Flowers are a traditional expression of sympathy but the trend today is toward smaller, less elaborate funeral services. Cremation is more common and some people choose to have their ashes scattered rather than interred in a cemetery plot.
Why Send a Sympathy Gift Basket?
Often, flowers don’t seem like enough, or requests are for “no flowers". When a floral arrangement isn't appropriate and the right words are hard to find, a gift basket can express your feelings of caring and compassion.
Designed to provide a break from the sorrow of their loved one’s passing and the stress of planning a funeral, the arrival of a condolence basket will be a pleasant surprise and something to share with grieving family members and friends.
Regular and Bereavement Gift Baskets
A sympathy gift basket will be slightly different, but the concept of providing a selection of gourmet edibles is the same. The design will be more sombre, usually in black or dark tones to convey an appropriate sense of decorum. As this is often a busy time for the recipients, non-perishable items are preferred choices.
Inspirational books with hopeful messages, guardian angel figurines and scented candles for relaxation are some of the extra gifts that a bereavement basket might contain. Some containers are made of black wicker or metal and feature sombre details, like an elegant black bow.
Choosing a Sympathy Basket
Bereavement baskets come in several sizes and are packed with comfort foods like chocolates, cookies, crackers and small cakes. Brand name and gourmet coffee and tea as well as wine and cheese themes are also available for delivery from quality suppliers.
Though most companies offer tried-and-true pre-selected choices, custom orders can be designed for delivery.
Create Your Own Sympathy Gift
It's easy to build a personalized basket yourself and deliver it to the bereaved family. Simply purchase an appropriately sized container and fill it with a selection of non-perishable comfort foods. Home-made cookies or cakes will be appreciated. Add a small framed photograph of the deceased, or include a note about a favourite memory. A book of inspirational thoughts can be consoling.
How to Order
Most reputable companies have online sites where you can view, select and safely pay for a sympathy basket. This modern method of sending condolences hearkens back to the tradition of bringing food to grieving families. Now, time and distance are not a problem as next-business day delivery is often available.
Heather Zorzini - Heather Zorzini's stories, essays and photographs have appeared in the Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto's NOW Magazine and ...
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