Losing someone is one of the hardest things a person will go through in their life. The bereaved are said to experience five stages. Psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross defined these stages as; denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Depending on how close you were to the person who died, it’s likely you are also working through these stages yourself. There is nothing that can eliminate the steps. But some things can help people through it, namely, support. If you’re wondering how to comfort a family member or friend, below are a few gifts that may help to perk someone up or act as a release for tension and stress. Gestures of sympathy often make people feel supported and cared for, and so it’s a very kind thing to do.
*This is a collaborative post.
Flowers
Bouquets are a popular gift sent to send to those who are grieving. A splash of nature in the household, often referred to as sympathy flowers, will add a little bit of light and colour. And help to make what is often, a sad, and grey part of a persons’ life a little bit more bearable. Lilies are often the go-to flowers to send your sympathies but don’t be afraid to add different colours to the mix, to help cheer up the receiver.
Coffee & Chat
When you’re feeling down in the dumps, often the last thing you want to do is leave the house. But sometimes it can be the best thing for the bereaved. Sending an invitation to your friend to go out with you for a coffee or dessert, that you’ll treat them too, could be the little pick me up they need. Whether to share their feelings or reminisce, talking can help. Of course, if they’re set against leaving the house, you may want to suggest popping round their house and taking some snacks with you. However, be mindful if your friend or family member is set against seeing people at the moment, its essential to be respectful of their wishes until they feel comfortable to see people.
Money
Alongside grief of losing a loved one, people are often inundated with the stress and worry of funding the funeral they want to give the person that’s passed away. Depending on the relationship you have with the person who’s grieving, you may want to think about whether it’s possible or appropriate to offer money towards the funeral and wake as a gift. In turn, a bit of financial help shall enable a person to create the funeral they want to devise. Plus it lessens the burden of an individual or a few family members from funding the entire funeral themselves.
Comfort Food
It’s not unfamiliar for a person’s appetite to subside when they are missing someone who has passed. Their appetite decreases, as their thoughts are consumed with loss and grief. But of course, it’s essential for people to eat, to keep their energy up and healthy wellbeing. Because the person you are sending condolences to, may not feel in the mood to cook for themselves, you could always whip something up for them. Such as their favourite Chinese cuisine or maybe some baked goods like cinnamon buns. Comfort food is good for two reasons. One, because it shall hopefully stimulate the person to eat, without them needing to worry about cooking for themselves. And second, is the thoughtfulness. The fact someone has made them a meal, speaks volumes, and makes people feel looked after.
Pamper Box
Self-care is essential for everyone, especially when they’re feeling sad and potentially lonely. Self-love gives people a bit of strength to continue with their daily lives, even when it seems very challenging to do so. To help someone get back on their feet, you could send a care-package with beauty products, such as an aromatic body scrub, their favourite home hair dye, or a hyaluronic acid skin booster to perk up tired skin. From face masks to bath bombs, there are plenty of thoughtful beauty products you can send.
Journal
Gifting a decorative journal suited to the style of the person you’re sending your sympathies too, is a thoughtful way that can enable a person to express themselves in writing. You may or may not want to write a warm note in the front of the journal to let them know you’re thinking of them. The gestures above are just a few of many ways you can express your condolences to someone who is going through a traumatic time in their life. Hopefully, the above has provided you with some inspiration and ideas.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
