6 Thoughtful and Sweet Sympathy Gift Ideas
You may be surprised how important it can be to send food and drink to someone who’s dealing with grief.
Jan 20, 2025
When I was 27 years old, my dad died from lung cancer – he was only 60 years old. For weeks, our house was filled with an endless stream of friends and family offering their condolences. My siblings and I were in a state of shock, stunned by grief and sadness, and we had no mental or physical energy left to cook dinner or go to the grocery store. The sympathy gifts we received from loved ones, especially in the form of food or drink, provided a palpable form of love and comfort that we desperately needed.
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While sending a basket of food may seem trivial, sympathy gifts serve as an act of kindness, offering solace in ways that words sometimes are unable to. Whether it’s a salty or sweet snack, basket of fresh fruit, bottle of wine, or bouquet of flowers, a sympathy gift helps make any tough time a little easier to manage.
Here's my list of sympathy gift ideas to help you show your loved ones they're in your thoughts.
Prepared meals
Prepared meals
Shop : Chicken Pot Pie Duo from Harry & David
Family-Style Italian Meal from Harry & David
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast from Harry & David
Among the many ways to show your condolences, the gift of food is arguably the most appreciated. Food is a symbol of love, and the comfort of a home-cooked meal can bring relief to anyone going through a hard time. A prepared meal usually arrives ready to heat and serve, providing a sense of security and normality in times of sadness. It also relieves the person of the stress of shopping for and cooking food.
Consider sending comfort food favorites, such as Chicken Pot Pies, which can offer a sense of familiarity and nostalgia during a time of grief. Just like you, it will be there when they need it most.
Shop : Chicken Pot Pie Duo from Harry & David
Family-Style Italian Meal from Harry & David
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast from Harry & David
Wine
Wine
Shop : Sympathy Red Wine Gift Box from Harry & David
Sympathy White Wine Gift Box from Harry & David
Classic Sympathy Gift Boxes with Wine from Harry & David
Wine may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to a sympathy gift, but a glass of wine during a hard time can offer a momentary escape from grief. A carefully selected bottle of wine speaks volumes and shows you've put your heart into finding the perfect pour for your loved ones.
It’s important to tailor your wine choice to match the mood of the event. Therefore, a red wine or white wine would be a better choice than a sparkling wine, unless the bereaved are hosting a celebration of life ceremony or the deceased had an affinity for a specific varietal.
With the gift of wine, you are giving your friend or loved one an opportunity to sit down and finally have a moment to reflect and raise a glass in honor of the departed.
Shop : Sympathy Red Wine Gift Box from Harry & David
Sympathy White Wine Gift Box from Harry & David
Classic Sympathy Gift Boxes with Wine from Harry & David
Baked goods
Baked goods
Shop : "Thinking of You" Bakery Tray from Harry & David
Sympathy Cookie Basket from Harry & David
Have you noticed that taking a bite of your favorite sweet makes you feel happier? It’s not all in your head. Sweets release “feel good” hormones that can instantly boost your mood.
The beauty of dessert is that it is not pretending to be healthy; it is not trying to be anything other than what it is: a sweet thing to enjoy. Receiving baked goods, such as the Sympathy Bakery Tray, from a loved one can make you feel cared for. Baked goods are also easy to share among large groups because they’re portioned out, requiring minimal effort to enjoy.
Shop : "Thinking of You" Bakery Tray from Harry & David
Sympathy Cookie Basket from Harry & David