When we think about end-of-life, we often focus on what happens before and during the funeral. That’s understandable since celebrating the life of the deceased is extremely important. The trouble is, once the funeral is over, there are still many practical matters to take care of. Some of these tasks are strictly legal (estate matters), while others are more general and involve wrapping up the deceased’s business affairs.

If you are thinking ahead to what will happen when your time comes, maintaining organized personal records is the most helpful thing you can do for the loved ones who will be responsible for these tasks following your death.

If you are handling post-funeral tasks for a loved one, remember to tend to your own needs. Seek support as you go. Consider joining support groups or seeking professional counseling to help you navigate this difficult time. Take your time, be easy on yourself, and above all, ask for help if you need it.

>>Visit Our Coping with Grief page

Things To Take Care Of After the Funeral: Estate Matters and Other Details

1. Thank you notes: It is customary to send thank you notes to those who offered their condolences, sent flowers and donations, or provided support during this difficult time.
   >>Visit our page Sending Thank You Notes After a Funeral
2. Secure copies of the death certificate: Request at least ten (10) copies since you will need this document for many of the tasks you have to accomplish.
3. Make long-term arrangements for dependents: If there are dependents, ensure there is a long-term care plan for how these individuals. Consult an attorney to make sure you take legal requirements into consideration.
4. Make long-term arrangements for pets: If there is no long-term plan for pets that are left behind, determine how to care for them.
5. Inform relevant parties: Notify any organizations or institutions of which the deceased was a member. Among these are:
   • Employers
   • Schools
   • Clubs
   • Memberships
   • Religious Institutions
6. Begin estate proceedings: Whether or not a Probate proceeding depends on the size of the estate and the existence of a will and living trust. An Executor, named in the will or appointed by the Probate Court, will shepherd the estate through this process. It may be necessary to hire an estate planning attorney to provide legal guidance.
   
   >>Are you an estate executor or handling estate matters? Check out estateexec.com.
   
   If you are responsible for managing the deceased’s estate matters, work with an attorney or estate administrator to handle the distribution of assets, settle debts, and resolve any legal issues related to the estate. Update any legal documents as necessary, such as wills, trusts, power of attorney, or healthcare directives.
   
   Request certified documentation that you are authorized to make changes on behalf of the deceased. Most institutions, such as banks, will require this proof before you can take any action.
7. File death benefit claims: It can take some time for death benefit claims to be processed, so starting this part of the process as early as possible is wise. A certified copy of the death certificate is usually required to make these claims. The types of claims to be filed are:
   • Social Security
   • Veterans Administration
   • Pension/Retirement Funds
   • Unions
     >> See Claiming Death Benefits for more information on death certificates and claiming benefits.
8. Close accounts and cancel services: Close the deceased person’s accounts, such as bank accounts, credit cards, utility services, and subscriptions. Cancel or transfer any memberships, licenses, or contracts that are no longer applicable. Be sure to consult with the estate executor to make sure you have proper authorization to transfer titles or other ownership. Examples of accounts you should cancel include:
   • Medicare / Health Insurance
   • Department of Motor Vehicles
   • Telephone
   • Utilities
   • Newspaper
   • Cable
   • Streaming Services
9. Settle financial matters: Address any outstanding financial matters, such as paying bills, resolving debts, and filing final tax returns. To properly handle financial obligations, consult with an accountant or financial advisor. It may be necessary to have the Probate Court release short-term funds to cover these bills. The types of accounts to settle include:
   • Bank Accounts
   • Credit Cards
   • Mortgages
   • Loans
10. Deactivate, transfer ownership, or memorialize digital accounts: Ensuring digital assets are taken care of has never been more important. Having the login credentials will make the task much easier. When you do not have the passwords, there may be paperwork to complete. Each provider has different requirements. The types of accounts to manage include:
    • Search tools such as Google and Yahoo
    • Email
    • Social Media
    • Online Financial Accounts
      >>See Your Digital Assets: Will Your Digital Legacy Live On After You’re Gone for more information
11. Take care of personal belongings: Determine how to handle the deceased’s personal belongings. This could involve distributing items to family members, donating to charities, or selling certain possessions.

Remember, the specific tasks and considerations will vary depending on your situation and local laws. It can be helpful to consult with professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, or grief counselors, to ensure that you address all necessary matters and receive appropriate guidance throughout the process.

