It may seem obvious to send a sympathy gift right after a loved one experiences a loss. You send flowers, a card, or maybe even a casserole. You show up for your friend or family member in their time of distress, of course. But there are other times that are less obvious when the people you love might need your support as well. Here are some of the unexpected times sympathy gifts can mean the most:
Job Loss
You might not think of it at first – after all, it’s “just a job.” But the reality is that many people attach their identity to their jobs, especially for people who have been with the same company for a long time, a job loss can be devastating. In other cases, your friend or family member may be the sole provider or a primary income contributor to their household. Being out of work can cause tremendous upheaval to an entire family.
You’ll want to be careful with sympathy gifts after a job loss because you may be dealing with your loved one’s pride. It can be tough to feel like someone is pitying you or giving you charity. Consider how well you know the person and how they may be handling this challenge. If you’re comfortable enough, you can send gift cards for groceries and meal delivery to help them get by. If not, you can always send a care package with snacks and other self-care items just as a pick-me-up.
Big Moves
Another unexpected setback for many people is a big move they’d rather not be making. It could be that your sister’s husband is being relocated with his company. It might be that your best friend’s wife is moving to a new military base. Whatever the case, many people find themselves in a situation where they’re leaving their friends and family behind when they’d prefer not to. It’s an ideal situation for a sympathy gift, if ever there was one.
In the case of big moves, you can put together sympathy gift baskets filled with mementos and nostalgia. If you’re close to the person, you can include photos of the two of you together. You can also consider their favorite treats and snacks, especially if you enjoyed them together. If they’ll be taking a long trip, you can add books, magazines, or puzzle books to help pass the time. And of course, a nice candle, cozy blanket, and soft socks are almost universally welcomed by all.
Major Setbacks
Sometimes, your loved one will experience a major life setback that others don’t recognize as calling for sympathy. This could include a big breakup or divorce, the loss of a beloved pet, or even a big blowup with a best friend or family member. These experiences can cause major upheaval in a life, and they can feel even more isolating for some people when they get no sympathy from others.
Even just the smallest acknowledgement that your friend or family member is feeling big feelings right now can make all the difference. Tailor your sympathy gift to the moment and to how your loved one is taking it. If they’ve lost a pet, you can create a memory box with photos of the beloved animal. If your loved one is struggling with a breakup or blowout, send comfort foods and indulgent treats to help soothe their broken heart. More than anything, send texts, pick up the phone, and show up, so they know they’re not alone.
Forgotten Milestones
It’s fairly common to bring casseroles and send sympathy cards after the loss of a loved one. What’s not so common is to remember that loss when big milestones come up. Your friend or family member may be missing their lost loved one on the deceased’s birthday or on the anniversary of their death. And they may feel all alone in their grief if everyone else seems to have moved on.
You can show up for your friend or family member on these days with a simple phone call or text to say, “Hey. I’m thinking of you. I know this day must be a tough one.” Offer to take them out for coffee or to take a nice long walk in the park. You could also plan to celebrate the deceased in a way that’s meaningful to your loved one. For example, if the deceased was a baseball fan, you could catch a game together. This will help keep their memory alive and let your loved one know you’re there for them.
In the end, sympathy cards aren’t just for the most obvious moments of grief in life. So many other situations find people feeling down and out and, most importantly, alone. Coming up with nice sympathy gift ideas can help bring you and your grieving loved one closer. Even a sympathy card can brighten their day and forge a connection between the two of you that will last for years. The key is to take your time, be thoughtful, and tailor the gift or card to your loved one and their experience. They’re unlikely to forget that you showed up for them any time soon.
