How to Make Christmas Gift Baskets for Widows

A Christmas gift basket can provide a lot of comfort during the holiday season.

During the holiday season, it is easy to remember and miss the loved ones who are no longer with us. This is especially true for those who have lost a spouse. This year, help spread holiday cheer by making a Christmas basket for a widow in your life. Get started by thinking about the person you will be giving the basket to. The more you tailor the basket to your friend's tastes and needs, the more meaningful it will be. Your personalized gift will help communicate your continual support during the holiday season and the rest of the year.

Things You'll Need

• Large wicker gift basket
• Flowers
• Christmas ornament or decoration
• Journal
• Gift certificate
• Clear plastic wrap
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. 

   Find the type of basket you want to work with.

   Choose a basket that can accommodate the items you want to add. If you prefer to spend less money, find a pre-owned basket that is in good condition at a local thrift store or rummage sale. You can also find great baskets at your nearest craft store.

2. 

   Find a flower that fits the tastes of the widow.

   Pick flowers that fit the taste of the widow for whom you are preparing the basket. If there is a particular color that reminds her of her spouse, or a flower she finds particularly comforting, choose that. If you are not aware of her preferences, talk to a florist about a nice winter flower to use, such as a white lily or rose.

3. 

   Find a meaningful Christmas ornament that will help the widow remember her spouse.

   Add a Christmas decoration or ornament. This will give the basket a holiday flare and provide a gift that can be used to remember her spouse year after year. If possible, choose a decoration or ornament that will bring joyful memories of her spouse. For example, if the widow and her spouse often traveled together, find a Christmas globe.

4. 

   A journal is a great way to encourage your friend to express her thoughts and emotions.

   Include a journal that fits her style or taste. This gives your friend a place to record her feelings and thoughts throughout the holiday season and new year. Include a matching pen, if possible.

5. 

   A gift certificate gives your friend an opportunity to be taken care of and pampered.

   Enclose a spa gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage to encourage your friend to pamper herself. If you can afford it, let her know that you would love to accompany her when she redeems it.

6. 

   Use Christmas ribbon to tie together your basket.

   Add any Christmas decor that will make your basket more festive. Wrap the basket with clear plastic wrap. Tie the wrap together at the top with a large ribbon. For a more personal touch, hand deliver the gift and spend time with her as she opens it. Your friendship is one of the most meaningful parts of your gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Add any items that are specific to the widow you are preparing the basket for. The more personal you are, the more meaningful the gift becomes.

• Gifts that highlight the hurt or pain of your friend's loss are never helpful. For some, a framed photograph may be a joyful memory, but for others it could enhance the sorrow of their loss.

References

• Planet Gift Baskets: Help for a Widow
• Recover-From-Grief.com: Sympathy Gift Ideas

Resources

• Cruse Bereavement Care: About Grief
• WidowNet: Getting Through the Holidays