A Complete Guide to Sympathy Gifts for Family, Friends, and Acquaintances

When you learn that someone you care for has had a Loved One die, one of the first things you’ll want to do is find the right sympathy gift for them. After all, giving a sympathy gift to a person who is grieving is a great way to show your support for them during their difficult time.

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of sympathy gifts and which are best suited for your family, friends, and acquaintances.

Definition of Sympathy Gifts

Sympathy gifts are thoughtful presents given to those who are dealing with the loss of a Loved One. These gifts serve as a way to express condolences, offer support, and provide comfort during a difficult time.

Sympathy gifts, which are also known as bereavement or condolence gifts, can be physical Keepsakes that remind the person who is grieving of someone they miss, or kind gestures that provide solace or practical help in the days when it is needed the most.

People You Should Give a Sympathy Gift To

While sympathy gifts are never mandatory, they are always appreciated.

It is traditionally believed that close members of the Deceased’s family are the people who should receive sympathy gifts as they grieve. This includes their parents, children, siblings, or a spouse. If the person you care for was a close friend of the Decedent, you could also give them a sympathy gift, depending on your relationship.

Most people will give sympathy gifts only to their own family members or friends who feel like family, however, in some cases it is also appropriate to give an acquaintance a small gift to let them know you’re thinking of them. The gift you’ll ultimately choose will depend greatly on the person you’re giving it to, your relationship to them, and their relationship to the person who died.

Sympathy Gift Ideas for Family

The most personal sympathy gifts you give will be the ones you get for your own family members. These gifts can be more elaborate and thoughtful, and in turn, will offer the griever more comfort and support.

1. Assistance Planning Memorial Services: By offering to help with planning the memorial, you’ll take some of the burden off of your Loved One and give them the time and space they need to process their grief.
2. Fingerprint Jewelry: Fingerprint Jewelry, like Pendants or Rings, is a heartfelt and cherished way for family members to continue to feel their late Loved One with them.
3. Help Around Home: Providing practical help with daily tasks, such as cooking meals or running errands, can be a wonderful gift for your grieving family members.

Sympathy Gift Ideas for Friends

When you have a friend suffering the loss of a Loved One, it’s important to let them know that you’ll always be there for them. Thankfully, there are sympathy gifts available that show this support and dedication.

1. Gift Card for a Fingerprint Keepsake: Consider giving a gift card for a Fingerprint Keepsake, allowing friends to choose a personalized item that holds special meaning.
2. Meal Deliveries: Arrange for meal deliveries or send a meal kit to help alleviate the stress of cooking during a difficult time.
3. Ongoing Support: Offer ongoing support by checking in regularly, being a good listener, and providing a shoulder to lean on.

Sympathy Gift Ideas for Acquaintances

Many people don’t know what to do when it comes to helping an acquaintance, such as a co-worker or neighbor, face the loss of someone special. However, there are sympathy gifts that are perfect for the occasion that let the griever know you care.

1. Handwritten Note: A heartfelt, handwritten note expressing sympathy can be a simple yet meaningful gesture for all types of acquaintances.
2. Sweet Treats: Sending a basket of sweet treats or baked goods can offer comfort and show that you are thinking of them.
3. Small Donations: Getting together with fellow co-workers or neighbors and making a small donation to a charity in memory of their Loved One can be a thoughtful way to show support.

It’s Truly the Thought that Counts

As you choose what kind of sympathy gift you’d like to give, take a little time to think about what the recipient would appreciate and find comforting. What means the most to one person will be completely different than what means the most to someone else. But at the end of the day, any gift you give will go a long way in supporting your family member, friend, or acquaintance who is grieving.

Thank you for thinking of others during their time of need.