Depression Living With The 17 Best Sympathy Gifts of 2022, According to an Expert Show you care to those in mourning By Mary K. Tatum, MS, LMHC Mary K. Tatum, MS, LMHC Mary K. Tatum is a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist and has worked in the field of psychology for over 15 years, with seven years in the private practice setting. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 17, 2021 Learn more." data-inline-tooltip="true"> Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. It can be difficult to know how to support someone going through the grief process after the loss of a loved one. Knowing what to say, when to give someone space, and when to provide company are common concerns. Furthermore, the person grieving might not know what they need at the moment and may not feel comfortable reaching out for help. Feelings of grief can fluctuate between depression, anxiety, and even insomnia with no warning at all—making it difficult to navigate everyday life. And in addition to adjusting to a new normal, some people may find it difficult to adjust their identity as an individual without their loved ones. If you're unsure how to reach out to a grieving person, sympathy gifts are a great way to show love, concern, and support. “A sympathy gift is a good way to let someone know that you are available for support when needed, without invading their need for space,” says Anna Travers, LMHC. Here are the best sympathy gifts on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor. Our Top Picks Land of Love Angel Tealight Candle Holder at Amazon Jump to Review KindNotes Glass Keepsake Sympathy Note Jar at Amazon Jump to Review Mayamila Memorial Moon Lamp at Amazon Jump to Review Wolf Creek Blanket Compassion Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review EFYTAL Butterfly Remembrance Necklace at Amazon Jump to Review Lola Bella Gifts Cardinal Sympathy Candle at Amazon Jump to Review CYTING Sister Memorial Bracelet at Amazon Jump to Review YOUNTASY Sympathy Wind Chimes at Amazon Jump to Review Healing From Grief at Amazon Jump to Review PrayerBowls Josephine Prayer Bowl at Prayerbowls.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Mind Land of Love Angel Tealight Candle Holder Amazon View On Amazon This keepsake gift brings comfort and a little light for a quiet moment of remembering. The angel figurine represents the idea that those who pass are still looking out for us. The figurine is made of high-quality polished resin and comes with a flameless tea light candle. It's 6 inches tall and weighs just under 1.5 pounds. Since the candle is flameless, it is much safer for kids or teenagers. Price at time of publication: $27 KindNotes Glass Keepsake Sympathy Note Jar Amazon View On Amazon View On Kindnotes.com A unique gift for anyone who has lost a loved one and has a long road of healing ahead, this Kindnotes Keepsake jar is beautifully made and designed. It is filled with 31 sympathy notes printed to mimic handwritten lettering. The notes are sealed in individual envelopes so they can be opened and read anytime someone needs a mood or spirit lift. While the messages are pre-written, there is an option to leave some notes blank to write your own message. Price at time of publication: $45 Mayamila Memorial Moon Lamp Amazon View On Amazon This lighted memorial moon lamp is a beautiful way to remember a loved one. The lamp is just over 10 inches tall and can easily serve as decor in any room. The lamp is a keepsake to remember the person who has passed, and the light adds comfort when feeling alone or sad from grief. The lamp is battery operated, so you can place it anywhere you like without worrying about proximity to an outlet. Price at time of publication: $30 Wolf Creek Blanket Compassion Blanket Amazon View On Amazon View On Wolfcreekblankets.com When you can’t be there to give someone a hug each and every time they need one, you can give them this compassion blanket to help them feel comforted. Made with soft sherpa and elegant fleece, the blanket is perfect for snuggling and napping when tired. It's also covered in inspirational words to help calm both the mind and the body. Price at time of publication: $55 EFYTAL Butterfly Remembrance Necklace Amazon View On Amazon View On Efytal.com Made specifically for a daughter who has lost her father, this sentimental and heartfelt gift can be worn every day with most outfits. The butterfly charm is a reminder of the eternal bond that exists between a daughter and father, and the necklace is made with high-quality sterling silver that can be layered with other jewelry or worn by itself. The chain is 20 inches but can be shortened to 18 inches. Price at time of publication: $37 Lola Bella Gifts Cardinal Sympathy Candle Amazon