It’s challenging to be apart during this period. So tell someone you love them with a weighted blanket and some olive oil.

My mother lives ten minutes away, but I haven’t seen her in over two weeks as we try to keep one another safe during this period of social isolation. She misses seeing my four-year-old daughter, who used to stay with her weekly. Even though we often drop off groceries at her place and video chat with her daily, the separation has been difficult for all of us.

This story has been told throughout the country. Couples have been split up. Close pals have been unable to meet. Older relatives are confined to their homes.

Sending a Covid care package to friends and family members you can’t see in person is one way to stay in touch. With the correct combination, you can provide comfort during a frightening time while also keeping your loved ones occupied now that they’re spending so much time at home. You can also aid small companies who are struggling during a time when few people are out shopping. Here are eight suggestions.

KIT FOR KNITTING

Knitting has been proven to help with stress relief. This beginner’s kit includes everything you’ll need to knit a blanket and straightforward instructions. There are also numerous step-by-step online lessons available from the firm. (If you’re sending a package to a more skilled knitter, the firm also offers more sophisticated kits.)

A CRAFT BOOK

This scrapbook has been deliberately created to fit any story and already includes chapters, questions, and compartments for storing mementoes. Aside from a pen and some pictures, no other things are required.

SUBSCRIPTION TO COFFEE

Morning routines are more vital than ever before. First, check to see if your favourite coffee establishment supports online purchasing. Alternatively, Trade is a subscription service that sends coffee at regular intervals (you choose how frequently) from 52 small coffee roasters around the country, depending on your taste profile.

A VERY GOOD MUG

My favourite coffee mug is manufactured by East Fork, an Asheville, North Carolina-based pottery firm that creates goods from local clay, replete with particles of soil minerals. East Fork worked for months to create a mug that feels substantial and comfortable in your hand. In addition, this mug is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

DELISH OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is a pantry staple, especially for those who cook at home. Brightland is a firm based in California that sells handmade oil. The company sells flavoured oils, such as lemon-infused and spicy oil, and collaborates with artists to make beautiful bottle labels for your kitchen. It’s a simple, lovely present.

SPICES, FRESH

If your recipient enjoys cooking, you can consider sending them freshly ground spices. Many cities have large spice shops that also accept internet orders. Spicewalla, a brand that sources fresh herbs from around the world, is another option. You can customise a kit with ten spices or buy pre-made kits for various types of cooking, such as Middle Eastern cooking, grilling and roasting meats, and more.

OIL FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT

Try True Botanicals’ soothing aromatherapy oil, which is made from natural ingredients. The recipe contains Ravintsara, an essential oil extensively utilised in traditional Asian medicine due to its immune-boosting properties.

BLANKET WITH WEIGHT

I propose a weighted blanket if you want to go all out with your present. Sleeping under a heavy blanket (about 10% of your body weight) increases serotonin and melatonin levels while decreasing cortisol. There are other options on the market, many of which I have tested, but I like Bearaby’s because the shape of these blankets allows air to flow, preventing overheating.