15 Best Sympathy Gifts & Meaningful Condolence Gifts

Bereavement Gifts

Losing a loved one is an experience that affects every individual differently. Bereavement gifts serve as gentle reminders that the deceased will always hold a special place in their loved one’s hearts and memories. Gifts offer comfort and help the grieving person feel connected during their mourning journey.

1. A Book About Grief

“On its own, a book can effectively encourage the habit of reading, which could help a grieving individual cope with their loss more positively. Reading can help deter them from turning to harmful coping mechanisms such as alcohol, smoking, or drug use by keeping them occupied. This thoughtful gift can serve as a companion throughout their grieving process, offering them a sense of empathy and comfort.

However, a book focused on navigating grief can contribute to the recipient’s healing journey. It could provide narratives that promote a healthy understanding of death and help a griever embrace his/her own loss and ultimately help manage it, especially considering the nuanced nature of grief beyond the well-known 5 stages of grief. I recommend reaching out to a grief counselor or someone who has experienced a similar loss for guidance on selecting a truly beneficial book about grief.” – John Dolores, Ph.D., JD, FACHE – Bespoke Treatment

2. The Gift of Time

“Grief can feel isolating, especially as time passes after a loss and a person’s support system shrinks. Inviting a person to do an activity with you would be a great gift, but make space for the grieving individual to turn down the invitation if they do not have the physical or mental energy to attend.”- Liz Kelly, LICSW

3. Comfort Food or Meal Delivery

“Grief can make it challenging to focus on daily tasks, including meal preparation. Consider sending a care package of comfort foods or arranging for meal delivery services to provide nourishing, ready-to-eat meals.” – Marissa Moore, LPC, MA –  Mentalyc

Meaningful Condolence Gifts

While no gift can ever fill the void left by the passing of a friend or family member, a meaningful condolence gift can provide some comfort. Condolence gifts show you understand and appreciate the bond they shared and the depth of the loss felt.

4. Gifts That Reflect the Personality of the Deceased

“Consider giving something meaningful that reflects the personality or interests of the deceased. A gift that pays homage to their life such as a book or CD of favorite music, plants from their garden, or any items that remind the recipient of a shared memory can be especially meaningful.” – Ian Jackson, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC – Recovery Unplugged

5. Gifts That Show You Are Thinking of Them

“The best sympathy gift is anything that lets the person know that you are thinking of them. It can be a grief journal that they can use to write down their feelings. Another great sympathy gift is a comfy throw blanket. You could custom-make a sympathy gift basket. This is a great idea as it demonstrates effort.” – Dr. Jay Serle, LMFT, Ph.D. – The Ohana Luxury Alcohol Rehab

6. Memorial Candles

“A memorial candle can symbolize the light and warmth of the departed loved one’s memory. Some people find comfort in lighting a special candle in their honor.” – Marissa Moore, LPC, MA –  Mentalyc

7. Practical Tasks You Can Do for the Bereaved

“It can be difficult for someone grieving to identify and communicate what they need from others. Grief can be exhausting and reduce a person’s ability to concentrate. Consider helping a bereaved friend or family member by giving them choices about what you can provide. For example, ask them if they want help with grocery shopping, doing yard work, or taking their kids to afterschool activities. Think of practical tasks you could assist them with, like taking their clothes to the cleaners or getting their car washed prior to the funeral services.” –  Liz Kelly, LICSW

Unique Sympathy Gifts

Grief is personal, and so is the process of healing. Unique sympathy gifts can cater to the individuality of the grieving person, recognize their unique relationship to the departed, and offer tailored support as they go through the stages of grief.

8. Scrapbook or Memory Book

“A scrapbook with mandalas can also help the bereaved have a tangible item to reach for when wanting to simply sit with the feelings – actively or passively.” – Jasmine Chandy, MSW, LCSW – Socialworkup Therapy

“A journal designed for recording memories or processing emotions can be a helpful tool for someone navigating grief. Pair it with some pens or markers.” – Marissa Moore, LPC, MA –  Mentalyc

9. Personalized Gifts

“Any personalized gift that references a lost loved one can make a grieving person feel seen. People are often afraid to discuss a lost loved one for fear of upsetting the grieving person. This is a common misconception that can alienate a grieving person and cause them to feel hesitant to talk about them, as well. Whether it be a bracelet with their person’s initials as charms or a memory associated with their loved one written on a candle, personalized gifts can concretize how special their beloved is and serve as a reminder that they will not be forgotten.” – Sally Scheidlinger, LCSW –  Sally Scheidlinger Psychotherapy.

