170+ Sympathy Gifts For Children
Discover heartfelt sympathy gift ideas tailored to provide comfort and support for children grieving the loss of a loved one in our upcoming blog post.
When a child experiences the loss of a loved one, offering support is crucial. My own children recently faced this loss, which led us to discover the significance of sympathy gifts for kids.
These gifts go beyond ordinary presents, providing comfort during the grieving process. Striking the right balance is essential as we help them through their emotions.
Let’s explore meaningful sympathy gift ideas for children of all ages.
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Allowing Kids To Grieve
When it comes to death and dying, even very young children know more than we generally give them credit for. I was one of those kids who lost a parent at the young age of 5, and I remember it all 30 years later.
Whether a child just lost a beloved pet or have recently endured the life-changing death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend, the anguish they’re feeling is very genuine and may be all-consuming (and downright bewildering), especially if it’s their first major loss.
Sympathy gifts for children can serve as a lasting and loving memory, helping to honor the little angel friend who has left a profound impact on our lives. When selecting sympathy gifts, it’s important to consider the recipient’s time zone, as well as any specific delivery dates they may prefer.
Many sympathy stores offer a range of options, including sympathy plants, memorial jewelry, beautiful angel blankets, and even bird feeders that can serve as a symbol of peace and hope.
Whether you choose a touching keepsake or a meaningful piece of jewelry, these gifts can act as a powerful tool for healing and provide solace during the grieving process. When ordering sympathy gifts, ensure that the delivery address is accurate and be aware that international addresses or P.O. boxes may require additional processing time.
For recipients within the continental United States, major carriers can deliver your gift to the designated location, often the next business day. Additionally, many stores offer the option to include a dedication card with the name of the deceased, allowing you to convey your caring thoughts and support in a heartfelt message. As the English writer Thomas Moore once wrote, “The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible, and there arriving, she is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.”
These sympathy expressions, inspired by the wisdom of Solomon, Irish blessings, and Chinese proverbs, can offer solace and provide a sense of peace during this difficult time. It’s essential to remember that sympathy gifts are not meant to ease the pain entirely, but rather to show love and compassion when words alone are not enough.
As the American poet Wallace Stevens wrote, “Death is the mother of beauty. Only the perishable can be beautiful, which is why we are unmoved by artificial flowers.” Each gift chosen with love and care is a way to honor the memory of the child who has taken their last sleep and has awakened to their final scene.
In moments of loss, we hold onto loving memories and find solace in knowing that our little angels reside in the palm of His hand. Sympathy gifts can bring comfort and strength to grieving families, reminding them that they are not alone and that others are thinking of them during their time of need.
sympathy gifts for children
When a family member experiences the heart-wrenching loss of a child, offering your deepest sympathy and support becomes crucial. In these difficult times, thoughtful gifts can be a source of comfort and solace. Discover the best memorial gifts that convey your sincere condolences and offer a touch of healing during their darkest days.
- Angel’s Wings – A Perfect Memorial Gift: Symbolizing the love of God and the final awakening, angel’s wings are a beautiful and meaningful sympathy gift. They can serve as a reminder that their beloved child now rests in eternal peace.
- Same-Day Delivery for Condolence Gifts: At a time when every moment counts, you can ensure that your condolence gift reaches the recipient’s doorstep promptly. Many reputable sympathy stores offer same-day delivery services, allowing you to send your thoughtful gift exactly when it’s needed most.
- Beautiful Inspirational Poems – The Perfect Words of Comfort: Sometimes, the only thing that can provide solace is a beautiful inspirational poem. Words penned by famous authors like Walter Scott, Oscar Wilde, and Thomas Mann can capture the deepest sentiments of sympathy and love.
- Secure and Hassle-Free Payment Options: When selecting a thoughtful sympathy gift, you want your transaction to be smooth and secure. Look for online stores that accept credit card payments without unauthorized charges, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.
- Sympathy Expressions that Speak Volumes: In times of grief, finding the right words can be challenging. Sympathy expressions inspired by Irish blessings, Chinese proverbs, or the wisdom of John Allston can offer profound comfort and convey your warmest condolences.