View On Amazon There is an old belief that when we see a cardinal, it means that an angel is nearby. Whether you believe this or not, it may provide comfort to someone in grieving. This gift set comes with a LED flicker candle and a card that explains the meaning of a cardinal. It's vanilla-scented and made with real wax. Since it's flameless, it's safer for children or for keeping on throughout the day. Aromatherapy Scents for Stress Relief CYTING Sister Memorial Bracelet Amazon View On Amazon If you'd like a gift with a specific message, this bracelet with matching charms is perfect for someone who has lost a sister. The nickel- and lead-free bracelet is made with stainless steel and alloy, so it's good for those with sensitive skin. It's also adjustable and can fit wrists from 7 inches to 8.5 inches. The bracelet includes four charms, but the main one has an inscription that reads “My sister was so amazing, God made her my angel.” This makes a great sympathy gift or on a holiday or birthday anniversary after a sister has passed. Price at time of publication: $13 YOUNTASY Sympathy Wind Chimes Amazon View On Amazon View On Yountasy.com These wind chimes are designed to be a reminder of someone who has passed. With an inscription that reads, “When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we are far apart. For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart,” it may comfort the grieving with every sound. The chimes are made with rust-resistant anodized aluminum and weatherproof pine, so you can hang them inside or outside. The chimes are 32 inches in length and come in a black gift box with tissue paper for easy gifting. Price at time of publication: $27 Healing From Grief: The Sympathy Gift Series Amazon View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com “Healing From Grief” is a short picture book filled with inspirational quotes and messages to aid in the healing process. A grieving person may not have the mental capacity to read a self-help book on grief, but a short book with good quotes can be just enough to help lift someone’s spirits in a difficult time. The writings in the book are crafted to spark happy memories and good thoughts of the person who has passed. Price at time of publication: $17 The 10 Best Mental Health Books to Read This Year PrayerBowls Josephine Prayer Bowl Shop Just The Thing View On Prayerbowls.com View On Shopjustthething.com View On Thehareandthehart.com Made from porcelain and hand-painted, this prayer bowl makes a beautiful sympathy gift right after someone passes or as a gift in remembrance of someone on a holiday. The verse from Psalm 91:4 is painted on the inside of the bowl, and it comes in a gift box for easy gifting. It also comes with 35 blank cards for you to use with the bowl. Price at time of publication: $59 AlmostFamousa Infant Loss Memorial Bracelet Etsy View On Almostfamousa.com View On Etsy Losing an infant can be a devastating kind of pain to overcome. This bracelet is made specifically for mothers as a way to feel comforted through their time of grief. The bracelet can be slightly customized and the beads can be arranged in the morse code for, “until we meet again.” The bracelet is handmade and held together with a lobster style clasp. Price at time of publication: $35 Waypost Design Shop Memorial Star Map Etsy View On Etsy A custom-made star map is a unique sympathy or memorial gift. You can customize your constellation map with a date, location, and quote or meaningful saying. The map is sent to you in the form of a high-quality print, and it can be framed and displayed or given as a gift. Depending on how much you want to spend, the company can print it and frame it for you, or you can download the map and print it yourself. Price at time of publication: $25 Ultimate Gift Bag Memorial Custom Lantern Courtesy: Ultimate Gift Bag View On Etsy Lanterns are a calming and ambient way to remember a loved one either as a decoration or as part of a memorial service. These lanterns can be customized with pictures, quotes, and memorable sayings. Each lantern lights up using AA batteries, and there are four different style options to choose from. Price at time of publication: $56 How to Meditate With Incense Eryn's Home & Gifts Beautiful Soul Gift Box Etsy View On Etsy Sometimes, a grieving person may forget to prioritize self-care when in pain. This Beautiful Soul gift box is a wonderful way to show someone you care while helping them remember to engage in routine self-care and pampering during difficult times. The set comes with a greeting card, and the buyer can choose one of five box options. Selections include candles, scented lotions, and bath salts. Price at time of publication: $30 UnboxMe Gifts Custom Care Package Etsy View On Etsy