Say it with flowers - even edible ones

Most people think of gift-giving for fun and happy occasions – such as Christmas, birthdays, a new baby or a wedding – but what would you give someone who’s suffered a tragedy or something terrible? Perhaps they’re going through a divorce, a bereavement, they’ve lost their job, gone bankrupt or been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

While your time (or more time for them) and perhaps a few healthy home-cooked meals are probably the best gifts you can give them, as well as a Care4Hire gift certificate for a carer to well, take care of them, here are 4 different types of gift ideas which may cheer them up during this difficult time…

1. Light-hearted gifts to cheer them up
Most of these gifts should raise at least a chuckle if not a wry smile. Check out Sockgrams, Madcapz (especially for women experiencing hair loss following chemotherapy or other illnesses) or a laughter club. They might smile again seeing a cheer-up message cleverly reflected back in the mirror on their t-shirt or amuse themselves wearing differently coloured undies, each with a message per day. Perhaps they’ll feel good again watching some favourite DVDs of Christmas classics. I also like the ideal of the customised daily messages in your inbox from My Very Own Fan and the idea of adopting a farm animal (perhaps if they’ve lost their own pet). If someone’s had a bad break-up and is trying their luck again(!) you could give them a Hot Lunch Date Box, or Pleasant Dreamz pillowcases peppered with positive affirmations. Those who’ve stressed about putting on weight from their medications or just plain old stress, might smile at the Knife and Fork Lift.

2. Just-relaaaaaax-and-chill-out gifts for stressheads
I loved reading about Mary-Jane’s Relaxing Soda, which they can sip while listening to a stress-relief meditation on CD, a gift certificate for a massage, or calming essential oils. If you want to take them on a break give then a gift certificate for a B&B. If they’re still bedridden, give them a comfortable Wonda Wedge pillow. Or let them relax with one of their favourite magazines.

3. Thoughtful gifts to let them know you care
Many of these are personalised gifts designed specifically for the recipient. Children going through a rough time might like the Loveable Look-A-Like dolls while those undergoing surgery might appreciate the colourful Digni-TEE hospital gowns designed by a patient. If you don’t have the right words to say, a thoughtful poem, or photos encased in Treasured Blocks can be kept forever. A care package for a recently bereaved family could be just the the right gift. Other things that can work are care packages by Out Of The Blue Delivered and various items from The Comfort Company or a ruby glass heart to show your love and concern. Perhaps they have a sweet tooth and would love a cookie bouquet? If they feel like they’ve lost their mojo, maybe (just maybe) a boudoir photo session would be ideal or a pretty framed calligraphy print of Psalm 91:4. Others might want to consult with an intuitive healer.

4. Motivational gifts to make ‘em feel good (or a lot better)
A lot of these are books, such as Addicted to Stress, and Rich Woman (ideal for those trying to get back on their feet financially) by Kim Kiyosaki, whose husband Robert wrote Rich Dad Poor Dad , while those who have been lying around the home too long might respond to Get Off The Couch, Potato! Perhaps they could write in the Positive People Journal. If they need to take life one step at a time and reconnect with friends and family over dinner, a lovely food book Friday Evening Cookbook could be the answer. If they’ve been in the US armed forces, the colognes by American Line, which donate to the Veterans, Association could be a step in the right direction. And if music is the food of love, some might feel their soul is fed at last by singing and recording a song about their experiences.

Tags: bereavement gifts, cheer-up gifts, get well gifts, gift certificates, personalised gifts, sympathy gifts

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 1:00 am and is filed under gifts, personalised gifts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.