If You Are Responsible for Handling the Estate

From time to time, we work closely with companies that specialize in areas that are related to the funeral industry but are complementary to what we offer. One such company is EstateExec. EstateExec offers software to help individuals perform the duties that come with being named as the executor of an estate.

Since the executor is responsible for winding down and distributing a deceased person’s estate after the funeral, it can be overwhelming. That’s where EstateExec comes in. The application provides automated guidance and automated financial accounting. In the words of the company, “You can think of EstateExec as something like Quicken® but optimized for the estate settlement process.”

There is a cost to license the software, but EstateExec offers a free trial period so that you can see if the software will work for your needs. Click here if you would like to learn more about EstateExec, or reach out to us at support@funeralwise.com, and we will be happy to have an EstateExec representative contact you.

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May 2021

FUNERAL INSURANCE: PRENEED OR FINAL EXPENSE? What’s right for you?

At Funeralwise, we’re all about planning. As we always say, the best time to plan a funeral is BEFORE you need it. Preplanning your funeral doesn’t have to cost you anything (see our Wise Planning System). Still, eventually, you’ll have to think about how to pay for your end-of-life needs. Luckily, when it comes to paying for a funeral, you have lots of options. Let’s talk about one of the most popular methods—funeral insurance. There are two basic types of insurance designed specifically for paying funeral and burial expenses: preneed insurance and final expense insurance.

ETIQUETTE FOR VIRTUAL FUNERALS

Over the last year and a half, we’ve all learned to do things a bit differently. This is particularly true of the funeral industry. A spike in the number of deaths, combined with limits on in-person gatherings, has forced funeral directors and consumers to get creative in finding alternatives to the traditional funeral.

For an ever-increasing number of people, the solution is the virtual funeral. So instead of attending in person, we head to the computer to join with others via online conferencing software.

Surprisingly, the technology has been available for at least a decade. We just weren’t ready for it. Industry analysts think that sooner or later, the public would have embraced live- streaming anyway, but we’ll never know. We expect, though, that inviting friends and family to participate in funerals and memorial services online is now an important trend that is likely here to stay. As our expectation for the proper way to hold a funeral evolves, questions arise as to the appropriate way to dress, speak, and behave while attending. To help answer these questions, we have compiled a comprehensive list of tips and suggestions for etiquette when attending a virtual service. We invite you to take a look. You never know when you might need a little advice.

>>LEARN MORE ABOUT VIRTUAL FUNERAL ETIQUETTE

If you are grieving or know someone who is, we have resources on our website that may help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to reach out for help. Visit our Path to Healing page.

HAVING A CHEAP FUNERAL THAT DOESN’T LOOK CHEAP Saying you want to have a cheap funeral doesn’t mean you don’t care about the end-of-life celebration; it means that you don’t want to break the bank to do it. Luckily, there are ways to have a funeral or memorial service that pays fitting tribute to the deceased but in an affordable way. Read our full 10 Tips for Having a Cheap Funeral to learn more about how you can focus on what is really important in honoring someone who has died without spending more than you have to. >>TIPS FOR HAVING A CHEAP FUNERAL

FEMA FUNERAL REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

The pandemic has been hard on all of us in one way or the other. For those who have lost a loved one due to the virus, the journey has been particularly challenging. So it came as a big relief to many when FEMA announced it would open its funeral expense reimbursement program.

The program is now in full swing, with FEMA’s application hotline (844-684-6333) operating Monday through Friday from 8 am – 8 pm Central Time. Visit our page on the program for complete details.

>>FEMA COVID FUNERAL REIMBURSEMENT PAGE

CONFIRM YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

When you confirm your email address you help us make sure that only those who want our information get it. You also help ensure that the emails we send get through to your inbox. If you haven’t yet confirmed your email address or aren’t sure, click on the button below, and we’ll send you an email with a link for confirming. To say thank you, we’ll send you a copy of our Guide to an Affordable Funeral.

>>Click to confirm your email address.

ARE YOU AN INSURANCE AGENT? Did you know that Funeralwise has a program designed especially for Final Expense Insurance Agents? Click here to learn more

SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US

If you haven’t gotten an invitation and you’d like to share your opinion, email us at support@funeralwise.com.

