30 Thoughtful Sympathy Gifts That Show You Care
Let grieving friends and family know they're on your mind.
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Losing someone you love, like a parent or close friend, is one of life’s most significant challenges. But we all grieve differently. Some want to talk through their emotions and be surrounded by people, while others want to be left to themselves to acclimate to their new reality. Whatever the case, it’s important to let grieving people know they are not alone. And if you can’t be there physically with them while they go through the process of planning a funeral and beyond, you can show your support in many ways, like with a thoughtful and sentimental gift.
While many may turn to flower deliveries or sympathy cards, other gifts are just as meaningful. Putting some extra thought into a creative way to show you care is always appreciated. From customized portraits and grief journals to weighted blankets and small gift items, we collected a list of the best sympathy gifts to give grieving people.
They'll be reminded of the one they've lost every time the wind blows with these memorial chimes. Made of pine and aluminum, they're also weatherproof and can be used all year round.
This five-inch, hand-painted statuette depicts an angel with her hands crossed over her chest in prayer. Artist Susan Lordi creates each Willow Tree statue with attention to detail for a keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation.
This gift basket contains everything a grieving loved one needs to feel comfortable, from a cozy pair of socks to a soothing scented candle. It provides gender neutral options and can be given to anyone.
As light shines through this crystal ornament, it projects a dazzling display on your walls. Consider it a gift that helps bring light to a difficult time.
This box comes with a variety of chocolate and crunchy snacks. Because it's from Amazon, where it's highly rated, it's great if you need to send something ASAP.
A memorial poem is printed and illuminated on this LED shadow box to keep the memory of your loved one alive. Choose from a variety of designs, including butterfly, dandelion and dragonfly.
Their dearly departed's light will never go out with this touching memorial lantern, complete with an LED candle. "Beautiful item! Gave it to a friend that lost a loved one. They liked it so much they brought it to the service," one Amazon reviewer wrote. There are three designs to choose from.
This thoughtfully crafted picture frame sits on top of a bamboo stand that holds two votives. Honor your loved one by remembering their life each time you light the candles.
The soothing light and fresh scent from this candle will help set a serene atmosphere for those who are grieving, and the message "Hey girl, sending you hugs!" is great for those who want something a little less focused on a memorial. It also comes in a pretty box that's perfect for gifting.
Finding the right words to say is difficult, but this popular card from Hallmark can help. The beautiful front reads, "Goodbye is now forever, love is," while the inside says, "Thinking of you and wishing you peace ... now and in the days ahead."
RELATED: What to Write in a Sympathy Card for a Meaningful Message
This memorial piggy bank helps you remember your loved one with every penny you place inside. The acrylic cover features a heartfelt poem, and the wooden detail makes the piece shelf-worthy.
Letters are a great way to help them begin to process their grief and feel closer to a departed parent. This personalized leather notebook can be addressed to Mom or Dad, and holds 140 pages for them to journal in.
A simple stainless steel cuff will remind them that their loved one is always near. It comes in messages for any passing family member, including moms, dads and grandparents.
Commemorate your loved one with a one-of-a-kind portrait from Len and Laine. The prints are delivered digitally, so you can print them in any size you want and share them with loved ones, too.
A beautiful way to honor multiple people who have passed, the board can hold up to 10 photos, depending on their size. It comes in three styles.
Enjoy lavender's soothing, therapeutic aroma as you light this remembrance candle for your loved one. The message on the front offers comfort, too.
Keep idle hands busy with a trio of crystals just the right size for holding. The howlite, white lace agate and amethyst stones come in their own carrying case, which has a sentimental poem on the outside.
These beautiful glass angels, filled with roses, are the perfect sympathy gift. "Bought this angel as a gift and the recipient immediately fell in love with her. Truly a wonderful and special gift," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
When they're praying or talking to their loved one who has died, they can hold this cross in their hands to feel extra connected. It's a stunning piece made of marble that's small enough for them to carry anywhere.
This beautifully bound journal from Duncan and Stone is perfect for recording memories and processing grief. Sections include things to remember, important dates, self-care practices and more.
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials. She is proud to be of Native American (Ohkay Owingeh) and Mexican American descent.
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