One of the hardest parts about losing a loved one is that we often end up spending the days following organizing funerals, wakes, or celebrations of life. During this time, it is hard to get basic housekeeping chores done and meals prepared.
As friends of those mourning, we find ourselves wondering what to do for someone grieving. Often it is best to send them a grief care package. By sending them a care package, you are reaching out and offering a personalized acknowledgement of their loss. You are also helping them take care of some practical needs while they continue to grieve.
Once you’ve decided to send a care package for someone grieving, it is time to decide what to include in the package. Here are some ideas:
Send the Necessities
Food
It’s difficult to cook substantial meals when grieving. All the ceremonies will be taking up much of their time, not to mention the preparation that goes into a celebration of life or funeral service. Sending home cooked meals is one of the best things you can do for a grieving friend. If you find yourself too busy to cook an entire meal, drop them off some takeout or send them a gift card to a restaurant that you know they like. Cooking should not be the cause of distress for someone while their grieving. Here are some great meals to send along to your grieving friend:
A casserole
A vegetable tray
Fruits
Soups
Pastas
Snacks (nuts, yogurts, granola bars)
Personal Care/ Everyday Necessities
The reason these items are a great addition to a care package is that they are often one of the first things that run out at a home when people don’t have the time to go shopping for them. For example, mourning families often have their out of town relatives over as guests during the time of grief. This makes these every day toiletries run out quickly. While grieving the loss of a family member, people find themselves unable to maintain supply of things such as:
Toothpaste
Paper towels
Soap/shower gel
Deodorant
Facial tissues
Toilet paper
Cleaning products
Gifts for Leisure
During this time of sadness, it is important to have an outlet. Once essential care has been covered, people need to look for something to do so that they can stop themselves from entering a depressive state caused by grieving. Often these gifts are simple items that encourage relaxation, but sometimes they can generate excitement and fun:
A journal in which to write your thoughts on grieving
An exciting mystery novel
A movie/monthly subscription to a streaming service
Voucher for a spa day
Kids’ Gifts
Grieving can be hard on children. The constant formal events paired with an overwhelming feeling of sadness is hard to handle. In between the countless hours spent in funeral homes or at celebration of life functions, kids need to decompress. If your mourning friends have children, consider sending some items for them in the grief care package:
Toys
Story books involving the handling of grief for children
Childrens movies
Outdoor activity accessories
Creating a Care Package for Someone Grieving
Caring for the mourning can be an awkward and difficult task. Sending them a care package allows them to know that you are thinking about them while giving them space and alone time. Though we may not hear anything back from those who are grieving, we can be sure that the grief care package we sent had a substantial impact on their mourning process.