Simple Yet Thoughtful Gifts For Someone Who is Grieving

I would have never thought of these.

I think we can all agree that sad people would rather have their person back than receive a gift, right?

However, I was the recipient of some unlikely items delivered by warmhearted, unlikely heroes in the early days of my loss.

Offerings that were unconventionally comforting to my soul.

They were simple yet incredibly meaningful gifts that I never would have thought of in a million years. I guess that either makes me inconsiderate or just plain naive.

Nourishment

In a matter of days after losing my son, my mom’s church friends rallied together for us like it was their job.

My mom and I had a homecooked meal train delivering food every couple of days so that we didn’t have to think about feeding ourselves.

Now, more than a year later, I still tear up remembering their unsolicited kindness and generosity.

Maybe they just considered it as “something church friends do,” but I think about each of them often and I am forever grateful for their support.

*Mom, you can forward this if you want. I’d love for them to know that their kindness made headlines in my little world.*

Angel Hugs

One of my aunts came up with this brilliant gift idea and it was sort of a gut punch, but the good kind. I couldn’t even coherently finish a thank-you voicemail to her through my ugly-crying.

She gifted my mother and me each with ultra-plush throw blankets. It wasn’t so much the blanket that broke me, but the sentiment behind it.

I can’t remember her exact message written on the card but it went something like this:

“Think of this as an angel hug. As you wrap yourself in the warmth of this blanket, know that he is sending you love.”

Money

Nobody wants to admit it but finances, or lack thereof, can be a daunting roadblock for some.

When my son passed away, I was terrified thinking about how I would manage the ensuing expenses.

He was twenty-eight years old. He didn’t exactly have life insurance or a savings account. And due to prior pandemic layoffs, my finances weren’t stellar either.

That’s when the miracle of an old childhood friend presented itself.

She messaged me on Facebook after she’d heard the news and asked if she could launch a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses.

I would have never thought to do that for myself, nor would I have considered asking people for money. But when someone else does it for you it comes across to others as caring and well-intended.

Believe me when I say that the money raised in her GoFundMe campaign was a lifesaver. You can’t understand the enormous cost of death until you’re right in the thick of it.

And last but certainly not least: Flowers

I’ve heard it said that flowers are a poor choice for someone who’s grieving because flowers die.

I disagree.

To me, fresh flowers bring beauty and color to our lives, even if only for a short time. My son brought considerable beauty and color to my life for a short time.

Flowers have been the perfect match to carry on his colorful spirit.

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What are some unique, meaningful, or comforting gifts you have given or received after loss?