Thoughtful Gifts to Cheer Someone Up After a Loss

Losing someone is never easy, but losing someone in the middle of a pandemic poses its own set of challenges. Imagine not being able to visit your loved ones while in the hospital or not being able to hold a funeral after your loved one passed away. This is happening all across our country and makes the grieving process that much more difficult. In a time when human interaction and comfort is needed most, people are dealing with added amounts of isolation. As a friend or family member of someone going through similar hardships, I believe there are a few things we can do to ease these burdens for the person experiencing loss. Our initial idea will be to send flowers, but I pose another thought. What if we send something with a little more meaning?

I’ve put together a list of my favorite, thoughtful gift ideas to cheer someone up after a loss:

1. The Grief Journal

These journals are the perfect gift for someone grieving. It was created to help guide you through all the complicated emotions that come with loss, so that you can process them at your own pace. Each page contains a thought-provoking prompt to write about or share in a discussion with someone you love. These also serve as beautiful memory books for years to come.

2. Memory bear

Memory bears are made from your loved one’s clothing. You just send them an article of clothing and they’ll make something special for you to gift. There is even an option to add a message patch, for additional personalization.

3. Handwritten cuff bracelet

These cuff bracelets allow you to add a personalized message or your loved one’s handwriting to be forever engraved. If you’re looking for a heartwarming wedding day gift, this could also be a unique idea if the bride has lost someone special in her life.

4. Grief essential oil blend

Essential oils have been shown to provide a sense of support when grieving. It can be very comforting when you’re feeling overwhelmed from the loss of a loved one. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own blend.

5. Book from someone who understands

If you’ve never experienced grief before, it may be tough to find the right words to express your support and sympathy. Instead, you may want to gift a book from someone who gets it. There are a number of books you can choose from, but Megan Devine seems to really understand the culture of grief and loss in her book which can feel oddly comforting.

6. Custom family remembrance drawing

A custom drawing that can be created of you with your loved one. Some of the drawings include angel wings or halos, when requested, which can be a heartfelt addition to the image.

7. Card for when you don’t know what to say

I’m a fan of cards no matter the occasion. Sympathy cards are some of the toughest to write though, so you may want to find a card that says it all. I personally love this card, because it shows you’re there for them even if you can’t physically be there.

8. Cozy blanket

Who doesn’t love a cozy blanket? When I’m feeling down, a cozy blanket provides the warmth and serenity I need. If you’re particularly crafty, you can try knitting your own blanket with love.

9. Bath bombs

A warm bath can be very therapeutic and the one thing that always makes my baths better are bath bombs. These are affordable and include premium natural ingredients.

10. Donation to a cause that means something to them

You can choose any organization that might mean something to your friend or family member. My dad had bladder cancer, so the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is particularly special to me. Pick something that will have meaning and provide hope for the future.

If you’re feeling particularly generous, you could put together a care package with a few of the gifts listed above. Whatever you choose, I’m sure it will be appreciated because it was purchased with love.