DON’T HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN YET?
Why not take a few minutes to get started today. TRY THE PLANNER

ALREADY HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN?
Take a few minutes to make sure it’s up-to-date. GO TO YOUR PLAN

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straightforward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Focus on Funeral Insurance appeared first on Funeralwise.

The etiquette for attending a virtual funeral or memorial service is not that much different from that for an in-person ceremony. The use of technology adds a few twists, but it is still a serious occasion where people gather together to support each other and begin the journey through grief. Of course, it never hurts to brush up on the right way to approach the sometimes tricky world of funerals. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of important tips and reminders to use when attending a virtual funeral or live-streamed memorial service.

>>Learn more about Funeral Etiquette

Virtual Funeral Tips and Reminders

1. RSVP:
   Not all virtual funeral invitations request an RSVP, but if the invitation asks for one, be sure to reply. Replies help the family know how many people to expect and make planning easier.
   Pro Tip: Don’t share the invitation. Unless the family asks you to pass information about the service to others, don’t share the invitation.
2. Review and follow requests or directions:
   Make sure to read any instructions that the host includes in the invitation. Perhaps the family has requested that everyone wear red or that every one share a story about the deceased. You want to be prepared and try your best to comply with requests.
3. Load and test your software and hardware in advance:
   You never quite know what might go wrong, so be sure to have your streaming viewer loaded up in plenty of time to join the ceremony on time. Test your audio and video to ensure everything is working as it should BEFORE you join. Familiarize yourself with the software controls to ensure you know how to navigate the program before the actual virtual funeral service begins.
   Pro Tip: Get to know your mute button. Microphones can be extremely sensitive. That means background noise or discussion you have offline may be heard by the entire group unless you have your microphone muted.
4. Be on time or even better, be a little early: There’s an old saying that says if you aren’t 15 minutes early, you are late. You don’t need to be online that far in advance, but be ready to go at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start.
5. Be patient: Things can happen that can cause events to start a bit late– especially when technology is involved.  You never know what is happening behind the scenes, and this is a difficult time for the family, so be patient. (Worth repeating–know where your mute button is and how to use it.)
6. Share your screen and turn on video: The family will likely expect to see those attending. Make sure to turn on your video. Exactly how you do that will depend on the platform used for the virtual funeral service.
7. Mute your microphone: In some cases, the funeral officiant will start the service by muting everyone. If not, start with your microphone muted. Remember, the microphone can pick up that background noise. Be prepared to toggle back and forth when it is appropriate to speak. If you are using your phone to view the funeral, remember to turn off notifications.
8. Dress as you would for a traditional funeral:
   These days, you don’t have to wear a traditional black suit to a funeral, but you need to be mindful of the occasion. In general, business casual attire is appropriate. (Learn More about What to Wear to a Funeral)
9. Be aware of your background and what others might see: We’ve all see funny videos of people recording live with something unexpected happening in the background. You don’t want to be that person. Find a quiet place and be aware of my be visible behind you. Depending on the platform, you may be able to choose what others see in the background. Think about this ahead of time.
10. Avoid distractions: If you are using your computer, close other programs so you won’t be tempted to start reading your emails or take care of things on your to-do list. Turn off your phone and be prepared to give your total attention to the service. It’s best to choose a location to watch that is free from children, animals, and other possible distractions. Pro Tip: Eat before or after the service—never during.
11. Offer comments thoughtfully: When typing comments, remember that sometimes written words come across in ways you don’t intend. Consider what you type carefully. The same is true of spoken comments. If you wouldn’t say something (for example, an off-color story) at an in-person funeral, don’t say it at an online one.
12. Remember the purpose of the occasion: You are there to honor the deceased and provide support for his or her loved ones. Just like it is when the funeral is in person.  It’s not about you. Keep this in mind and act accordingly.

You might be surprised to hear that live-streamed funerals have been around for at least a decade. Before the COVID lockdowns hit, however, many people were hesitant to embrace online services. Somehow it seemed too impersonal and maybe even a bit disrespectful. Since we have now become accustomed to collaborating virtually, live-streamed funerals have become not just accepted, but dare we say, popular.

In fact, offering people who can’t attend the funeral in person an alternate way to participate is a good thing. Best of all, it can provide added comfort to the family that has experienced the loss. While online funerals will never replace the real thing, we think it’s safe to say that live-streamed funerals are here to stay.

