When someone experiences a loss, it can be difficult to know what the appropriate thing to do is. Many people choose to send flowers, but there are other sympathy gifts that can be just as comforting and last much longer. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of sympathy gifts that you can send to someone who is grieving and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right gift for the person you are sending it to.
Are sympathy gifts appropriate?
Sympathy gifts are appropriate today and always. They show that you care about the person who is grieving and that you want to help them through their loss. It is a kind and thoughtful gesture that can make a big difference in the life of someone who is grieving. In addition, sympathy gifts are a tangible way to show your support, and they can be a lasting reminder of the person who has passed away. If you're in doubt as to whether or not you send a gift, we say go for it. Grief can be a lonely place so your show of support means more than you know.
What things should I consider when looking for a sympathy gift for someone?
There are a few things you should consider when choosing a sympathy gift for someone.
(1) Your relationship together. Think about the relationship between you and the person you are sending the gift to. It is important to choose a gift that is appropriate for your relationship with the person. For example, if you are close friends with someone, you may want to choose a more personal gift than if you are just acquaintances.
(2) The age of the recipient. It is also important to consider the age of the person you are sending the gift to. A sympathy gift for a child will be different than a gift for an adult.
(3) The gender of the recipient. There are some gifts that are more appropriate for men, and others that are more appropriate for women. Consider the gender of the person you are sending the gift to when making your selection.
(4) What type of loss they have experienced. Was this person close family, a distant relative, a colleague or even a pet? Consider what type of loss the person has experienced when choosing your gift as this will guide you on how personal you wish to make the gift.
(5) Their religious beliefs. If the person you are sending the gift to has strong religious beliefs, you may want to choose a gift that reflects those beliefs. Not only will this show how much you've really thought about them but will provide far more meaningful comfort in the days and months ahead.
(6) A meaningful connection. It is also important to choose a gift that will create a meaningful connection with the recipient. Something that reminds them of their loved one or that has personal significance can be very comforting during this difficult time. Think about what the person you are sending the gift to would appreciate. It is important to choose a gift that the recipient will find meaningful and helpful in their time of grief.
What types of sympathy gifts could I give?
There are many different types of sympathy gifts that you can send to someone who is grieving. There are literally 1000's of options, which probably makes the decision making process that much harder. Hopefully, with some thought into the above points you've started to narrow down which way to go.
Here are our top 7 picks to get you started:
(1) Sympathy Wind Chimes:
Sympathy Wind Chimes or sometimes also called Memorial Wind Chimes / Bereavement Wind Chimes can be a beautiful and soothing addition to any home. Wind chimes have long been used as a way to celebrate life and provide a sense of peace and calm. They are often used in gardens and outdoor spaces as a way to bring beauty to an area. However, they can also be used indoors as a way to create a relaxing environment. In times of grief, wind chimes can be especially beneficial as they provide:
- A sense of peace, tranquillity and calm in the home;
- A reminder of the person who has passed away;
- A connection to nature;
- An easy way to focus on something positive;
- Enhance an outdoor space and could even be the start of the creation of a memorial garden space in the home.
All of these benefits can be helpful for someone who is grieving. The sound of
wind chimes can soothe the soul and provide a sense of comfort in a time of need. They can also be a beautiful tribute to the person who has passed away. If you are looking for a way to show your support and sympathy, wind chimes may be the perfect option.
Spiritwind have a great range of really high quality memorial wind chimes which include a sympathy card to express your condolences. You can have a look at the range here:
(2) Memorial Garden Stones:
Memorial garden stones are a beautiful way to remember a loved one who has passed away. Garden memorial stones are designed for the outdoors and provide a way to more formally honor and remember those lost by creating a focal point in the garden space. Some stones can be personalized with the name of the person who has passed away, whilst others provide a special message or quote that comforts. Garden stones are a popular choice for many people as they provide:
- An enhancement to any memorial space;
- A meaningful message to remind those grieving of beautiful moments;
- A tangible way to remember a loved one;
- A lasting memorial that can be placed in any outdoor space.
If the person you're wanting to gift to has a love for the outdoors / nature then this
could be a really unique and special way to honor the memory of their loved one.
Spiritwind have designed a memorial garden stone with a peace dove and olive tree design that symbolizes peace, cleansing, healing and a promise of renewal. You can view the stone here:
(3) Sympathy cards:
We know this seems so simple, but sympathy cards are always appropriate and can be very helpful to the recipient. You can choose a card that reflects the relationship between you and the person you are sending it to but really the meaning in a sympathy card comes from the words that you choose to write inside of it. Gifts are great and can last a lifetime, but it's not often that we unpack and share our feelings with someone else in writing - especially not in this day and age. Expressing yourself, your thoughts, your sorrow in words is extremely powerful. Don't write off or underestimate how a card delivered in the mail could make someone feel when they might just be experiencing a really bad day of grief alone.
