Grieving the death of a friend or family member is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. Finding the right thing to say to express your condolences may be tough, but being there for someone and surrounding them with love during this difficult time is another way to help them through the healing process.
If you're not able to be with your grieving friend or loved one physically, you can show them that they have your support during this time of need by sending them a bereavement gift. The best sympathy gifts can be the ones that just show them that you are thinking of them at this time. From a thoughtful sympathy gift basket to condolence flowers for somebody who's just lost a parent, we rounded up a few options to show them you care.
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Gifts for children | Classic gifts | Modern gifts | Memorial wind chimes | Gift baskets | Flowers and plants | Pet memorial gifts
Sympathy gifts for children
"The Invisible String," by Patrice Karst
If your child is experiencing grief for the very first time, this bestselling picture book can help. It's been noted by parents and educators as an essential tool for coping with separation anxiety and loss since its initial release thanks to its simple approach to the difficult topic.
How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids
Made for older kids ages 8 and up by a licensed clinical social worker, this journal equips them with various tools to work through their complex emotions, from writing and drawing prompts to meditation reminders to ease them through their healing journey.
Slumberkins Sprite Snuggler
For some children, having a clear-set routine that allows them to process and navigate their feelings can help during a dark period. Along with Slumberkins's winged Sprite character (in an ivory or pastel rainbow hue), this collection also features a board book and affirmation card that promotes healthy conversations around grief and loss.
Classic sympathy gifts
Customized Leather Journal
Sometimes it's hard to express feelings after losing someone close. In an effort to guide them through this hard time, gift them this personalized notebook so they can write down all of their thoughts in private.
Hand-Drawn Charcoal Portrait for Loved Ones
This custom art work puts their loved ones in a portrait that you can frame and gift during a time when they want to be comforted by the memory of someone they have lost. Since it is a digital file, you can choose the frame and when exactly you want it to be delivered.
CustomRoyaltees Handwritten Keepsake Sign
This custom sign is a thoughtful gift to memorize someone's handwriting as if they were still here. "What a beautiful way to memorialize the precious written words of love from a beloved husband & dad, to look & be reminded every day of how much he loved us!" one Etsy shopper shared.
Engraved Round Locket Necklace With Hidden Photo
This locket will let them keep a photo of their loved one close at all times. Personalize the outside with their name or the inside of the locket with a sweet message or quote that will provide a comforting reminder at all hours of the day.
1-800-Flowers Seeds of Life Tree Kit
This unique gift offers a way to remember a loved one. The company chooses the seed variety based on the recipient's ZIP code so their tree can serve as a memorial long after it is planted. Attached is also a sweet note that reads, "Start today, plant a seed, build a memory."
Artifact Uprising Custom Hardcover Photo Book
Creating a book of photos is a special way to preserve someone's life. This custom photo book from Artifact Uprising will gives them a place to look back on all of their fondest moments over the years.
Brooklinen Pure Wool Throw Blanket
There's going to be times when all they want to do is curl up underneath the nearest blanket within reach. Make sure they're prepared for that moment with this Brooklinen throw made with 100 percent wool.
Modern sympathy gifts
"Notes on Grief," by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Navigating the last few years has been difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one during this time. Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie processes the complex thoughts and emotions of her father's untimely passing in 2020 in this deeply moving tribute to his life.
KindNotes Keepsake Jar with Sympathy Messages
Many people choose to spend some time alone after losing someone close to them. If that's the case for your friend or loved one, send them this comforting gift to show them that you're there for them even if it's from afar. The keepsake jar includes notes with encouraging messages like "May your heart and soul find peace and comfort."
LifeAround2Angels Handmade Bath Bombs Gift Set
During times of loss, it's important to give them space to heal and relax. If they own a bathtub, encourage them to use it with these handmade bath bombs from Amazon. The set comes with a dozen California-made bath bombs formulated with therapeutic and moisturizing ingredients.
The Grief Companion: A Supportive Guide to Navigating Grief
Whether they incorporate mindful intentions into their daily routine or just need a source of comfort during a trying time, this deck of cards serves as a portable resource to better comprehend the ever-evolving grieving process.