The post Etiquette for Attending a Virtual Funeral appeared first on Funeralwise.

Keep in mind there are no right or wrong dishes, but there are certainly some that are better than others. Our Sympathy Meals page is a complete resource to provide you with all you need to know when deciding what to make for the ideal sympathy meal.

10 Tips for Creating the Ideal Sympathy Meal

Do you have a favorite sympathy meal recipe? If so, we’d love to have it. We are compiling a recipe book of popular sympathy and funeral foods. We’d love to include your recipe. Of course, we’ll give you full attribution. Send your recipe to contact@funeralwise.com.

Don’t like slideshows? Here’s the full list.

10 Tips for Creating the Ideal Sympathy Meal

1. Work with a group.

There is nothing wrong with creating a sympathy meal on your own and delivering it to the grieving family. Your meal will be welcome and appreciated. To make a bigger impact, organize a meal train. To do that, coordinate with others who would also like to contribute food and meals. There are many online resources available to help you set up a schedule quickly and easily at no cost.

2. Get input from the family.

It’s always best to get information from the family so that you can avoid foods they don’t enjoy, discover special dietary requirements, and nail down details such as what time of day they would like to have the food delivered and how they would like to be notified that the food has arrived. This is particularly important if you are organizing a group effort. If you are not comfortable reaching out, contact someone close to the family to be the point of contact.

3. Keep it Simple.

Your goal is to make things easier for the grieving family. Meals that are simple and can be easily reheated and served work best. Avoid creating complicated menus that require many steps and take a long time to make it from freezer to table. The ideal sympathy meal is easy to transport, easy to reheat, and easy to eat.

4. Include Preparation Instructions.

Don’t forget to include a brief set of instructions on the best way to prepare the food. For example, if frozen, does the food need to be thawed before heating? Can the food be heated in the container you provided? Does anything need to be added? Include any information that will make getting the food ready to eat easier.

5. Be careful to avoid allergens.

You absolutely want to be careful that your food doesn’t contain elements to which anyone in the family is allergic. If you cannot talk with someone from the family to confirm allergies, avoid including typical allergens such as peanuts and shellfish. Comply with any special dietary restrictions or special food requirements.

6. Make enough for leftovers.

Make a little extra so the family can enjoy lunch from your meal. You don’t need to make enough for an army, but ensuring there is enough to cover unexpected guests and have a little leftover will be appreciated.

7. Don’t forget light, healthy options.

We tend to turn to casseroles and other one-pot options when we provide sympathy meals. Many of these can be heavy and carbohydrate-rich. Be sure to consider offering healthy fare such as salads, fruits, and cheeses when deciding what you’ll make. Your meal doesn’t have to be exotic. Sometimes keeping things light and simple is best.

8. Make it a complete meal.

It’s easy to focus so closely on the entree that we neglect the add-ons like salad, dessert, and beverages. If you include everything needed to make a complete meal, you’ll make it easy for the family. Items like salad dressings and condiments make for a complete package.

9. Include a sympathy note.

A brief sympathy note not only lets the family know you are thinking of them, but it will let them know who sent the food. A written message can also be helpful if they are trying to keep track of contributions so they can write thank you notes.

10. Pitch in even if you can’t cook.

There are plenty of options for those who want to contribute but stay out of the kitchen. Gift cards to local and chain restaurants, as well as food delivery services, are always welcome. Many companies deliver sympathy food packages. Even if you don’t cook, you can provide food that expresses your condolences and makes life easier for the grieving family.

The post 10 Tips For Creating The Ideal Sympathy Meal appeared first on Funeralwise.

The all-new Digital Dying offers a fresh take on the trends and issues that are shaping the funeral industry.

If you haven’t looked at our blog, Digital Dying, in awhile you are in for a treat. It’s got an all-new look and a fresh focus. We’ll still bring you our unique perspective on funeral customs past and present, but we’ll also be taking a more vibrant look forward by profiling topics relating to Funerals of the Future and the people that are shaping the direction of the industry. 

Going forward, Digital Dying will dive deeper into topics relating to how the funeral industry is changing, what consumers want when it comes to celebrating end of life, and how attitudes toward death and dying are changing.

Funeralwise continues to find new ways to help people make the difficult decisions that come with end of life. Our goal is to help you prepare for the inevitable, celebrate life, and remember those who have gone before us.

