18 Thoughtful Sympathy Gifts For Family And Friends
How To Find The Perfect Sympathy Gift
Words often feel inadequate when someone you care about is grieving. A loss, small or large, can leave them feeling overwhelmed and alone. During this difficult time, a thoughtful sympathy gift can offer your loved one comfort and support. It’s a tangible way to show you’re thinking of them and that you’re there for them.
There are many different types of sympathy gifts and what type of gift is best depends on what your grieving loved one needs. For those needing comfort and care; gift-baskets, self-care items, and meal delivery services make the best gifts. For those seeking to remember and cherish their loved ones; memorial jewelry, a framed photo or artwork, and memorial ornaments all make great gifts. For those needing to heal from an unexpected or devastating loss a grieving journal, money collection, or time spent with friends and family makes the best gifts.
I have complied a list of excellent sympathy gifts for all different grieving types, relationships, and nature of the loss. I hope you find what you are looking for.
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Gift Ideas
1.) Candle
photo credit: amazon.com
This candle makes a great, inexpensive gift idea for anyone who experienced a loss large or small. It is a great way to show your friend or family that you are thinking of them and the candle doubles as aromatherapy.
2.) Chocolate Gift Basket
photo credit: amazon.com
Everyone has different coping mechanisms, for some people enjoying a sweet treat is a good way to temporary distract from the hardship of their situation. If your loved-one is not a chocolate lover there are many different themed baskets, such as a fruit or tea basket, that will be a great gift to help cope with their loss.
3.) Remembrance Necklace
photo credit: amazon.com
For those wishing to memorialize their loved ones jewelry is the perfect way to do so. Jewelry is durable, long-lasting, and can be constantly worn to remind the person of their loved one.
4.) Christmas Ornament
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This is an especially great gift around the holiday season. Every time your friend or family puts up their tree they will be reminded of the holidays they spent with their loved one.
5.) Willow Tree Angel
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This beautiful angel makes a great display piece for a display table, mantel, or desk. Its neutral design goes with almost any home decor.
6.) Wellness Tea Set
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The soothing properties of herbal teas can promote relaxation and ease symptoms of anxiety that often accompany grief. This tea set has all wellness blends to relax and heal.
7.) Memorial Tree
photo credit: uncommongoods.com
Planting a memorial tree has become a popular alternative to giving a bouquet of flowers. Unlike the bouquet that dies with in a week, this tree will grow and last for decades if cared for properly. The memory of the passed loved one will symbolically live on in this tree. Please note that this gift is best for someone with a yard large enough for this tree.
8.) Spa Basket
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This luxurious basket allows the recipient to temporarily escape their worries and focus on relaxation and self-care. Self-care is vital to help manage stress and anxiety, common emotions during grief, and can promote a sense of peace and well-being.
9.) Memorial Garden Stone
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This personalized stone makes a lovely gift if the person who passed was a gardener or loved the outdoors. This durable stone will be a beautiful memorial for years to come.
10.) Memorial Blanket
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In recent years, blankets have become more of a popular gift at funerals. Replacing flowers that wilt and die after a few days, these blankets last for years. These sympathy blankets are also called tribute blankets, funeral throws, or condolence afghans, they are meant to provide comfort to anyone grieving the loss of a friend or family member.
11.) Grief Journal
photo credit: amazon.com
An unexpected or extremely difficult loss, like that of a partner or sibling, can be difficult to navigate emotionally. Grief journals provide an outlet to write down and reflect on their thoughts and the various prompts can help them look at the situation in a different light.
12.) Memorial Wind Chimes
photo credit: amazon.com
Wind chimes make an excellent memorial gift. Whenever the wind chime rings in the wind it can be a reminder of the gift recipient of the memory of their loved one. This particular wind chime can be customized.
13.) Letters To My Dad Notebook
photo credit: etsy.com
Sometimes when loved ones pass, there is a lot that was left unsaid, especially if the loss was sudden. This thoughtful gift allows the recipient to write down letters that they would want to give to their loved one. For some people this can help give them a sense of closure.
14.) Garden Angel
photo credit: amazon.com
This beautiful angel makes a great addition to gardens or yards. This solar power light glows during the night leaving an ethereal ambiance.
15.) Cardinal Gift
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Many people believe seeing a cardinal is a sign that those who have passed are with us in spirit. Which is why many people get cardinal pillows, ornaments, and art for gifts.
16.) Jewelry Dish
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This decorative jewelry dish is a great gift to give to coworkers and friends. When the recipient goes to put on their jewelry they can be fondly reminded of their passed loved one.
17.) Group Card
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Whenever one of my coworkers had a loved one pass, everyone at my workplace would sign a card and donate a small amount of money. The heartfelt messages and the extra money to help cover expenses meant a lot to the coworker.
18.) Dinner
Taking someone out to dinner a much-needed break from the overwhelming tasks and responsibilities that often follow a loss. Grieving can be emotionally and physically draining, and cooking a meal might be the last thing on their mind. Treating them to dinner allows them to relax and enjoy a delicious meal without the burden of preparation or cleanup.
No matter what gift you choose, always include a heartfelt and personalized note expressing your condolences and support. Share a fond memory of their loved one, or simply let them know you’re thinking of them during this difficult time.Remember, the most important aspect of a sympathy gift is the sentiment behind it. A thoughtful gesture, big or small, can go a long way in showing you care and offering comfort during a time of loss.