Sympathy gifts are appreciated by those who would have just lost their loved ones.
Dealing with the reality that the person that used to be in their lives is no longer physically present is a tough reality to accept.
Sympathy gifts communicate that you sympathize with them in these difficult times and are encouraging them to go through grieving knowing that you are there to support them.
We have compiled a list of heartwarming sympathy gift ideas for you to consider sending to those you know suffering a loss:
1. Flowers
You can buy sympathy flowers and attach a heartwarming message. Flowers brighten up the space in which the grieving may spend time confined.
These also play a role in uplifting moods and bringing a smile to one’s face.
Flowers are also a safe gift in that sometimes one runs a risk of unknowingly purchasing a gift which then comes off as offensive, particularly if there are cultural differences—however, flowers are generally accepted and appreciated across the board as a form of sympathy gift.
2. Photo Book
If you have any pictures of the deceased, you can make a physical photo album. With digital technology, most photos are in our phones and computers.
However, simply sending these over a message doesn’t carry the element of a gift. You can get the photos printed out in the old-fashioned way, and buy a scrapbook.
You can then stick the photos in the scrapbook and add a couple of sentences explaining each photo. This will give the receiver a story behind the photos that they may appreciate.
You can alternatively buy a photo album and place the photos in the sleeves.
3. Assorted Chocolate
Chocolate is a gift that sends messages for different occasions, including that of sympathy.
You can create an assortment of chocolate and get even more creative by organizing a flower arrangement at the receiver’s home to accompany this gift.
This gesture displays that you genuinely wish for the grieving to be able to eventually get to a place where they are at peace. Chocolate may bring some temporary comfort in the grieving process.
4. Stuffed Animal
Stuffed animals are precious and appreciated across the board. Stuffed animals may help alleviate some stress and anxiety that will be a part of grief.
You can get a personalized shirt for the stuffed animal with the name or photo of the deceased.
The stuffed animal may help provide comfort especially with the touch of personalization.
You can also organize a bouquet for the stuffed animal and include a personalized note as well.
5. Personalized Wind Chime
A personalized wind chime can be a beautiful and sentimental gift. You can inscribe the name of the gift and add words of comfort on a wind chime.
You can then gift this to the remaining loved ones and hang it where they wish to have the chime. Whenever the wind blows the music that comes from the chimes will be a reminder that their loved one is still present in their life.
Keep in mind however that such sentimental gifts work for some and not for others.
You may have to do your research if you don’t have a close relationship with the person that you are sending the gift to, just to avoid unintentional offense.
6. Handwritten Notes
Old fashioned handwritten notes in the form of a note diary or a note jar is one gift that will be appreciated.
The amount of time and effort it takes to think of positive messages to write shows how much you care of those grieving.
You can research different types of uplifting and positive messages for those who grieve on the internet, or you can write what you wish to say to those grieving.
7. Compile a Video
If you have videos of the deceased, you can create a compilation that those grieving would enjoy.
You can edit video snippets and include a meaningful song in the background. Whenever the deceased is missed, the video will be a delightful reminder of the life celebrated.
8. Gift of Nature
You can offer to take one who is grieving to try and enjoy the gift of nature. You can take them to a park and let him or her breathe in the fresh air.
If they decide to talk about the process, you can listen. The point of the gift of nature is to enjoy the stillness of it so just follow the lead and encourage a peaceful environment.
9. Service
Grieving is a process that can bring one to a stand-still. One might not be able to do the everyday activities such as cleaning the house, cooking, or bathing.
A gift that you can offer to one that is grieving is your ability to help in the household.
You can offer to do the groceries, make meals to store in the freezer so that it only needs to be warmed up when needed, clean the house, or babysit the children if there are children in the household.
Such gifts help the bereaved take time out to themselves without having to worry about certain chores that require their attention.
Keep in mind that people grieve differently. Some may not open up to your offer because of the need to be in solitude.
You willing gesture is enough to communicate that you care deeply for their wellbeing.
Conclusion
You may need to research and get creative with the different types of heartwarming sympathy gifts.
The point is to be authentic and genuine as this is felt in the gift.
Some ideas of heartwarming sympathy gifts you can get include flower arrangements, a photo book, assorted chocolate, a personalized wind chime, uplifting notes, a stuffed animal, video compilation, and the gift of nature.
You must make sure that whatever gift you decide on, won't offend or trigger those at the receiving end.
If you aren’t sure about what to get, you can stick to gifts that are generally accepted across the board such as flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals.
If you aren’t sure about what to write as a part of the gift, you can find generic messages on the internet.
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