Grieving the death of a friend or family member is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. Finding the right thing to say to express your condolences may be tough, but being there for someone and surrounding them with love during this difficult time is another way to help them through the healing process.
If you're not able to be with your grieving friend or loved one physically, you can show them that they have your support during their time of need by sending them a bereavement gift. The best sympathy gifts can be the ones that just show them that you are thinking of them at this time.
From a thoughtful sympathy gift basket to condolence flowers for somebody who's just lost a parent, we rounded up a few options to show them you care.
Sympathy gifts for children
How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids
Made for older kids ages 8 and up by a licensed clinical social worker, this journal equips them with various tools to work through their complex emotions, from writing and drawing prompts to meditation reminders to ease them through their healing journey.
"The Invisible String," by Patrice Karst
If your child is experiencing grief for the very first time, this bestselling picture book can help. It's been noted by parents and educators as an essential tool for coping with separation anxiety and loss since its initial release thanks to its simple approach to the difficult topic.
Slumberkins Sprite Snuggler
For some children, having a clear-set routine that allows them to process and navigate their feelings can help during a dark period. Along with Slumberkins's winged Sprite character (in an ivory or pastel rainbow hue), this collection also features a board book and affirmation card that promotes healthy conversations around grief and loss.
Hugimals Weighted Sloth Plush
Some children might have trouble finding words when they are grieving. This unique stuffed animal is weighted and designed to hug them back. The brand notes that the stuffy was designed by doctors and therapists to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Classic sympathy gifts
Customized Leather Journal
Sometimes it's hard to express feelings after losing someone close. In an effort to guide them through this hard time, gift them this personalized notebook so they can write down all of their thoughts in private.
Hand-Drawn Charcoal Portrait for Loved Ones
This custom art work puts their loved ones in a portrait that you can frame and gift during a time when they want to be comforted by the memory of someone they have lost. Since it is a digital file, you can choose the frame and when exactly you want it to be delivered.
Artifact Uprising Custom Hardcover Photo Book
Creating a book of photos is a special way to preserve someone's life. This custom photo book from Artifact Uprising will gives them a place to look back on all of their fondest moments over the years.
Brooklinen Cashmere-Lambswool Throw Blanket
There's going to be times when all they want to do is curl up underneath the nearest blanket within reach. Make sure they're prepared for that moment with this Brooklinen throw made with wool and cashmere.
Modern sympathy gifts
Dr. Teals Lavender Soothe & Sleep Foaming Bath
For extra at-home wellness, send them this lavender foaming bubble bath product. It contains pure Epsom salt and luxurious essentials oils to soothe the senses, revitalize tired achy muscles and help relieve stress.
“The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying,” by Nina Riggs
This New York Times bestseller is the perfect book to gift someone who is going through the grieving process. It tells an uplifting story of a woman trying to make the most of her life in a relatable, positive, inspiring, even funny, way.
"Notes on Grief," by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Navigating the last few years has been difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one during this time. Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie processes the complex thoughts and emotions of her father's untimely passing in 2020 in this deeply moving tribute to his life.
“The Year of Magical Thinking,” by Joan Didion
In her book “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Joan Didion attempts to make sense of the death of her husband and the sickness of her daughter. Her reflections on the meaning of grief have been a source of solace for many people experiencing times of sadness.
“Mostly What God Does,” by Savannah Gutherie
This No. 1 New York Times Bestseller by TODAY’s very own Savannah Gutherie dives into imperfectness and asks the reader not to ignore their feelings of sorrow, but instead believe in them.
Shop TODAY associate editor Sierra Hoeger gifted this book to her grandma after losing her sister because “she’s someone whose faith is at the forefront of everything she does. I didn’t want to gift her with a cheesy gift that she wouldn’t use again. With this book, she can pick it up and read it as she likes!”
LifeAround2Angels Handmade Bath Bombs Gift Set
During times of loss, it's important to give them space to heal and relax. If they own a bathtub, encourage them to use it with these handmade bath bombs from Amazon. The set comes with a dozen California-made bath bombs formulated with therapeutic and moisturizing ingredients.
Birthstone Angel Wing Necklace
No matter where life takes them, this bestselling minimalist necklace keeps their memory close to the recipient’s heart. It can also be customized with their loved one’s birthstone for an extra personal touch.
Goldbelly E-Gift Card
Sometimes the best thing you can send someone who is grieving is food. If you aren’t sure of what they like, you can send them an e-gift card for this popular meal delivery service with a custom amount so they can order dinner, desserts or an ingredient kit at their leisure.
Memorial wind chimes
Engraved Tree of Life Memorial Wind Chimes
This memorial wind chime from Amazon is a good option if you don’t want customized chimes. It features an engraving of the tree of life, which symbolizes hope, peace, eternity and family.
The Festive Farm Co ‘Two Souls’ Wind Chime
The meaning behind this ‘Two Souls” wind chime is a special one. The two bells signify the never-ending connection between you and a loved one. Just like the delicate rings that join the bells together, this wind chime is to signify and remind you or them that the other soul is “forever intertwined.”
Angel Wings Memorial Wind Chime
This wind chime from 1-800 Flowers features copper-colored chimes and a ceramic angel wing figure that hangs below the chimes. The wind chime comes with a card that features a poem titled “Sending You An Angel.”
Paw Prints On My Heart Personalized Memorial Photo Wind Chimes
If they’re mourning the loss of a pet, this memorial wind chime honors the life of their furry friend with a personalized phrase and image.
Listen To The Wind Personalized Memorial Wind Chimes
This wind chime from Personalization Mall is made out of metal and wood and has the phrase “Listen to the Wind” written on side of the hanging feather. You can also choose to customize the reverse side with a name, memorial dates or message.
