During Thanksgiving, it can be difficult to know what to send to express sympathy when someone you know loses someone close to them. While it's common to send flowers, remember that others might already send this gift; you don't want to repeat the same type of gift just because everyone else does it. Instead, try some of these unique sympathy gift ideas during the Thanksgiving season, so your gift stands out from all the rest.
Ideas for Adults Who've Lost a Spouse
If you're looking for a thoughtful sympathy gift for an adult who's lost a spouse, consider sending one of these items. It may not be easy to know what to get someone who has just lost their life partner but here are some ideas that may give you inspiration:
- A personalized mug with their spouse's name on it and their favorite quotes about love.
- A framed photo collage of their loved ones from over the years that they can hang in the home.
- A large stuffed animal with a recorded voicebox in their spouse's voice that you can get from a voicemail that they'll remember every time they hug it.
Ideas for Adults Who've Lost Their Parents
Here are some tips for what to send as a sympathy gift during the Thanksgiving season:
- A handwritten card or note with your thoughts, memories, and condolences. Mention how much you appreciated their presence in your life and that you'll miss them.
- A digital album such as a Skylight Frame where you can upload pictures of their loved ones is a grand gesture if you have access to those types of photos. You can even pull some from old Instagram or Facebook posts.
- Poems or quotes that touch on loss and grief may be appropriate if they're religious in nature, but it's best not to impose any beliefs on anyone.
- Mementos like a handkerchief or a tie can be custom framed so they can be on display for them to be remembered.
Gift Ideas for Adults Who've Lost A Child
During this time of year, many people think about the people in their lives who are no longer with us. Those who have lost a parent, spouse, or child may feel particularly lonely and disconnected. Give them something they'll treasure to remind them of their loved ones. You could give a personalized ornament that features a photo of their child, or you could frame an old milestone picture and attach it to a card with kind words written inside. A thoughtful gift such as these two ideas will help show someone grieving how much you care for them during this difficult time.
Gift ideas for Adults who've lost a pet
When a loved one has lost their pet, sending a gift can be comforting and help show your support.
- A holiday pet-themed ornament you put on the tree or hang from a ribbon is a way of remembering their pet during this time of year.
- Consider getting them an item with their favorite animal on it such as a hoodie or coffee mug (if they're into coffee) with their favorite animal's picture on it.
- Getting them a new stuffed animal that resembles their dog is perfect for dog owners because they'll feel like they have their pup back in the house with them again! Here are some ideas for gifts you might want to consider:
Ideas for Adults Who've lost a sibling
Receiving a sympathy gift for the death of a loved one can be an emotional and challenging time. Gifts symbolize love and support, but what should you give someone who has lost a loved one? A sympathy card is always a good choice, but here are some other ideas that may be more comforting. Adults who have lost a sibling will likely be comforted by memories of their loved ones.
Try making a scrapbook filled with photos and stories they can look through when they need comfort. If your relationship was close, another option would be to give a keychain or piece of jewelry with their sibling's initials on it. Remember that sentimental value is usually better than material value when it comes to adult sympathy gifts.
Girls and women often find themselves devastated after losing a mother, grandmother, or maternal relative. Give them something unique that reminds them of their loved one. For example, if she had a favorite perfume or type of chocolate she liked to eat, make sure to include these items in the gift basket. Another idea is getting her a journal where she can write about her thoughts and feelings about her loss. In this case, try using items from her home such as old photographs so that she feels like she's still connected to the people and things she cared about most.
There are many options for sympathy gift ideas during the holiday season. You can always look at these sympathy gift ideas if you need more ideas. Whether it be a heartfelt note, flowers, or a gift basket, there is something out there for everyone. Remember that it's not always about what you're giving but how you give it and make sure your loved one knows they are in your thoughts and prayers.