FUNERALWISE FAVORITES: 12 Unique and Thoughtful Sympathy Gifts

When someone passes away, our hearts go out to their loved ones. We want to do something to help and offer a token that shows we are thinking of them during their time of grief. Finding the right sympathy gifts to express our feelings can be difficult. There are tried-and-true options that are safe bets and some less common options that will offer comfort long after the funeral.

To help you choose a personal and much-appreciated sympathy gift, we have compiled a list of our 12 favorite options for comfort gifting.

12 Unique and Thoughtful Sympathy Gifts

FOOD

There are many ways to provide food to someone going through a difficult time. One popular way is to prepare a meal at home. Our website is a good place to find popular make-ahead foods appropriate for a sympathy meal. Gift cards to local restaurants can also offer a nice reprieve from cooking. (See our Funeral Food recipes)

CUSTOM T-SHIRT QUILT

What could be better than having a keepsake quilt incorporating cherished clothing items from a loved one? We don’t recommend that you remove the clothing from the home on your own. Instead, consider giving someone a gift card for a custom quilt made of t-shirts or other clothing items. When the time is right, they can choose the items they want to preserve.

WIND CHIMES

Did you know there are many beautiful options for custom memorial wind chimes? A chime is a thoughtful gift that captures musical memories all year long. Custom wind chimes are the perfect addition to a patio or garden. As a gentle breeze works to create music, memories of a loved one will be brought to mind. Adding personalization to your wind chime makes it a truly one-of-a-kind gift. 

GIFT BASKETS

Gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you send a basket of non-perishable food items or a collection of spa treatment products, a gift basket can be a practical and thoughtful gift to show that you are thinking of someone experiencing a loss.

MEMORY LAMPS

Memory lamps are designed with the tradition of keeping a light burning for a loved one who is no longer with us in mind. There are many beautiful designs available. Memory lamps are available in candle and electric versions, some with a compartment for cremated remains. (See Our Selection of Memorial Tea Lights)

MEMORY TREES

Planting a tree in a loved one’s honor is a great way to create a lasting memory. A tree is a particularly thoughtful way to remember someone who appreciated nature and the environment. Trees to be planted in the ground are available with the growing zone in mind. Small bonsai-style tabletop trees are also available. (See Our Memorial Trees)

FLOWERS

Flowers are almost always an appropriate and appreciated gesture of sympathy. With so many varieties, colors, and styles available, you will surely find something unique and memorable as a tribute to a well-lived life. (More About Funeral Flowers)

MEMORIAL JEWELRY

When it comes to memorial jewelry, there is truly something for everyone. From a tender bracelet paying tribute to Mom to a key chain to memorialize Dad, you will find the perfect way to keep your memories close. Jewelry is also a popular way to commemorate a beloved pet. If you like, you can even find jewelry that allows you to keep a small amount of cremated remains with you. (See Our Memorial Jewelry)

MEMORIAL GARDEN STONES

Garden stones and bricks are especially popular for comforting someone who has lost a pet, as they can add a lovely accent to a special garden spot created in memory of a loved one. These stones and bricks are an excellent way to commemorate people and pets. Crafted to your specifications, these custom items become unique reminders with your personal message. (See our selection of outdoor memorials.)

CUSTOM ARTWORK

Whether you are honoring a person or a pet, custom artwork can be the perfect way to memorialize a life well-lived. There are a variety of artists from whom you can commission a piece. Just supply them with a photograph, and they’ll create a masterpiece for you to share. 

HANDBLOWN GLASS

Handblown glass is the perfect option for a truly one-of-a-kind sympathy gift for yourself or a loved one. You can choose your shape, style, and color, and the artist will create a unique item that brings to mind the unique spirit of the person you are honoring. For the ultimate memorialization, include a bit of cremation ash so that your glasswork will encapsulate a bit of the deceased. (See one of our favorite custom glass memorials in the Funeralwise Store.)

TIME

While it can’t be purchased in any store, you can show how much you care by giving the gift of your time. We often ask grieving people what we can do to help, but an unsolicited action to help in a time of need is priceless. Whether it is cutting the grass, taking care of children so someone can have an uninterrupted block of time, or handling a chore, giving of yourself is the best gift of all.

Finding the perfect way to express sympathy can feel overwhelming in times of loss. There are countless thoughtful options to bring comfort and honor a loved one’s memory. Each gift offers a unique way to show you care, from the warmth of a home-cooked meal to the lasting beauty of a memorial tree or custom artwork. Whether you choose a traditional gesture like flowers or a more personalized keepsake like a handblown glass piece, the true value lies in the love and thoughtfulness behind it. Ultimately, the greatest gift you can give is your time and presence—reminding those grieving that they’re not alone. We hope this list inspires you to find the perfect sympathy gift for someone special in your life.