When someone you care about is bereaved, it is difficult to know how to help. You can’t ease the pain of grief, yet you want them to understand you’ll be there for them when needed. One of the best ways to try and comfort a friend or family member is by sending a sympathy card and gift, to let them you know you’re thinking of them at this difficult time.
The traditional bereavement gift, of course, is flowers. Bunches of flowers can be delivered at home, and many guests order special floral arrangements for funerals. While this is a nice gesture, flowers are not a long-lasting gift and because everybody has the same idea, those in mourning are often overwhelmed with flowers. How can friends and family show their support without the obvious display of blooms? Here are some creative ideas for bereavement gifts which last longer than a week.
Care Basket
Nothing shows how much you care than going to the effort of putting together a care basket for someone who is grieving. When you have experienced a loss you might not feel able to leave the house and get to the shops for essentials, so that person will really appreciate a thoughtful basket of treats. It’s up to you what to include but generally things like candles, homemade cakes or biscuits, magazines, luxury bathing items and their favourite sweet indulgences can go a long way.
Something for the Garden
Flower arrangements die – but not all plants do. If you would still like to give the gift of flowers you could always buy a potted flowering bush which can be planted outside and return year after year. It could even be the start of a memorial garden in the home, which is a lovely gesture. Alternatively you could gift a memorial stone with the name of the deceased, or a solar light or special sign to be placed outside.
Time out
What most people need at a time of mourning is time out for themselves. During the bereavement period before the funeral they are likely to have many visitors and gifts, so they are actually very busy when they need to relax and process the grief. A lovely gift is usually a self-care voucher of some sort – it could be a babysitter for the night if they have children, a massage or a manicure. Offer the person an experience which gives them some time off and self-care.
Do you know somebody who has recently lost a loved one? Gifts aren’t going to take the pain away but they can make people feel supported, so choose something meaningful.