When a friend loses a loved one, whether expected or unexpected, it is important to reach out to them and let them know they have your support. If it is on your heart to send them a physical gift, it can be difficult to know where to begin. At laurelbox, we offer sympathy gifts to help make the grieving journey just a tiny bit easier for every type of loss. We offer custom care packages filled with memorial keepsakes, comforting candles, and so much more. 

In my high school journalism class (shoutout to Mrs. Gibson!) we learned about the 5 w’s: who, what, when, where and why. It’s a helpful framework that I believe can be useful in a variety of settings, including even when talking about personalized sympathy gifts. Keep reading for my five W’s (and a bonus “H”) behind the most meaningful sympathy gifts. 

Sending a sympathy gift box is a thoughtful way to show care and support when words alone don’t feel like enough. During times of loss, people often feel overwhelmed, isolated, or emotionally exhausted, and a tangible gesture can remind them that they are not alone. A sympathy gift communicates compassion, acknowledges their pain, and offers comfort in a quiet, respectful way - whether it’s something practical that eases daily burdens or something sentimental that honors their loved one. Most importantly, it shows that you took the time to think of them during a difficult moment, which can be deeply meaningful when they need kindness the most. I remember at my lowest moments of grief, receiving a sympathy gift was a glimmer of light in a sea of darkness. 

There are many meaningful sympathy gifts that can bring comfort and show you care during a difficult time. Classic options include flowers, which offer beauty and thoughtfulness. I can obviously only share my personal preferences but I would suggest skipping the traditional flower bouquet route. As lovely as it is to receive flowers, I much prefer a custom sympathy gift or something more long-lasting. There are few things more depressing than tossing out dead flowers, in my opinion! 

A practical sympathy gift basket could include comfort foods, grocery gift cards or a meal delivery service, which help ease the burden of daily tasks. We received two weeks worth of prepared meals after we lost our son Cooper and honestly, that was a super helpful gift that was useful and practical. 

Other helpful sympathy gifts could include a cozy blanket, a coffee shop gift card, a box of tissues and some games or entertainment activities for kids in the home. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful. 

However, my favorite and most memorable sympathy gifts all include personalized items - most of them from Laurelbox (before I was on the team!). Personalized keepsakes, such as a memorial wind chimes, a custom candle, or jewelry engraved with a loved one’s initials,  can offer lasting remembrance. Garden memorial keepsakes are a great gift going into spring and summer. My family gifted us two beautiful weeping cherry trees that bloom around the time of Cooper’s birthday and they bring me joy each season. What matters most is choosing something that reflects the recipient’s tastes and needs, showing empathy and support in a tangible way.

While not a “W” word, “how” to send a sympathy gift is a bonus! Sending a sympathy gift begins with choosing something thoughtful and appropriate that reflects comfort, care, or remembrance, such as flowers, a keepsake, food, or a donation made in your loved one’s honor. It’s important to consider the recipient’s preferences, beliefs, and the nature of the loss when selecting the gift. Include a brief, heartfelt note expressing your condolences - simple and sincere words are often best. Check out this blog for ideas of what to say and what not to say. Above all, the act of sending a sympathy gift should come from a place of genuine compassion, letting the recipient know they are supported during a difficult time.

You should send a sympathy gift when someone is experiencing a loss or going through a period of grief and you want to show support beyond a message or card. This often includes the passing of a loved one, a miscarriage, the loss of a pet, or even difficult life events such as serious illness or hardship where comfort is needed. A sympathy gift can be sent soon after learning of the loss to offer immediate comfort, but it can also be especially meaningful weeks or months later, when support from others may have faded. What matters most is the intention to acknowledge their pain, let them know they are remembered, and gently remind them that they are not alone. I remember receiving a memorial care package from my sweet cousin Stephanie on the first anniversary of losing Cooper. It was so thoughtful and reminded me that even though time had passed, his memory was ever present. The first set of holidays after someone loses a loved one can be especially hard so that could be a thoughtful time to send a gift, even if the death occurred months earlier. If you have a friend experiencing infertility, consider sending a sympathy gift as a way to let her know she is seen and loved in the middle of what can be a lonely and frustrating season. 

A sympathy gift can be sent or brought directly to the friend’s home. Keep in mind, immediately after a loss it might be best to do a porch drop off with a simple text that reads, “Dropped off a gift on your porch - we love you!” so they don’t feel pressured to chat if they aren’t up for visitors.  I would caution against sending the sympathy gift to their workplace just because if it makes them emotional, they might want to open the gift in a more private setting. If possible, I would try to avoid bringing a gift to the funeral services just because it could get lost or misplaced and it requires the recipient to carry it to their home, when they already have a lot on their mind already. They could also easily lose the card and then struggle to remember who gave them the gift. Think about what is most convenient for them! 

A sympathy gift can be sent to anyone who is experiencing loss or grief and could use a reminder that they are cared for. This may include close family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or extended relatives who have lost a loved one, as well as someone grieving the loss of a pet or facing a serious life hardship. Sympathy gifts are also appropriate for professional relationships, such as clients or colleagues, when a thoughtful gesture can express respect and compassion. Ultimately, anyone going through a difficult or emotional time may appreciate a sympathy gift, as it offers comfort and shows that their pain has been acknowledged. 

We hope this blog was helpful in explaining exactly how you can send a sympathy gift to a friend. We covered the what, who, when, where, why and how to let a loved one know they have your support as they navigate grief. At laurelbox, we offer custom sympathy gifts to help support those on a grief journey no matter what type of loss. From custom refillable memorial candles to unique keepsake jewelry, there are so many options and styles. We are a female-owned small business that deeply understands loss and puts our heart and soul into each and every custom laurelbox that we send. Thank you for being part of our community!