5 Sympathy Gifts to Send Instead of Flowers

While sending flowers to those who have suffered loss is a time-honored tradition, there are times when another choice might be better suited to the situation. It may be that the family or individual has already received many flowers. There are some religious traditions in which flowers are not appropriate. You may want something that’s a more tangible expression of support and encouragement of self-care for those who are grieving. Whatever your reason, there are many ways and items you can choose to share your compassion.

Below, we share a few ideas of items that can be shared as an alternative to flowers, which will still demonstrate your care and concern.

Send a Tree

When flowers don’t feel quite right but you want to send a living tribute to symbolize your concern and support, a tree or a collection of trees is a beautiful choice. We’ve partnered with American Forests so that you can send a single tree, a Tribute Grove of five trees, or a Legacy Grove of ten trees.

For every tree you select, Afterall adds a matching donation of a tree, making your gift both a generous gesture of your concern and an act of environmental restoration.

Give a Calm Curated Gift Box

After losing someone, it can be difficult for those experiencing grief to remember to engage in self-care. But with the gift of a Calm Curated Gift Box, you can send them a curated collection of items that will encourage moments of peace. Dark chocolate, ginger tea, and body lotion are among the products in this special collection, all designed to delight the senses and offer a respite in the busy days after loss.

Select a Custom Memorial Candle

For people of many religious and cultural traditions, lighting a candle can be a powerful way to remember someone who has passed. Available in two sizes, the Custom Memorial Candle is scented with juniper and cypress essential oils. You can add the name of a loved one to personalize this 100% soy wax candle with a cotton wick designed to burn clean every time.

Choose the Tranquil Reflections Vase

Instead of giving them flowers, how about a vase they’ll treasure for years instead? The Tranquil Reflections Vase’s crescent-shaped opening can hold fresh or silk flowers. Its striking design can also be displayed alone as a memorial keepsake. Customize the vase with their loved one’s name and a warm sentiment of your choice.

Offer the Warmth of a Memorial Blanket

When you give the Comforting Embrace Sherpa Blanket, you offer a symbolic hug to the person in your life who has suffered a loss. The blanket can be personalized with a name and dates, and the sherpa backing makes it a cozy expression of your support. Generously sized, it is also machine washable for straightforward care.