Unique Ideas for Memorable and Meaningful Sympathy Gifts

When a friend, neighbor or co-worker loses a loved one, you look for ways to express your sympathy. Most people send the traditional card, sympathy bouquet or a planter. Although these are wonderful expressions of concern, the truth is that cards will be thrown away, flowers will wither and the plants themselves will eventually die. I've even witnessed situations in which the family received so many plants, they had to give away plants to friends and other family members at the end of the funeral. Here are some suggestions for more personal and intimate sympathy gifts.

1. Personalized Photo Album - The family will have many photos of their loved one that they might want to organize and put together as a keepsake. You can help with this process by giving them a photo album with an engraved message on it.

2. Flag Box - If the deceased was a veteran, the family may request a military funeral. At military funerals, the coffin is draped in the US flag. At the end of the ceremony, the next of kin are presented the flag as a keepsake. Give the family a flag display case, or personalized flag box in order that they might be able to preserve the flag and even display it for others to see.

3. Personalized clock - Present the family with a personalized pendulum or solid brass desk or mantle clock as a keepsake. Engrave a special message of love and/or encouragement that will be meaningful to the family forever.

4. Memories Keepsake Box - The family will have several items they will want to keep and even pass on to future generations. A keepsake box makes for a wonderful sympathy gift. A special touch would be to have the box customized with a photo of the deceased.

5. Rose Bush or Tulip Bulbs - Give the gift of a rose bush or tulip bulbs to be planted in memory of the deceased. Every time the loved one looks at the bush or tulips they will remember the deceased and your kindness at the time of their loss.

6. A Week of Meals - This is an especially good idea for a group of people looking to express sympathy. Begin by delivering the first meal as soon as you feel it is appropriate. Include paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, etc. Be sure to include a card/note that says you will be delivering a meal for the next six days at a certain time. As to not cause additional stress for the family, ask where they would like you to deliver the meals should they not be home or unavailable. When my mother-in-law passed, her neighbors did this for us and it was extremely helpful. We will always remember their kindness and generosity.