Copper Memorial Wind Chime
“Listen to the wind and know I am near,” reads the touching inscription on this memorial wind chime from Etsy. It’s made out of copper and can be completely personalized to bring the recipient a sense of comfort.
Sympathy gift baskets
A Beautiful Soul is Never Forgotten Succulent and Candle Gift Box
This sympathy gift box from Etsy is a cost-effective and thoughtful care package. It comes with a scented candle and decorative matches, a small succulent in a ceramic pot and a notecard that reads "A beautiful soul is never forgotten" for you to write a personal letter.
Sympathy Gift Box
This bestselling tea gift set lets you choose from four different sets of teas including special blends such as Classic Chai, Organic Green Tea and Immune Booster. You can also pick the size and send a sweet message in the attached card.
Cheryl’s Cookies Sympathy Tower
If you know they enjoy baked goods, go with this sweet bundle from Cheryl’s Cookies. It includes a variety of cookies, including chocolate chip, buttercream frosted and key lime white chocolate along with chocolate covered pretzels.
Sending a Hug Sympathy Gift Box
Send them a hug with this sympathy gift box from Etsy. It comes with everything they need for a day of self-care including a facial clay mask, a natural soap bar, body oil and a scented candle.
Harry & David Classic Sympathy Gift Box
For a bigger assortment of delicious treats, this sympathy gift basket from Harry & David is great. It comes with six Royal Verano pears, white cheddar cheese, baklava, three-seed crackers and more.
1-800-Baskets With Sympathy Fruit & Treats Basket
If you aren’t very close with the person you are sending your condolences to or simply don’t know what to get them, sometimes a gift basket filled with nibbles is the way to go. This sympathy gift basket includes a variety of fruit, nuts, chocolate and more.
Spoonful of Comfort Sympathy Soup Gift Basket
What better way to warm up their soul than with chicken noodle soup (or creamy corn chowder or a decadent mac & cheese)? Spoonful of Comfort’s got them covered with a generous portion of the above, plus a generous portion of rolls and cookies on the side. The brand even offers options for those who are vegan or have a gluten intolerance.
Spoonful of Comfort Sympathy and Solace Care Package
Spoonful of Comfort says this care package caters to all of the senses. For instance, they'll receive a cozy blanket they can snuggle up in, and a healing book to nurture their mind. And with the option to add a personalized note, all of this should reassure them that they're not alone.
Sympathy flowers and plants
Lovepop Sympathy Bundle
For those who suffer with allergies, this Lovepop bundle (featuring a papery tulip bouquet and tree) is a pleasant alternative to the traditional condolence arrangement.
The Sill Bird’s Nest Fern
If you know they’d appreciate a plant instead of flowers, this low-maintenance fern may cheer them up. This pet-friendly varietal does well in indirect sunlight and only needs to be watered once every 1-2 weeks.
1-800-Flowers Sympathy Healing Tears Pink & White Arrangement
This “Healing Tears” bouquet from 1-800-Flowers would also make a thoughtful gift for sympathy. The arrangement comes with pink roses, snapdragons, lilies, daisies and more inside a classic clear cube vase that’s lined with a green leaf ribbon.
From You Flowers Deepest Sympathy Arrangement
A beautiful flower arrangement can go a long way. This “Deepest Sympathy” bouquet features an assortment of snapdragons, lilies, green gladiolus and alstroemeria. Plus, it can be sent directly to their doorstep.
1-800-Flowers Elegant Orchid
You can’t go wrong with an elegant orchid. It will make a loving tribute in remembrance of those who have passed and arrives in a clear glass cube planter, budding and ready to be displayed.
Pet memorial gifts
Forever in Our Hearts Soy Condolence Candle
This “Forever in Our Hearts” candle comes in three different sizes, is made in over a dozen different scents and has space for a personal message on the back and the name of the pet on the front.
My Evergreen Pet Paw Print Painted Stepping Stone
This garden devotion stone would make a thoughtful and sentimental gift for those who have recently lost their fur baby. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever,” it reads alongside two paw prints.
Personalized Pet Memorial Photo Block
Made with a baltic birchwood, this custom photo block is perfectly sized to hang nearly anywhere in their home. You could also further customize it by including add-ons like a commemorative planter.
“What a beautiful way to remember my dog,” one verified Etsy shopper added about receiving this thoughtful gift. “I miss her so much but having her picture on this cute little block just makes my day.”
Willow Tree Sculpted Hand-Painted Angels
This sentimental Willow Tree angel holding a dog is a beautiful way to show the recipient that their furry friend will always be watching over them. The figure is hand-painted, comes packaged in a gift-ready box and has 8,100+ verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
Pearhead Pet Memorial Sentiment Picture Frame
To help them honor their pet for years to come, opt for this memorial sentiment frame. It allows the recipient to include their favorite photo and a place to display their collar.
Personalized Dog Mug with Angel Wings
This personalized dog mug allows you to showcase a beautiful moment of your recipient’s pet peacefully sitting on a dock and looking out into the water. This Etsy shop has dozens of breeds and designs to choose from and gives shoppers the opportunity to add small angel wings to honor pets who are no longer with us.
My Pawfect Pet Succulent and Frame
Help them honor their perfect pet with this succulent and frame duo from 1-800 Flowers. Whether they are remembering their dog or cat, you can choose a vase to match. Fill the accompanying frame with their favorite picture of their furry friend.
How we chose the best sympathy gifts
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the most meaningful and thoughtful sympathy gifts out there. We also use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides for everyone on your list including 15-year-olds, 17-year-olds, tweens and more.