Spiritwind's memorial and condolence gifts all come with sympathy cards
included in all gift sets, but there are also thousands of options online and in retail stores to choose from. Take the time to pick one that really connects with you from the heart and send it with love.
(4) Food:
Food is always a welcome gift, especially during times of grief. You can send a fruit basket, a care package, or even just a simple home-cooked meal. When someone is experiencing grief, it can often be difficult to find the energy to cook or even to eat. That's why food can be such a special and appreciated gift. It can provide comfort and a sense of connection to the person who has passed away. It can also help to boost the recipient's energy levels and help them to feel more like themselves again.
The important thing is to make sure that the food you're sending is something that the recipient will appreciate and find helpful. Consider the person you are gifting to and what they might appreciate most at this time. If you're not sure, a fruit basket or a care package is always a safe option that is sure to be appreciated. There are hundreds of options to choose from online in this space. Oh and don't underestimate how nice a personalised, hand picked hamper of their most favorite treats, snacks and food items could mean to someone. This is so thoughtful, personalized and completely unique. Yes it might take a bit more work, but totally worth it to help your loved one feel truly appreciated. Don't forget to also include a note with the food expressing your condolences and offering your support. Something like, "I'm so sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know." This will let them know that you're thinking of them and that you're available if they need anything.
(5) Personalized Jewelry:
A piece of personalized jewelry is a beautiful way to show someone that you're thinking of them during their time of grief. A personalized piece of jewelry can be a reminder of the person they've lost and can help to keep them close to their heart. There are many different types of jewelry to choose from, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. You can also have the jewelry engraved with a special message or the name of the person who has passed away.
Personalized jewelry is a gift that can be worn every day, and it's something that the recipient can hold onto for years to come. It's a reminder that they are not alone and that you will always be there for them.
When choosing a piece of jewelry, it's important to consider the recipient's style and what would mean the most to them. There are so many different options available, so take your time to find something that is special and unique.
(6) A Donation in Their Name:
Making a donation in honor of the person who has passed away is a beautiful way to show your support. It's a way to keep their memory alive and to help others in their name. There are many different organizations that you can donate to, so you can choose one that is close to the person's heart. You can also choose an organization that is related to the cause of death. For example, if the person passed away from cancer, you could donate to a cancer research organization.
When making a donation, be sure to include a note letting the recipient know that it was made in honor of their loved one. This is a gesture that will be deeply appreciated and will help the recipient to feel connected to the person they've lost. Spiritwind donate 1% of all profits to The Tears Foundation, an incredible organization that help support families that have lost a minor. This includes financial support, grief support and peer support. You can read more about our partnership here:
(7) A Memorial Tree:
Gifting a tree in honor of the person who has passed away is a beautiful way to show your support. It's a way to keep their memory alive and to help the environment in their name. This is a gift that will continue to grow and thrive for years to come, and it's a reminder that the person's memory will never die. The recipient can visit the tree whenever they want and take comfort in knowing that their loved one is still with them. A tree is a beautiful symbol of life and growth, and it's the perfect way to celebrate someone's life.
When selecting a tree, be sure to choose one that is native to the area where it will be planted. This will help ensure that the tree is able to thrive in its new home. You can also select a tree that has special meaning to the recipient. For example, if the person loved oak trees, you could gift an oak tree in their honor.
When to send a sympathy gift? Now or wait?
When it comes to sending a sympathy gift, timing is everything. Obviously some things will depend on the situation and relationship of the giver and recipient, however, in general, it is best to send a sympathy gift as soon as possible after the death or loss has occurred. The sooner you send it, the sooner the recipient will be able to appreciate your gesture. Your timing shows care, love and support in their greatest time of loss. Our vote is the sooner the better.
Do I give the sympathy gift in person or do I deliver it?
This is entirely up to you. If you are close to the person who is grieving, you may want to give them the gift in person. If you live far away or if you are not close to the person, you may want to send the gift via mail or another delivery service. It's important to consider what would be most comfortable for the recipient. If you're not sure, it's always best to ask them before popping over. It might not be the best time or the best day for visitors so always best to check. Most importantly, don't avoid doing something because you're unsure. Grief can be a very lonely place and sometimes this is because nobody knows what to do or say to those going through grief. Although it might be feel like the best thing to do is give someone space, if everyone thought that way then that person might not feel any support or love from those around them.
Make the effort and do something to show you care. This is likely this person's hardest time in their life and it's when they need signs of support and love the most. If they don't, they will tell you. No matter what type of sympathy gift you choose, it is important to remember that the most important thing is that you show that you care about the person who is grieving. A simple gesture can make a big difference in their life.
Hoping that this has helped in some way to make your decisions easier. You're doing the right thing by putting in the research upfront to make sure you can give a gift of meaning and love. We know that you're going to make the perfect choice for the special person in your life.
Sending our deepest sympathies,
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