38 Appropriate Sympathy Gifts to Express Your Condolences

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When a loved one is grieving, it's hard to know what to do or say during such a challenging time. Some want to talk through their emotions and feel comforted when surrounded by people, while others want to be left alone to acclimate to their new reality. Whatever the case, it’s important to let them know they are not alone. And if you can’t be there physically with them, you can show your support in other ways, like a thoughtful gift.

While many may turn to flowers, in some religions, sending them may not be appropriate. Even if the culture does appreciate flowers during this time, sympathy gifts, like the ones below, can feel more personal. But you'll see that we highlighted a bunch of food gift basket options, because across the board, making sure the family is eating and doesn't have to think about cooking right now, is always a good idea. Just make sure the food item you're sending follows their diet if they have one.

Overall, every condolence idea we've highlighted in this guide is intended to help the person heal throughout the grieving process whether they lost a parent, spouse, close friend or even a pet.

Sympathy Gift Box

Food is one of the most popular ideas to send, and this is a great option as it includes different fruits and snacks, which might be all they can handle eating right now.

Hallmark Signature Sympathy Card

Finding the right words to say is difficult, but this card can help. The beautiful front reads, "Goodbye is now forever, love is," while the inside says, "Thinking of you and wishing you peace ... now and in the days ahead."

RELATED: What to Write in a Sympathy Card for a Meaningful Message

18K Gold Over Sterling Silver Italian Rosary

If they follow the Catholic religion, they may need to feel connected to their roots now more than ever. This stunning bracelet, featuring the Miraculous Medal of the Virgin Mary, can help.

Memorial Yahrzeit Candle

In the Jewish religion, on the anniversary of someone's death, the loved ones will light a “soul candle" in their honor. "I can not recommend this product enough. It is worth every penny. The flame has been constantly burning for 6 days now and has provided me with such comfort as a visible tribute to my loved one," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Full Mixed Pastry Tray

No matter where they are or where you are, you can send them a box of sweets to try and brighten their day. Featuring basmas, ballourie and more, it comes from a restaurant with Halal status.

Wishing You Peace Sympathy Fruit Basket

Fresh fruit will be delivered right to their door thanks to this Kosher basket. It comes wrapped in a "with sympathy" ribbon for an extra sincere touch.

Pennies from Heaven Bank

Many people believe those who have died can still send messages to their loved ones who are living through things like numbers and objects. Here, they can keep the pennies being sent to them to feel a sense of comfort.

Notes on Grief

In her bestselling book Notes on Grief, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gives a deeply personal account of the loss of her father. Readers will appreciate her openness and insight into the grieving process.

Grief Journal

This beautifully bound journal from Duncan and Stone is perfect for recording memories and processing grief. Sections include things to remember, important dates, self-care practices and more. Add a pretty pen to inspire them to write in it.

Thinking Of You Tea and Honey Gift

For tea drinkers, a warm cuppa can be a godsend. Raw, unfiltered honey and chamomile tea with a hint of peppermint round out this thoughtful package from the Republic of Tea.

Grief & Loss Toolbox

This Grief and Loss Toolbox is great for helping kids process loss, with a cuddly stuffie, a book to help start the conversation and a digital downloadable resources guide. Working through bereavement with kids is also helpful for the grown-ups.

The Classic Photo Necklace

This elegant photo necklace from Mint and Lily enables the wearer to keep their loved ones close to their heart. It comes in silver, rose gold and gold plating.

Remembrance Jar

Keep memories alive with this remembrance jar from Demdaco. It includes a set of 25 notecards inside to encourage the recipient to write out their memories or words of reflection.

Hug in a Jar Candle

The soothing light and fresh scent from this candle will help set a serene atmosphere for those who are grieving. It also comes in a pretty box that's perfect for gifting.

Remembrance Casting Heart

Write a message to a departed loved one with this beautifully crafted heart-casting heart then throw it out to sea or float it down a river to commemorate their passing.

Angel Glass Rose Figurine

These beautiful glass angels, filled with roses, are the perfect sympathy gift. "Bought this angel as a gift and the recipient immediately fell in love with her. Truly a wonderful and special gift," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Memorial LED Shadow Box

This LED shadow box is a truly unique condolence gift. Made of wood, it comes in a few different designs to choose from, including butterflies, which symbolize messages from departed loved ones.

