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23 Unique Sympathy Gifts: Thoughtful Ways to Comfort Those in Grief
Losing a loved one is never easy and it can be difficult to know how to support a friend or family member who is grieving. Words of comfort, acts of kindness, and the right gifts can make all the difference. Sympathy gifts can provide comfort and hope during a time of loss, and can be an important way to show your support for someone you care about.
When choosing a gift to give someone who is grieving, it’s important to choose something that will help them through their loss, rather than increase their pain. From sentimental keepsakes to practical items, there are many thoughtful gifts that can bring comfort and ease the grieving process. In this article, we’ll explore 23 of the best sympathy gifts for a grieving friend, each designed to provide comfort and hope. Whether you’re looking for a simple gesture of support or something more meaningful, we’ve got you covered.
It is sometimes difficult to communicate our sympathy to people who are grieving. Giving them this memorial picture frame would communicate how much you care for them. A picture frame in memory of their loved one will offer them the comfort that they desire. They make ideal sympathy gifts for loss.
+Durable-Rather expensiveBuy from Amazon
The high-quality lithograph print is mounted on MDF wood. It is hand finished and is packaged with a layer of foil to give it a clean, crisp look. The plaque is crafted with consideration and care in a finished 1.5-inch frame. It is ready to hang. No hardware is needed.
+Reasonably priced-Sometimes mistaken for woodBuy from Amazon
This is will be useful before the funeral. People who come to the funeral can write their names, sign, and also write down memories they had with the deceased. Your friend will love and cherish these beautiful gifts of sympathy written by loved ones of the deceased. This funeral book has all the necessary features required for this. It is also made of quality materials and highly durable.
+Quality keepsake-Not water and fire-resistant.Buy from Amazon- our favorite
The 3 x 2-inch hand-painted resin box has a sentiment card on the inside that says, ‘Forever true, forever friends.’ There is a bas-relief carving of two figures facing each other in cream-colored dresses on the lid. The bottom of the box has a friendship and love message as a hidden discovery.
+A Willow Tree original-Different from pictureBuy from Amazon- sponsored
This beautiful angel is carved with unfinished wood and rust-colored steel. This angel figurine looks rustic yet elegant as she holds a single tea light candle. It gives off a feeling of hope and love and is a perfect gift for your grieving loved one.
+Exquisite design, handcrafted with high-quality materials.-Expensive.Buy from Forest Decor
Bring warmth and sympathy to a grieving friend with this terra cotta candle. It will be gratefully received as a treasure to remember a loved one. The inspirational saying adds a touch of charm to a room’s decor. The candle has a cover that adds beauty when not in use.
+Tasteful gift-No gift boBonus Tips: When the candle is exhausted, replace with a battery powered tealight.
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This is a book about simple practices and daily guidance for living with loss. It is quite a thoughtful gift and would show how much you care that your grieving friend is comforted. It is a day-to-day guide, making it a very easy read.
+Highly recommended-Written only in EnglishBuy from Amazon
This tea light holder has an aromatherapy oil burner and helps to improve relaxation and relieve stress. It is a pretty piece with an exquisite design featuring hand-carved hollow petal patterns. When lit, beautiful petal patterns are cast on the wall/table, making it an ideal sympathy gift.
+Beautiful design-Candle not includedBuy from Amazon
A memorial necklace would make a very thoughtful sympathy gift. What makes this necklace even more special is that you can be among the personalized sympathy gifts that have a name and a date engraved on it. It isn’t too flashy yet elegant. The quote “Your wings were ready but we were not” will certainly show you understand what they are going through.
+Handmade-Prints are quite smallBuy from Etsy
On this practical yet classy keychain are comforting quotes to warm the heart of a grieving friend. Grieving is a hard and lonely process. The grieving heart will appreciate these comforting and reassuring words.
+Durable-Quite smallBuy from Amazon- most popular
This ultra-plush and super soft blanket is a caring and thoughtful gift for loved ones or friends. It brings warmth as well as the feeling of comfort and love. The blanket is ideal as a sympathy gift. It has cozy plush microfiber that makes the blanket excellent for cuddling in bed or on a chair.
+Machine washable-A bit thinBuy from Amazon
The snacks included in the sympathy basket are assorted milk toffees, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pecan caramels, gourmet caramel popcorn, old-fashioned peanut brittle, seasoned pretzels, butter toffee mixed nuts, roasted and salted almonds, hazelnut wafer rolls, and more. A separate purchase of a gift message is available.
+Basket is reusable-Not for people with nut allergiesBonus Tips: The items in the basket are kosher and can be enjoyed by all recipients
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This well-packaged set speaks for itself. It comes in a box and contains natural succulents, a memorial candle, a box of matches, and a priority mail. There are also add-ons to the package such as Lip balm, a pen, bath bomb, or a no-contact keychain that makes the unique sympathy gifts.
