When someone is going through a tough time, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or something else, sending a sympathy gift is a good way to show you care, you’re there for them or even provide a bit of relief. However, there are a few different types of sympathy gifts to consider before sending your condolences.
The best gift you can give is just being there, lending an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. But if you’re struggling to find the words, a sympathy gift can help show your support, offer comfort or help honor and memorialize a lost loved one. Of course, if your friend or family member needs a little space, sending a gift is a respectful way to give them some while also sending a little love their way.
Before you consider sending one, however, you should also consider the timing. While it’s always a nice time to send a gift, after a funeral, support tends to wane, so sending one a week or two after may be a nice surprise. You could also send one on key dates, like an anniversary, birthday or other holidays.
With that in mind, if you’re having a hard time coming up with the right thing to send, take a look at our list of the best sympathy gifts of 2025.
Update, Feb. 7, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability.
The best sympathy gifts and gift baskets
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