I gifted stock held long term to a relative..he sold some shares the same year..I know he assumes my cost basis and holding period for tax reporting..can he input VAR-L for date acquired on his 8949 form? I originally bought this stock many years ag

Yes, he can use variable or various as the acquired date. Select 'Something other than a date'. Your relative's cost will be your cost basis and your holding period, as you indicated, 

 It's important to select that it was not purchased since it was a gift.  Follow the steps  below for entry into TurboTax.

Open your TurboTax Desktop or TurboTax Online return.

1. TurboTax Desktop select Personal Income > Scroll to Investment Income
2. TurboTax Online >Select Income or search 1099b > Add or Edit your gift investment sale
3. Continue to enter the sale of gift stock. 
4. Since you bought the stock several years ago be sure to select 'Long term basis not reported to IRS (noncovered)'.