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When words aren’t enough, a thoughtful sympathy gift will help you express how much you care

Let them know you're thinking of them.
The Sill; Slumberkins; Spoonful of Comfort

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.

Comfort Company The Giving Bear

Created for children experiencing grief, the giving bear arrives ready for lots of hugs. It comes with a card with heartfelt messages such as the following: “Whenever you need....a little comfort, a little safe, a little brave, just whisper in my ear and hold me tight. I’ll be here for you.”

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.

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.

Cashmere-Lambswool 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 wool and cashmere.

Modern sympathy gifts

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.

"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.

“The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion

In her book “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Joan Didion attempts to make sense of the death of her husband and the sickness of her daughter. Her reflections on the meaning of grief have been a source of solace for many people experiencing times of sadness.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Memorial wind chimes

Engraved Tree of Life Memorial Wind Chimes

This memorial wind chime from Amazon is 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.

Angel Wings Memorial Wind Chime

This wind chime from 1-800 Flowers features copper-colored chimes and a ceramic angel wing figure that hangs below the chimes. The wind chime comes with a card that features a poem titled “Sending You An Angel.”

Paw Prints On My Heart Personalized Memorial Photo Wind Chimes

If they’re mourning the loss of a pet, this memorial wind chime honors the life of their furry friend with a personalized phrase and image.

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.

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.

Sympathy gift baskets

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.

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.

Cheryl's Cookies Sympathy Tower

If you know they enjoy baked goods, go with this sweet bundle from Cheryl’s Cookies. It includes a variety of cookies, including chocolate chip, buttercream frosted and key lime white chocolate along with chocolate covered pretzels.

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.

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 six Royal Verano pears, white cheddar cheese, baklava, three-seed crackers and more.

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.

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.

1-800-Baskets With Sympathy Fruit & Treats Basket

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Pet memorial gifts

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.

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.

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.

Personalized Pet Memorial Photo Block

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

My Pawfect Pet Succulent and Frame

Help them honor their perfect pet with this succulent and frame duo from 1-800 Flowers. Whether they are remembering their dog or cat, you can choose a vase to match. Fill the accompanying frame with their favorite picture of their furry friend.

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.