes.

$25-40

5. Custom Illustration of You Two

Commission an artist to create a custom portrait from a photo. Styles range from watercolor to minimalist line art to cartoon. Etsy and Fiverr have thousands of artists at various price points. The key is finding a style that matches your partner's taste.

$30-50

Best Experiential Gifts Under $50

6. Time-Released Digital Postcard

A physical postcard that unlocks digital content over time. Day 1: a video. Day 3: a playlist. Day 7: a photo collection. One gift becomes a week of moments. The anticipation keeps them thinking about you for days. (Disclosure: we make one of these products.)

$35-45

See our postcard guide →

7. Date Night Subscription (First Month)

Services like Date Night In ($40/month) and Crated with Love ($35-45/month) send curated date night kits with games, activities, and sometimes snacks. Many include long distance adaptations—activities designed for video call. One month makes a great trial gift. If they love it, future months are easy gift ideas.

$35-50 per month

8. Virtual Cooking Class for Two

Book the same online cooking class at the same time. Cook "together" over video call, eating the results simultaneously. Services like Sur La Table, Cozymeal, and MasterClass offer options. Pick a cuisine neither of you has tried before to make it adventurous.

$25-50

9. Streaming Service Gift Card

Less romantic, but practical for couples who watch shows together. A Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max gift card covers a few months of "together watching" sessions. Pair with a note about shows you want to watch together.

$25-50

10. Escape Room Gift Card

Many escape room companies offer virtual options designed for remote play. Buy a gift card for a virtual escape room experience you can book together. Creates a shared adventure with problem-solving and teamwork.

$30-50

Best Physical Keepsakes Under $50

11. Memory Book with Prompts

"What I Love About You," "The Story of Us," and similar fill-in-the-blank books. Sound cheesy until you actually read through a completed one. The prompts force you to articulate specific things you appreciate—and that specificity is what makes them meaningful. Takes 1-2 hours to complete thoughtfully.

$20-35

12. Custom Photo Book

Not a random collection of photos—a curated story of your relationship. Start with how you met, include key moments, end with future dreams. Artifact Uprising and Chatbooks offer quality printing. Include captions, dates, and context. Make it a narrative, not just an album.

$30-50

13. Matching Couple Mugs

For your morning video call coffees. Skip the generic "I love you" prints—look for minimalist designs, coordinates, or custom illustrations. Quality ceramic that won't fade in the dishwasher. Using matching mugs during calls becomes a small ritual that adds connection.

$25-40 per set

14. "Open When" Letter Kit

Pre-made kits with envelopes and prompts for writing letters they open at specific moments: "Open when you miss me," "Open when you need to laugh," "Open when you can't sleep." You fill in the content. Creates anticipation and gives them something physical to hold when they need comfort.

$15-30

15. Long Distance Pillow Cases

Matching pillowcases with complementary designs—often maps, coordinates, or phrases that complete each other. Some couples use these to mark their respective time zones or cities. A simple reminder every morning and night.

$25-40 per set

Best Tech-Adjacent Gifts Under $50

16. Between App Premium Subscription

If you're not using a couples app, consider starting. Between (and similar apps like Paired, Locket) let you share photos, notes, important dates, and memories in a private space. Premium unlocks additional features like unlimited memory storage and special stickers. One year runs around $40-50.

$40-50/year

17. Matching Phone Wallpapers (Custom)

Commission an artist to create matching or complementary phone wallpapers—your initials intertwined, a shared illustration, an abstract design with meaning to you. Something you both see every time you unlock your phones.

$15-30

18. Custom AirTag/Tile Cases

If you both use AirTags or Tile trackers for keys or bags, matching custom cases add a personal touch to something practical. Leather engraved options or custom-designed hard cases are available on Etsy.

$20-35 per set

19. Wireless Phone Charger with Photo

Wireless charging pads with a space for a photo or custom design. Every time they set their phone down to charge, they see your photo or a meaningful image. Practical and sentimental.

$25-45

20. Custom Spotify Plaque

Acrylic plaques featuring your song with an album cover, title, and scannable Spotify code. Sit it on a desk as a constant reminder. Better options use quality acrylic and include LED backlighting.

$25-40

Budget Tips for LDR Gifts

A few observations from reviewing dozens of products:

1. Personalization is worth paying for. A $35 personalized gift usually beats a $50 generic one. The extra cost for adding names, dates, or coordinates pays off in meaning.
2. Quality over features. A well-made simple thing outlasts a cheap complicated thing. Check materials and reviews for durability.
3. Shipping matters. Factor it into your budget. A $40 gift with $15 international shipping is really a $55 gift. Plan ahead to avoid rush delivery fees.
4. Timing flexibility helps. Many vendors offer better prices during sales or with longer delivery windows. Black Friday, Valentine's pre-sales, and summer clearances are good times to stock up on gift items.
5. Combine smaller items. Two $20 items that work together (like a mug and coffee subscription) can create more impact than one $40 item alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best long distance gift under $50?

Custom star maps ($40-50) are our top pick—they're personalized, beautiful, and meaningful. Time-released digital postcards ($35-45) are best for creating ongoing connection. For wearables, coordinate jewelry sets ($30-45) offer daily reminders of your relationship.

Is it worth paying more for personalization?

Yes. A $35 personalized gift almost always beats a $50 generic one. Personalization shows specific thought went into the gift. Items with meaningful dates, coordinates, or custom text become keepsakes rather than things that get set aside.

Should I include shipping in my budget?

Always factor shipping into your total budget. A $40 gift with $15 international shipping is really a $55 gift. Some vendors offer better prices with flexible timing, and many provide free shipping during sales periods. Plan ahead to avoid rush delivery fees.

Are cheap long distance gifts less meaningful?

Price doesn't determine meaning. The most meaningful gifts are thoughtful ones—showing you know your partner, remembered something they mentioned, or put time into customization. A $25 handwritten letter collection often means more than a $200 gadget.

What makes the $30-50 range the sweet spot for LDR gifts?

This price range offers substantial enough quality to feel meaningful while remaining affordable for regular gift-giving. You get access to good personalization options, quality materials, and products designed specifically for long distance couples—without the financial stress that can come with expensive tech gadgets.

Looking for cheaper options? Check out our gifts under $25 guide. Want to explore all categories? See our complete long distance gift guide or browse by recipient: gifts for boyfriend or gifts for girlfriend.