4 Meaningful Gifts to Send Instead of Flowers When Someone Dies
The experience of losing a loved one is unique to each individual, and there is no one right way to feel. Some people may feel disbelief, shock, or numbness in the early days and weeks after death. Others may feel overwhelmed with sadness, loneliness, or grief. Some people may feel angry or resentful toward the person who died, while others may experience guilt or regret.
When someone dies, it is often customary to send flowers. However, many other thoughtful gifts can be sent in place of flowers, showing support and appreciation for the bereaved in these difficult times. This guide lists some of the best alternatives to flowers when someone dies.
Things to Consider When Sending Gifts
There are a few things to consider when sending a gift to someone who has recently lost a loved one. Keep in mind the timing of your gift. It may be best to wait until after the funeral before sending anything. This will give the bereaved time for enough grieving process without worrying about receiving or opening gifts.
When Should You Send A Sympathy Gift
As soon as you learn of the death, send a gift card and a gift of sympathy if possible. You should get in touch with the person as soon as possible, preferably within a week or two.
Later on, if you and the family of the dead were close, you can consider giving a memory tree or memorial bench. In which more preparation or consideration is needed. Months or even years following a death, it is not uncommon for families to hold memorial services or ceremonies for dispersing the ashes.
What Type of Gift?
Anything can be a perfect gift, whatever you believe they'd enjoy if you know them well enough. It's hard to go wrong with the food, provided you know their likes and dislikes.
Find out if the family likes flowers before spending money at the florist. In times of grieving, specific cultures and religions discourage the use of flowers. A memorial contribution to a nonprofit organization is another fitting way to show respect for the departed.
A book of photos, frame, or memory box full of beloved memories can also provide some much-needed solace. Include it if you have a picture or something else you think the recipient would enjoy.
Should You Know Their Religion?
Discover the recipient's religious practices and preferences before sending a gift. For instance, sending flowers after a Christian's death is acceptable, while sending flowers to a Jewish funeral is not. Make sure the home-cooked meal you're giving a Jew is kosher before you do.
If you don't know what religion the person practices, you can always call a local church, synagogue, or temple and ask. Most members of the clergy and church employees will be glad to provide you with advice.
Who Should Receive the Sympathy Gift?
Your relationship with the deceased or their family may play a role in this. To a friend "and family," for instance, if the deceased was a friend's relative.
It could be more complicated if the deceased were a family member and there were numerous mourners in the family. It may be appropriate to send a card to each bereaved family member informing them of your present, which may take the form of a donation to the deceased person's favorite charity. Read on for further reading about charitable contributions.
Sending flowers or a fruit box to a grieving family is a thoughtful gesture, especially if you know the deceased well.
Meaningful Condolence Gifts to Send
When someone experiences a loss, it can be not easy to know what to do or say. A thoughtful condolence gift can mean a lot to the grieving person and show that you care about them. Here are some ideas for meaningful gifts for sympathy:
Charcoal Memorial Portrait
Charcoal memorial portraits have become increasingly popular in recent years as unique and heartwarming sympathy gifts. Unlike more materialistic gifts, a charcoal portrait painting conveys the sentiment that the giver cares about and remembers the deceased.
The portraits are typically created by professional artists, who use your loved one's photograph as a reference to create an incredibly accurate and lifelike likeness. The end result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art that will be cherished for years to come.
Order Your Charcoal Memorial Portrait Here
Sympathy Card with Sympathy Message
The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we go through in life. Words seem inadequate at this time, but your card shows that you care and are thinking of us. Thank you for being there for us at this difficult time. Sending a sympathy card with heartfelt condolence and a special message or a touching sorrowful quotation is the perfect way to show your support for mourning friends and family. A few encouraging words might go a long way during this delicate time.
Sympathy Gift Box
A sympathy gift box is a great way to show your support to someone going through a tough time. Knowing what to say or do when someone close to you is grieving can be challenging, but a gift box can provide some comfort and assurance that you are there for them.
The best bereavement gift boxes will include various items the recipient can use, such as candles, lotions, and stationery. You might also consider including something edible, like cookies or tea, or a personal item like a bookmark or pen. Whatever you choose to include, make sure it is thoughtful and representative of your relationship with the bereaved person.
Beautiful Flower Bouquet
A beautiful flower bouquet is a perfect way to show your sympathy and support to someone who has lost a loved one. Sending flowers is a time-honored tradition that lets the bereaved know that they are not alone in their time of grief.
Source image from Pexels.com
Keeping the person's personality in mind when choosing a flower arrangement is essential. If you don't know what the deceased liked, it's best to go with something neutral and elegant. Roses, lilies, and orchids are all beautiful choices that will tastefully express your condolences.
You can include a handwritten note or message with your flowers if you want to add a personal touch.
Memorial Contribution to Help With The Expenses
A memorial contribution is a thoughtful way and a common gesture to show your support for someone who has recently lost a loved one. It is a way to help the family with the expenses related to the death and shows your sympathy for their loss.
There are many ways to make a memorial contribution. Some people donate to the family's favorite charity to honor the deceased, while others prefer to send a gift basket or flowers. You can also send a monetary donation directly to the family or contribute towards the cost of funeral or burial expenses.
No matter what you choose to do, your gesture will be appreciated by the bereaved family. Thank you for thinking of them during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I give someone when a family member dies?
However, if the deceased was a close cousin, family member, or best friend, it may be appropriate to send a gift that lasts forever and honors the departed for as long as the bereaved person lives.
Gifts that continue to be appreciated long after the initial excitement has subsided are the ones that truly stand the test of time. Gifts that stay forever include memory jewelry engraved with the name of the deceased, an encouraging poem in a frame, and a memorial bench.
Do you wrap sympathy gifts?
There's no one right answer to this question, as the best way to wrap a sympathy gift will vary depending on the gift itself and the preferences of the person receiving it. However, some tips on wrapping a sympathy gift include using simple and elegant wrapping paper, choosing a color that is neutral or calming, and avoiding bright colors or patterns. You may also want to consider adding a note of sympathy or condolences to the gift.
Where to buy condolence presents?
Buying condolence presents online is the most convenient option unless you happen to live in a city with a suitable gift shop. Candles, keepsake boxes, literature on mourning, memorial stones, and picture frames are just a few of the many options.
Final Thoughts
When a loved one dies, knowing what to do or say can be difficult. One tradition that often continues even in the digital age is sending flowers. However, this gesture may not be appropriate or meaningful for everyone. If you're looking for an alternative to flowers, here are four suggestions. Whatever you do, the bereaved will always be grateful for you.
