The Best Sympathy Gift Ideas That Are Thoughtful & Unique

When it comes to expressing sympathy, sometimes you have to think outside the box.

There are some special losses which call for more than a card.

For these, you need something much more personal and unique.

If you’re in this situation, I recommend some of these original ideas for showing support to a bereaved friend or loved one.

Funeral Basket Flowers

In most cases, you can’t go wrong with an old-fashioned floral bouquet.

There are much more options for these than we have seen in the past.

You can personalize the bouquet using the favorite colors or favorite blooms of the deceased person.

These can be sent directly to a residence or a funeral home to be displayed during the visitation.

Here are some good options.

Come Back Love Funeral Flower Arrangements

Carnations, pink chrysanthemums, and white flowers combine for a tasteful and classic expression of love.

A delicate pink ribbon and a graceful stand add to this effect.

A personalized message can be included at no extra charge.

The seller has over 10,000 locations, making it easy for flowers to be ordered and delivered the same day, accompanied by a freshness guarantee.

Blue Sympathies Bouquet

Blue and white, the colors of sadness and purity, make this the perfect sympathy bouquet.

Gorgeous Asiatic lilies and delicate white carnations combine with colorful purple statice to lend dignity to any funeral display.

A matching blue cube vase adds an understated beauty.

The seller guarantees timely delivery and freshness.

The bouquet may be sent directly to the funeral home or to a residence for display during the visitation ceremony.

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This display of fifty white roses is the ultimate in elegance and simplicity.

The flowers are guaranteed to arrive by the next day if called in by 7 PM the night before.

A personal note can also be included.

The roses are grown in Colombian greenhouses where sunlight and water are carefully regulated to bring about the most spectacular results.

A Condolence Basket

If you want to offer something a bit more practical than flowers, a condolence basket is a great choice.

Baskets may include fruit, chocolates, baked goods or a combination of several practical items.

It is a time-honored tradition to support the bereaved with gifts of food, since the task of meal preparation is often too much for them during this difficult time.

Broadway Sympathy Gift Basket Deluxe

What makes almost anyone feel better, no matter how painful life is?

Chocolate, of course.

And this basket of delectable treats offers both comfort and luxury.

It contains an assortment of decadent goodies including milk chocolate Bavarian pretzels, gourmet caramel popcorn, brownie brittle, and just about anything else you could think of.

Another bonus: it is Kosher-certified. So you can send it to your Jewish friends without a worry.

Sympathy Deluxe Fruit Basket

Fruit is wholesome, convenient, satisfying and just the right snack for anyone who lacks the energy to create a healthy snack from scratch.

And this fruit basket is just what the doctor ordered.

It includes two varieties of apple and pear, in addition to mango, oranges and other fruit as it’s in season.

These are accompanied by other small yet luxurious treats such as natural cheddar cheese, roasted almonds and chocolate caramels.

Gift Basket Village - The Comfort Basket

Just as its name implies, this is simply comfort in a basket.

It’s combined with practical edibles along with mementoes which can last forever.

A snuggly plush bear tops this basket full of comforting goodies including a grief journal, gourmet coffee, chocolate chip pecan cookies and much more.

The basket comes wrapped in cellophane so that the selection of treats is clearly visible.

Remembrance Candles

There is just something about a candle that feels sacred.

They provide a comforting light in the darkness, suggesting that the darkness of death and grief is not as final as we might think.

Besides that, the right candle can add just the right touch to almost any home decor.

Some give off a comforting scent once lit. Others may feature an inspirational or memorial quote.

And others just look lovely.

Here are our favorites.

LifeSong Milestones Memorial Funeral Candle Holder

An inspirational quote is carved in lovely flowing script on this cherry wood candle holder.

As the quote says, it is the perfect memento of a life “beautifully lived” and “deeply loved.”

It holds three tealights and even comes with glass votives at no extra charge.

Candles and/or additional engraving must be purchased separately.

Comfort Candles In Memory By Pavilion

The yellow globe shape of this candle holder brings a cheery reminder of the eternal nature of the universe.

This quote winding around it, along with the beautiful star-shaped cutouts, suggests that comfort can be found in the night sky.