“Personalized gifts can show that you’ve put thought and effort into your choice. Consider a custom memorial item, such as a framed photo with a heartfelt message or a personalized piece of jewelry with the departed’s name or initials.” – Marissa Moore, LPC, MA –  Mentalyc

10. Unfinished Wooden Frames

“A gift that can help memorialize the loved one while also offering a space to process the feelings can help to validate the wave-like nature of grief. Consider an unfinished wooden frame with a picture of the loved one in the middle. This gives the individual a space to decorate the frame in a way that is meaningful to them.” – Jasmine Chandy, MSW, LCSW – Socialworkup Therapy

Grieving Gifts That Say Sorry For Your Loss

Losing a friend or family member is an intense and overwhelming experience. Gifts that say “sorry for your loss” are more than just words; they offer a tangible expression of compassion and a willingness to be there for them during a painful time.

11. Sympathy Cards

“A heartfelt sympathy card with a handwritten message of condolence can be a simple yet deeply meaningful gift. Take the time to express your sympathy and offer support through your words.”- Marissa Moore, LPC, MA –  Mentalyc

12. Emotional Support

Above all, remember that it’s important to express your sympathy beyond words and gestures. Showing your emotional support for someone who is grieving can help them through a difficult time. A thoughtful gift or gesture can be a reminder of the comfort and support that they have in you.” – Ian Jackson, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC – Recovery Unplugged

Funeral Gift Ideas

Attending a funeral is an act of respect to the departed and showing support to the bereaved. Funeral gifts are thoughtful gestures that bring some comfort to those left behind.

13. Religious or Cultural Gift

“Choose a gift that respects the recipient’s religious or cultural beliefs. For example, if they are Christian, you could give them a cross or a Bible. If they are Muslim, you could give them a Quran or a prayer mat. If they are Jewish, you could give them a Star of David or a menorah.” – Dr. Nivedita Nayak

14. Handwritten Letter

“It’s important to remember that there is no perfect thing to write in a sympathy card. Still, the gesture of taking the time to write words of encouragement, sympathy, and support to your grieving loved one could help lift their spirits and make them feel less alone. Handwritten letters tend to convey a greater sense of intimacy, sincerity, and authenticity, enabling the recipient to truly sense your care and compassion.

Nevertheless, the words you choose can effectively illustrate your condolences and offer the recipient a profound sense of comfort. It can be helpful to make an effort to understand the personal connection between the departed individual and the recipient. This understanding allows you to fully comprehend the magnitude of their loss and write accordingly. Alternatively, if you shared a connection with the deceased, you could also share some of your favorite memories to demonstrate your sympathies.” – John Dolores, Ph.D., JD, FACHE – Bespoke Treatment

15. Sympathy Flowers

“Sending a bouquet of fresh flowers or a potted plant is a traditional and comforting gesture. Flowers can brighten up a space and provide a sense of beauty during a sad time.”- Marissa Moore, LPC, MA –  Mentalyc

“Flowers are a traditional and popular sympathy gift that can convey various messages depending on the type and color of the flowers. For example, white flowers symbolize purity and innocence, while yellow flowers symbolize friendship and hope. You can also choose flowers that have a special meaning for the recipient or the deceased, such as their favorite flower or birth flower.” – Dr. Nivedita Nayak

Continuing Your Mental Health Journey Through Therapy

If you or a loved one is seeking a deeper understanding of loss or are struggling to move forward after the loss of a friend or loved one, it may be time to join a grief support group or work with a therapist.You can choose from online therapy options or in-person therapy. Using an online therapist directory helps narrow down your search and get you the assistance you need.