The New York Times - Gifts that feel like a hug

Levain Bakery cookies, a bouquet of flowers and a bag of soup dumplings pictured together.

Photo: Connie Park

It can be difficult to know how to support someone who is grieving. And when you can’t physically show up on their doorstep—with a hug, an offer to do the dishes, or a listening ear—it can feel even more impossible.

Giving your loved one a small token that acknowledges and honors their loss can show care and solidarity, even when words might fail. Our gifting experts have collected a handful of thoughtful sympathy gifts, including a sentimental wind chime.

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Gifts that offer comfort and ease→

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5 things to include in a care package

Two hands placing a gift that has been wrapped with kraft paper and a white ribbon on a blue surface.

Photo: InspirationGP/iStock

Crafting the perfect, personalized care package is a balancing act, but “no junk” is staff writer Samantha Schoech’s personal rule. “It’s better to spend a little more on a few nice things than to fill a package with a bunch of cheap things that will be cute for a moment and then forgotten or tossed,” she says.

Brighten up their mailbox with these→

More unique gifts

The contents of Jasper Hill's The Vermonter box nestled among wood shavings inside a vibrant blue and white box.

The best gifts baskets

They usually get a bad rap. But we found some actually good ones full of special (and delicious) somethings.

A photo book is displayed open on a blue background.

The photo book service we love

Create a book of handpicked memories for your loved one. Our top pick helps you curate easy-to-design photo books with vibrant colors.

A collection of some of the best personalized gifts.

Give them something personalized

Each of these one-of-a-kind, personalized gifts is custom-tailored to the recipient—and will show you were truly thinking of them.

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The New York Times - Gifts that feel like a hug

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