When someone passes away, it’s hard to know what to do or say if you know someone who is grieving the loss. There’s nothing you can do to completely ease their pain, but you want to show sympathy and be there for them. Providing comfort and support is important during this emotional time, but there are some rules of etiquette that need to be followed. Sending remembrance gifts and sympathy cards are nice to show that someone is in your thoughts, but there’s a right way to go about it.

What Are Remembrance Gifts

Remembrance gifts are generally personalized gifts that memorialize someone that has passed. They can be ornaments memorializing a loved one, inscribed wind chimes or precious garden benches that can be enjoyed outdoors. Whatever you choose, remembrance gifts are meant to pay tribute and celebrate the lives and memory of lost loved ones. There are remembrance gifts for loss of fathers, memorial gifts for loss of a mother, and many other unique in loving memory gift ideas.

When to Send Remembrance Gifts

When sending sympathy or remembrance gifts, the ideal time is as soon as possible after the funeral service. Typically, memorial gifts are sent within a few weeks after a death. That being said, there’s no deadline for showing someone support after a loss. If weeks or months have passed, you can still send a memorial gift to let your loved one know that you’re thinking of them.

Anniversaries of deaths are also very hard. The yearly reminder can be trying for loved ones, so sending remembrance gifts or sympathy notes commemorating a one-year anniversary is also acceptable. These can provide extra support for the bereaved in a time of need.

Sending Remembrance Gifts to the Appropriate Person

There can be some confusion around the etiquette of who to send a remembrance or sympathy gift to. What if you are close to the deceased, but not the family? If you are close to the grieving person, but not the deceased, can you still send a memorial gift? These are all valid questions.

If you were closed to the deceased, it’s customary to send the gift to their closest relative. That is generally the widow or oldest child. If you don’t know the recipient of the memorial gift, mention your connection to the deceased in the accompanying sympathy card. If you know the grieving person, but not the deceased, you can send them the gift. This applies even if they are not the closest relative. In this scenario, your close relationship with the grieving individual trumps etiquette.

What to Do if the Family Requested Charitable Donations “In Lieu of Flowers”

If the family of the deceased requested charitable donations instead of flowers, that doesn’t mean you can’t send a remembrance gift. Generally, that means the family just does not want people to spend their money on flowers or that they believe money will be better utilized by a charity in memory of their loved one. Instead of flowers, you can also send a gift or card. Your sympathy gift can provide visible support and comfort during a very trying time and the grieving will appreciate the kind gesture.

How Much to Spend on Memorial Gifts

There is no set dollar amount for what you must spend on a memorial gift. In fact, even sympathy cards are enough to lend support and comfort during an emotional time. Any size gift or gesture, no matter how expensive, will show the grieving individual that you care and are thinking about them.

Unique Memorial Gift Ideas

If you are looking for unique memorial gift ideas, The Comfort Company has a wide selection. Our selection of sympathy gifts goes beyond what other companies can offer. We understand that you want to show your friend or family member that you are thinking of them, which is why we offer personalized memorial gifts.  If you are looking for remembrance gifts for loss of father, memorial gifts for loss of a mother, or simply in loving memory gift ideas, we can help. Our well-crafted, affordable sympathy gifts are the perfect way to show your friends and family support after a loss.

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