Themes:
Gift baskets can have all different kinds of themes, so you can tailor your tribute creation to the likes and needs of the recipient.
Thoughts for theme based sympathy gift baskets might include bath accessories for a woman, character themes for a child, or sports themes for a man.
Items:
You will want to vary the items in the basket as well. Food, books, plants and flowers, candles, photos, memory boxes all make thoughtful additions to a sympathy basket.
Selections of food might include perishable and nonperishable treats depending on whether your recipient is local or long distance.
Small books on grief, spirituality, inspiration or encouragement make a lasting gift that can be enjoyed over and over.
Candles are always a comforting addition, and you can choose an attractive fragrance free candle if you aren't sure about fragrance allergies. For children, or where safety is a concern, consider a diffuser.
Photographs are timeless and fit well with many sympathy gift basket ideas. Photos of the loved one who has passed on, particularly those photos that the family or friend hasn't seen or doesn't have, are welcomed expressions of warmth.
They can be set in small memory frames, or made into a mini scrapbook.
Sequential use:
Think in terms of things that cover a few months time span. Select something for immediate use, something that can be kept for use in a week or so, and something that can be kept indefinitely.
A subscription to a favorite magazine or a monthly delivered fruit or specialty foods membership will provide reminders of your thoughtfulness over the entire first year of bereavement.
The extent of your sympathy gift basket design depends on how elaborate you want to be, how much you want to spend, and your own creativity.
Containers:
Simply because we are calling these expressions "gift baskets" does not mean you are limited to using a basket as a container for your gift. There are many beautiful gift boxes available in craft stores, and your choice of container is limited only by your imagination.
As an example, if you are putting together a garden themed sympathy gift basket, you could use a decorative planter, a charming pail, or a miniature wheelbarrow.
Masculine gifts could be packaged in a small tool box or a model truck. A child's gift basket could be presented in a cookie jar, or a cartoon character container.
I encourage you to let your heart lead you as you prepare a thoughtfully designed and created sympathy gift basket for a loved one who has suffered a loss.
Of course, you can always purchase a pre made basket as well, so your choice depends on your own unique situation. These ideas offer you an alternative to a commercially made sympathy basket.