- Timely Delivery to Any Destination: Whether your loved ones reside within the continental U.S. or have an FPO address, you can trust major carriers to deliver your heartfelt sympathies to the right destination. Many stores also offer the option to include a personalized poem card, adding a personal touch to your gift.
- Memorial Candles – Illuminating the Path to Healing: Lighting a memorial candle can create a serene and sacred atmosphere. It’s a wonderful gift that can symbolize the eternal flame of love and remembrance for the child who has passed away.
- Local Florist Services for a Personal Touch: Consider supporting your local florist when choosing sympathy gifts. They can provide beautiful arrangements and ensure that your gift reaches the family at the right time.
- Thoughtful Keepsakes – Part of the Heart: Thoughtful keepsakes like comforting angel plush throws or beautiful angel blankets are more than just gifts; they become lasting loving memories of the child who touched their hearts.
Even More Gift ideas For Grieving Children
- Personalized teddy bear with a sympathy message
- Memory book or scrapbook
- Children’s books about grief and loss
- Art supplies like coloring books, markers, and colored pencils
- Puzzle sets
- Comforting blankets or stuffed animals
- A tree or plant to plant in memory
- Customized jewelry with the child’s name or a special message
- A framed photo of the loved one
- Music or lullabies CD
- A journal or diary
- Gift certificates for a favorite ice cream shop or restaurant
- A heartfelt letter or card
- A donation to a charity or cause in the loved one’s name
- Memory stones or garden ornaments
- Handmade or knitted items
- A special candle or lantern
- A charm bracelet with meaningful charms
- A comfort box filled with mementos
- A star-naming certificate
- A wind chime with a soothing sound
- A memory jar for collecting notes and mementos
- A framed inspirational quote
- A soothing essential oil diffuser
- A photo album or digital picture frame
- A book of uplifting quotes and poems
- A personalized memorial ornament
- A gift certificate for a family activity or outing
- A special piece of clothing or accessory
- A handmade quilt or blanket
- A sympathy gift basket with comforting snacks and treats
- A toy or game that the child has been wanting
- A visit to a special place associated with the loved one
- A guided grief journal or workbook
- A scrapbooking kit for preserving memories
- A framed piece of artwork or a painting
- A framed map with pins marking important locations
- A custom-made photo collage
- A soothing bath and body set
- A memorial garden kit with seeds and supplies
- A music box with a sentimental tune
- A framed certificate of a star’s coordinates in the sky
- A personalized piece of engraved jewelry
- A mindfulness or meditation kit
- A DVD collection of the child’s favorite movies or shows
- A gift certificate for a memory-making experience
- A virtual reality headset for immersive experiences
- A family photo session
- A special piece of artwork commissioned in memory
- A pet memorial item (if applicable)
- A personalized storybook featuring the child and their loved one
- A memory jar filled with messages from friends and family
- A special piece of jewelry with a fingerprint or handwriting of the loved one
- A DVD collection of nature documentaries or educational programs
- A customized puzzle featuring a memorable photo
- A cozy, personalized blanket with the child’s name
- A garden stone with a touching inscription
- A collection of inspirational books or quotes
- A birdhouse or bird feeder to remember the loved one
- A kite for outdoor fun and bonding
- A set of wind spinners for the garden
- A gift card for a book store or online book retailer
- A framed star map from a significant date
- A subscription to a children’s magazine
- A special recipe book or cooking kit
- A mini photo printer for instant memories
- A pet adoption or rescue certificate
- A donation to an animal shelter in memory of a pet
- A personalized nightlight with a comforting design
- A board game or family-friendly card game
- A DIY craft kit with everything needed for a project
- A framed photo mosaic made from multiple pictures
- A memory foam pillow or cushion
- A visit to a therapeutic petting zoo
- A personalized music playlist or mixtape
- A telescope for stargazing
- A subscription to a streaming service for movies and shows
- A comforting aromatherapy diffuser
- A dreamcatcher to catch good dreams
- A set of inspirational wall decals or stickers
- A special edition of a beloved book or series
- A monthly snack subscription box
- A virtual reality game or experience
- A personalized photo calendar
- A stuffed animal with a recording of the loved one’s voice
- A keepsake box for storing memories
