Sympathy Gifts for the Bereaved

Gift ideas for someone who has lost a loved one

The death of a loved one can turn one’s world upside down. Seldom is one prepared for such an experience and even in cases when death was expected, the ensuing finality leaves a void from which one is expected to rebuild their life. For some a personalized keepsake or memento can help to ease the pain of loss and start one on their journey to closure.

As internationally renowned grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt states: “Many people are comforted by physical objects associated with the person who died.  It is not unusual for mourners to save clothing, jewelry, books, locks of hair and other personal items.”

Dr. Wolfelt further notes that, “Linking objects help survivors remember their loved one and honor the life that was lived; it helps heal.”

Keepsake Jewelry

By far one of the most popular sympathy gifts, keepsake jewelry, also known as cremation jewelry, makes an excellent gift choice. Keepsake jewelry pieces consist of a necklace and pendant in which the pendant has a small compartment for holding a portion of the cremated ashes or lock of hair. When filled and worn around the neck, it is a great way to keep a loved one close to the heart.

Keepsake jewelry comes in an assortment of styles and metal finishes. For under $110, you will find pieces made from sterling silver, brass, pewter and bronze. Many of the higher end pieces are finished in 14kt gold or gold vermeil and some even come with jewels like diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls. Of course the more expensive pieces can cost anywhere from $350 to upwards of $1000.

Personalizing a jewelry pendant is very important for many individuals. It makes it very special. Some keepsake jewelry pendants can be laser engraved with a photo of the departed loved one. Most pendants can be personalized by engraving a name and dates.

Flag Display Cases

If the person lost to death was an honorably discharged veteran, their spouse is given an American burial flag after being displayed at the funeral ceremony. As a sympathy gift, an American made flag case is a gift that is cherished for years to come. Flag display cases are available in a variety of styles, wood finishes and price ranges. Many are offered with a personalized brass nameplate for adding the person’s name, dates and service information. Some even come with a service medallion to display the seal of the military branch which was served.

You will find a variety of flag case accessories such as a stand or pedestal to elevate the case for a proper presentation. There is even a pedestal that can double as a cremation urn to hold the ashes of a loved one.

In addition to giving the flag case as a sympathy gift, one can be purchased with the American flag and given as a regular gift. Many business organizations hand them out as corporate gifts to clients or valued employees.

Keepsake Teddy Bear

Unfortunately death affects children as well as adults. Given this fact, a very comforting sympathy gift for a child or even and adult for that matter is a keepsake teddy bear.

Teddy bear sympathy gifts are made from quality materials just as normal teddy bears. Some include a keepsake locket that is concealed within the chest cavity of the teddy bear. The keepsake locket can hold photos, cremated ashes, a lock of hair or dried flower petals. These huggable bears offer soothing comfort and warm the heart with their presence.

Memorial Rocks & Memorial Trees

Made from construction grade GFRC cast stone, these simulated rocks and trees weigh in at around one tenth the weight of normal boulders yet are extremely durable. Light enough to easily move around, they are hollow inside with an open bottom. Memorial rocks and memorial trees can be purchased with a cremation receptacle to store the cremated ashes of a loved one inside. The memorial trees are fashioned in the shape of a tree stump.

Memorial rocks and memorial trees will make a nice addition to any outdoor garden and can be personalized with lettering on a cast bronze plaque. Memorial rocks and trees are usually available in several colors one which may match the surrounding environment in which it will be set.

Letting Them Know You Care

Of course, you probably know more about what the recipient will appreciate and these are only suggestions. If you are doubtful, you can always ask someone closer to the surviving family member for advice. A sympathy gift from you will certainly let them know they are in your thoughts and that you care

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