By and large, flowers have long been the typical gift to express sympathy to someone who has recently suffered a tragic loss. Although floral arrangements still remain the most common gesture today, it has become increasingly common that in lieu of flowers, families request other items as a form of donation. So what exactly are appropriate alternatives as sympathy gifts?
Donations or Dedications
If the deceased was affiliated with a particular group or association, you may wish to make a contribution directly to that group. It is likely that the group would have had a significant meaning in the life of the loved one. Alternatively, consider particular passions or hobbies of the deceased and the prospect of making a donation to them on behalf of the loved one. It’s important you’re familiar with the family’s address, as they will receive a confirmation notice about this.
Potted Plants
Unlike flowers, which have a shorter lifespan, potted plants are something that can be cared for and nurtured over time. They not only provide an element of colour and personality to a room, but they help contribute to the feel of a clean and fresh environment. If a surviving family member appreciates the outdoors, a sculpture could be another unique gift. Potted plants can also be of the larger variety, including a tree or shrub for example. Another variation to this could be herbs, which can be used and applied in a functional context within food. Rosemary is often viewed as an herb associated with remembrance, also offering a lovely appearance and smell.
Memorial Album or Personal Items
If you were particularly close to the deceased, you may have picked up a few items or gifts from them, and would likely have some photos together. Families can appreciate the gifts that were associated with their loved one, as it reflects their personality and values. Regarding photos, it’s not unusual for families to be unable to track down all the photos of their family member, so a memorial album complete with ‘unseen’ photos and personalised messages of support is a great touch.
Self-care Gift Sets
A hamper of self-care items would help a widow or widower remember that they need to take a moment during the grieving process and look after themselves. Self-care gift sets might include items such as soaps, fragrances, book vouchers, creams and lotions, massage and pedicure vouchers, and other similar items.
Food or Shopping/Restaurant Gift Cards
For some time now, food has been associated with the grieving process for many. This is one of the more common items that is usually presented as an alternative sympathy gift. However, offering meals requires some degree of consideration, as many will probably opt for this gift concurrently when a family only has so much storage for it. Non-perishable food like hampers are generally easier to store, and thus more likely to be used. You can also consider hosting the family for dinner one evening, or providing gift cards that may either be used for grocery shopping (as they need it), or for a dinner at a nice restaurant.
Kids Toys
Even though this is angled towards the kids, a grieving widow or widower would certainly appreciate you putting the kids at the forefront of your sympathy. After all, their kids’ happiness is a source of their own happiness. Gifts will depend on the age and interests of the children, albeit younger children would typically appreciate soft toys, colouring books, activity sets and board games. Teenagers would be more appreciative of movies, books, magazine subscriptions and small electronic items.