A candle and stand are included in the purchase.

It comes pre-packaged in a gift box, ready to be presented to a bereaved loved one.

Sympathy 4-Piece Gift Set With Mini Candle

It’s a candle…but so much more.

This thoughtful gift box is almost like a “care package” for the journey of grief.

The votive candle exudes healing essential oils. A sympathy card expresses your support; a packet of garden seeds offers hope for the future.

And a lovely bracelet of amber and amethyst gives them a tangible memento that lasts forever.3

Comfort is written all over this lovely collection of gift.

A beautiful verse of poetry adorns the votive candle, and the bracelet comes with a note explaining the healing properties of both amethyst and Baltic amber.

And the packet of butterfly garden mix bears a message reminding us of how fleeting life truly is.

Wind Chime

Like the breeze, you never know when memory will touch your heart, giving an impression as beautiful as music.

And that’s why a wind chime can be such a beautiful remembrance.

For a loved one who enjoys spending time in the yard or the garden, a wind chime is the perfect way to help them keep good memories close to their heart.

Here are some memorial wind chimes that are worth checking out.

Astarin Outdoor Wind Chime

These sturdy, 36-inch wind chimes are sure to last for decades.

They hang from a metal hook and have a deep peaceful tone that sounds just like calming music.

In fact, they have been tuned by music experts.

The green pendant is engraved with a tree of life, symbol of everlasting renewal.

They are a perfect addition to any garden.

Memorial Wind Chime Sympathy Gift

These copper wind chimes produce a beautiful sound, tuned perfectly to a five-note scale which creates a deep comforting tone.

The pendant is a small circle of finished wood reminding the bereaved that their loved one is never far away.

A tiny teal medallion, covered in ornate carving, also hangs from the chimes.

These can be gift wrapped and shipped directly to an address of your choosing.

Crystal Memorials

A favorite photo can be treasured forever in 3D form with a stunning memorial cube.

A loved one looks out from the beautiful glass with a lifelike smile, as if he or she were right there with you.

The crystal comes with an LED light base and engraved text of your choice.

Do you love it? Check out some of the other crystal memorials listed below.

3D Heart Crystal With A Free LED Base

This dramatic memorial pulls out all the stops, immortalizing a love strong enough to endure after death.

A heart-shaped crystal, illuminated by a LED base, displays a photograph in lifelike 3D, keeping a shared love in plain view.

Personal engraving with text of your choosing is included in the price.

Crystal Impressions Customized Crystal Photo Picture

This memorial is small, discreet, yet beautiful.

A 2.38 x 1.5 inch rectangle displays a 3D photo of a departed loved one.

Up to two figures can be added to the 3D image.

The image is recreated in meticulous detail, using 1,000,000 dots per inch.

A small amount of text can be engraved on it too.

Plaques & Photo Frames

Though food and flowers will quickly disappear, a beautiful memorial plaque or framed photo can hang on a wall forever.

The memory becomes part of the home decor, so that a loved one is never far away.

Some plaques are artsy and unique. Others display a comforting quote.

Here are a few to choose from.

Vilight Remembrance & Bereavement Handmade String Art

String art is a perfect symbol of memory. Interconnected and interlaced in a heart shape, the string shows that we are all connected, even when death appears to separate us.

Measuring 11.8” by 11.8”, this unique plaque is a good size to hang on the wall, but also sturdy enough to stand on a desk or a mantel..

Dexsa Broken Chain Beveled Glass Photo Frame

A beautiful passage expressing the feelings of loss, and the certainty of the broken chain one day linking again, appears on this glass photo frame.

Standing on an easel, this memorial can occupy pride of place almost anywhere in the recipient’s home, offering comfort and support for years.

Memorial Statues

If you’re looking for a lasting memorial to offer comfort, you can’t do much better than a memorial statue.

A statue can make a beautiful addition to any yard or garden, and they often display images that are profoundly touching to the grieving.

Here are a couple of memorial statues you might want to take a look at.

Roman In the Palm of His Hand Garden Statue

There are few kinds of losses more devastating than the loss of a baby or young child.

A bereaved parent’s pain is sure to last for generations to come…which is why a lasting memorial makes sense.

This beautiful statue portrays a baby curled up peacefully sleeping in a strong divine hand.

Parents can find comfort for years, imagining their young child being cared for in heaven.

Napco Forever In Our Hearts Memorial Angel Statue

This statue of an elegant angel leaning on a rock is reminiscent of the Biblical Resurrection story, an association that is sure to offer comfort.

The rock is inscribed with a lovely memorial passage, declaring that the lost loved one lives on in the hearts of those left behind.

Keepsake Jewelry

Unlike other kinds of lasting memorials, jewelry can remain on your person wherever you go.

No need to worry if you live far away from the cemetery.

A pendant close to your heart keeps a departed loved one close as nothing else can.

Some, like the ones featured here, can even hold a small amount of cremation ash.

The Eternity Heart 18kt Gold Finish Cremation Jewelry

This elegant 18-karat gold heart pendant looks like luxurious jewelry…because it is.

Yet at the same time, it’s so much more than that.

A small amount of a loved one’s cremation ash can be concealed within the tiny chamber inside the heart.

It’s a remembrance that anyone can wear proudly, knowing all the time that their loved one’s remains are physically near.

Aobococo Heart Urn Necklace

A beautiful blue heart of Swarovski crystal is a perfect testament to the feelings of grief and love.

The heart is engraved with the words “I love you forever,” and comes with a discreet silver cylinder in which to place a portion of cremation ash.

It even comes with a specially-designed pin and funnel to make the insertion process easy.

Lotus Flower Ashes Pendant Necklace

The shape of a lotus flower is meticulously crafted in stainless steel, making a perfect remembrance of a pet or any lost family member.

It’s guaranteed not to rust or stain, and the threaded lid keeps cremation ash secure so you can wear it forever if you want.

The tiny chamber within the lotus could also hold hair or dried flowers.

Unique Sympathy Gifts

Expressions of sympathy can be as unique as the individual.

Often they can form meaningful displays in the home, or objects of comfort that the bereaved person may use every day.

You don’t have to confine yourself to traditional objects of sympathy.

We invite you to consider these unique sympathy gifts.

The Original Comfort Bowl- Individually Handcrafted

A simple glass bowl contains eleven smooth handcrafted pebbles, each marked with its own inspirational message of comfort.

These are interspersed with clear crystals, symbolizing tears.

A card accompanies the bowl, explaining the meaning of the pebbles and the crystals.

It comes in a gift box, ready for immediate presentation.

Always with You Memorial Blanket

What’s more comforting than a soft blanket?

It’s like giving a grieving person a warm hug that they can cozy up to any time they want.

Lined with faux fur on one side and micro mink on the other, this blanket is specially designed to provide warmth and comfort.

The muted gray color also matches just about any home decor.

The Living Urn Bio Tree Urn

Beautiful, enduring and environmentally friendly: what could be a better memorial than a tree?

This small Bio Urn mixes a loved one’s cremation ashes with the soil of a healthy 1’-4’ tree.

It comes with everything you need to make the tree thrive and grow: wood chips, an ash neutralizing agent, and planting instructions.

Butterfly Glass Memorial Keepsake For Loved Ones

A butterfly is one of nature’s wonderful symbols of immortality, making this image a comforting memorial.

The butterfly’s wings are designed with gorgeous purple stained glass, patterned after the work of Tiffany.

It perches on a wooden base which can hold a small portion of cremation ash.

The base can be personalized with a quote or the name of a lost loved one.

Cottage Garden In Memory Keepsake Box

This elegant but simple wooden box is perfect for cherishing mementoes of a lost loved one.

It has a smooth wood grain finish, decorated with small rosettes at the corners.

Four feet along the bottom prevent the box from damaging floors or furniture.

The cover of the box features an inspirational poem against a background image of a tree.

It’s lined with velvet and arrives presentation-ready.

Pampering Gift Set Eucalyptus Mint Aromatherapy Basket

Grief is a lot of work. It can be exhausting.

An aromatherapy spa basket can help a grieving person find some much-needed rest and relaxation on the journey.

This basket comes with all kinds of delights including luxurious shampoo and conditioner, bath salts, and bubble bath alongside healing eucalyptus and mint essential oils.

Cosmic Galaxy Universe Cremation Urn

Gone are the days when cremation urns all looked the same.

Nowadays, there are so many colors and styles available that it is easy to personalize them, choosing one that reflects the personality of the individual.

This urn is a wonderful example of that.

It is swirled with ethereal shades of blue and purple, interspersed with glowing stars.

Memorial Christmas Ornament Sympathy Gift

The loss of a mother always stays with you, especially during the holiday season.

This lovely glass ornament can help a bereaved person feel the presence of a beloved mom during Christmas celebrations.

The words, “I have an angel, I call her Mom” appear on cream vellum within the ornament, against a background of delicate white feathers.

Glass Keepsake Gift Jar With Sympathy Messages

There are few things more comforting during a time of bereavement than the kind wishes of friends.

And with 31 inspirational messages printed on floral notecards, this provides all the solace you could ever hope to provide.

The notes are placed in floral envelopes and artfully arranged in an attractive glass jar, complete with a satin ribbon and silver charm.

Perfect Memorials Teddy Bear Memorial Keepsake

Who says a cremation urn has to look elegant?

Sometimes what you really want when grieving for a loved one is to put your arms around something soft.

And this teddy bear cremation urn allows you to do just that.

The cuddly bear is the embodiment of comfort.

Cremains can be inserted via a discreet zippered opening on his back.

Cremation Art

AUTUMN SUNSHINE TREE OF LIFE

When it comes to preserving a loved one’s ashes, there are more options available than ever before.

Some are choosing to have cremains made into stunning glass art.

Artists can take a small amount of ashes during the process of creating blown glass.

Then they can form it into a variety of shapes such as a ring, a pendant or a glass orb perched on a mantel or desk.

Cremation Diamonds

In another rising trend in memorializing loved ones, it is becoming more common to transform a loved one’s remains into gorgeous diamonds.

These come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and sizes.

They can be worn as a ring, a pair of earrings or hang as a delicate pendant around your neck.

It is a beautiful and unique way to remember someone you loved.

Plants

Plants bring their quiet peace and beauty to any indoor (or outdoor) space.

They are a reminder of nature’s cycles of renewed life.

All they need are modest amounts of sunlight and water to endure as a lasting reminder of a loved one.

Often, a plant may produce colorful flowers with a soothing fragrance. The symbolism as well as the lasting beauty of these blooms can offer comfort to a grieving person for years to come.

Southern Magnolia Large Sympathy Gift Tree

White magnolias represent purity, nobility and sweetness.

They often represent femininity, a common symbol for a strong and beautiful Southern woman.

What better way to honor the memory of someone who embodied these qualities?

This magnolia tree provides shade for the backyard and shelter for ambient wildlife.

It blooms abundantly every spring and summer with stunning creamy white magnolias.

Costa Farms Spathiphyllum Peace Lily

What does a grieving person need the most?

They need peace, of course. Peace with a world that no longer contains the person they loved.

And with this lovely plant, you can give just a little of that peace.

Lovely white lilies bloom amid dark green leaves.

The plant comes in a convenient grower’s pot, ready to be placed in a sunny part of the house.

Seeds of Remembrance

Flower seeds are the ultimate example of nature’s renewal.

With the appearance of apparent lifelessness, they hold unlimited potential for rebirth and renewal.

And with their symbolism of peaceful rest and remembrance, poppies are the perfect bloom to offer consolation to the bereaved.

These envelopes of poppy seeds come in a pack of twenty, making them easy to hand out at a funeral or memorial service.

Box Keepsakes

A keepsake box can give a lovely touch to the home decor while preserving precious mementoes of a lost loved one.

Keepsake boxes come in a variety of styles, materials and colors, allowing you to personalize your choice to the individual.

Some play music, and others can be used to keep cherished items.

Here is a selection of box keepsakes to choose from.

Personalized Inspirational Scroll Musical Snow Globe

The well-known Biblical verse inscribed on a porcelain scroll makes this the perfect memorial for a person of faith.

The scroll is decorated with silver details of a butterfly, leaf and feather.

The base can be personalized with a special message at no extra cost.

When the globe is shaken, a white shower of confetti snow appears within it, and “Amazing Grace” plays when you wind up the base.

Cottage Garden Angels Care Bereavement Jewelry Box

This gorgeous musical jewelry box comes with a message of comfort in a 4’x6’ photo frame.

You also have the option of replacing this message with a photo of your choosing.

The box has a luxurious dark burl wood finish and plays the popular spiritual song “On Eagle’s Wings.”

The exterior features jewel decorations and the inside is lined with velvet.

Father Memories Bereavement Music Box

The ideal gift for someone grieving the loss of a father, the lid of this elegant wooden box has space to display a photo alongside a relevant quote.

The box was created by Carson Home Accents, a company which has been crafting beautiful keepsakes for the last 40 years.

The box also plays “Amazing Grace.”

True Friends Grateful Teal Wood Locket Music Box

A hand-painted distressed finish gives this box a look of rustic charm, as does the old-fashioned locket tied to the lid.

This locket is perfect for inserting a small photo or other cherished keepsake.

You can also insert a 3”x5” photo for display on the lid.

A wind-up mechanism inside the box releases a lovely melody.

Memorial Lamps

For someone who brought light into your life, a beautifully-crafted lamp is the perfect remembrance.

They can last for years, bringing comforting memories every time you reach over to turn the light on.

Memorial lamps can come crafted with colorful stained glass. Often they may have space for a personalized engraving.

Here are some of our favorites.

Carson Light Remains Memorial Lamp

The shade of this Tiffany-style lamp is patterned in vivid stained glass depicting creamy lilies on green stems.

An inspirational verse alongside this pattern honors the light of warm memories.

The lamp sits on a cast resin base and comes with a five-food cord and on-off switch.

It requires a Type B bulb which must be purchased separately.

Stained Glass Tiffany Stained Glass Memory Lamp

The deep shades of blue in this gorgeous Tiffany-style lamp lend a calming, soothing light to any space.

This is a color of great spiritual significance to many different faiths, calculated to provide reassurance to one who is grieving.

The geometric patterns are designed specifically to remind you of the ocean and the sky.

An indigo jewel set in the center of the lampshade catches the light stunningly.

The base is carved from resin and has space for personalized engraving at no extra charge.

Walk Beside Us Memorial Remembrance Flameless Lantern

All this beautiful lantern needs are three AAA-size batteries to give off a warm glow outdoors or in.

Crafted of composite wood and finished with stainless steel, it is designed to stand up to bad weather.

A beautiful remembrance verse is displayed on the front panel of the lantern.

The lantern can stand or hang freely.

Spiritual Gifts

Meditation and prayer can be an important part of a bereaved person’s healing.

When a loved one passes, it’s comforting to remember that our physical lives are not all there is.

The spirit lives on forever.

Whether you favor chakras or angels, tangible evidence of the life of the spirit can be one of the most powerful gifts of comfort.

13 Pieces Healing Crystals Set

This set of chakra stones comes in a wooden box, accompanied by a written guide on how to channel their healing properties.

The seven pieces in the set include carnelian, lapis lazuli, an amethyst cluster and a chakra pendulum.

This makes it an ideal gift even for a novice at chakra healing.

The crystals come attractively packed in faux-raffia, accompanied by a velvet bag.

Guardian Pocket Angel with Serenity Prayer Card

Smooth to the touch and easy to carry around in your pocket, this guardian angel is sure to bring comfort to any bereaved person.

It is hand-carved with care and love, accompanied by a serenity prayer card.

At only 1.5 inches tall, the angel can go right along with you. It can travel along in your glove box or rest reassuringly on your nightstand.

Angel Solar Garden Stake Lights

These angelic lights give a warm glow to any outdoor space, and make a lovely addition to any garden.

The 12 LED lights gather solar power throughout the day to light up the outdoors at night.

They come on sturdy metal stakes which can be placed deep in the ground to last through all kinds of weather.

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