>>Visit Digital Dying

MAKING THE RIGHT FUNERAL ATTIRE CHOICES

Since most of us don’t attend funerals often (thank goodness), it can be difficult to decide exactly what to wear. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Our What to Wear to a Funeral page has lots of good information for you to use or share with someone who might need advice on how to dress for a funeral or memorial service.

We’ve also got a brand new article in our forums that takes a little different approach to the topic with tips on what NOT to wear to a funeral.

>> Learn More

FUNERALWISE FORUMS HAS ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Our Forums page is our best kept secret. It’s packed with planning tips, how-tos, and information on funeral trends. The most under-rated section on the forums is our Q&A. Ask us just about any question (funeral-related please!) and our team will do their best to get you an answer that is practical and right on target.

To submit a question to our experts, just click on the “Ask a Question” button anywhere in our website or use the question bar on the Forums home page.

>> Check Out the Forums

FUNERAL COSTS: TAKE A LOOK AT THE BIG TICKET ITEMS

One of the biggest challenges many of us face when it comes to funerals is the cost. There’s just no way around it, having a funeral is expensive. The good news is, there are ways you can save money.

Whether you want to have a traditional burial or a cremation, you can shave a healthy amount off the drive out cost by taking a hard look at the big-ticket items. Our Funeral Costs page has all the information you need to understand how you can cut costs without compromising on the type of funeral you want.

>> Learn More About Costs

WE WANT TO BUY YOU A CUP OF COFFEE

We get lots of great comments from the people who use our site, our publications, and our funeral planner. We welcome the input and want to know even more about what you think, what you need, and how we can improve.

Within the next few weeks we’ll be inviting you to take our feedback survey. The survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete (we promise). To make it worth your while, we’ll even send you a Starbucks gift card.

Your opinion is extremely important to us. We hope that when the time comes you’ll tell us what you think. Thanks!

Have you tried our online planner yet? Why not take a few minutes to do that today. Remember… the best time to plan a funeral is before you need to.

>> Try the Planner

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we can provide you with straight-forward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Have You Seen the All-New Digital Dying? appeared first on Funeralwise.

Most of us look forward to the sights, sounds, and celebrations of the holiday season. For those who have suffered a loss, however, this time of year presents many challenges, not the least of which is how to make the difficult journey through grief when it seems all those around us are filled with joy.

Our recent article, Managing Grief During the Holidays, offers helpful advice on what you can do to navigate the pitfalls that come with mourning during a festive time. Our website also offers valuable information to help you understand grief and what you can expect when faced with the loss of a loved one.

>>Read Managing Grief During the Holidays
>>Go to the Grief section of Funeralwise.com
>>Go to the Pet Loss section of Funeralwise.com

DEATH POSITIVE QUIZ

If you haven’t heard of the Death Positive Movement you will. The Movement is part of a growing trend that advocates for a more open attitude about the subject of death. 

While the Death Positive approach may not be for everyone, it’s something we think you should know about so that you can make up your own mind about where death fits in with the journey through life. Heck, you might already be Death Positive and not even know it. To help you decide we’ve created a little quiz. Why not take it and find out if you are Death Positive?

>>TAKE THE QUIZ

TRY OUR NEW INSURANCE FINDER

It’s hard in today’s world to set aside money for something that may not happen for a long time. We know, however, that having resources available for end-of-life expenses can help give you peace of mind.

To help you determine if funeral insurance is right for you, we’ve enhanced our funeral insurance resources. We have an all new insurance finder tool with a state of the art quote wizard. Our website is chock full of information on funeral insurance and how to pay for funerals. We hope you’ll take a fresh look.

>>TRY THE INSURANCE FINDER

OUR GUIDE SERIES

One of the most popular features on our site is our series of FREE Word to the Wise Guides. If you aren’t familiar with the Guides, they cover a variety of funeral-related topics including cremation, etiquette, and how to protect your digital legacy.

We’ve recently added two new Guides to the series: 

• Working with a Funeral Celebrant.
• Making Funeral Arrangements.

If you are signed up for our Guide Series you’ll receive the new Guides automatically. If you’d like to request copies now, click on the links above.

>>SIGN UP FOR THE GUIDES

SURVEY SAYS…

If you participated in our recent survey, thank you! If you didn’t have time or didn’t receive the message, that’s OK. We’ll get to you next time.

