When someone you care about loses a person they love, it is hard to know what to say. A sympathy gift does not need to say much. It simply lets a grieving family know they are in your thoughts, and it often helps in a practical way during days that are full of visitors and very little time to cook. This guide shares what we have learned from helping customers send sympathy gifts from our Chestnut Hill studio.
What to Send
The most helpful sympathy gifts are simple and easy to share.
- Food that can be set out for guests: fruit, baked goods and snacks that need no preparation.
- Something warm: tea or coffee for quiet mornings.
- A gentle presentation: a natural basket in calm colors, with nothing loud or celebratory.
There is no wrong time to reach out. A gift that arrives a week or two later, after the visitors have gone home and the house grows quiet, can mean just as much as one that arrives right away.
Sympathy Gift Baskets We Recommend
Sincere Sympathy Fruit Basket
The Sincere Sympathy Fruit Basket is a wicker hamper of fresh seasonal fruit, such as apples, pears and oranges, arranged with greenery and gentle comforts like dipping pretzels, dried fruit and mixed nuts. The larger size adds tea, jam, cookies and crackers, a thoughtful spread for a family to share. Please note that we cannot ship fruit to California.
The Steaming Kettle Tea Gift Basket
The Steaming Kettle Tea Gift Basket offers a quiet moment. A willow basket holds a selection of teas with teatime treats such as cookies, a chocolate bar and mixed nuts. Larger sizes can add a mug or a ceramic teapot.
Good Morning Breakfast Gift Basket
Mornings can be the hardest part of the day. The Good Morning Breakfast Gift Basket holds breakfast basics such as pancake mix with maple syrup, coffee, tea, oatmeal, granola and jam, so there is one less thing to think about.
Bake Shoppe Gift Basket
The Bake Shoppe Gift Basket brings a taste of home baking to the door, with treats such as fresh baked cookies, brownies, muffins and bagels, plus coffee and tea. It is easy to set out when friends and family stop by.
Thinking of You Gift Basket
For a smaller gesture, the Thinking of You Gift Basket holds gourmet treats such as cookies, chocolates, coffee, tea and savory snacks. It comes in several sizes, from a decorative gift box to a willow basket.
Writing the Card
A short, sincere message is enough. A few examples:
- With deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you and your family.
- Holding you close in our thoughts during this difficult time.
- Sharing in your sorrow and remembering a life well lived.
Add your message in the order message box at checkout and we will place it with the gift.
Timing and Delivery
- Where to send: Most families prefer gifts at the home rather than at a service. If you are unsure, sending to the home a few days after the service is a kind choice, when the house is often quieter.
- Shipping: Most baskets ship by UPS the next business day to addresses in the continental United States.
- Fresh fruit: Perishable gifts need to arrive within 2 days, so faster shipping may be needed for distant addresses. Details are on our Shipping and Ordering Info page.
- Around Boston: We offer messenger delivery to many Greater Boston towns, Monday through Friday.
Questions?
You can see every option in our Sympathy Gifts collection. If you would like help choosing, or need a gift to arrive on a particular day, please call us at 617.739.0900, weekdays 9:30 AM to 5 PM. We will take care of the details with you.