Birthstone Angel Wing Necklace
No matter where life takes them, this bestselling minimalist necklace keeps their memory close to the recipient's heart. It can also be customized with their loved one's birthstone for an extra personal touch.
Goldbelly E-Gift Card
Sometimes the best thing you can send someone who is grieving is food. If you aren't sure of what they like, you can send them an e-gift card for this popular meal delivery service with a custom amount so they can order dinner, desserts or an ingredient kit at their leisure.
Dr. Teals Lavender Soothe & Sleep Foaming Bath
For extra at-home wellness, send them this lavender foaming bubble bath product. It contains pure Epsom salt and luxurious essentials oils to soothe the senses, revitalize tired achy muscles and help relieve stress.
"The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying," by Nina Riggs
This New York Times bestseller is the perfect book to gift someone who is going through the grieving process. It tells an uplifting story of a woman trying to make the most of her life in a relatable, positive, inspiring, even funny, way.
Memorial wind chimes
Engraved Tree of Life Memorial Wind Chimes
This memorial wind chime from Amazon is also a good option if you don't want customized chimes. It features an engraving of the tree of life, which symbolizes hope, peace, eternity and family.
Shutterfly In Loving Memory Wind Chime
If you have a photo of their loved one or a special message, you can create a personalized wind chime to gift to them. This option from Shutterfly will make a quaint decoration in their yard or garden that they can use to honor their memory.
Copper Memorial Wind Chime
“Listen to the wind and know I am near,” reads the touching inscription on this memorial wind chime from Etsy. It’s made out of copper and can be completely personalized to bring the recipient a sense of comfort.
Listen To The Wind Personalized Memorial Wind Chimes
This wind chime from Personalization Mall is made out of metal and wood and has the phrase “Listen to the Wind” written on side of the hanging feather. You can also choose to customize the reverse side with a name, memorial dates or message.
Sympathy gift baskets
Harry & David Sympathy Ice Cream Assortment
Sending comfort from afar might be more appreciated than you know. Each little pint in this ice cream assortment features a label with a supportive message to let them know that you are there for them during this time.
A Beautiful Soul is Never Forgotten Succulent and Candle Gift Box
This sympathy gift box from Etsy is a cost-effective and thoughtful care package. It comes with a scented candle and decorative matches, a small succulent in a ceramic pot and a notecard that reads "A beautiful soul is never forgotten" for you to write a personal letter.
Cheryl's Cookies With Sympathy Cookie Gift Pail
If you know they enjoy baked goods, go with this sweet pail from Cheryl's Cookies. It includes a variety of buttercream frosted, sugar and chocolate chip cookies.
Harry & David Classic Sympathy Gift Basket
For a bigger assortment of delicious treats, this sympathy gift basket from Harry & David is great. It comes with four Royal Verano pears, English breakfast tea, vanilla shortbread cookies, sesame honey mustard dip and much more.
Sympathy Gift Box
This bestselling tea gift set lets you choose from four different sets of teas including special blends such as Classic Chai, Organic Green Tea, and Immune Booster. You can also pick the size and send a sweet message in the attached card.
1-800-Baskets With Sympathy Fruit & Treats Basket
If you aren't very close with the person you are sending your condolences to or simply don't know what to get them, sometimes a gift basket filled with nibbles is the way to go. This sympathy gift basket includes a variety of fruit, nuts, chocolate and more.
Sending a Hug Sympathy Gift Box
Send them a hug with this sympathy gift box from Etsy. It comes with everything they need for a day of self-care including a facial clay mask, a natural soap bar, body oil and a scented candle.
Vosges Haut-Chocolat Petite Gift Tower
Who doesn't love gourmet chocolate? This Vosges Haut-Chocolate box comes with nine assorted exotic truffles, six sugary caramels and plenty of toffee to nibble on.
