The Best Sympathy Gifts to Help Someone Through Their Hardest Days

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3 days ago

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Navigating grief is hard, and knowing how to be there for someone who is experiencing a loss can also be tough. Grieving the loss of a loved one like a mother, father, spouse, or even a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult and lonely times in a person's life. Letting them know you're there and expressing your support and sympathy can go a long way.
Another great way to show some extra love during a hard time is with a gift. If you're looking for something beyond flowers, I've put together a list of condolence gifts including gift baskets, candles, jewelry, books, commemorative stones, and more. There are also stuffed animals for kids, helpful journals, and unique personalized gift ideas. Nothing will ever take the place of their loved one, but these sympathy gifts will let them know you're thinking of them in their time of need.This popular Willow Tree ornament will be a loving tribute on the Christmas tree, but the recipient will likely find a spot to keep it on display year-round.
$26.47 at amazon.comDaily reflections, weekly themes, and "healing exercises" will help your friend or loved one process their loss in a constructive way. They'll be able to simultaneously honor their grief while working through it.
$10.64 at amazon.comThis beautiful bouquet of blue and white flowers is a loving sentiment that can bring joy and life back into a space. If you can't decide on what to get, flowers are always a sweet idea.
$69.99 at 1800flowers.comHelp them honor and remember their loved one with this unique and special birth bath. It's engraved with the message "Listen to the birds and think of me, for in your heart I'll always be." You can also personalize it with the person's name and years of life to make it even more personal. It's perfect for someone who enjoys spending time outdoors or in their garden.
$59.99 at etsyA piece of jewelry they can hold on to and wear each day might just be the perfect gift. This special necklace adorns the quote "If it hurts too much to look back, but you're too scared to look ahead, just look beside you and I'll be there."
$110.00 at 1800flowers.comThis weighted 15-pound blanket feels like a warm hug when you wrap yourself up in it, therefore making it the perfect sympathy gift.
$259.00 at bearaby.comSomething to cuddle up with is always helpful to have on the hard days, especially if it's a little one! This soft teddy bear comes with a picture frame so you can include a sweet photo inside of the two of them as well.
$16.99 at amazon.com$54.99 at personalizationmall.comCurrently, It's OK That You're Not OK is a bestseller on Amazon, which makes sense. Subtitled "Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand," it's a highly relatable, empathetic read for anyone who's recently lost someone they love.
$11.29 at amazon.comSometimes, the best way to make someone feel better is through their stomach. It can be hard to remember to make yourself a proper meal or fill your pantry with food while you're grieving. Having tasty snacks on hand is going to be super helpful! This basket is filled with cheese and crackers, fruit, chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, nuts and much more.
$19.99 at harryanddavid.comThese seed bombs are a thoughtful way to keep the memories of their loved one alive. They can hold on to it and use it as a bookmark until they're ready to plant it. And when the time comes, they can plant the biodegradable heart wherever they please and watch as a mix of zinnias, snapdragons, daisies, and black eyed susans blossom.
$3.25 at etsyThis silver Morse code bracelet spells out "Until We Meet Again." The message of love and remembrance can be worn every day in honor of their lost loved one.
$12.97 at amazon.comThere's a reason this candle is a bestseller. It features a beautiful heart design and a beautiful message: "There are those who continue to light up the world long after they have gone."
$44.95 at amazon.comThis book will inspire them via tangible, easy-to-adopt daily mantras and meditation ideas. It's a kind and gentle way to keep them moving forward and thinking positively.
$10.69 at amazon.comWhether it's a matchbook or a military badge, frame a personal memento of their loved one so they can have it always protected—and proudly displayed in their home.
$39.00 at framebridge.comRemind them that even though they lost someone they love, their light will continue to shine. Hang this crystal ornament in a window or area where the sun hits and watch as beautiful sparkles of light and rainbows are reflected from it. It's such an uplifting way for them to remember that person's light.
$28.00 at amazon.comSometimes, there's nothing better than a little R&R. Jam-packed with thoughtful goodies, this gift box delivers the luxurious spa experience they deserve right now.
$29.99 at amazon.comPutting grief, loss, and healing into words young children understand can be so difficult. This book will aid in conversations about the process.
$6.99 at amazon.comA locket is not only a timeless piece of jewelry, but it's a way to hold on to something meaningful at all times. Gift them a locket with a photo of their loved one who passed away, or leave it blank for them to decide what to put inside. Either way, they will love this thoughtful gift.
