Re: Advice for Sympathy Gift Basket

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

You have some good ideas here, but if you want to go in a different direction than food, since they'll have so much, what about a 'pamper me/spa' type basket?

You could put lots of bath salts, lotion, yummy soaps, etc. type items in it that she can just relax, have some private time to just take care of 'her'.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

Katcat1 · ‎07-21-2011

@beach-mom What was the cause of death? if Cancer, you could donate a monetary gift in her name. Whatever the cause you can still donate to the cause.

kindness is strength

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@beach-mom wrote:
Thanks @ScrapHappy and @ThinkingOutLoud! The paper goods is an excellent idea! I will get some tomorrow afternoon and take them over!

@beach-mom And call and ask if they need ice! One of those convenience cheap coolers with a bag of ice might be a good thing.

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

I would suggest calling the Church and asking them if they have a Tree of Life on their walls to remember their members of past. If food is on your mind, Cheryl's has a sympathy package or any of those companies who are associated with Cheryls.

Allow 10 days to it there though, it's not them shipping it, it's that Smartpost delivery service that takes "years" for the package to move.

Pearlee · ‎06-11-2011

You can fund an "In Memory Of [whomever] bench in a park, or have a plaque inscribed In Memory of her to hang someplace of significance to her. A university near me that has a big cancer research center allows people to "buy a brick" on a brick walkway around the center and they put the In Memory Of inscription on the brick. Our downtown theater where there are plays and movies puts In Memory Of nameplates on the seat arms in Memory of people who loved the theater or movies.

There are lots of non food options!

Gw320 · ‎01-31-2018

When my father passed a neighbor brought over their cooler filled with ice, water and pop. It was greatly appreciated as we had tons of food. Ever since then when someone close has a family member pass I do the same,

redwrite · ‎10-03-2011

Years ago, a young man from a very large family was killed in a car accident. Very large family, small town-many, many people were at their farm, extending condolences. We had brought a sliced ham, bread, butter, etc. Someone who had arrived just ahead of us had brought a cake. I shall never forget what the grieving mother said to me. We hugged, and with a look of...shock, sadness, bewilderment-a myriad of emotions-she said, "Cake. Cake...How am I supposed to feed cake to all of these people?"

In the throes of just having lost a child, at that moment, she was worried about not having enough forks and plates to feed the ever-growing group of people at her house.

I don't know why that moment has stuck with me for so long, but I make sure to send something functional as well-plastic dinnerware, napkins, cooler with cold sodas, container of coffee, etc.

So, @On It -I second your idea!

kathie66 · ‎03-10-2010

@beach-mom

When my Dad passed unexpectedly in October friends and neighbors were so kind to my family. We received hot food, cold cuts, wraps, and rolls. Bagels cream cheese donuts coffee and tea at breakfast time. Water, Gatorade, and juice boxes were so appreciated as well as a neighbor bringing fresh fruit and paper goods they even included paper table cloths. Do they need any seating for visitors outside or in? Folding chairs and an extra table outside were so helpful to us. Also, do they need anyone to stay at the house during the service to help set up food for them or manage any deliveries or any childcare? I am so sorry and will keep your friend, her Mom, and you in my prayers.

"Dogs heal hearts they never broke"
RIP Lexi aka "Momma" 1/15/24

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

@beach-mom Honestly anything would be appreciated...just make sure that they know who it's from.

My own mother passed away a few weeks ago and I received mystery flowers. It is a professional arrangement and had a card in the pick with my name, address & phone number along with a sympathy sentiment....no idea who it's from! Plus there is no name of a florist on the card either.

I ended up calling five local florists who all checked but they each said that their name would have been on the card. This is frustrating since I can't thank the sender....this has never happened to me and it was starting to become a ridiculous project trying to figure out who it's from.