16 Memorial Gifts to Comfort and Console

Choosing a memorial gift for a grieving family member, friend, or loved one usually comes with many questions. 

What is an appropriate memorial gift? Are flowers a suitable gift for a memorial service? What shouldn’t I give? 

The truth is, many answers to these questions depend upon cultural norms and individual circumstances. We’ve tackled this tricky topic before in our posts on bereavement gifts and sympathy gift baskets. 

Read on if you’re searching for help finding just the right thing. In those lists and this one, we believe we’ve managed to come up with some thoughtful gift ideas for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Also, check out our post on sympathy cards for some helpful tips on etiquette and wording.

Memorial Gifts That Show Love and Support

1. Star Map

by Etsy: ArtfulData

It’s said we’re all made of the stuff of stars, and we happen to think a personalized star chart memorializing a loved one is an incredibly meaningful gift. 

First, select between four framed and unframed options, or you can opt to receive your chart as a PDF file and print as you wish. Then, send the ArtfulData shop a specified date and location, font preferences, color preferences, and any message you’d like to include on the print. 

2. Family Print

by Etsy: FirstChoicePrints

It’s always comforting to think the loved ones we’ve lost are now guardian angels, watching over us. 

To order this beautiful print, select one of two sizes, and choose whether you’d prefer a paper print sent to your home or a PDF file to print on your own. Specify any personal message you’d like to include, then provide the names and choose the physical features for each family member from the provided charts. 

3. Handwriting Print

by Etsy: PerfectlyUPrints

A wooden sign immortalizing a sweet handwritten note is a fantastic way to remember those we’ve loved and lost. This one is available in eight beautiful stain options, three backgrounds, and two shapes. 

Send in a photo of the written note you’d like to include, and you’ll have a meaningful keepsake for the family to hang on the wall or display on a shelf. 

4. Men’s Wallet

by Etsy: AprilsLeatherShop

An engraving of a note or photo on a piece of art is an excellent way for friends and family members to remember a lost loved one. But when you put it on a wallet, they can keep it with them everywhere they go. 

These high-quality full-grain leather wallets come in your choice of bi or tri-fold designs. Choose from brown, black, or cognac, then select where you’d like to place the engraving. 

5. Grief Journals

by Etsy: GiftsForGrieving

Writing down our thoughts and experiences is a great way to process grief when we’ve lost a loved one. These journals encourage the bereft to do just that. 

Each journal is printed with a cover message of your choosing. If you’re not sure what to say, the seller will do an excellent job of assisting you with finding the right words. Pick a color and font style, and the journal will be gift-wrapped for delivery.

6. Engravable Locket Necklace

by Blue Nile

A classic locket necklace is always an appropriate keepsake for grieving friends or family members. This engravable sterling silver locket features a snap clasp and two spaces for photos. It comes on a long 30″ box chain, great for layering or wearing alone. 

7. Fingerprint Bracelet

by Etsy: GracePersonalized

We love fingerprint jewelry! In fact, we like it so much, we posted this article not too long about all kinds of fingerprint jewelry perfect for commemorating someone special. 

We think the medallion design of this bracelet is just beautiful. We predict your giftee will love it so much, they’ll wear it every day. 

Take a photo or scan the fingerprint and/or any text you’d like to have engraved on the bracelet, then message it to the shop. They’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to treasure forever. 

Available in six sizes with your choice of 18k gold vermeil, rose gold vermeil, and sterling silver. 

8. Memorial Pillow

by Etsy: indigotangerine

A throw pillow memorializing a lost loved one is an excellent gift to show you care. With its minimal design and contemporary font, this cotton canvas pillow with comfy polyester lining would look beautiful in any room! Add a name and date to the text to make it even more special.

9. Memorial Wind Chimes

by ASTARIN

Windchimes can sound so soothing and comforting, perfect for consoling someone who’s grief-stricken. These large windchimes include a majestic tree of life symbolizing peace and longevity engraved on the windcatcher. It’s made from solid beech and features aluminum chimes for a deep, resonating sound. Hangs with a sturdy S-hook.

10. Personalized Lantern

by Etsy: KNBDesign

Create your own memorial lantern to give someone who needs it most. This one is available in brushed white or black and features a warm flickering LED “flame.” Choose messages and photos to personalize it on all four sides.

Helping bring some light to the darkness when someone’s lost a loved one is always one of the best gifts we can give. 

Needs 2 AA batteries

11. Memorial Garden Stake

by Etsy: GiftsForYouNow

An excellent addition to any garden or yard! This elegant memorial garden sign is a great way to honor the memory of someone special in a meaningful way. It’s sculpted from sturdy wrought iron, and the PVC tile can be personalized with two lines of text, name, and date.

12. Personalized Blanket

by Etsy: ComfortAndKindCo

This personalized blanket is the ultimate comfort gift. Guaranteed to induce tears, it’s a beautiful way to deliver a warm hug. Each blanket features a message of consolation, a birth flower, and, if you wish, the recipient’s name in your choice of two text fonts. 

The blankets are made from plush polyester, machine washable, and are available in a wide variety of colors.

13. Christmas Ornament

by Etsy: HickoryHollowDesigns

Holidays are often hardest for those who’ve lost a loved one. A sweet ornament featuring a picture of the recently passed is sure to brighten the Christmas tree and the spirits.  

Each ornament contains the picture, name, and date framed in pretty copper aluminum. It’s a keepsake that’ll stay in the family for generation after generation.

14. Memorial Keychain with Angel Wings

by Etsy: DayzeeCreationz

This is such a cute keychain idea. A commemorative penny featuring a date and the name of the memorialized is neat as-is. But a commemorative penny accompanied by a pair of angel wings on a keychain is just the thing when you want to keep a loved one close every day. 

15. Memorial Tree

by Etsy: ForestNation

We just love this gift idea for someone grieving the loss of a loved one. A memorial tree to plant in the garden is special, but when you purchase one from Forest Nation, they’ll plant ten more in a developing country to honor the deceased. 

The tree best suited to the recipient’s geographical area will be sent, and each tree kit comes with the seeds and planting and care instructions. 

16. Gift Basket

by Harry & David

When in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with a gift basket to send your condolences to the grieving. (Hence the post I mentioned on sympathy gift baskets earlier.)

This one comes with a little something for everyone to enjoy: two types of cheese, crackers, apples, and pears, as well as baklava for something sweet, all packed in a reusable decorative basket. 

From The Heart

Memorial gifts are always a lovely gesture, but keep in mind, it isn’t always necessary. 

No matter who you’re thinking of, sincere words of warmth and kindness can sometimes be the best gift for someone grieving the loss of a loved one. Even though people may not remember what you said during that difficult time, they’ll definitely remember how you made them feel.

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