Gift Guide for the Grieving
How to you buy a gift for someone who just lost the love of their life? Or a parent who lost a child? Or for someone recently diagnosed with cancer?
You shift the focus of the gift.
You don’t send a gift with the intention of eliminating their grief (you can’t). You send it as a way to say, “I acknowledge what you’re going through, this totally sucks, and I’m here.”
Sure, getting a Thundercat figurine in the mail when I was diagnosed with cancer may not outwardly scream, “I’m here for you,” but to me, it was thoughtful, personal, and made me laugh.
When Brad died, many people around me felt completely paralyzed on how to help, especially during the holidays. The really spectacular people showed up. They sat with me, cried with me, laughed with me, and broke shit with me. But not everyone is able to physically be there (nor did I want or need everyone to physically be there). And for those times, sending a little gift is a nice way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
None of these items will fix their problems or rid them of their grief (nothing will do those things), but hopefully they will bring a little dose of joy and some understanding from someone else who's been there. And if you want to make it more personal (which trust me, you do), include a little note, some photographs, or a poem or quote that makes you - and the person on the receiving end - think of their strength during this time.
(Please note, as unsexy as it is, there are affiliate links in this post. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.)
Lovingly Box
Lovingly Box is a curated collection of self care packages to support those grieving. Choose between boxes like, “It’s OK to Stay in Bed All Day,” “It’s OK to be Angry,” or “It’s OK to Feel Lonely, But You are Not Alone.”
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
This is the book I recommend to everyone who has experienced loss. It’s full of practical advice from someone who’s been there. It’s also important if you’re the supporter of a grieving person, so buy a copy for yourself as well.
Gratitude Journal
Research shows that acknowledging daily acts of gratitude can improve your mental health. We have no idea if it’s true, but we do know that recognizing the good throughout your day sure as hell won’t hurt.
Affirmators!
Self help without the self-helpy-ness? Count us in. These are great for the friend who could use a little positive affirmation but also appreciates some sass.
Grief F*cking Hurts: Write That Shit Down
Sure this is just a journal. But there is no better release than scribbling your darkest and angriest thoughts down on paper so you can then let them go. At least for a moment. Want to make this gift really special? Consider signing them up for a Writing Your Grief course - this allows them the space to process their thoughts and be a part of a community of others who “get it.”
On Coming Alive: Journaling Through Grief
If a blank journal isn’t enough, this one offers prompts to help guide someone through the darkness of grief. Because “grief brain” is very real and sometimes we need help with what to write.
Inflatable Boxing Gloves
We don’t condone violence, but sometimes you just need to work through your aggression in a safe (and hilarious) way. Want to be a true friend? Order a second pair and be on the receiving end.
Cannabis Infused Skincare
I hate to say it, but grief ages you. Grey hair, dark under eye circles, and wrinkles all accompany grief. Help reverse the damage of non stop tears, overconsumption of alcohol, and a total lack of sleep with this skincare line infused with cannabis. Yep, cannabis.
Looking for additional gift ideas? Check out my full list of resources on my website!