Sympathy Gifts
If you know someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, you’ll want to send a gift which sends your love, helps to ease the pain and lets them know that you’re there for them.
Finding the balance can be difficult and this gift isn’t about sending the biggest present but instead should take a thoughtful approach. Here’s our list of sympathy and bereavement gifts that will make them feel loved but also show that the person they have loved is in all our hearts.
Sympathy Flowers
The best place to start with a sympathy gift is by sending a bouquet of flowers. Blooms can convey so many different messages; happiness, sadness, sympathy and hope - they do it all. But the one thing a big bouquet is guaranteed to do, is let someone know you’re thinking of them. It’s the perfect way to give them a big hug even when you can’t be there.
White flowers are a typical choice for this occasion because they symbolise peace and purity with lilies, roses and carnations the top choice. However, you might want to choose this moment to send a message of friendship by choosing yellow roses, sweet peas or pink tulips.
If you know someone currently affected by a terminal illness, don’t forget to reach out and send them a supporting bouquet. Flowers are just one of many small ways to show your support to them during an incredibly difficult period, sent alongside a thoughtful message. Flying Flowers are proud to support Marie Curie as our charitable partner. As a leading end of life charity in the UK, they help families by providing nursing services, companionship and support lines to anyone with a terminal illness as well as those close to them.
Bereavement Gifts
When someone is in mourning, a bereavement gift is a token to help them through their difficult time. Something to deliver hope and love.
Start with a gift they really need but probably don’t even realise it – your time. They may not need support now, but sometime in the future they are more than likely going to want some company. Why not create a tea hamper and fill it with some expensive brews, a teapot and a personalised mug. Finish it with a special touch, writing a heartfelt message that conveys everything you feel. At the end, add an open invitation for them to invite you for tea whenever they need some company – don’t forget to say you’ll bring the cake!
If you’re not close enough to be with them in person, you could always give a gift they can treasure for years by sending something they can grow. Go with something suitable for the outdoor space they have, this could be a young sapling they watch grow into a tree or even flower seeds (try and choose their favourite ones). Not only does this give them something to focus on as they process their grief, but it can also be a constant reminder of the person they have lost.
You could also give them a happy reminder of the person they have lost by framing a photo of them – preferably one they’ve never seen before. You could even create a photo album full of pictures and add in your favourite memories and stories.
Keepsake Gifts
Losing someone close is a hard time for everyone. If you’re looking to send a present, why not go with a keepsake gift? This is a present which will bring back happy memories of the person they loved so deeply.
Start with a piece of jewellery. You could get a piece which incorporates a special reminder of the person they have lost. For example, if they were crazy about butterflies, go with a butterfly pendant. You could also buy a personalised option such as having the name of their loved one engraved on the jewellery. Or go for a locket into which they can put their photo.
Get them a memory box which they can use to put in all the favourite items of the person they have lost. Although it will be hard, collecting treasures that remind them of happy times and bring back lots of fond memories can be incredibly soothing.
Sympathy Messages
Whenever you send a gift, flowers or plant to someone, it’s always important to send it with a message that conveys everything you feel about that person. But, when it’s a sympathy message, it can feel like a lot of pressure to get it right. You want them to know how much you love them and will support them but also show you understand what they’re going through.
At this time, it’s probably best to keep it simple and then save everything for when you can give them a big hug. Here are a few suggestions that should be perfect.
-
Sending you all of our love and thoughts at this difficult time.
-
Remember, we are always there for you. When you need to talk, want a big hug or just need a friend, let me know and we’ll be straight there.
-
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how much she/he/they meant to you. Please ring whenever you need to talk.
-
I cannot imagine how much heartache you are feeling at the moment. I want you to know that we are all there for you.
-
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sending all our love.
