Thoughtful Ideas For Someone Experiencing Bereavement & Loss

Talking about death and bereavement is difficult at best, and showing a friend or colleague that you care when they lose a loved one presents a double difficulty: you want to reach out in their time of need with a sincere message, but don’t want to bother or further upset them.

Here are our tips for how to write a note that will do just that.

1. Write your note or send a gift as soon as you hear about the bereavement.
2. Write how you are feeling for them but keep it short and simple – they will likely receive a lot of messages.
3. Your message should reflect how well you know the bereaved person and the person who has died.

For example, for work colleagues and when you do not know the deceased, simple and short works best:

Dear Jack,
I was so sad to hear that you have lost your dear wife Pam. My thoughts are with you at this terrible time.
My condolences,
John

Dear Kate,
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
From everyone at Smiths Printing.

If you knew the deceased quite well it is fine to say that you will miss them too and remember some good things about them, such as:

Dear Aunt Helen,
We are so sorry to hear that we have lost Uncle Kevin.  He was such a kind and funny bloke who made the family Christmas so much better with his jokes and hilarious games. We will all miss him terribly and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love from
Kim and Ruby Brown

At a time when they will be getting a lot of flowers, a gift box is meaningful way to offer comfort, support, and solace to those who need it most. Our Thinking of You gift box has a large scented soy candle, craft chocolate and cookies. Today, regardless of religious or cultural affiliation, many people light candles as a way to honour and remember a life ‘passed’. It is a ritual that promotes reflection and signifies remembrance.

There’s something really comforting about taking a break with a hot cup of tea and a biscuit during a hard time. For this reason our High Tea and Tea, Cookies & Treats hampers are caring gift options.

Other gift box options include; Sending You Love, Peppermint Tea & Treats, the Foodie Hamper, or the Deluxe Family Hamper. Rather than having to throw out wilted flowers, they will be treated with what you genuinely know gives them comfort.

In times of loss, words may falter, but gestures of kindness endure. We hope we have helped you craft a caring bereavement message. It’s hard to talk about death and bereavement, but it doesn’t have to be hard to show you care.