Top Gifts for Grieving People
What’s the best gift for someone who’s going through a hard time?
Everybody knows someone who’s grieving this holiday season. From the little every day losses of routine and normalcy, to the big losses like the death of someone you love, grief is everywhere.
While you can’t take someone’s pain away, a thoughtful gift is a great way to offer your love and support.
Before you panic about what the “right” gift to give a grieving person might be – please don’t stress too much. It’s ok to be awkward and unsure! In fact, you might include a card that says something like, “There’s nothing I can give you that will fix this. I’m here, and I love you, even if I don’t always know what to say.”
Other things to keep in mind as you look for holiday gifts for grieving people in your life: focus on things that nurture, nourish, or support your friend without creating extra work for them.
For example, a collection of gift cards to favorite restaurants is a better choice than having ten bags of groceries delivered to their front door. Your friend might not have room in their fridge, or their appetite might not be so great, or they might be away for the weekend – and all that food would go to waste. Non-perishable gifts let your friend have some control over when and how they use your gift, and that extra layer of thoughtfulness goes a long way.
If you’re looking for thoughtful gifts and services for your friends & family this holiday season, or a supportive, nurturing gift for yourself, here are my top picks for grieving people.
Gift the best-selling 30 day writing course that helps people tell the truth about their grief. Visit refugeingrief.com/wyg to sign them (or yourself) up.
Designed specifically for grieving people, the whole line of candles from The After Company is beautifully packaged, with lovely scents that aren’t overly strong. Visit theaftercompany.com to order.
Give your friend everything they need to draw or paint – anywhere, anytime. Visit arttoolkit.com for gorgeous travel art toolkits & online courses.
Pair those art supplies with the guided journal, How To Carry What Can’t Be Fixed. Check your indie bookstores, and order early!
Make it a bundle with the best-selling book, It’s OK that You’re Not OK. Available wherever you buy books in print, audio, and e-reader editions. (and in multiple languages!)
Prepaid cards for groceries, restaurants, gas, or other everyday needs are a great way to support a friend going through a rough time. Gift cards give them control over what they order and when it arrives.
Meal kit delivery subscriptions are a great way to support a friend. Try the plant-based meals from Purple Carrot. If you’re in CA or NY, check out Everytable. Find them at purplecarrot.com and everytable.com.
Anything warm and cozy makes a great gift. Unlike most other weighted blankets, Bearaby‘s are plastic free, so they’re better for the environment.. Find them at bearaby.com.
Give the best gift of all: your love & attention.
Don’t avoid folks who are having a rough time this season. You won’t upset them by bringing up what they’re going through. Acknowledgment is a great gift.
