Our Monthly Tip: Seven Holiday Gifts for Someone Who Is Grieving

Comfort and joy can seem so out of reach to someone who is grieving during the holiday season. Family gatherings and annual traditions can rekindle the ache of loss over long lost loved ones too. Still, a well-chosen gift — one that adds a touch of self-care, simple beauty or even whimsy to their day — can ease the pain during a time when rejoicing is not entirely possibly.

Here are our top choices of holiday gifts for the special people in your life who are experiencing grief this time of year.

1. A White Sage Smudge Stick and Crystal Pouch will tap into the beliefs held by ancient civilizations that the powers of crystals can release mental, physical and spiritual blockages. 

Each crystal has unique properties and energies to aid different conditions. This set includes a quartz crystal to purify and clarify the spiritual, mental, and physical planes, a linen pouch to carry the gem, and a sage stick. The California-grown herb is believed to purify, protect, and drive out negative energy. $15

2. The Nature Gear XL Window Bird Feeder lets you watch finches, cardinals and chickadees feed right from your living room, kitchen or family room windows.

During quiet, reflective times, songbirds perched no farther than a window pane may be all the companionship your loved one needs. $22.90

3. Cosanti Bronze Soleri Wind Bells will soothe the weariest soul.

The Soleri bronze collection includes an array of handmade bells cast in sand at Cosanti in Arizona. Each one is a work of art that pays homage to the look and feel of nature while also reflecting a loved one’s unique personality. These beautiful bells capture the changing color of sound that will add a one-of-a-kind and graceful fluidity to those in earshot, every day. $32 -$750

4. Aromatherapy jewelry  promotes a sense of feeling good – inside and out.

Taking a deep cleansing breath whenever, wherever, becomes even more therapeutic when you can carry the power of essential oils with you in a stylish pendant.
A number of shapes are available in various finishes. $125

5. For him — The Pendleton Painted Hills Blanket provides the gift of warmth and comfort.

Inspired by the iconic landscape of  Eastern Oregon, this high quality blanket is built for warmth and durability. Woven in the USA from a virgin wool/cotton blend and finished with a taped edge, it’s sure to provide a lifetime of comfort through the peaks and troughs of its owner’s joys and sorrows. $248

6. For her — quality German boiled wool slippers in a comfort motif like this cat motif pair from HAFLINGER® add a touch of cute to cozy.

Foot comfort, after all, is essential for full-body comfort — and a kitten playing with a ball of yarn is bound to elicit a smile. $89.90

7. Almost Everything: Notes on Hope  is Anne Lamott’s latest testament to hope and even joy despite the global gloom so widespread these days.

She calls the book of short essays a heartfelt case for optimism that “could qualify as fresh. Maybe even radical,” in this November interview on Literary Hub. It’s reviewed by men and women alike on Goodreads. Hardcover, $12.84

No holiday gift can bring back what those who grieve wish for most. But carefully chosen presents like these, together with your mindful presence, can provide them a number of  experiences to start to smile about.