Spoonful of Comfort Sympathy Soup Gift Basket
What better way to warm up their soul than with chicken noodle soup (or creamy corn chowder or a decadent mac & cheese)? Spoonful of Comfort's got them covered with a generous portion of the above, plus a generous portion of rolls and cookies on the side. The brand even offers options for those who are vegan or have a gluten intolerance.
Knack Sympathy Gift Set
Since the last thing they probably want to do is go to the grocery store, help them out with this snack box. It's made with comforting sweet and savory bites like chocolatey truffle bars, figgy salami, loose-leaf tea and more.
Sympathy flowers and plants
Lovepop Sympathy Bundle
For those who suffer with allergies, this Lovepop bundle (featuring a papery tulip bouquet and tree) is a pleasant alternative to the traditional condolence arrangement.
1-800-Flowers Elegant Orchid
You can’t go wrong with an elegant orchid. It will make a loving tribute in remembrance of those who have passed and arrives in a clear glass cube planter, budding and ready to be displayed.
The Sill Bird's Nest Fern
If you know they’d appreciate a plant instead of flowers, this low-maintenance fern may cheer them up. This pet-friendly varietal does well in indirect sunlight and only needs to be watered once every 1-2 weeks.
FTD Eternal Affection Arrangement
Full of carnations and Peruvian lilies, this soft arrangement is one that can bring the recipient a sense of peace. There are three size options available that you can send to their door, and each will arrive in a rounded basket.
From You Flowers Deepest Sympathy Arrangement
A beautiful flower arrangement can go a long way. This “Deepest Sympathy” bouquet features an assortment of snapdragons, lilies, green gladiolus and alstroemeria. Plus, it can be sent directly to their doorstep.
1-800-Flowers Sympathy Healing Tears Pink & White Arrangement
This “Healing Tears” bouquet from 1-800-Flowers would also make a thoughtful gift for sympathy. The arrangement comes with pink roses, snapdragons, lilies, daisies and more inside a classic clear cube vase that’s lined with a green leaf ribbon.
ProFlowers Eternal Friendship Bouquet
For those who lost a friend, this “Eternal Friendship” arrangement would be the perfect gesture. It combines a variety of white blossoms with white roses, snapdragons and Asiatic lilies accented by lush greenery arranged in a clear glass vase.
Pet memorial gifts
Personalized Pet Memorial Photo Block
Made with a baltic birchwood, this custom photo block is perfectly sized to hang nearly anywhere in their home. You could also further customize it by including add-ons like a commemorative planter.
"What a beautiful way to remember my dog," one verified Etsy shopper added about receiving this thoughtful gift. "I miss her so much but having her picture on this cute little block just makes my day."
Pet Memory Flower Garden Kit
Their love will leave a lasting mark, so this thoughtful gardening kit with wildflower seeds will ensure their legacy lives on throughout the years.
Forever in Out Hearts Soy Condolence Candle
This “Forever in Our Hearts” candle comes in three different sizes, is made in over a dozen different scents and has space for a personal message on the back and the name of the pet on the front.
Personalized Dog Mug with Angel Wings
This personalized dog mug allows you to showcase a beautiful moment of your recipient’s pet peacefully sitting on a dock and looking out into the water. This Etsy shop has dozens of breeds and designs to choose from and gives shoppers the opportunity to add small angel wings to honor pets who are no longer with us.
Willow Tree Sculpted Hand-Painted Angels
This sentimental Willow Tree angel holding a dog is a beautiful way to show the recipient that their furry friend will always be watching over them. The figure is hand-painted, comes packaged in a gift-ready box and has 8,100+ verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
Evergreen Garden Pet Paw Print Painted Polystone Stepping Stone
This garden devotion stone would make a thoughtful and sentimental gift for those who have recently lost their fur baby. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever,” it reads alongside two paw prints.
Pearhead Pet Memorial Sentiment Picture Frame
To help them honor their pet for years to come, opt for this memorial sentiment frame. It allows the recipient to include their favorite photo and a place to display their collar.
Custom Pet Embroidery
This take on a portrait is a thoughtful way to honor the memory of a pet that has recently passed away. It's a handmade piece that they can frame or hang in their home. All you'll need are reference photos for this work of art.