Your feedback gave us great insight that we’ll be using to improve our content and enhance our services.

One thing we learned is that many of you would like more information on how to effectively participate in funeral planning. You also told us that you’d like to be reminded from time-to-time to update your funeral plan (if you have one). So you’ll be seeing more about those topics in 2019.

Once again, thank you! We are glad to have you as a member of the Funeralwise community!

Have you tried our online planner yet? Why not take a few minutes to do that today. Remember… the best time to plan a funeral is BEFORE you need it.

>>TRY THE PLANNER

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straight-forward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Grief And The Holidays appeared first on Funeralwise.

To help you choose a sympathy gift that will be personal and much appreciated, we have compiled a list of our 12 favorite options for comfort gifting.

12 Unique and Thoughtful Sympathy Gifts

FOOD

There are many ways to provide the gift of food to someone going through a difficult time. One popular way is to provide a meal that you prepare in your home. Our website is a good place to find some of the most popular make-ahead foods that are appropriate for a sympathy meal. Gift cards to local restaurants can also offer a nice reprieve from cooking. (See our Funeral Food recipes)

CUSTOM T-SHIRT QUILT

What could be better than having a keepsake quilt that incorporates cherished clothing items from a loved one? We don’t recommend that you remove the clothing from the home on your own. Instead, consider giving someone a gift card for a custom quilt that is made of t-shirts or other clothing items. When the time is right, they can choose the items they would most like to preserve.

WIND CHIMES

Did you know there are many beautiful options for custom memorial wind chimes? A chime is a thoughtful gift that captures musical memories all year long. Custom wind chimes are the perfect addition to a patio or garden. As a gentle breeze works to create music, memories of a loved one will be brought to mind. Adding personalization to your wind chime makes it a truly one-of-a-kind gift. 

GIFT BASKETS

Gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you send a basket of non-perishable food items or a collection of spa treatment products, a gift basket can be a practical and thoughtful gift to show that you are thinking of someone experiencing a loss. 

MEMORY LAMPS

Memory lamps are designed with the tradition of keeping a light burning for a loved one who is no longer with us in mind. There are many beautiful designs available. Memory lamps are available in both candle and electric versions, some with a compartment for cremated remains. (See Our Selection of Memorial Tea Lights)

MEMORY TREES

Planting a tree in a loved one’s honor is a great way to create a lasting memory. A tree is a particularly thoughtful way to remember someone who appreciated nature and the environment. Trees that are to be planted in the ground are available with the growing zone in mind. Small bonsai style tabletop trees are also available. (See Our Memorial Trees)

FLOWERS

Flowers are almost always an appropriate and appreciated gesture of sympathy. With so many varieties, colors, and styles available, you are sure to find something that provides a unique and special tribute to a life well-lived. (More About Funeral Flowers)

MEMORIAL JEWELRY

When it comes to memorial jewelry there is truly something for everyone. From a tender bracelet paying tribute to Mom to a key chain to memorialize Dad, you are sure to find the perfect way to keep your memories close. Jewelry is also a popular way to commemorate a beloved pet. If you like, you can even find jewelry which allows you to keep a small amount of cremated remains with you. (See Our Memorial Jewelry)

MEMORIAL GARDEN STONES & BRICKS

Most popular for bringing comfort to someone who has lost a pet, garden stones and bricks can add a lovely accent to a special garden spot created in memory of a loved one. Stones and bricks are a wonderful way to commemorate both humans and pets. These custom items are created to your specifications and with your message become a one of a kind remembrance. (See our collection of Outddor Memorials.)

CUSTOM ARTWORK

Whether you are honoring a person or a pet, custom artwork can be the perfect way to memorialize a life well lived. There are a variety of artists from whom you can commission a piece. Just supply them a photograph and they'll create a masterpiece for you to share. One vendor we recommend for unique and beautiful black and white renderings is Charcoal and Pencil. 

HAND BLOWN GLASS

For a truly one-of-a-kind sympathy gift for yourself or a loved one, handblown glass is the perfect option. You can choose your shape, style, and color and the artist will create a unique item that brings to mind the unique spirit of the person you are honoring. For the ultimate in memorialization, include a bit of cremation ash so that your glass work will encapsulate a bit of the deceased. (See one of our favorite custom glass memorials in the Funeralwise Store.)

