When you hear that someone you know has lost a family member, you want to do what you can to support them through this hard time. The professionals at funeral homes in Essex, MD can suggest certain things to you if you don’t see anything you like on this list. They are there to help with final services, but they are also there to help those supporting a grieving family. Here are some of the items they suggest you send to people going through a hard time.

Candles are a nice thing to send to a grieving family. You might send candles in their loved one’s favorite color, or in a scent that they would appreciate. If their loved one was known for making apple pie, you can get a candle with an apple scent to bring that memory back to them. Candles are also relaxing, as their glow is beautiful and it’s something they might light to remember their loved one.

Gift cards are always a nice gift as the family can use them whenever they want. You could give them a gift card to an area restaurant or grocery store so they can feed their family when the need arises. Gas cards are always nice. Then, there are gift cards to a spa, perhaps, so they can get a massage and relax. It’s nice to give them a way to get away from it all. There are plentiful gift card options and you know what the family might like.

Food is a common gift, but that doesn’t make it any less important or appreciated. You might order staples for the family, which you know they will need and they might not be getting out to get those things themselves right now. You can also make a casserole for them and deliver it in meal-sized packages. They need to eat right not to maintain their energy and food is something you can do to help them to get what they need to move forward. It’s a nice way to support someone and they are going to appreciate the gesture.

Lots of people send flowers, but those are going to fade away and wilt. While flowers are appreciated and a nice gesture, a potted plant can be a nice idea, too. You can give them a plant that they can keep for longer. When they see the plant, they will think of you for giving them the plant, and they will think of that loved one at the same time.

Cards are always a nice way to convey your sympathy and put a personal touch on your thoughts. You can slip money into the card that they can use in any way they want. They can memorialize their loved one, perhaps, or use the money on the final services.

You can also donate money to charity for their loved one after services with funeral homes in Essex, MD. Let the family know what you did.