Top Gifts for Grieving People

What’s the best gift for someone who’s going through a hard time?

Everybody knows someone who’s grieving this holiday season. From the little every day losses of routine and normalcy, to the big losses like the death of someone you love, grief is everywhere.

While you can’t take someone’s pain away, a thoughtful gift is a great way to offer your love and support.

Before you panic about what the “right” gift to give a grieving person might be – please don’t stress too much. It’s ok to be awkward and unsure! In fact, you might include a card that says something like, “There’s nothing I can give you that will fix this. I’m here, and I love you, even if I don’t always know what to say.”

Other things to keep in mind as you look for holiday gifts for grieving people in your life: focus on things that nurture, nourish, or support your friend without creating extra work for them.

For example, a collection of gift cards to favorite restaurants is a better choice than having ten bags of groceries delivered to their front door. Your friend might not have room in their fridge, or their appetite might not be so great, or they might be away for the weekend – and all that food would go to waste. Non-perishable gifts let your friend have some control over when and how they use your gift, and that extra layer of thoughtfulness goes a long way.

Grievers’ Gift Guide

If you’re looking for thoughtful gifts and services for your friends & family this holiday season, here are my top nine picks for grieving people:

Grief can be incredibly lonely for the griever & incredibly awkward for supporters. Getting good grief support doesn’t have to be so hard. With an annual subscription to Grief Coach, grievers receive personalized support by text, all year long. For friends who want to help but aren’t sure how, Grief Coach texts tips & reminders – it’s like having your own personal “good friend coach” in your pocket. It’s a win-win for everyone. Use offer code megandevine to take $10 off your annual subscription and get a gift that will show your support all year long. Visit grief.coach to sign up.

I love the whole line of candles from The After Company. With lovely scents that aren’t overpowering, they’re a wonderful way to bring a little bit of light to your grieving friend. The After Company was founded by someone who knows that grief isn’t a problem to be solved, so you can be sure that their thoughtful packaging will strike the right note (no platitudes allowed). Visit theaftercompany.com to order.

I’m absolutely obsessed with these plant based crayons from Plants & Colour. While making art won’t make grief go away, engaging in creative practices can be helpful inside grief. Founder Flora Arbuthnott has a whole line of gorgeous art supplies as well as online courses to help you (and your friends) explore your creativity. Visit plantsandcolour.co.uk for information.

Pair those crayons (or other art supplies) with my new journal, How To Carry What Can’t Be Fixed. Check your indie bookstores, and order early!

Make it a bundle with my first book, It’s OK that You’re Not OK. This classic favorite is available in print, audio, and digital reader versions. (and in multiple languages!)

We’re all about those gift cards for grieving people again. Prepaid cards for groceries, meal delivery, gas, or other everyday needs are a great way to support a friend going through a rough time. Gift cards give your grieving person control over what they order and when it arrives.

Small rituals provide a centering point when life feels out of control. Making tea always grounds me – there’s something inherently calming about it. I love Teamotions thoughtfully blended teas (the founders created their company out of an experience of deep grief). Find them at teamotionstea.com. And if you’ve got a favorite mug, let me know! I’m always on the lookout.

Give the gift of logistical support! Death brings a lot of admin tasks with it. My friends at Lantern have an amazing concierge service that provides on demand, 1:1 assistance as your friend slogs through all those details they never had to think about before. After a free 30-minute consultation, your friend will be matched with a concierge best suited for their needs. It’s human help when they need it most. Visit lantern.co to sign up.

Give the best gift of all: your love & attention. Sometimes you’re just not sure what to say, so you don’t say anything at all. Maybe you don’t want to “wreck” their holidays by mentioning their loss. Don’t avoid folks who are having a rough time this season. You won’t upset them by bringing up what they’re going through. Acknowledgment is a great gift.

Need more ideas on how to help a grieving friend during the holidays?
Look here, here, and here.

With the exception of Grief Coach, none of these products are sponsored or affiliates – I just like them. I’m the lead content developer at Grief Coach, and this link is attached to my discount code.