Sympathy gift- not flowers

[waterlane]

Can anyone suggest a kind of sympathy gift for someone close to me who has lost a young family member? They've been inundated with flowers and I was hoping to think of something a little different. I th

Pressed post too quickly. I thought maybe a candle might be a nice idea but I wondered if any mumsnetters had any ideas. Thank you x

Food!

My DH died 11 weeks ago, I got 36 bouquets of flowers .... my friends mum just died, I took her a huge home made lasagne - much better solution. I really didn't feel like cooking straight after, in fact if my mum hadn't been here DS and myself would have lived off takeaways and toast.

They probably won't feel like cooking but will need to eat, so could you cook them some meals to freeze or buy them takeaway vouchers, e.g. Just Eat vouchers?

Maybe something practical, like nice ready meals or takeaway vouchers? Or a snuggly blanket or jumper?

I second food. My mum died in January and my work colleagues rallied together and cooked a ton of food and puddings/tray bakes which were a life saver.

Maybe order 3days worth of food from a meal company some safe meals most people would like.

Honestly it meant my family were fed good food with minimal effort

Some really touching and beautiful gifts and cards for when someone has passed away here. Candles and other lovely things too. I use this shop often, they have gifts for literally every occasion and everyone.
www.morethanjustagift.co.uk/collections/hard-times

Oh my god - that morethanjustagift site ... I know that sort of thing is personal, and it's all a matter of opinion, but if I'd been bereaved and someone gave me something from that place, I honestly think it would make me angry, and I'd never see the giver in the same light again.

Go with food, OP - food is a great idea.

Photo frame/album, memory box...

Oh dear. I've been given gifts like that and really appreciated and treasured them, but then we are all different aren't we? I'm sure your friends would know you wouldn't like it so you don't need to worry. But I do think a lot of people find that sort of thing a real comfort.

Food is always good home made or nice ready meals.

I appreciated food, I still needed to feed my family but struggled to find the time or head space to cook.

If you want to give something that they can keep and if you have that kind of relationship Willow Tree have some lovely ornaments.

Something practical like food to make their life easier definitely.

Plus a well thought out card where you share a memory of the person (if you knew them).

Some really high end toiletries.

Food is my go-to for big event gifts. Time of upheaval is when we most need to be eating properly but when it's most difficult to get yourself together to cook.
Also a card with a memory of the person who died if you have any. Doesn't have to be "making memories" I told my friend I always thought of her Dad on his way to work as we used to walk to the bus stop at the same time when I was in school.
So when she mentioned him that's the image I had in my head.
People like to know their loved one was noticed and is remembered.