Our Monthly Tip: Seven Holiday Gifts for Someone Who Is Grieving, 2021 Edition

Holiday cheer can seem out of reach for our loved ones who have suffered a loss. Family parties and traditions can make the bereaved feel the loss more keenly than at other times of the year. They may only be able to focus on the absence of the person who’s died and not see the people and love they still have in their lives.

The past two years may have tragically taken more people from us than we ever thought possible. Even if this holiday season is the second year without a loved one, it can feel just as (if not more) difficult than the first. Everyone else may feel like the person has been gone for over a year, so the bereaved should be doing better. However, to the one who is grieving, the loved one’s death may still feel as fresh as if it just happened. Time does not heal wounds at the same rate for everyone.

A thoughtful gift — one that couples self-care with practicality or beauty — may be enough to brighten their day, even just a little bit.

Here are our favorite gifts for someone who is grieving a loss this holiday season.

Gift # 1. A Bamboo Bathtub Tray will help inspire your loved one to make special time for themselves.

This sturdy bathtub tray from Utoplike is adjustable to fit most tubs and features places to hold drinks, snacks, and a book tablet. You could pair this tray with bath salts or organic bath bombs to encourage your loved one to spend more time relaxing. The essential oils will calm their senses and allow them time to decompress.

Gift #2. The Press PAUSE Journal from Axel and Ash will invite your loved one to spend time each week reflecting, feeling, and celebrating.

Credit: Axel and Ash

The Press PAUSE Journal holds 52 weekly journaling sections that feature questions, thought-provoking prompts, and inspiring stories. Gift your loved one with the space to work through their thoughts, feelings, and questions. This lovely journal asks only 20-30 minutes each week, which may be doable for even the most reluctant writer. You can couple this book with a fine point pen set.

Gift #3. An Orthopedic Support Wedge Pillow Comfort System by Avana will create a space of mental and physical comfort.

Credit: Brookstone

Avana’s Kind Bed Comfort System features four pieces that can be arranged to your loved one’s needs. They can create the most supportive options for reading, watching TV, or meditating in bed. These pillow supports can also be helpful for loved ones who are dealing with back or neck pain, or even used post-surgery if your loved one needs to rest in a seated position. A lovely addition to this gift would be an organic cotton throw blanket.

Gift #4. A Bottomless Coffee Subscription will keep their mugs filled while they spend more time alone.

Credit: A Couple Cooks

You can gift your loved one with a 3, 6, 12, or 24-month Bottomless Coffee subscription to whole bean or ground coffee. While sipping their favorite brew, they can use the time to read, listen to a podcast, journal, relax, or reach out to a friend through phone or social media. Bottomless allows your loved one to choose their own coffee blend to enjoy for as long as you like. You could pair this subscription with this stunning pour over coffee kit that comes with a matte black kettle.

Gift #5. A piece of Intentional Jewelry from Wishbeads to let your loved one wear their deepest desire.

Wishbeads offers bracelets and necklaces featuring several different stones to encourage positive thoughts and intentions. Your loved one can write their wish or prayer on a provided scroll they insert into the clasp. Wearing their heart’s desire or a note of encouragement may be a special reminder that their healing is important. Wishbeads invites your loved one to follow their own path toward wholeness, which is a beautiful present.

Gift #6. A Smythson Twin Pack of Playing Cards offers a relaxing way to pass the time.

This stylish Smythson dual deck designed and produced in England comes in a calming Nile blue box. Playing solitaire and other single player card games offers your loved one a fun way to get their mind off their grief. In fact, solitaire has many benefits, such as allowing the mind to enter a light meditative state and helping to improve memory.

Gift #7. An Heirloom Flower Press to help your loved one preserve the beauty they find.

Made from reclaimed Michigan wood, this flower press from June and December gives your loved one a special place to save their flowers and leaves instead of forgetting which book(s) they pressed a flower in the last time. This beautifully crafted press adds appeal to any shelf it sits on while turning nature into memories. Protecting flowers by pressing gives your loved one a way to alleviate their stress and anxiety. Going on nature walks can be a wonderful way to process grief. Perhaps look into nearby labyrinths and invite your loved on to take a walk toward the center.

Though no gift offers immediate healing, your thoughtful present may help your grieving loved one experience some much needed self-care this holiday season. Choosing the right gift for someone who is grieving could offer a moment of peace and serenity.