Memorial Gifts
10 Things to Consider When Buying a Memorial Gift
Looking for the right gift to give as a memorial gift? Keep these 10 things in mind while you shop and you will be sure to come up with the perfect idea.
1. When in doubt, ask
This is certainly a gift that you don’t want to ‘screw up.’ Of course, your heart is in the right place, but you don’t want to accidentally upset anyone. Consider asking around to other family or friends if they know of something that they think the person would enjoy or find comforting. It certainly can’t hurt to ask, and it may give you a really good idea you wouldn’t have otherwise thought of.
2. Honor any requests
For example, if you want to send the person flowers, but they have politely requested they do not want any, make sure to honor their request. Just because something would be comforting to you does not mean it would be for them.
Whatever their reason is, be sure to respect it. We also think it is best to not push or ask them questions - this is a hard enough situation as it is, they do not need to deal with answering additional questions. If they made a decision, honor it.
3. Consider a favorite hobby
Did the person who passed away enjoy nature? Was there a certain park they frequented? A great memorial gift idea is to do something such as plant a tree or donate a bench with a plaque. This will keep their memory alive in a location that you know meant a lot to them and is something that friends and family can go and visit.
4. Incorporate an old memory
This may be a photograph, letter, or even an item that was important. If you have access to it (perhaps it is something that you owned), consider either giving it to the person or using it as part of your gift. You could get a photograph framed, or enlarged, or have a letter preserved and framed.
5. Consider an inspirational quote
Uplifting quotes can have a very positive impact on a person’s life. Thankfully, there are plenty of gift ideas that feature a quote or passage. From a piece of artwork to a plaque, these are great options that a person can have on display to help give them strength and remind them of those who are no longer here.
6. Personalize something
A great way to turn any gift into a thoughtful one is by personalizing it- either with the person’s name, their birthday, or even a picture of them. This helps to keep their memory alive and can be very comforting to the person who is struggling with the loss.
7. Get what will comfort them, not you
Always keep in mind that the memorial gift you are getting should be something that you think would comfort the person you are shopping for, not necessarily something that would comfort you.
It is easy to take on the mindset of thinking what would make you feel better, but your friend or family member may feel a different way. Take some time to really think about what they would enjoy - you would never intentionally get them something they wouldn’t like, but you don’t want to do so by accident either!
8. Coordinate with friends and family
You don’t want to overwhelm someone with a bunch of the same, or similar, gifts. Talk with close friends and family to see what everyone thinks is best and make sure you all have something unique to give. Or, consider getting one joint gift instead.
9. Give the gift of time
This can be in addition to a gift or simply the gift itself- be sure to make yourself available as much as possible given your situation. Be sure to respect a person’s wish for privacy if they want it, but make sure you reach out and let them know you are there for them if they need you.
With some time, they are sure to take you up on that offer and be appreciative to have a support system to lean on.
10. Make a donation
Sometimes, the best memorial gift is to use your money to make a donation in the person’s honor. This is especially great if they had a favorite charity that they supported. This will mean a lot to the person who is grieving and is a wonderful way to make a positive impact in the world.
