Watching a friend grieve the loss of their spouse can be heartbreaking. As a friend, you want to help them but you may not be quite sure how. One way is to show them your love and support by giving them a sympathy gift. But what should that be? For many people, this can be a challenging question. If you find yourself in this situation, keep reading as providers of cremation service in Freeport, IL share some of their top ideas to gift a grieving widow(er).  

When Should You Give a Gift? 

Gifting something to a widow(er) can take place on several occasions. You could give them something soon after the passing of their spouse as a sympathy gift, or you could gift them an item or service on special days such as their birthday, wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of the spouse’s passing.  

Gift Ideas for a Widow(er) 

What gift you decide on is up to you and will depend on things such as your relationship with the widow(er) as well as the occasion or holiday. Some of the following ideas make wonderful sympathy gifts to offer soon after the loved one’s passing, while others may be better given on a spouse’s birthday. Whenever given, your friend will appreciate your thoughtfulness.  

• Cleaning Service – Giving your friend a gift card for a cleaning service can be a wonderful gift soon after the passing of their spouse. This is because they will be grieving and most likely not have the desire or motivation to clean the home themselves.  
• Weighted Blanket – A weighted blanket is known for bringing comfort and making people feel less tense and anxious. This item can bring comfort to your friend as they cuddle underneath.  
• Care Package – Care packages always make wonderful gifts. There are many baskets online that are premade around a theme or event. You can also get creative and make your own adding in special, more personal items you know your friend will love.  
• Plant – While flowers are beautiful, they do decay and need to be thrown away. A plant, however, can last for years. This is a nice gift for any time.  
• Journal and a Pen – This can be an especially helpful gift soon after the passing of the spouse as your friend can journal their thoughts and process their grief. 
• Meal Delivery – Everyone enjoys a nice, hot meal they do not have to cook themselves. You could gift your friend a single meal from a local delivery service, or set them up for a weekly or monthly meal delivery service.  
• Photo Frame – A nice photo frame can be a wonderful gift for your friend on their wedding anniversary or other special day. They can then use this frame to hold a special photograph of their loved one.  

As providers of cremation service in Freeport, IL, we know how challenging it can be trying to decide what to gift your friend who has just lost a spouse. Hopefully these ideas have helped give you some direction as well as inspiration.