Comfort & Sympathy Gifts for a Grieving Heart

Death, divorce and job loss can all trigger the grieving process.

Grieving individuals can find the grief process long and lonely, according to MentalHelp.net. Each person works through the process differently. Not all people will take the same length of time to complete the cycle. Family and friends can show their sympathy and care through a number of appropriate gifts that demonstrate their desire to provide support and comfort. Sometimes the best gift is your time and presence.

Memorial Gifts

If the person is grieving the death of a loved one, you can provide a memorial gift in memory of the person who died. If you are aware of the interests and favorite causes of the departed individual, you might make a gift in their memory to their favorite charity. Ask the charity to send a notice to the grieving family member or friend about the memorial gift. You might also plant a tree in memory of the departed person. Some cities, like St. Louis, will allow you to plant trees in memory or honor of friends and family members. Check with your local city for the necessary requirements and regulations.

Memory Collage

If you have pictures of the departed, you might create a picture collage of him. Include pictures with family and friends. You might include ticket stubs or small movie cover icons of movies and plays you saw together or stickers and icons from places you visited. Personalize the collage as much as possible for the person who is grieving. You might also include messages of comfort and sympathy with the collage. Ask people who appear in the pictures to contribute words of sympathy and comfort.

Grief Books Following a Death

You might give your friend or family members some books that are written for those undergoing grief following death. Some appropriate titles might include "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," "The Year of Magical Thinking," or "Glimpses of Heaven: True Stories of Hope and Peace at the End of Life's Journey." If the grieving person is a child or teen, you might choose books like "You Are Not Alone: Teens Talk About Life After the Loss of a Parent" or "Sam's Dad Died: A Child's Book of Hope Through Grief." There are also appropriate books for those grieving the death of a pet like "When a Pet Dies" or "Animal Angels: Paws to Remember."

Grief After Divorce

Death is not the only event that triggers grief. People can grieve the end of a relationship through divorce or breakup. You might send a friend gifts that pamper her after that kind of loss. Spa gift certificates, massage gift certificates and free visits to a local divorce recovery group might be appreciated. You might also include some appropriate recovery books like "Mars and Venus Starting over: A Practical Guide for Finding Love Again After a Painful Breakup, Divorce, or the Loss of a Loved One."

References

• St. Louis: Memorial Trees
• Mental Help: Grief and Bereavement Issues
• Mental Help: Helping Other Adults Cope with Grief
• Mental Help: Helping Children Cope with Grief