View On Unboxme.com This sympathy gift box also focuses on self-care; however, it's fully customizable. You can put as little or as much as you want in the box by purchasing all the items in one transaction or selecting your pieces one by one. You can also choose from various greeting cards to add to the box. The company does all the assembling, packaging, and shipping for you to make gifting easier. Price at time of publication: $9 By Sarp Custom Bereavement Blanket Etsy View On Etsy Designed as a personal keepsake to last a lifetime, this blanket can be customized with photos, letters, and more. A keepsake blanket is a great sympathy gift option for kids and children who may need extra comfort and rest during a difficult time. The blanket itself is soft and plush, making it a good go-to in cooler weather. You can even personalize it with handwriting from a letter or note. Price at time of publication: $37 The 10 Best Weighted Blankets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Letter to My Husband in Heaven Etsy View On Etsy Journaling is a helpful way of moving through the grief process because it gives us something to do when we can no longer talk to the person who passed. Journaling also helps a person document memories and stories that they might worry about forgetting. This one is made specifically for those who have lost their husbands, and it comes with 224 pages to fill as the user pleases. Price at time of publication: $32 How to Maintain a Gratitude Journal for Stress Relief Final Verdict One sympathy gift may not work for every person, but the Memorial Moon Lamp (view at Amazon) is a top choice since it adds ambiance and decor to someone's space in addition to helping with the grieving process. For an option that's more physically comforting, the Custom Bereavement Blanket (view at Etsy) is great for both adults and kids. And if you're looking for a sympathy gift that's unique, the Constellation Map (view at Etsy) is a creative choice that can be customized for the recipient. What to Look for in a Sympathy Gift Age Appropriate Grief can be especially confusing for children who may not fully understand all aspects of a situation. A comforting blanket or something that safely gives light, like a flameless LED candle, can bring comfort at night when feelings can be especially vulnerable. Meaningful Connection A gift that is specific to the relationship, like a father-daughter or spouse relationship, may be more meaningful than something broad or generic. Wind chimes are good for someone who was known to enjoy the outdoors, while a jewelry option may be good for someone who lost a person that had been part of their everyday lives, since jewelry can be worn daily and serve as a consistent comfort. Creates Calm and Comfort The gift should be soothing and create calm when feelings of grief or even fear surface. Some people find comfort in scents, nature, animals, or self-care routines such as taking a bath. A good sympathy gift will enhance what someone is naturally drawn to for comfort. Frequently Asked Questions How do I write a thank you note for a sympathy gift? The purpose of the note is to let the person know how much you appreciated the gift. It does not need to be fancy or long; instead, it's meant to show your gratitude for a calming, healing, and helpful gift. What are some good things to put in a sympathy gift basket? In times of grief, people often struggle with food preparation and self-care. Sympathy gift baskets that focus on food items or self-care items can be very beneficial. How do you console someone who is going through grief? The best thing to do is to ask them what would be helpful. You can ask if they would like some company or some pace to be quiet. Listening is the most comforting thing we can do, while giving advice is not often received well when someone is grieving. You can make yourself available if they decide they need something in the moment. What are the stages of grief? While many theories surrounding the stages of grief exist, one of them was established by Elizabeth Kublar-Ross. The stages include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Why Trust Verywell Mind As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years’ experience working with clients to improve mental and emotional health, Mary K. Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey; therefore, having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating a lifestyle that combats mental illness and promotes health and wellbeing. 1 Source Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nakajima S. Complicated grief: recent developments in diagnostic criteria and treatment. Phil Trans R Soc B. 2018;373(1754):20170273. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit