Grief hits people hard, no matter how they cope with it or appear to be outwardly handling things. When a person is walking through a chapter of deep pain, planning meals and cooking isn’t often top of mind. Grief is helped by tangible support. Grief asks loved ones, “Can you help me hold what’s too heavy right now?” You might be surprised by how impactful a gift basket or self-care package can feel for someone in the throes of sadness. These five options deliver a symbolic hug without asking anything of people who are already dealing with so much else.
1. Sympathy Meat And Cheese Sampler (Gourmet Gift Baskets)
Single-serving snacks don’t need to be prepared. Their ready-to-go appeal gives a grieving loved one something to enjoy without exerting any effort. Meats, cheeses, crackers, and olives are featured in this basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.
What’s inside (highlights):
Summer sausage by Hanover Smokehouse
Garlic sausage by Hanover Smokehouse
Basil & garlic olives by Oloves
Garlic cheese by Mountain View Farms
Cheddar cheese by Mountain View Farms
Sundried tomato bruschetta by Cucina & Amore
Everything Lavasch crackers by Venus Wafers
Original water crackers by Capeachio’s
Why it’s a perfect gift for someone experiencing grief: Although gifts that require some preparation are kind gestures, especially for those who enjoy cooking, some people experiencing fresh grief are unlikely to eat at all if it’s not effortless.
Best for: coworkers, long-distance sympathy, people who won’t want to cook- Luxury Cozy Comfort Gift Basket (Harry & David)
Items in a self-care basket focus on relaxation, rest, and restoration. You can find packages that include things like candles, plush items, teas, lotions, journals, and other soothing gifts. This one from Harry and David is a well-rounded compassionate gesture.
What’s inside (highlights):
Cozy socks
Luxurious spa treats
Knitted blanket
Ceramic mug
Thoughtful keepsakes
Why it’s a perfect gift for someone experiencing grief: Some people might remember to eat just fine during grief chapters, but they may not even think to pamper themselves even in the smallest ways. Giving a gift like this not only shows care and compassion, but it reminds the recipient that self-care is important.
Best for: a close friend, someone who lives alone, people you know need a self-care nudge
- Grand Bakery Gift Basket (Wolferman’s)
Grief sometimes brings a group together. These occasions call for a shareable basket with a little something for everyone. From assortments of pastries and coffees to fresh fruits and savory treats, a big collection of various items can help several people feel supported at once. The Grand Bakery Gift Basket from Wolferman’s is a great choice. It offers muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, and more.
What’s inside (highlights):
1910 original recipe super-thick English muffins
Cinnamon raisin super-thick English muffins
San Francisco-style sourdough super-thick English muffins
Cranberry citrus traditional English muffins2 classic cinnamon rolls
2 icing packets
Classic currant scone
Chocolate swirl cake
Chocolate chip blondie
2 walnut chocolate chunk cookies
3 oatmeal raisin cookies
Triple berry preserves (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries)
Woven rope and metal basket
Why it’s a perfect gift for someone experiencing grief: A home filled with visitors is already under strains inherent to hosting while navigating grief. A gift like this makes it easy for people to get through the morning without having to jump into thinking about meals at the start of the day.
Best for: large families, memorial services, offices experiencing loss
- Sweets & Treats Gift Basket (Gourmet Gift Baskets)
Round up all things sweet to add a little comfort to a loved one who’s going through it… because every small joy is a win for someone in the midst of grief. The Sweets & Treats Gift Basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets is a wonderful choice. Filled with whoopie pies, brownies, and cookies, this collection is bound to deliver a smile to someone who really needs it right now.
What’s inside (highlights):
Classic whoopie pie
Fudge brownie cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies
Maple walnut blondie
Chocolate chunk brownie
Why it’s a perfect gift for someone experiencing grief: If someone has just experienced a devastating loss, a gift like this can bring much-needed warmth.
Best for: neighbours, acquaintances, a grieving person you know has a sweet tooth
- Sympathy Soup Gift Basket (Spoonful of Comfort)
Ready-to-make comfort foods offer something delicious without the burden of meal planning or grocery shopping. Breads, cheeses, jams, pastas, sauces, wines and soup, especially soup. This Sympathy Soup Gift Basket from Spoonful of Comfort will hit just the right spot.
What’s inside (highlights):
Two quarts of soup
Half-dozen rolls
Half-dozen cookies
Keepsake ladle
Note card with a personal message from you
Why it’s a perfect gift for someone experiencing grief: Especially in the first few weeks after a significant loss, even simple decisions can feel impossible. This kind of gift helps to take the chore of figuring out what to eat off the board. Soup is perfect because it’s both simple and comforting.
Best for: immediate family members, close friends
At the end of the day, a person in the midst of grief wants to be seen and feel supported. There are many ways to accomplish this. When a sympathy gift basket is the best fit for the gesture, you can’t go wrong with one of these five options.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
