memorial gift ideas

Death of a Co-Worker, Memorial Ideas

October 6, 2016 urngarden.com

When a coworker dies the whole dynamic at the workplace is changed. The family is grieving, but so are your brothers and sisters in the office or workplace. This can be a difficult and challenging time. Former co-workers at my old employer are dealing with this now.

A beloved coworker was killed riding to work on his bicycle. Several years ago we wrote about ghost bike memorials and said we hoped we never saw one in our town. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see one now and the bike riding community erected a ghost bike where this young man was killed. It’s a touching way to remember the rider and draw attention to sharing the road.

If you have a work place tragedy and are dealing with the death of a colleague you may want to help but don’t know where to start. Here’s a few tips:

Appoint a Company Representative

This will be the point person to establish contact with the family and will help to streamline communications and organize efforts to assist the immediate family. Cards with remembrances are always appreciated and may even bring a smile during a dark time.

Take Up a Collection.

One of the employees in the story above set up a Go Fund Me account to help the widow and her two small children with the unexpected expenses. Cash can be one of the greatest gifts during this difficult time.

We’ve worked with companies that established an on-site memorial for a deceased co-worker. A memorial stone with the name of the employee is a good way to always remember the departed and is often placed in an outdoor courtyard, on a path, or near a tree or bush planted on the grounds in memory of that person.

Personalized stones can take several weeks to produce, so don’t plan a memorial service for the placement of the stone until you have a good idea of the lead time and when you could expect it.

Click the graphic below for more ideas on gift ideas for the grieving.

Gift Ideas for Someone Who Is Grieving

December 14, 2015 urngarden.com

When a death occurs, family and friends often want to help, but don’t know where to start. Don’t ask “What can I do”, or “I’m here, if you need anything”. Often, the person is so overwhelmed and grief stricken they have no idea what they need, or where to begin to start moving forward. Using a direct approach, you can take the initiative and reach out. Here’s a few ideas:

In today’s economy, money is always welcome. The gift of cash can really help with unexpected medical or funeral expenses. You may be able to organize a group and collect donations to make a big impact like making a car payment, pay off a credit card, or on a smaller scale buy groceries, or just make a donation that could really help the family.

Depending on the season, hire a lawn mowing service, or arrange to make sure the driveway and walks are clear in the winter. One of our clients who lived in a rural area that receives extreme winter weather, was concerned about her long winding driveway. Her husband died suddenly and he was the one that always ran the tractor to clear the drive. Her neighbors stepped up and paid for snow plow service to make sure she always had access.

Create a living memorial. Buy a memorial stone that can be personalized with names, dates, or a brief sentiment and arrange for a tree dedication or plant a flowering shrub that will bloom every year in memory of a loved one.

House cleaning without being asked is a huge relief. Just show up, run the sweeper, clean the bathroom, start a load of laundry or dishes. Any small task will be appreciated.

Offer the gift of time and help out with childcare or errands like picking up prescriptions, groceries, dry cleaning, etc.

Drop off a gift basket filled with breakfast items, tissues, tea, toys, candles, etc.

Memorial jewelry is a thoughtful gift that can be worn close to the heart.

Do you have photos of the departed loved one? Round them up and create a scrap book, or simply print out some of the pictures to give to the family.

Veterans or military personnel might treasure a flag case to store the burial flag that will be received at the funeral.

Don’t be afraid to tell them you are praying and then do it.

3 Gift Basket Ideas for Grieving Friends and Family

December 9, 2015 urngarden.com

gift ideas for grieving friends and family

When a death occurs, it’s often difficult to express your sympathy. Often, people want to reach out, but don’t know what to say or do. This situation can be awkward and painful, but doesn’t have to be. Small gestures, like a gift basket can express your condolences and some of the families we serve have told us that often it was the best gift they received during a very dark time.

This gift doesn’t have to be extravagant, shop the house and gather up a few items and bundle them up to create a thoughtful, loving expression. Here’s three ideas:

Breakfast Gift Basket:

One of our clients whose husband died suddenly, said this was the one of the best gifts she received, as she had out of town family arriving and had nothing in the house. One of the neighbors made up a basket filled with English muffins, jelly, bacon, milk, eggs, juice, and coffee. Assembling the ingredients for the most important meal of the day can help fortify a grieving person and give them a little strength to start the day.

Comfort Gift Basket:

Think about items that are cozy and comforting stress busters. Show your sympathy with a container filled with tea, honey, scented candle, essential oils, tissues, chap stick, lotion, a journal, cocoa, cookies, thank you cards, bubble bath, and maybe an inspirational book, or collection of uplifting music.

Gift Basket For the Children:

Sometimes kids are overlooked with all the activity surrounding making funeral arrangements, planning a memorial service, and taking care of the business at hand. Consider building a basket for the younger ones that they can help themselves to.

Fill it with stickers, stuffed animals, candy or snacks, coloring book, plant-able seed packets, paper and pencils, bubbles, night light or flashlight.

We’re calling these memorial gift baskets, but you could re-purpose and fill a gift bag or box, or get creative and use a discarded decorative container, or even a laundry basket. Whatever you vessel you use, whether you fill with fruit, flowers, or toys, your gift will be cherished. In the event, that you just can’t pull it all together, pick up the phone, or go to your favorite local florist’s website and let them do the heavy lifting. Most florists offer gift baskets and will build an attractive customized collection based on what you want to accomplish and even deliver it if needed.

Gift baskets may not be your bag. Some of our customers choose to buy a small piece of jewelry for ashes or often they’ll buy a memorial stone that is personalized and have it sent to the family. If you need help narrowing down your choices, we can help.