Sympathy Gifts

The tradition of offering gifts to the bereaved goes back centuries. When we are at a loss for words, often this is the way in which we can express our feelings of love and support to the family. There are many traditional gifts to offer; however, giving some thought to the personality of the deceased and the relationship they had with the bereaved may lead you to some creative ideas. Gifts are always a kind gesture and do not have to expensive.

Flowers – people traditionally send bouquets of flowers to the family at their home. Bouquets and wreaths or sprays are also sent to the funeral home. Keep in mind that the family may receive a dozen or more floral arrangements and not have room for all of them. They may donate them to the hospital or a senior centre. You may want to consider giving a plant or a tree seedling that the family can plant outdoors in memory of their loved one. You may also consider not sending flowers until the one month anniversary of their loved one’s passing. This way the family will have more room and they will be touched that you are acknowledging the anniversary.

Food – taking food to the family’s home is also a traditional gift-giving idea. Consider that others will be bringing gifts of food too, so you may want to take an item that can be frozen for later use. In choosing what type of food to take, consider the cultural food preferences and/or if anyone in the family has allergies. Besides casseroles, food gift baskets with cheese and crackers and fruit are enjoyable and good to have on hand for company and snacking. Gift cards to a local grocery story would be thoughtful and then the family can pick up things they run out of, such as toilet paper or soap.

Charitable Gifts – Determine if the family has requested donations be made to a favourite charity. Or you may consider sending the family some money to help with the expenditures of the funeral and having extra people in the home.

Talents – Don’t overlook offering to use your talents. Do you scrapbook? Are you a whiz on the computer? Do you make quilts? Consider making a scrapbook, photo slideshow on a DVD or a memory quilt for the family. Gifts like these will bring comfort to the family for years to come.

Keepsake Gifts – In addition to the gift ideas mentioned above, you could send a personalized gift such as an engraved picture frame with a note suggesting the family place a favourite photo of their loved one inside. I adopted this gift-giving idea years ago in place of sending flowers. It will last forever and pictures are a wonderful way for families to remember their loved one by.

Cards – A thoughtful card with a beautiful inscription is always well-received. Consider making your own card and writing a personalized note inside offering to mow the lawn, babysit, clean the house, or to cook dinner one night. Gifts of time are immeasurable. Tucking a gift card to the family’s favourite restaurant or to a local movie theatre inside would provide a pleasant distraction for the family in the future.

Photo Credit: Dan
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