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memorial gifts

Memorial Gifts: What to Send Instead of Flowers

April 21, 2016 urngarden.com

memorial gifts offered at urn garden

Flowers are great memorial gifts, but there’s other options.

When sending your condolences to a family member, friend or acquaintance, a bouquet of flowers is often the first thing that comes to mind. Not only are flowers pleasing to the eye, but they’re also capable of showing a significance or symbolizing a meaning that words are often unable to express. However, it’s for that reason that flowers can become overwhelming and sometimes even begin to fill up entire rooms. That’s not to say this is a bad thing – one can never have too much support or too many flowers, but there are many other great ways to express the same sentiment. That’s why we at Urn Garden have compiled a list of worthy alternatives so you have more than one option when choosing memorial gifts.

Alternative Memorial Gift Ideas

Check for Specifics From the Family

In some cases, families will suggest alternative memorial gifts for you. If the family has done so, they’ll often list it in the obituary. If not, check the funeral website or give the funeral home a call.

Shrub or Memorial Stone

Shrubs make great memorial gifts because they are visually appealing and serve as a beautiful, lasting memory. However, before giving someone a shrub, blooming tree, or flowering plant for the yard or garden, first determine whether or not they’ll have the available space to plant it.

weeping cherry tree memorial

Similarly, memorial stones also make great memorial gifts because of their longevity.

memorial garden stoneHowever, a memorial stone is perhaps a more versatile memorial gift, as they can be placed inside, outside, or virtually anywhere else in a home, garden, or on someone’s property but may not be suitable for an apartment dweller.

Photos

If you are a family member or close friend of those who are grieving, you may have memorable photos of the deceased that they do not.

photo frame luminaries
photo credit: pinterest/thatswhatchesaid

If so, consider compiling a memorial album or CD. Doing so will give family members and friends of the deceased new, cherished memories that will last forever and could be used at the funeral or memorial service.

Self-Care Items

Taking care of yourself isn’t always a priority for those who are grieving. That’s why gifts like massages, manicures or even gift certificates to dance or exercise classes at the local YMCA can serve as a great memorial gift. However, if you’re not quite sure someone is ready to get out of the house yet, you might consider giving a self-care basket instead. Your gift basket could include a variety of items such as bath salts and lotions, candles, movies and more. This blog post covers some ideas for gifts baskets that brightened a dark day for some of the families we serve.

A Dedication or Donation

If the deceased was involved in a church or community organization, do some research to find out if you can have something dedicated in their honor. If not, try making a donation instead. Not sure which organization you should donate to? Check the obituary. The deceased’s family members will often make a note of this here.

Choosing memorial gifts can be something of a stressful endeavor, especially when you feel as though you don’t have any options. However, by referencing the above suggestions, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right memorial gift for the occasion.gift ideas for grieving friends and family

Continue to browse our website for more information on memorial gifts, or give us a call to get a quote on the other services we provide such as cremation urns or jewelry.

Where to buy cremation urn

Filed Under: memorial garden Tagged With: memorial gifts, urn garden

Sweet Memorial Idea: Instagram Pillows, Purses, and Totes

January 28, 2013 urngarden.com

Pet Memorial Pillow
Source: Stitchagram

Instagram users can design a personalized memorial gift with the help of a brother and sister team in our nation’s capitol. Doug and Rachel Pfeffer. Their site Stitchtagram lets you login with you or your beloved’s Instagram account and keeps the memories alive on a linen or cotton canvas in the form of pillows, purses, and tote bags.

instagram tote
Source: Stitchtagram

Looks like the tote bag holds at least 16 images, providing the back is a solid fabric and is about 13 inches square. $78.00

instagram coin-purse
Source: Stitchtagram

I love the coin purse clutch, it’s a good size for your cell phone and a few coins. $82.00

According to their website, Doug works on the internet and Rachel is a jeweler. When Rachel’s not designing/packing/shipping/carting around pillows and fabric, she’s soldering in her DC apartment. I’m guessing she’s about to get busy with some stitching, because not only is this a great tribute idea, it would be a fun Valentine gift. Everything is hand made right here in America. Plan on 2-3 weeks to get your design. Sorry, no rush orders.

Filed Under: art, Confessions, Memorial Service Ideas, Pets, three beautiful things Tagged With: instagram pillows, memorial art idea, memorial gifts, memorial tote bag

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