{"id":6579,"date":"2017-01-04T06:00:22","date_gmt":"2017-01-04T11:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=6579"},"modified":"2023-02-10T14:03:39","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T19:03:39","slug":"inspirational-gifts-keep-giving-connect-long-distance-family-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/04\/inspirational-gifts-keep-giving-connect-long-distance-family-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspirational Gifts That Keep on Giving to Connect Long Distance Family and Friends"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"heart<\/a>
A simple, heartfelt necklace | Image courtesy Etsy seller meitaltoledo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the eve of our high school graduation, my three best friends and I knew we wanted to do something special to mark the end of an era. We would all be spreading out across the country to attend different schools\u2014the days of watching <\/span>One Tree Hill<\/span><\/i> at Andrea\u2019s after school or cheering on Lea at her volleyball games were over. But, regardless of what roads we would travel in life, we were bonded, a team. So, we came up with the idea of a \u201ctraveling necklace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspired by one of our favorite movies, <\/span>The Sisterhood of the traveling Pants<\/span><\/i>, we all pitched in to buy a necklace that would be shared amongst the four of us. Buying jewelry to fit four unique tastes was no easy feat, but we eventually settled on a simple gold chain with a symbolic heart. Each one of us would wear the necklace for two weeks at a time and then send it to the next person\u2014except Pamela, who always managed to stretch her two weeks into three. <\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years, the necklace has journeyed with us all, from my backpacking trip across Europe to Pamela\u2019s volunteer stint at a medical center in Honduras, while Lea danced the night away at a music festival, and even Andrea\u2019s walk down the aisle to her true love. Together or apart, the necklace connects us through all of life\u2019s big moments. That\u2019s the best part about meaningful, shared gifts\u2014every time I open my mailbox to that necklace, it\u2019s like receiving a much-needed hug from all three of my best girlfriends. It\u2019s truly a gift that keeps on giving.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start Your Own Traveling Tradition<\/h4>\n

As much as we loved the movie and thought our friendship was magical, my girlfriends and I knew there was no way we would all be able to share a single pair of jeans\u2014not with Lea\u2019s Salsa-dancing booty, Pamela\u2019s long torso, and my extra five inches of height. But a necklace? Perfect! It\u2019s easy to mail back and forth, and there would be no issues with fit. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Friendship<\/a>
Friendship is forever\u2026 | Image courtesy Etsy seller CulturalBindings<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To start your own tradition, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n