Sympathy Bracelet

Amethyst is said to soothe grief and encourage healing. They can wear this minimalist bracelet (complete with an angel charm) whenever they're missing their lost loved one.

Memorial Plant

This memorial evergreen tree comes with everything they'll need to commemorate their loved one for generations to come. It's a great gift, whether they have a green thumb or are just starting to flesh out their garden.

Sympathy Pop Up Card

Go beyond the standard sympathy card with this pop-up, laser-cut version. "Pretty little pop up sympathy card that says a little bit more than a normal card," one Amazon reviewer wrote. It comes with a blank card inside, so you can share a few words of comfort.

Remembrance Angel

Remind them that heaven just got another angel with this five-inch wooden figurine. It's even hand-carved and painted for an extra special touch, according to the brand.

Weighted Blanket

They might need an extra hug during this trying time, so this weighted blanket is perfect. Depending on their preference, the 15-pound blanket can be used alone or paired with a duvet cover (twin or full-size works best). Plus, its seven layers are designed to conform to their body and put them at ease.

RELATED: The Top 21 Weighted Blankets to Keep You Calm

Cardinal of Remembrance Necklace

They can keep their departed loved one top of mind at all times with this sterling silver and enamel remembrance necklace. A symbol of the angels, the red cardinal pendant adds a nice touch.

Sympathy Bear

Little ones often have a hard time processing loss, so soothe them with this adorable plush bear toy.

Memorial Gardening Kit

Pet grief is a heart-wrenching experience. Help them commemorate their fur baby's life with this perennial growing kit, perfect for a pet cemetery.

Sympathy Keychain

This keychain proves that a small gift can be full of meaning. Made of stainless steel, it's engraved with a sweet message and a photo frame to keep them close.

Sympathy Snack Box

Highly rated on Amazon, this box comes with a variety of chocolate and crunchy snacks. Because it's from Amazon, it's great if you need to send something ASAP.

In Memory of Bracelet

A simple stainless steel cuff will remind them that their loved one is always near. It comes in messages for any passing family member, including moms, dads and grandparents.

Soul Prayer Angel Cross

When they're praying or talking to their loved one who has died, they can hold this cross in their hands to feel extra connected. It's a stunning piece made of marble that's small enough for them to carry anywhere.

Memorial Wind Chimes

They'll be reminded of the one they've lost every time the wind blows with these memorial chimes. Made of pine and aluminum, they're also weatherproof and can be used all year round.

Crystal Ball Rainbow

Every time it flashes light and rainbows, let them know that it's their loved one saying hello. It can also be used to remind them that they have the strength and light within them to carry on.

Pet Loss Plaque

They can keep their furry soulmate with them at all times with this ceramic memorial plaque, complete with a wooden easel. "I bought this for my in-laws who just had their pup pass. This was the perfect thing to express what is hard to say in words. They loved their dog, and loved this special gift to help keep the memory of their dog alive in their home!" one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Memorial Picture Hanging Board

A beautiful way to honor multiple people who have passed, the board can hold up to 10 photos, depending on their size.

Bereavement Memorial Stone

If they are having a particularly hard time, gift them this memorial stone that they can lay at a gravesite to let their loved one know that they are missed and loved. A gift for the departed might help them feel better.

The Grief Companion Deck

Processing grief is far from easy. This deck of 54 cards, grouped into Action, Insight and Prompt sections, will help guide them through many hard times ahead. From managing stress triggers to maintaining a schedule, they'll find helpful tips to get through each day.

Memorial Lantern

Their dearly departed's light will never go out with this touching memorial lantern, complete with an LED candle. "Beautiful item! Gave it to a friend that lost a loved one. They liked it so much they brought it to the service," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Memorial Leather Journal

Letters are a great way to help them begin to process their grief and feel closer to a departed parent. This personalized leather notebook can be addressed to Mom or Dad, and holds 140 pages for them to journal in.

Virtual Hug Gift Box

Cozy socks, scented soap and a clay face mask round out this gift basket from Giften Market that will encourage the recipient to take some time for themselves even in the frenzy that a loss in the family can be.

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