Loss impacts everyone at some point in life. It can come in the form of a divorce, a job layoff, or the death of a beloved pet or family member. All of these situations can lead to a host of challenging emotions. They can also cause the affected person to take time away from work to grieve and heal.
If you know a coworker who’s going through a painful loss, you may be wondering what you can do to support them. Sending sympathy gifts can be a great way to show you care. Here are some of the best sympathy gifts to send a coworker who’s navigating loss, as well as a few gifts to avoid.
Why It’s Important to Support a Coworker Through Loss
Supporting a coworker through times of loss is more important than you may realize. It’s not uncommon to assume that the person who’s grieving wants to be left alone for a while. While that may be true for some people, many prefer to feel remembered and supported when they’re struggling.
Try to put yourself in your co-worker’s shoes to determine how you should respond to their situation. Imagine taking time away from work to mourn the loss of a loved one. Now, consider how you would feel if you didn’t receive a single comforting message or sympathy care package. You’d probably feel disappointed, forgotten, and isolated. That’s why it’s so crucial to reach out and support your coworkers through times of loss.
Best and Worst Gifts to Give Someone Who’s Experiencing Loss
Now that you know how important it is to comfort and support a coworker who’s grieving, it’s time to decide what to give them. Not all gifts are created equal, and some might send the wrong message to someone who’s struggling.
Everyone is different, so it’s important to consider your coworker’s unique interests and needs when choosing a gift. From sympathy gift baskets to self-care essentials, here are some thoughtful sympathy gift ideas to give you some inspiration.
Best Gifts
Thoughtfulness, sincerity, and effort are all hallmarks of great gifts. Any of the following heartfelt selections has the potential to lift your coworker’s mood and help them feel loved:
Ready-to-Eat Food Baskets
A comfort food gift basket is the type of gift that’s perfect for practically any situation. If there’s one thing in life that’s universally loved and appreciated, it’s food. Ready-to-eat meals like soup, sandwiches, or pasta can feel surprisingly comforting. They mimic the sensation of a warm hug and can temporarily divert the mind away from sad or lonely thoughts. They also eliminate the need to prepare food during a time when cooking might feel harder than usual.
Self Care Gifts
Grief can make it hard to go through daily self-care routines. However, neglecting your physical or emotional needs during tough times can make sadness and anxiety even worse. Sometimes, people who are grieving feel like they need permission to give themselves some comfort and attention. You can provide that permission in the form of self care gifts for women. Some great options include luxurious skincare products, aromatherapy candles, cozy throw blankets, or a gift certificate to a nearby spa.
Kind Words
Kind words can be more powerful and meaningful than any other gift. Consider sending your coworker a handwritten note or card to let them know you’re thinking about them. You could also write a personalized message inside the cover of a book about grief and healing. Your message doesn’t have to be long, but it should be authentic and supportive.
Gifts to Avoid
If you’re not sure what to give a coworker who’s struggling with loss, you don’t have to overthink things. They’ll probably appreciate the gesture, no matter what gift you send. However, it’s wise to avoid the following gifts because they could send the wrong message and make the recipient uncomfortable:
Overly Sentimental Gifts
Unless you have a very close relationship with your coworker, it’s best to avoid sending them overly sentimental gifts. Customized memorial gifts and other highly personal items may feel intrusive if they’re sent by a coworker. These types of sentimental offerings are typically best reserved for family members and very close friends.
Extravagant Items
A trip to Europe might seem like a wonderful way to help a coworker forget about their grief. However, such an expensive gift is almost certainly inappropriate for the situation and for your relationship.
Insensitive Gifts
Humor can be a powerful mood-lifter, but it may not be appropriate for all situations. Sending a funny card or book to a coworker who’s grieving could come across as harsh and insensitive. It’s generally best to save lighthearted gifts for a more appropriate time. The best gifts for someone who’s grieving are those that show compassion and sensitivity. Humor can wait until after your coworker has time to heal and resume their normal routine.
Conclusion
It’s so important to be there for a coworker who’s experiencing loss and sorrow. The gifts you send and the words of love and compassion you offer can have a huge impact on how loved and supported they feel. Use these ideas to help you choose the perfect gift for a coworker who’s grieving (and figure out which gifts to avoid).
