Sympathy Cookies, Cards, Flowers and More: Mementos That Communicate Care

We’ve all had moments in our lives where someone very important or close to us was deeply affected by loss. These times can cause us to stop and reflect on the value of our relationships, and it’s at times like these when most of us want to share our feelings of sympathy, love and understanding. 

Whether you know a loved one that has recently lost a friend or family member, or just have an acquaintance who is going through a rough time, here are 6 impactful gifts, from sympathy gifts to tokens that honor the memory of the dearly departed. 

Sympathy Cookies 

Sympathy cookies represent a simple offering and one that is widely appealing to most audiences. They also offer a pleasant, sweet uplifting relief during hard times. 

Providers like Walker’s Shortbread offer a wide variety of sympathy cookies and other gifts, such as gift baskets, bags, and tins that can be gifted to friends and loved ones during hard times. 

Flowers

Flowers are a classic sympathy gift, and the color and pleasant scent of most cultivars helps to provide an uplifting mood boost when the general atmosphere is downcast. 

Many different species, such as roses, carnations, lilies and even orchids can make suitable offerings as sympathy flowers. Some, such as tulips, can even be planted in memorial of a lost loved one. 

Hand-Written Cards 

In many ways, there is no better sympathy gift than a hand-written card. The best part about this idea is that it can be paired with the other sympathy gifts mentioned in this short article. 

Few things communicate warmth and love like a personalized, handwritten note. Let your loved one know you’re thinking of him or her, and the family, during trying times. Share a special memory, and remind them that you are available to offer any support needed. In many ways this is the most valuable and meaningful sympathy gift of all. 

Cozy Gifts 

Some sympathy gifts should be chosen to offer physical comfort and support, which can be consoling during times of grief. 

Socks, blankets, towels, spa essentials, and other wellness gifts like tea, lotion, balms, and otherwise can be suitable gifts to send as a token of sympathy. 

Gifts That Honor Memory 

There are many companies that will produce personalized frames, portraits, and crystals that commemorate our loved ones. These personalized gifts, like a hand-written note, can also make very meaningful tokens of sympathy. 

The Gift of Time 

Another great sympathy offering is simply the gift of time. Reach out to your loved one and make yourself available. During times of loss there is often a lot to take care of, and the gift of time, even if all that’s needed is a listening ear, can be a very helpful gift.

A Contribution 

Oftentimes families will ask for a contribution to a specific charity or other similar organization, particularly in lieu of flowers. Feel free to reach out to the family to ask if this is their preference, as in many ways a charitable contribution may be viewed as more impactful and material than simply sending a gift or flowers.

Pause and Reflect

There’s no single best gift to send during a time of loss. The best thing to do is simply to reflect on the loved one, and to consider what would be most valued. Whether you ultimately end up sending sympathy cookies, flowers, or just make a charitable contribution is your choice. Just take some time to reflect on what would make the best gift and send something that’s heartfelt. It’s the thought that matters most.