Memorial Gifts for Funerals
When a loved one passes away, a gift in remembrance of the deceased sends a message of sympathy to the family. For a lasting memorial, consider a gift that will last longer than fresh cut flowers. When choosing the gift, keep in mind the tastes and wishes of both the recently deceased and their family. A thoughtful gift can provide a memorial that can bring fond memories for years to come.
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Rosemary
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Considered a plant of remembrance, rosemary will create a lasting memorial. Give it as a potted plant that can live in the house or outdoors. If planted outdoors, it is a perennial and will return year after year. A fragrant herb used in cooking, it makes a practical gift as well. Other options include putting some rosemary in a small sachet or purchasing rosemary scented candles. For a child's funeral, consider placing a sprig of rosemary in the arms of a small teddy bear.
Statues and Benches
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Purchase a small angel statue for placement in the yard of a member of the family or add a small plaque for placement in a community park setting. Other statues could reflect the tastes of the deceased, for example, trains for the model railroader, lighthouses or gazing balls. A bench with a memorial plaque attached to the back of the seat is another option. A family member can choose to display it in his yard or donate it to a local park the deceased enjoyed for a permanent remembrance.
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Plants and Trees
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A greener alternative to fresh flowers are plants or trees. Check with the florist to ensure that you are purchasing something that will grow successfully in the hardiness zone of the recipients. Consider the symbolism of the plant when purchasing it and ask the florist to include a note with the plant telling of the symbolism. Forget-me-nots are a sign of remembrance and honeysuckle and jasmine are symbols of love. For trees, consider the small Bonsai tree to symbolize peace, the birch tree for new beginnings, the maple which brings the sign of promise, the oak symbolizing the sign of strength and the willow for healing.
Cash Memorials
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Often the family will request a memorial gift of cash to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Always appreciated and appropriate, they will receive notification of the gift made, but not the amount. If you prefer to go this route, without a designated charity, choose one you feel appropriate and provide the name of the family in with your donation to the organization so they will know where to send the memorial card. If you are concerned they will not receive notification, etiquette allows for a small note added in the sympathy card, mentioning the place to which you sent a donation, as long as you do not include the amount of the gift.
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References
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