- A set of family-themed board books for younger children
- A personalized growth chart to track their height
- A subscription to a science or nature magazine
- A fishing kit for bonding with a parent or guardian
- A personalized clothing item like a hoodie or t-shirt
- A digital picture frame that rotates through family photos
- A donation to a children’s charity in memory of the loved one
- A set of binoculars for birdwatching or exploring
- A memory candle with a comforting scent
- A portable DVD player with a selection of movies
- A set of building blocks or construction toys
- A special edition of a favorite video game
- A personalized tote bag for carrying cherished items
- A guided star-gazing experience with a telescope
- A subscription to an online art class or workshop
- A personalized piece of wall art with a meaningful quote
- A photo album with space for journaling
- A set of colorful windsocks for outdoor decoration
- A gift certificate for a fun family adventure, such as a zoo or amusement park visit
- A set of fairy lights or string lights to create a cozy atmosphere
- A DIY terrarium kit with succulents or air plants
- A memory game featuring pictures of the loved one
- A plush blanket with a built-in pocket for small treasures
- A craft supply kit with various art materials
- A custom-made puzzle map of a favorite vacation destination
- A personalized nameplate or door sign for their room
- A donation to a children’s hospital in memory of their loved one
- A keepsake box with a lock and key
- A set of journals for writing or drawing
- A gift card for a local family-friendly restaurant
- A personalized family tree chart or artwork
- A set of motivational posters for their room
- A set of outdoor sports equipment like soccer balls or frisbees
- A subscription to a science or nature magazine for kids
- A telescope for exploring the night sky
- A collection of uplifting and inspirational movies
- A personalized snow globe with a cherished photo
- A special edition of a classic children’s book
- A butterfly garden kit with seeds and instructions
- A framed piece of artwork created by the child
- A set of gardening tools for outdoor activities
- A day trip to a nature reserve or wildlife sanctuary
- A personalized Christmas ornament to hang each year
- A set of building toys like LEGO or blocks
- A visit to an indoor trampoline park or arcade
- A treasure hunt or scavenger hunt kit
- A set of magnetic poetry words for creative writing
- A personalized family puzzle
- A subscription to a kid-friendly science experiment kit
- A bird-watching kit with binoculars and a field guide
- A set of children’s audiobooks with headphones
- A gift certificate for a pottery or art studio
- A special edition of a favorite board game
- A personalized storybook about their own adventures
- A family movie night package with popcorn and snacks
- A day at a petting zoo or farm
- A personalized wall clock
- A set of colorful and scented bath bombs
- A personalized music box with a soothing melody
- A donation to a children’s education charity in memory of their loved one
- A set of glow-in-the-dark stars for their bedroom ceiling
- A subscription to a children’s magazine about animals or nature
- A personalized sports jersey or uniform
- A family photo session with a professional photographer
- A day at a science museum or planetarium
- A set of interactive educational apps or games
- A personalized pillow with a comforting design
- A birdhouse painting kit
- A personalized tote bag for carrying school supplies
- A set of gardening books and tools
- A subscription to a children’s book club
- A day at a water park or swimming pool
- A personalized family recipe book
- A set of friendship bracelets or jewelry-making kits
- A special edition of a favorite comic book series
- A personalized jigsaw puzzle with a cherished photo
- A kite-making kit with all the materials
- A donation to a children’s charity that supports their interests
- A personalized apron for cooking or crafting
- A day at a horseback riding ranch or stable
- A set of outdoor adventure gear like a compass and binoculars
- A subscription to a children’s science magazine
- A personalized growth chart with a fun design
- A family camping trip or outdoor adventure
- A set of storytelling dice or cards for creative play
- A memory quilt made from the child’s clothing or fabric from the loved one
How To Help Your Grieving Child
Supporting a grieving child through the challenging journey of loss necessitates sensitivity and empathy. Understanding that each child is unique, with varying needs based on factors such as age and development, is crucial. This guide provides practical advice, drawing from expert insights and reputable sources, to help parents effectively assist their grieving children.
