Sympathy Gifts – Making a Case for Sympathy Gifts
BY MELANIE WALTERS

Sympathy gifts are often overlooked by those seeking to send a message of sympathy or condolence to someone. While cards and flowers are a traditional means of expressing our feelings towards those experiencing pain or sorrow, sympathy gifts allow us to express those feelings on a more personal level. Sympathy gifts can be sent on occasions other than funerals as well, such as; accidents, loss of a pet, or illness.

For instance, if a co-worker of your was injured in an accident and ended up in hospital, you could easily send flowers and a card to express your sympathy, and that would be quite appropriate. However, if you knew they enjoyed a delicious cup of quality coffee -don’t you think a gift basket with an assortment of gourmet coffee and a personalized mug would be appreciated even more? Sympathy gifts will generally last longer than flowers (except for potted plant gifts) and cards, which will at some point end up in the garbage. Sometimes the volume of flowers a grieving family receives is simply too much, and they end up with no room to store them.

Of course it’s not always easy to select appropriate sympathy gifts, especially if you don’t know the family that well. In that case it’s best to go with the traditional card and flowers. The point of sending condolences or sympathies is to impart a heartfelt message of support and love, so whichever way you decide to go is fine, as long as the sentiment is genuine. If you do decide to send a gift, following are some questions and answers regarding sympathy gifts.

Q. Is it Appropriate to Send Sympathy Gifts if there is no Service?

A. Absolutely. Sympathy gifts say that you care and have the family in your heart at their time of grief. There are a number of reasons that people may not have a service, but usually it is at the request of the deceased. Even though families honor those wishes, they still grieve, sometimes even more as the service is a crucial part of the grieving process. Sympathy gifts would be especially appropriate at this time, as the bereaved may need something special to help them through a particularly difficult time.

Q. Is it Okay to Send Sympathy Gifts After the Funeral is Over?

A. Yes indeed. Sympathy gifts that arrive at the home of the bereaved after the funeral is over are often much appreciated. After everyone else has returned to their homes and lives, the arrival of sympathy gifts can further warm grieving hearts and impart a special message – we haven’t forgotten you. People grieve for long periods after the death of a loved one, so it is appropriate to send sympathy gifts for up to a year after the funeral. Sympathy gifts sent to commemorate the anniversary of a death are especially appreciated, as many mourners mark the occasion with some sort of ceremony or celebration to which your gift will add an extra sentiment.

Q. I know the Bereaved very well, but not the deceased. Is it appropriate to send sympathy gifts in such circumstances?

A. This is more of a common situation than you may think. Families move; across the country and around the world, so its quite possible not to know family members who moved away or were born somewhere other than where the original family lives. Sympathy gifts are well received regardless, even though you may not have known the deceased. You’ll be sending sympathy gifts to the people you do know however, and the point of sending sympathy gifts is to let those you love know that you care.

Sympathy gifts can be just the tonic a grieving person needs to help them through their time of sorrow. Though cards and flowers are absolutely appropriate gifts, you can express your feelings of compassion and comfort in a more supportive, meaningful way when you send sympathy gifts.