Condolence gift ideas

[Lavender14]

A young male member of my team lost a very close family member recently.

I will arrange a card from the team but wondering what else would be an appropriate and thoughtful gift? Flowers didn't seem very him if that makes sense. Any ideas?

Honestly, just a card and do everything you can to lighten his load and give him time off and generally look after him. Talk to him about it, ask how he is.

I was 18 when my dad died. People sent me all sorts of stuff. I did actually have a houseplant that I was quite fond of for many years, but I wouldn’t go that route unless he’s really keen on plants. Someone sent me a very expensive ham 🤷🏻‍♀️ even though I was a vegetarian! I think at the risk of getting it wrong or very trite, just a card and kindness is the best approach.

A ham is so random!

I was thinking maybe vouchers for a takeaway service along with making him some meals he can freeze and use over time if he doesn't feel like cooking?

Another vote for no gift.

Just a card

My work colleagues always have a collection and give the money to the person who's been bereaved to do what they want.

When my son died (suicide) I donated it to a small local mens mental health group

When my dad died it went to the local dog and cat home as dad loved dogs

When it was mum it went to breast cancer uk as mum had breast cancer many years ago.

Or if anyone is attending the funeral sometimes there's a collection for a charity afterwards, anything collected could be donated there.

Just a card.
I found it very odd being given a gift because my husband had died, in fact it really upset me to the extent I burnt it a few weeks later.
A card will well chosen words meant so much more.

I think this is a good idea.

Meal delivery service voucher

Cook vouchers, then they don't have to think too much about what to cook.

The funeral may include a charity link. Donate generously to that

I think a card is most appropriate from work colleagues. As a PP suggested, the most helpful thing you can do is make their work life as easy as possible for a while. If the colleague happens to mention their family are donating to a particular charity in their loved ones name, perhaps you could do a collection for that.

I have sent a plant before to a bereaved friend, but if I lost someone very close to me the last thing I'd want is presents.

Thanks all, lots of great suggestions and feedback here. A charity donation if noted on the funeral announcement is a great idea.

We sent a male colleague a bay tree when their mother passed away