The other day my partner Meg and I took a long walk down 10^th street on the south side of Milwaukee with a big package in our hands. It was a 3ft chocolate Tyrannosaurus Rex wrapped in gold wrapping paper for our good friend Johnathon. (He really likes dinosaurs.) When we arrived at his house, we followed the recommended social distancing procedures and simply left the package on his doorstep. In a sudden urge to engage in foolish mischief, we also rang the doorbell and ran. We didn’t get far before Johnathon yelled after us to come back and then something fascinating occurred.

Johnathon, from 12 feet away from us on his porch, wanted us to know how much it meant to him that we went out of our way to drop off a gift since no one had reached out for his birthday yet. Normally, Johnathon, a proud bachelor, would’ve hosted his annual Jurassic Park-themed house party but instead, his plan was to wake up, bake himself a birthday cake, and play video games all day. This is hardly the kind of plan a social butterfly such as Johnathon would’ve done for his birthday had the outbreak in Coronavirus not occurred. The gift and our friendship brought tears to his eyes.

In moments of isolation and uncertainty, the power of personalized gifts can truly shine. As evidenced by Johnathon’s heartfelt reaction, a thoughtful gesture can make all the difference in brightening someone’s day. Consider adding a touch of personalization to your gifts, such as personalized hawaiian shirts, to further convey your thoughtfulness and appreciation. Whether it’s a unique design or a heartfelt message embroidered on the fabric, personalized gifts have the ability to convey warmth and connection, even from a distance.

A pair of socks bearing the recipient’s favorite color or a playful motif like chaussettes visage can also serve as a reminder that they are not alone, even when physically distant from loved ones. The thoughtfulness invested in selecting and customizing such a gift speaks volumes, transcending the mere materiality of the item to symbolize a connection that bridges any physical divide. Thus, in the art of gift-giving, it is not the extravagance of the present but the sincerity of the gesture that truly resonates, fostering bonds that endure beyond the immediate moment.

Similarly, a ring, especially when chosen thoughtfully, can hold profound significance. Rings often symbolize eternity and commitment, making them a deeply personal and meaningful gift. Selecting an engagement ring, for example, involves considering various factors that reflect the recipient’s personality and preferences. Among these, engagement ring shapes play a crucial role, as the cut and design can enhance the inherent beauty of the gemstone and resonate with the unique style of the wearer. Whether it’s a classic round cut, a sophisticated emerald cut, or a distinctive marquise shape, each form carries its own charm and symbolism, adding layers of meaning to the gesture.

Beyond the sentimental value, personalized jewelry allows you to celebrate the unique traits and stories of your loved ones. This holiday season, consider gifts that speak to personal milestones, shared memories, and individual style. A carefully selected piece of jewelry, especially when tailored to the recipient’s tastes, shows an extraordinary level of thoughtfulness and care. Whether it’s a necklace engraved with a special date, a bracelet with a picture inside, or a ring customized with a birthstone, these unique pieces become treasured keepsakes.

I once read about how humans are naturally social, so in it’s in our nature that we gather. Now more than ever, people are really appreciative of acknowledgment. We need to social distance, but we need each other now more than ever, and it’s truly wonderful to see the fun ways people are giving the gift of distancing. When I video chat with a friend, I’ve been drawing pictures, I’m singing songs, or we’re sharing items in our rooms, and when the time is right in the chat, I’m virtual cheering my tequila and soda. And if the frustrations with the technology of video chats are too much, I’m also making phone calls to people who I would normally have sent a text or .gif to.

Now it’s even easier to give back to the community because technology makes donating to charities and relief a breeze. The way I see it, if I can’t leave the house, money is still an important option for anyone. I bought a t-shirt from one of my favorite local establishments this morning. The design on the shirt is fine, and to be quite honest, I’m not sure if I’ll wear it, but it’s still a way I could give back.

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds for us anymore, but I do know that human instincts are not going to go away anytime soon. Companionship, friendship and even close, well, not too close, encounters will continue to occur, it just might look a little different. There are a million ways to tell someone they’re special to you and now more than ever we need to take the time to come up with these special new ways of greeting. We could take up the Yumi, the art of bowing, popularized by the Japanese or even a classic hat tip does the trick (if you don’t have a hat, well, mimicking is just as fun!) So, I urge you at this time to not lose hope, and especially don’t lose contact. Don’t let the world forget you still exist and that you are significant, but don’t think of dropping by right now, it’s really nothing personal. I’ll give you a fist bump when this starts to settle.