Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. And just the same, easing the pains of a person mourning over someone’s death is also something that needs utmost delicacy and sensitivity.
From giving memorial gifts like memorial wind chimes to helping in their everyday chores, there are actually different ways to show your care for them. However, you should take note that there is a certain etiquette that you need to observe if you are doling out sympathy gifts. Here are six important things you should be familiar with:
Ensure that your gift is appropriate
One of the most traditional ways of expressing your sympathy is by sending sympathy flowers. This is the best choice especially if you’re not really acquainted with the deceased. Nonetheless, if you deeply know the deceased or the bereaved, gifting them with customized items like memorial wind chimes, cards, and photo albums will be a thoughtful move.
The bottom line is ensuring that what you’re giving is appropriate. Also, if you’re giving the gift of money, know that it is best given discreetly.
Know the recipient’s religious preferences
Giving sympathy gifts is not a walk in the park. You’d need to do some research to make sure that you’re sending your message of sympathy across. This holds true especially when it comes to religious preferences. For example, while Christians accept sympathy flowers, Jews don’t. The latter should be sent with food — particularly, kosher.
Buy memorial gifts only from a reliable source
Not all towns have a sympathy gift shop. In most cases, you’d need to buy from an online shop. Before ordering something, do your homework first and check if the website is indeed a reputable seller. Look for reviews and check out if their previous customers are satisfied with their products and service.
Invest in gift-wrapping
Most shops offer gift-wrapping services. If they don’t, or if you’ve bought your gift from a physical store (and they don’t do gift-wrapping) — take
Time to wrap your gift yourself. Make it simple and elegant looking; it all the more adds a touch of care and sympathy.
Take note of proper timing
People say that the most ideal time to send memorial gifts is right after the funeral. However, in some cases, gifts can be sent over as soon as you’ve heard the sad news.
If you weren’t able to give your gift during the abovementioned periods, you can also send it within two weeks after the funeral services end. Some people also send their gift even a few more weeks after to help the bereaved know that they’re still being cared about and not forgotten.
Give your gift to the right person
It pays to know who is the more rightful person to address and send the gift to.
If you only know a friend, it’s best to address your gift to that friend and his or her family. If the deceased is someone you know very well, you can address the gift to the whole family.
If the one who passed away is a family member (meaning you’d have a hard time choosing whom to give the gift to) — the most recommended gift is through donating to the deceased’s favorite cause.
Remember Me Gifts has a wide array of memorial gifts you can choose from. If you’re planning to give a sympathy gift, check out our memorial wind chimes.
