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 their 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.
Sympathy gifts for children
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.
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.
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.
Some children might have trouble finding words when they are grieving. This unique stuffed animal is weighted and designed to hug them back. The brand notes that the stuffy was designed by doctors and therapists to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Classic sympathy gifts
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.
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.
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 lambswool.
Modern sympathy gifts
For extra at-home wellness, send them this epsom salt bath soak. It's made with luxurious essentials oils to soothe the senses, revitalize tired achy muscles and help relieve stress.
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.
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.
This No. 1 New York Times Bestseller by TODAY’s very own Savannah Gutherie dives into imperfectness and asks the reader not to ignore their feelings of sorrow, but instead believe in them.
Shop TODAY associate editor Sierra Hoeger gifted this book to her grandma after losing her sister because “she’s someone whose faith is at the forefront of everything she does. I didn’t want to gift her with a cheesy gift that she wouldn’t use again. With this book, she can pick it up and read it as she likes!”
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.
Memorial wind chimes
The meaning behind this ‘Two Souls” wind chime is a special one. The two bells signify the never-ending connection between you and a loved one. Just like the delicate rings that join the bells together, this wind chime is to signify and remind you or them that the other soul is “forever intertwined.”
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.
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.
Sympathy gift baskets
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.
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.
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.
Spoonful of Comfort says this care package caters to all of the senses. For instance, they'll receive a cozy blanket they can snuggle up in, and a healing book to nurture their mind. And with the option to add a personalized note, all of this should reassure them that they're not alone.
Sympathy flowers and plants
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.
For unexpected condolences, they'll appreciate you reaching out within hours. These flowers are sent via FedEx overnight shipping, ensuring their freshness and letting the recipient know you're always there for them.
This stunning bouquet is filled with an assortment of ivory roses, blue hydrangea, blue delphinium and white button poms. Pair it with a sweet note to let the recipient know you're thinking of them during tough times.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
How we chose the best sympathy gifts
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the most meaningful and thoughtful sympathy gifts out there. We also use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides for everyone on your list including 15-year-olds, 17-year-olds, tweens and more.
