It can be really hard to know what to get someone going through something tough, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a severe illness, or someone close to them. These five gifts for those in need are inexpensive but thoughtful ways to show them you care and want to be there for them as they struggle with their situation.
The Gift Of Listening
Often times all you need is to have someone be there for you and listen to your thoughts and feelings. If your friend or family member doesn’t have someone available, then this may be the perfect time to lend them a listening ear. Be sure to remain quiet and listen with an attentive ear. Part of this type of gift is being available at any given time during the day. It also means that you should initiate a conversation either in person or with a phone call. When people are grieving, they may not know who wants to listen, so reaching out is always appreciated and helpful. Giving a hug or holding their hand can also make them feel your sincerity while they share their most vulnerable moment with you.
The Gift Of Service
The gift of service is a reminder that you are needed. Whether it’s as a handyman, maid, or chauffeur, when you make yourself available to someone else, they feel comfortable enough to lean on you in their time of need. This type of service provides closure and will let the person know that they can rely on you when things get tough again. In this sense, it can be an incredible experience for both parties involved because the receiver knows they have someone there for them, even if they don’t have to ask for help every single time. On top of that, when we do something for others without expecting anything in return, it not only makes us happy but also helps us stay grounded and humble about our own lives by taking into account what others may need from us.
A Handwritten Letter
Send a handwritten letter. Letters never get old! Yes, even though text messages make communicating easier, they can also disconnect us from people who live far away. Sending letters lets people know they’re thought about without being reminded that they are miles apart. The receiver can look at the letter whenever they want, and it will always be there for them to read. Plus, writing down thoughts on paper is soothing and therapeutic. The pen or pencil scratches along the page as the writer gets their feelings out in the open; it’s cathartic for everyone involved in the grieving process. This letter can also be accompanied with some fresh flowers of sympathy. You can get the best blooms when you buy flowers online from BloomingBox.
Things For Self-Care
When we are caring for others, it can be easy to neglect ourselves. It is essential to care for ourselves to create a balance in our lives and help ourselves through rough times. A gift certificate to a local spa can help treat them to a little pick-me-up, even if it is for just those few hours. If you feel that your loved one isn’t quite ready to spend some time away from home, you can always bring the spa to them. A spa basket containing bath salts, a face mask, a lavender candle, and some tea is a way that they can have a self-care day in the comfort of their own home.
A Mindfulness Box
These unique and thoughtful sympathy gifts come in a box that can be gifted in person or by delivery. The contents of the package may include jewelry, a candle, a gardening kit to plant something in memory of their loved one, a mug, a journal to put their thoughts and feelings on paper when they find it too hard to share with others, and even little trinkets that they can keep around in memory of their loss. Whatever you decide to gift, make sure you do so in honor of their loved one.
Lastly, if you don’t know what to say in the card attached to the gift, you can always say something along the lines of, “As someone who cares deeply about you and your well-being, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to make sure you’re safe and happy. So when things don’t go according to plan, this is my way of letting you know that no matter what happens, I am here for you”.
We hope these gifts will spark some ideas to help you and your loved one get through this challenging time.