FAQ: Etiquette on Sympathy Gifts
Losing a loved one is a tough life event to go through. While there’s
nothing anyone can do to fully alleviate the pain of a grieving person
whose loved one has passed away, you can still show sympathy in a
variety of ways to let them know you care. If you’re not sure what you
should do for a friend or family member when someone passes away, here
are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding sympathy gift
etiquette.
Should I Send Flowers?
Having “funeral flowers” delivered to the funeral home or church is an appropriate way to express sympathy after a death. Or, you could send “sympathy flowers” directly to a loved one of the deceased. Funeral flowers are considered a tribute to the deceased at the funeral service. They are more formal and usually come in larger arrangements than sympathy flowers. Sympathy flowers can be delivered upon hearing the news of the death or can even be sent a week or so after the funeral to remind someone you are still thinking about them and their loss.
Should I Give a Gift?
A gift is by no means essential. You can certainly send them a card, give them a call, or drop off a casserole. The bereaved will appreciate your gesture regardless of a gift. However, thoughtful sympathy gifts show someone you care. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find a personalized gift. It’s the fact that you made an effort and thought of them that counts the most.
What Type of Gift Is Appropriate?
Appropriate sympathy gifts include items like keepsake boxes, angel ornaments, and peaceful figurative sculptures. Be sure to choose a company that specializes in memorial gifts and sympathy gifts for the most appropriate gestures. Look for themes that convey healing, comfort, hopefulness, and remembrance. In times of loss, grieving people sometimes need a tangible reminder of the one they lost or of family and those who are there for them. For your part, giving someone a gift is a comforting expression to the bereaved, especially when words are sometimes hard to say.
What About Religious Preferences?
If you aren’t familiar with the person’s religion, contact the local church, temple, or synagogue to ask what customs are preferred. For example, sympathy flowers are not appropriate for a Jewish Shiva, which is held at the immediate family member’s home for seven days after passing. Respects are traditionally paid during the week with kosher food baskets, fruits, and desserts.
What if Someone Wants a Donation Instead?
Oftentimes, the family of the deceased will ask for a donation to be made to a favorite cause in lieu of a gift. You can donate to the cause directly without having to divulge the amount to the bereaved. Even if you do make a donation, there’s no reason you can’t also give a gift and a card. It’s entirely up to you.
About Willow Tree®
Willow Tree® sculptural figures are beautiful expressions of love, closeness, courage, hope, healing—all the emotions of a life well-lived. The figures are masterfully crafted by artist Susan Lordi, whose pieces are about simplicity of form and absence of facial features. Lordi says her ideas for Willow Tree® come from her own life experiences and understanding of the world. The intimate line of figurative sculptures is open for interpretation, however, and hold great meaning for both the giver and receiver. You can find a variety of sculptural figures and artful products, including gifts for grandma, wedding presents, religious gifts, and much more from Willow Tree®.
Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com
Should I Send Flowers?
Having “funeral flowers” delivered to the funeral home or church is an appropriate way to express sympathy after a death. Or, you could send “sympathy flowers” directly to a loved one of the deceased. Funeral flowers are considered a tribute to the deceased at the funeral service. They are more formal and usually come in larger arrangements than sympathy flowers. Sympathy flowers can be delivered upon hearing the news of the death or can even be sent a week or so after the funeral to remind someone you are still thinking about them and their loss.
Should I Give a Gift?
A gift is by no means essential. You can certainly send them a card, give them a call, or drop off a casserole. The bereaved will appreciate your gesture regardless of a gift. However, thoughtful sympathy gifts show someone you care. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find a personalized gift. It’s the fact that you made an effort and thought of them that counts the most.
What Type of Gift Is Appropriate?
Appropriate sympathy gifts include items like keepsake boxes, angel ornaments, and peaceful figurative sculptures. Be sure to choose a company that specializes in memorial gifts and sympathy gifts for the most appropriate gestures. Look for themes that convey healing, comfort, hopefulness, and remembrance. In times of loss, grieving people sometimes need a tangible reminder of the one they lost or of family and those who are there for them. For your part, giving someone a gift is a comforting expression to the bereaved, especially when words are sometimes hard to say.
What About Religious Preferences?
If you aren’t familiar with the person’s religion, contact the local church, temple, or synagogue to ask what customs are preferred. For example, sympathy flowers are not appropriate for a Jewish Shiva, which is held at the immediate family member’s home for seven days after passing. Respects are traditionally paid during the week with kosher food baskets, fruits, and desserts.
What if Someone Wants a Donation Instead?
Oftentimes, the family of the deceased will ask for a donation to be made to a favorite cause in lieu of a gift. You can donate to the cause directly without having to divulge the amount to the bereaved. Even if you do make a donation, there’s no reason you can’t also give a gift and a card. It’s entirely up to you.
About Willow Tree®
Willow Tree® sculptural figures are beautiful expressions of love, closeness, courage, hope, healing—all the emotions of a life well-lived. The figures are masterfully crafted by artist Susan Lordi, whose pieces are about simplicity of form and absence of facial features. Lordi says her ideas for Willow Tree® come from her own life experiences and understanding of the world. The intimate line of figurative sculptures is open for interpretation, however, and hold great meaning for both the giver and receiver. You can find a variety of sculptural figures and artful products, including gifts for grandma, wedding presents, religious gifts, and much more from Willow Tree®.
Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com
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