$32.49 at amazon.comProcessing feelings after a loss is an ongoing journey. Help them navigate their emotions with this guided grief journal. Inside are helpful prompts like 'Write a letter to your loved one,' 'This always makes me think of you,' and 'In what ways do they live on in you?' There are also open sections to let their own feelings guide the way.
$1.00 at uncommongoods.comIf you happen to have a photograph of their loved one, you can turn it into a beautiful pencil portrait that they can keep forever. Whether they frame it or simply keep it in a special place, it'll bring them a glimmer of joy each time they see it.
$39.99 at amazon.comA living symbol of someone who's no longer here is such a beautiful gift. Whether it's part of a memorial service or just a nice gift for them to plant when they feel the time is right, this is sure to touch their heart.
$50.00 at uncommongoods.comHaving something to help sooth their eyes and headaches is going to be super helpful. Whether they have dry, puffy eyes or headaches, using something like this is going to give them some ease. The soft pillow is filled with organic flax seed and lavender and can be warmed up, or thrown in the fridge. All they have to do is place it over their eyes for some relaxation and to calm any swelling.
$32.00 at uncommongoods.comSometimes when words don't do it, comfort food really does help. Having snacks on hand to easily grab is going to be super helpful during a grieving time. This box is filled with favorites like fruits, cheese, crackers, chocolates and more.
$89.99 at harryanddavid.comThe Tree of Life is already a beautiful symbol of earth and Heaven. To hang one on a wind chime and let nature create beautiful sounds with it is an even more beautiful reminder of loved ones who's memory may pass through quite often. Gift this to someone who loves to spend time in nature.
$49.68 at amazon.comLosing someone is hard, it can be even harder for little ones who don't always understand what exactly is happening. This guided journal will be super helpful for kids to process those big, confusing emotions, and find some comfort and peace.
$6.83 at amazon.comMake it easy on yourself and gift them this Sympathy Gift Box! Inside they will find a cozy blanket to cuddle up with, a book on grief, a box of tea, an assortment of cookies, and more.
$109.99 at spoonfulofcomfort.comSometimes cooking a meal is the last thing they're going to want to do. When those moments come, gift them a food service gift card so they can pick out whatever they please and have it delivered straight to them.
$50.00 at doordash.comJoan Didion's bestselling, award-winning memoir of the time following the death of her husband and sudden illness of her daughter is a must-read for anyone in a similar situation. There's a reason it's so universally beloved.
$9.60 at amazon.comA helpful introduction, resources, and case studies help to make this book as practical as it is profound. It's subtitled, "Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss."
$9.93 at amazon.comThe birthday of a lost loved one is always worth honoring! If you know their birth month, get your friend or family member this birth flower necklace in remembrance of the wonderful life they lived.
$11.89 at amazon.comButterflies are often viewed as a symbol of new life, and serve as a peaceful reminder for those who are no longer with us. This puddler will attract more butterflies to the area thanks to the small swell that holds water and salt. Fill it up, let it evaporate, and watch as butterflies fly straight to it thanks to the minerals and crystal-like mixture that's left behind.
$45.00 at uncommongoods.comGoing through photos and mementos of their life will remind them of so many great times together. Having a special box to keep them all in one place to revisit every now and then will mean so much to them.
$43.99 at amazon.comAnything that can be personalized or customized is a great gift. We especially love these custom name rings. Whether you give them a ring with the name of the loved who passed away, a nickname they had, a birthday, or what have you, it's going to be something they can wear each day and always cherish.
$39.00 at mintandlily.comHealing after the loss of a furry friend is also tough. Give them some peace and encouragement with this sweet garden stone. It's a reminder of the beautiful rainbow bridge they've crossed, and all the fun memories they'll always hold on to.
$65.00 at uncommongoods.comWhat better than to gift a home-cooked meal? If you can't be there to deliver your favorite casserole in person, then consider sending a Hello Fresh gift card so your friend can pick exactly which meal suits their fancy that week.
$10.30 at hellofresh.comIf they've recently lost a four-legged friend, this personalized "Forever in Our Hearts" garden stone provides a dedicated place to retreat to when they want to remember their beloved pet.
$23.99 at chewy.comThis well-loved New York Times Bestseller by Nina Riggs is an incredibly uplifting story of one woman's attempt to make the most of her life. It's relatable, funny, moving, and positive.
$20.60 at amazon.com
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