+Well-packaged and inexpensive-A limited variety of scentsBuy from Etsy- sponsored
Just like angels bring us comfort, bring them comfort with this rustic wood angel figurine. This wood angel has her wings flowing. Handcrafted from quality forest wood, it features a finished angel with unfinished wings on one side and an unfinished angel with finished wings on the other side.
+Handcrafted with high-quality wood-ExpensiveBuy from Forest Decor
A cozy throw blanket gives those in mourning comfort, especially through the early days. No matter how many blankets they have, a gift from you is comforting. This soft sherpa blanket wraps your friend in luxury and warmth. It is the ideal way to let them know they are in your heart and prayers.
+Suitable for men and women-No expression of sympathyBuy from Amazon- sponsored
This rustic wood angel figurine has an open heart in the center to remind the bereaved to keep their hearts filled with love and hope. It is designed beautifully, having both finished and unfinished sides. It has its wings spread out and the pretty golden ribbon on its neck completes this wood angel’s stunning look.
+Beautiful design.-It is quite small in size.Buy from Forest Decor
Memorial tiles are a great way to keep the memory of a loved one alive. This tile reads, ‘Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day”. Made with ceramic, this tile would also make great home decor.
+Can be personalized.-Can crack, chip or break.Buy from Etsy
Your grieving friend can have a piece of their loved ones with them all the time in this urn necklace. The simple design and neutral style of this necklace fits men and women of all ages. It consists of a stainless steel pendant and chain. They will not stain, rust, deform, tarnish, or fade. The necklace has a navy velvet gift box. It comes with a metal pick and funnel.
+Available in five stylesq-Dispensing items in necklace a bit trickyBonus Tips: The necklace can be used for letters, sand, crushed flowers, soil, spice, hair, or ashes of pets or family.
Buy from Amazon
If your friend loves jewelry, it would be great to get them this bronze urn necklace. It has an exquisite “Tree of Life” design with a corked glass orb which could serve as a little urn. This piece is fashionable and would make a really pretty accessory.
+Exquisite design and bronze plated.-Most suitable for females only.Buy from Etsy
This is a 5″ sculpted and hand-painted resin figure of a standing angel in a cream dress and wire wings. She has her hands crossed under a small gold leaf. Give this to you friend to remind them that their lost loved one will always be close to their heart.
+Hand-painted and durable-wire wing may rustBuy from Amazon- our favorite
It’ll be great to have a giant fluffy teddy bear to cuddle when you miss a person’s or pet’s presence. Although it doesn’t compare to a human hug or wagging tail, your grieving friend will certainly appreciate this fluffy friend. It is appropriate among pet sympathy gifts.
+High-quality material and durable-ExpensiveBuy from Amazon
This flower pot is the perfect sympathy gift because you can add a name to the reverse side of the pot if you like. It comes along with “forget me not” seeds. It’s a nice little flower pot and your friend can nurture the memory of their loved one as they nurture the little plant.
+Inexpensive and can be personalized.-BreakableBuy from Etsy
Made from reclaimed wood, this memory box is the perfect keepsake box. It is perfect for storing memories and also makes a great table piece. There is a space for one picture and you can engrave names on the box by request. It is suitable among the sympathy gifts for men.
+Made with reclaimed wood, waterproof and durable-ExpensiveBuy from Etsy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sympathy gifts?
Sympathy gifts are gifts given to people who are grieving or mourning the loss of a loved one. The goal of these gifts is to show the person who receives them that they are not alone in their grief.
What are some common sympathy gift options?
Some common sympathy gifts are fresh flowers, plants, food baskets, memorial keepsakes, memorial jewelry, and donations to charity in the name of the deceased.
Is it appropriate to send a sympathy gift if I can’t attend the funeral?
Yes, you can send a gift of sympathy even if you can’t go to the funeral. This is a way to show someone who is grieving that you are thinking of them and to offer your support from afar.
What should I write in a sympathy card?
The best message for a sympathy card is one that is simple and sincere. Offer your condolences and let the person who is hurting know that you are there for them. You can also tell a personal story or say something to make the person feel better.
What is the appropriate time frame to send a sympathy gift?
There is no set time limit on when to send a gift of sympathy. Some people send gifts as soon as they hear about the death, while others wait a few weeks or months. The most important thing is to be there for the person who is sad and let them know you are thinking of them.
Conclusion
Any of the above gifts will make your grieving friend feel better. Giving them a condolence gift would reassure them of your willingness to stand by them as they strive to move on and recover from their loss. Happy Gifting!