TIME

While it can’t be purchased in any store, you can show how much you care by giving the gift of your time. We often ask those who are grieving what we can do to help, but an unsolicited action to help in a time of need is priceless. Whether it is cutting the grass, taking care of children so someone can have an uninterrupted block of time, or handling a chore, giving of yourself is the best gift of all.

Don’t like slideshows? Here’s the full list.

Funeralwise Favorites: Sympathy Gifts

1. FOOD

   There are many ways to provide the gift of food to someone going through a difficult time. One popular way is to provide a meal that you prepare in your home. Our website is a good place to find some of the most popular make-ahead foods that are appropriate for a sympathy meal. Gift cards to local restaurants can also offer a nice reprieve from cooking. (See our Funeral Food recipes)

2. CUSTOM T-SHIRT QUILT

   What could be better than having a keepsake quilt that incorporates cherished clothing items from a loved one? We don’t recommend that you remove the clothing from the home on your own. Instead, consider giving someone a gift card for a custom quilt that is made of t-shirts or other clothing items. When the time is right, they can choose the items they would most like to preserve.

3. WIND CHIMES

   Did you know there are many beautiful options for custom memorial wind chimes? A chime is a thoughtful gift that captures musical memories all year long. Custom wind chimes are the perfect addition to a patio or garden. As a gentle breeze works to create music, memories of a loved one will be brought to mind. Adding personalization to your wind chime makes it a truly one-of-a-kind gift. 

4. GIFT BASKETS

   Gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you choose to send a basket of non-perishable food items or a collection of spa treatment products, a gift basket can be a practical and thoughtful gift to show that you are thinking of someone who is experiencing a loss.

5. MEMORY LAMPS

   Memory lamps are designed with the tradition of keeping a light burning for a loved one who is no longer with us in mind. There are many beautiful designs available. Memory lamps are available in both candle and electric versions, some with a compartment for cremated remains. (See Our Selection of Memorial Tea Lights)

6. MEMORY TREES

   Planting a tree in a loved one’s honor is a great way to create a lasting memory. A tree is a particularly thoughtful way to remember someone who appreciated nature and the environment. Trees that are to be planted in the ground are available with the growing zone in mind. Small bonsai style tabletop trees are also available. (See Our Memorial Trees)

7. FLOWERS

   Flowers are almost always an appropriate and appreciated gesture of sympathy. With so many varieties, colors, and styles available, you are sure to find something that provides a unique and special tribute to a life well-lived. (More About Funeral Flowers)

8. MEMORIAL JEWELRY

   When it comes to memorial jewelry, there is truly something for everyone. From a tender bracelet paying tribute to Mom to a key chain to memorialize Dad, you are sure to find the perfect way to keep your memories close. Jewelry is also a popular way to commemorate a beloved pet. If you like, you can even find jewelry that allows you to keep a small amount of cremated remains with you. (See Our Memorial Jewelry)

9. MEMORIAL GARDEN STONES

   Most popular for bringing comfort to someone who has lost a pet, garden stones and bricks can add a lovely accent to a special garden spot created in memory of a loved one. Stones and bricks are a wonderful way to commemorate both humans and pets. These custom items are created to your specifications and, with your message, become a one-of-a-kind remembrance. (See our selection of outdoor memorials.)

10. CUSTOM ARTWORK

    Whether you are honoring a person or a pet, custom artwork can be the perfect way to memorialize a life well lived. There are a variety of artists from whom you can commission a piece. Just supply them with a photograph, and they’ll create a masterpiece for you to share. One vendor we recommend for unique and beautiful black and white renderings is Charcoal and Pencil.  

11. HANDBLOWN GLASS

    For a truly one-of-a-kind sympathy gift for yourself or a loved one, handblown glass is the perfect option. You can choose your shape, style, and color, and the artist will create a unique item that brings to mind the unique spirit of the person you are honoring. For the ultimate memorialization, include a bit of cremation ash so that your glasswork will encapsulate a bit of the deceased. (See one of our favorite custom glass memorials in the Funeralwise Store.)

12. TIME

    While it can’t be purchased in any store, you can show how much you care by giving the gift of your time. We often ask those who are grieving what we can do to help, but an unsolicited action to help in a time of need is priceless. Whether it is cutting the grass, taking care of children so someone can have an uninterrupted block of time, or handling a chore, giving of yourself is the best gift of all.

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