When someone you love is grieving, it can be hard to know what to do. The usual go-to? A bunch of flowers. Nice gesture. But fleeting. And let’s be honest – grief doesn’t get wrapped up in cellophane and wilt away after seven days. If you want to offer something a little more lasting and comforting, here are 10 thoughtful grief gifts that go beyond the predictable.
Meaningful gifts for someone who is grieving (that they’ll truly appreciate)
1. Grief affirmation cards
Sometimes, grief steals the words. These gentle daily reminders offer comfort when you can’t. Whether they need a little hope, strength or just to feel seen, these cards help people find pockets of peace in the chaos.
Shop our grief affirmation cards
2. A DIY memory box
Encourage your grieving friend to keep special things – letters, photos, a spritz of perfume – in one place. Tangible, sacred, and grounding.
3. A journal and pen set
Journalling is one of the best ways to process grief. Plus, a journal gives grief a voice without needing an audience.
4. A comforting book about grief
Not everyone wants to read a dense psychology tome when their heart’s been blown open. Good Mourning is real, honest, and full of raw stories and practical support.
Order the Good Mourning book
5. A thoughtful care package
Fill a box with tea, snacks, tissues, lavender oil, a sleep mask, and a grief resource or two. It’s like a hug in a box.
6. A custom playlist
Create a playlist of songs their person loved – or ones that might help them cry it out.
8. Grief support candles
A simple ritual: light a candle in their person’s memory. It’s symbolic, soothing and special.
9. A mug that says it how it is
Grief doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Our Griefy AF mug delivers a little dark humour for the person who’s crying into their tea one minute, laughing the next.
Get the Griefy AF mug
10. Photo frames or memorial jewellery
Frame a favourite photo or gift a keepsake necklace with their person’s name or birthstone.
Finally, don’t forget that your presence is one of the best things you can gift someone who is grieving. Sure, it’s not something you buy. But your time, texts, and gentle check-ins? Priceless. Don’t underestimate showing up. There’s no “fixing” grief, but thoughtful gestures matter. Whether it’s something they can hold, read or sip from, grief gifts remind them they’re not alone.
FAQ:
What’s a good gift for someone who is grieving?
Something thoughtful, personal, and low-pressure – affirmation cards, comfort items, memory boxes or helpful books are great.
Is it okay to send a gift months after someone dies?
Absolutely. Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. In fact, it often intensifies as time goes on.
Author bio:
Imogen Carn is a speaker, grief educator, and co-host of Good Mourning, one of the world’s top grief podcasts with over 1.2 million downloads. After losing her mum suddenly, Imogen became passionate about creating a space where grief could be spoken about honestly, without the sugar-coating. She is the co-author of Good Mourning: Honest Conversations About Grief and Loss, and her work has been featured in major media outlets including ABC TV, Mamamia, The Daily Mail, and The Daily Telegraph. Through raw storytelling, compassionate insights, and community connection, Imogen helps others feel seen and supported in the messiness of grief.
Connect with Imogen on LinkedIn.
