Create a personalized care package with some of the following items:

• Blanket - To nestle in. 

• Cookies and Treats - For something sweet.

• Tea - Comforting and grounding.

• Notebook - For journaling and processing.

• Candle - For coziness and aromatherapy.

• Nightlight - To feel secure.

• Sleep Mask - To tune out the world.

• Heated Neck Wrap - To de-stress.

• Body Pillow - To snuggle.

• Stuffed Animal - To hug.

• Cozy Clothing - A robe and fuzzy socks for warmth.

One of the most helpful ways to support someone experiencing the loss of a loved one is to feed them. Oftentimes the grief and overwhelm prevent people from thinking about food, or making arrangements. This is where you can step in and make a big difference.

• Set up a meal train. Keep in mind any food restrictions, kid-friendliness, freezable, etc.  Gift a food delivery gift card.

• Wine (if they enjoy it!)

• Groceries - Ask for a list and go get it! Or just buy the basics (and maybe some treats). 

• Coffee - Make a coffee run, gift them a coffee maker if they don’t have one.

• Make a date to meal prep with them. It could be a great way to connect, show support, and get them ready with a week of meals.

• Fun Little Treats - fancy chocolates, a dozen donuts, old school candy

• Healthy Meals and Treats - Big, heavy meals are comforting and freeze really well, but sometimes you need a salad or some fruit 

• Find out their current favorite foods or what they can tolerate at this moment, and drop it off once a week.

• Any of these suggestions can be little gifts of sunshine. Drop off the treat and don't expect to stay and chat. Give them as much space as possible unless they say otherwise.

• Find photos that you have of the person who passed, print them or send them to their family. Even if you find the photo weeks or months later, send it! 

• Create a personalized recipe book or box with family recipes.

• Tell stories of their loved one. A time you remember, something that made you think of them - help keep their memory alive. Create a video or audio file for them to keep.

• Learn what item or symbol reminds them of their loved one and then find gifts with that symbol. (e.g. Peonies for a lost mother, give a painting or print of a peony.)

• Flowers and Plants - An obvious choice, but a little beauty and a little nature can be so comforting.

• Laurel Box - Variety of gifts, many can be personalized.

• Indulgent items you know they love, like a mani-pedi, beauty products, or massage certificate.

• Smash Kit - Help them get that rage out.

• Subscription to a meditation app. 

• Postcards with uplifting messages - Everyone loves getting something nice in the mail. 

• If you are able, make their home nice and cozy for when they return from the funeral.

• Make a donation to a charity they cared about.

• Plant a tree in their honor.

• Create a Spotify playlist. It could be emotional, fun and silly, or ragey.

• Plan a little adventure, something fun and distracting.

• Send “love notes” - little texts expressing support with no expectation of a reply.

• Frequent check-ins (calls, texts, email) - set a calendar reminder to touch base. Grief doesn’t end and the continued support is essential.

• Help with the hard stuff like cleaning out a house and going through items. Offer up your deep clean and organization skills (the garage, the hall closet, the pantry!). Help them make decisions when your friend or family member is suffering from decision fatigue.

• Offer lots and lots of kid care. Plan playdates and sleepovers (and do the pick up and drop off), take the kids on adventures, take over carpool duties, help to coordinate with coaches and other organization leaders.

• Help with pet care - Walk the dog, play with the cat, set up a doggie playdate with your own pups.

• Just hang out. Help with cooking, dishes, cleaning, laundry, pet care, kid care, go for a walk, binge watch TV, go for a walk-and-cry. Make sure to read the room: people who are grieving may want company, or they may want to be left alone. Assess the situation and don't overstay your welcome.