Respecting a child’s need for time and space is paramount. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and children may react differently than expected. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes allowing grieving children to express their emotions at their own pace, highlighting the importance of this approach.
Ensuring proper nutrition and adequate sleep is essential for a child’s physical and emotional well-being, especially during times of grief. The National Institute of Mental Health underlines the link between sleep, nutrition, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy eating and sleeping patterns.
Maintaining routines and creating new traditions offer stability and predictability for children amidst uncertainty. The Child Mind Institute discusses the significance of routines and how to establish meaningful traditions to aid children in coping with loss.
In addition to these guidelines, it’s essential to consider thoughtful ways to provide support. Memorial gifts, such as comforting angel plush throws, beautiful angel blankets, or wind chimes, can be a great way to express condolences and offer comfort during a time of sorrow. These gifts hold special meaning and can serve as lasting loving memories. Remembering the name of the deceased and delivering these tokens of sympathy to the recipient’s time zone or a funeral home can be thoughtful and meaningful gestures.
Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing sympathy gifts for children, the options are vast, but the best choice is one that aligns with your child’s values and opens the door for meaningful conversations about their loss.
If uncertainty clouds your decision on what might resonate with your grieving child, consider a gift that incorporates several thoughtful elements. For instance, creating a book on their favorite subject or gifting them a journal to express their emotions can be profoundly therapeutic.
However, it’s equally vital not to be overly prescriptive in your approach to your child’s grief. They require the space to process their loss in their own way, and your role is to be there for them, to listen, and to offer comfort when needed. Sometimes, it means allowing them the freedom to cry or express their anger while you provide a supportive presence.
In these challenging times, it’s crucial to remember that grief is a deeply personal journey for every child. By offering love, understanding, and thoughtful tokens of sympathy, you can help them navigate this difficult path and find their own way to healing.
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Footnotes
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Helping Children Cope With Death. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Helping-Children-Cope-With-Death.aspx
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/pandemics-and-mental-health-coping-with-stress/index.shtml
- Center for Grief and Healing. (n.d.). Eating and Sleeping Challenges for Grieving Children. https://www.centerforloss.com/children/
- Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). How to Help Grieving Children. https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-grief/
- The Dougy Center. (n.d.). Supporting a Grieving Child. https://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/supporting-a-grieving-child/
- The role of post-mortem tissue donation in helping grieving families heal is highlighted in the study of pediatric oncology patients. Participating in this process can provide a sense of purpose and comfort to families during their time of grief (Uceda et al., 2021).
- The importance of sympathetic and supportive environments, including parenting, in developing children’s sympathy and emotional responses is discussed, emphasizing the significance of nurturing environments for grieving children (Taylor et al., 2015).
- A study on sympathy, guilt, and moral reasoning in children suggests the role of these emotions in their development, indicating how gifts that encourage emotional expression and understanding can be beneficial for grieving children (Malti et al., 2016).
- The article “The Gift of Children” offers insights into the unique value and potential healing power of children, emphasizing their role in providing comfort and hope in challenging times (JohnStonestreet, 2019).
- Research on sympathy in families with drinking problems highlights how sympathy is an emotion connecting people in trouble, suggesting the relevance of sympathetic gifts in fostering connections and support for children in grief (Järvinen & Bloch, 2017).
- A clinical report on supporting the grieving child and family provides practical suggestions on helping children understand and process grief, relevant for considering the type of gifts that can aid in this process (Schonfeld & Demaria, 2016)
- The study on young children’s dispositional sadness and its prediction of prosocial behavior and sympathy can inform the selection of gifts that cater to emotional expression and sharing (Edwards et al., 2015).
- A study on the significance of funeral rituals and lamentations for children in various cultural traditions can provide insights into the importance of memorial gifts or rituals in helping children grieve (Mykytenko, 2020).
Assorted Gourmet Foods:
Specialty jams or preserves
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Artisanal pasta and sauces
Gourmet soups or stews
Fresh Fruits:
Include a selection of fresh, seasonal fruits.
https://sympathyfoodbasket.blogspot.com/2023/12/sympathy-food-basket.html