For many Puerto Rican and Latino families, Christmas does not end on December 25. It keeps going through Día de los Reyes Magos on January 6, one of the most meaningful days of the season. If you live in Florida, New York, Texas or anywhere far from the family table, it can be the day you miss home the most.
The good news: you can still be part of it. Here are Día de Reyes gift ideas that help you celebrate with family far away, starting with one they will be talking about all year.
What makes Día de Reyes so special
On the night of January 5, children gather grass or hay in shoeboxes for the Three Kings’ camels and leave them under the bed. In the morning, the grass is gone and gifts have taken its place. Then come the family visits, the food, the music and the parrandas that keep the holiday spirit alive well into January.
When you are not there in person, the gift that matters most is anything that lets you share that moment with them.
1. Send a live violin serenade on Zoom
Picture this: the whole family is gathered for Reyes, someone opens a laptop, and a professional violinist starts playing live, just for them. That is a virtual serenade.
Alberto Graulau is a violinist from Humacao, Puerto Rico, with more than 26 years of experience. He performs live over Zoom, so you can surprise your mom, abuela or the whole family from wherever you are.
- You book the date and time, and you receive a Zoom link by email and text.
- Up to 99 people can join, so relatives in Puerto Rico, the States and beyond can all be on the same call.
- Choose from a song list or request a meaningful song with advance notice.
- The performance can be recorded, so the memory lasts long after the holidays.
Tip: January 6 is one specific date, so book as early as you can. Serenades must be booked at least 2 days in advance.
2. Mail a “caja de Reyes”
Bring the shoebox tradition to them. Fill a box with small wrapped gifts, a handwritten note and a little bundle of grass for the camels. Write “Abrir el 6 de enero” on the outside so it gets opened on the right day. It is especially sweet for nieces, nephews and grandkids.
3. Host a virtual parranda
Schedule a video call on the evening of January 5 or on Reyes day and invite everyone. Share a playlist of aguinaldos, ask each household to sing a verse and let the kids show off their boxes. Want to make it unforgettable? End the parranda with a live serenade that everyone on the call can enjoy together.
4. Cook the same recipe together
Pick a family favorite, like arroz con gandules, pasteles or coquito, and cook it at the same time on video. Ask the family cook to lead. You end up with the same food on both tables and a new tradition.
5. Record a video message from the kids
Have the children in your house record a short video wishing everyone a happy Día de Reyes and showing what the Kings brought. Grandparents watch these over and over.
6. Give an experience in their town
A gift card to their favorite local restaurant or bakery lets them celebrate with a meal out, on you. Pair it with a phone call so you are part of the outing.
How to plan a surprise serenade for January 6
- Pick the moment. Choose a time when the family is already gathered, like after lunch on Reyes day.
- Recruit an inside helper. Ask a sibling or cousin to have a laptop or TV ready with the Zoom link.
- Choose the song. Pick from the song list, or request the song that means the most to your family with advance notice.
- Invite the whole family. Share the link with relatives in other cities so they can join from home.
- Ask for the recording. You will want to watch everyone’s faces again.
Frequently asked questions
Does my family need to download anything?
They just need a phone, tablet, computer or smart TV that can open a Zoom link.
Can relatives in different places join?
Yes. Up to 99 friends and family can join the same Zoom call from anywhere.
Can you play Spanish songs?
Yes. Alberto is Puerto Rican and speaks both English and Spanish, and his song list includes English and Spanish songs. The serenade is instrumental violin, so the music speaks for itself. You can also book on our Spanish booking page.
How far ahead should I book?
At least 2 days in advance. For a specific holiday like January 6, earlier is better.
Distance does not have to mean missing Reyes. Book a virtual serenade and give your family a moment they will never forget.
