Losing a grandparent is often the first kind of grief that a person experiences, aside from the loss of a pet. Whether it is sudden or expected, saying goodbye to a grandparent can stir up some strong emotions. Perhaps you might feel guilty that you didn’t spend more time with them, or perhaps you might feel sad that they won’t be around to spend time with your own children.
If you know someone who is grieving the loss of a grandparent, you might be wondering about a suitable gift that could help to ease their pain. Giving a gift to someone who is grieving is a great way to show your support and let them know they are loved. Here are a few gift ideas for someone who has recently lost a grandparent.
Memorial jewellery
Finding a way to properly memorialize their grandparent will be a struggle. Memorial jewellery is a touching gift idea that is perfect for men, women, teens and children. Memorial jewellery could include an inscription or it could contain a small portion of the cremation ashes. If you want to purchase this jewelry, you can contact Petalsandkeepsakes, who offer a number of antique designs.
This type of jewellery is excellent for helping individuals to grieve their loss and move on. It will bring comfort in times of need and allow them to feel their grandparent’s presence. But once they have passed through the stages of grief, the jewellery can be tucked away in a safe place ad saved for special occasions.
Flowers for a memorial garden
When grieving the loss of a loved one, it’s important to find space to be alone with your thoughts. A memorial garden is a great way to achieve this. If there is already a garden planned, giving a botanical gift is a great idea. If there are no plans underway, you could be the one to initiate the garden. Popular memorial plants include roses and lilies. You could also plant a tree in their honour.
Portrait or photograph
Commissioning a portrait, artwork or simply framing photographs of their loved one can be an incredibly touching gift. You could commission a local artist to paint a portrait of their loved one, or you could simply frame existing photos. Framing photos is an inexpensive gift idea that could be perfect if you are on a budget.
A plaque or bench
Like a memorial garden, a plaque or bench can give the surviving relatives a place to go and collect their thoughts. This would be a beautiful gift to give to someone who is grieving the loss of a grandparent. It can be difficult to know the best way to honour the dead, so giving a gift like this can take away the pressure of making such a painful decision. Instead of choosing the inscription, you can pay for the plaque or bench and then instruct the company making the bench to contact the family for the final details. This will ensure that you get the perfect message on the bench.
Donation to charity
Many people prefer to receive a donation to charity instead of funeral flowers. You could ask the surviving relatives if any such request was made by their grandparent and offer to make a donation. You could also take part in a challenge or event to raise money for the chosen charity in honour of their grandparent. It’s common to choose a charity that helped the deceased in their final years, such as a cancer charity or a hospice charity.
Your time and support
Sometimes the best gift isn’t a thing that you can wrap up and deliver, but a gesture of your support. Offering your time to help with simple things like preparing meals, taking care of kids or walking dogs can be incredibly supportive. You can also offer your support in the form of being a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear.
It can be difficult to know where to turn for support when you are in the grips of grief, so offering this support openly will be a huge source of relief. When offering the gift of support, always be specific about what you can offer. If you keep the offer too general, the person might be afraid to ask for too much from you. But if you are specific in what you can do, it will be far easier for them to accept your support.
Closing thoughts
Giving a gift to someone who has lost a grandparent is an excellent way to show your support and let them know they are not alone. Gifts don’t have to be expensive, and often the best gifts are the ones that cost nothing at all. A home-cooked meal or a friendly chat over a cup of coffee can be just as meaningful as an expensive gift. Don’t be afraid to be creative with what you can offer.
