Memories...Let them fill your mind, warm your heart,
and lead you through." - Author Unknown
Let's take a moment and talk about sympathy and sending flowers. Grieving is a difficult process and for some of us, like me, sometimes we are not sure what to do, what to say, and how to express our love and support for grieving friends and families. If you turn to the Five Love Languages, you can find your best mode of expression during a time of sympathy. Some people cook meals, others run errands, give soul-nourishing hugs, and then there is someone like me, who wants to send words and gifts such as flowers. Oh but flowers, they fade and you want to send something as a memento or keepsake. This list is for you. We've compiled our best sellers for those of us who want to send something "in lieu of flowers".
1. WindChimes
Windchimes as sympathy gifts are picking up speed. Long lasting and beautiful with soothing tones to create an atmosphere calming of the mind and uplifting to the spirit. Perfect for the patio or memorial garden the healing power of music is known to reduce stress and anxiety and allows a person to relax and unwind.
2. Garden Stones
There are many ways to create long-lasting tributes to loved ones. One of the more popular tributes is designing a small memorial garden. They can be as small as a single perrenial or however large the space allows for a full-sized garden with shrubs, grasses, and a variety of flowers. A thoughtful gift to honor a loved one is a garden memorial stone. These weatherproof and durable stones offer messages of comfort and remembrance in the quiet sanctuary of any garden.
3. Comfort Throw Blanket
Another alternative to flowers which can offer a moment of comfort as a tangible gift is a Comfort Throw Blanket. Beautiful images alongside verses and remembrance messages in heirloom quality can be displayed during the service on a wooden easel. At home, this richly colored throw can be used as a memorial coverlet, lap blanket or wall hanging.
4. Book of Love
Each one unique, these books of love are made from rescued hardbound books. They are given new life through nine seperate processes. All the steps are done by hand therefore, none of the books are exactly alike. This gift is a classic and inexpensive way to express personal thoughts to loved ones which cannot always be put into words.
5. Keepsake Box
Music box, jewelry box, there are so many ways these decorative treasures can be used by a loved one. A beautiful way to hold cherished memories or personal effects. We carry keepsake boxes in a variety of sizes, colors, and themes appropriate for many occasions and personal style. Many contain comforting words, art, and soothing melodies. There are a select amount which can have the art replaced on top with photos.
These gifts also make lovely displays either filled or surrounded with fresh flowers artfully designed by our staff. Keepsake boxes are a touching and lasting way to honor a loved one's memory.
6. Figurines
Angels, cherubs, animals, etc; we have a large collection of figurines which are appropriate as stand alone sympathy gifts. Add permanent botanicals or fresh flowers to create a combination of traditional and modern sympathy gift in one. Figurines are subtle yet thoughtful gift which can be placed anywhere in the home and even some outdoors in the garden.
A popular choice and example is our Cielo arrangement. Filled with carnations, daisies, statice and a small light up angel figurine placed in the center. As someone who enjoys sending flowers and a small "Thinking of You" token; this style of sympathy gift is up my alley.
7. Planters
Last but not least on our list of top choices for alternative sympathy gifts is one which serves as living tribute long after the funeral service is over. The everlasting beauty of the dish garden. Select one of our many containers or bring one from home as a personal memento; our floral designers are skilled at making a garden out of almost anything. Fresh flowers and ribbons are artfully placed for an elegant tribute for display.
As you can see we have quite a few alternatives to sympathy flowers and then some. Need more ideas and inspiration? See our extended Sympathy collection online and stop by our store. The fine staff at Gillespie Florists can help you find the perfect ikeepsake or combination of flowers and keepsake for you to express your sentiments in a loving, thoughtful and personal way.
