Gift baskets are great for just about any occasion but sending gifts at a time when someone has experienced a loss requires a different type of etiquette. In our experience, sympathy gift baskets are probably the only gifts that you may not get an immediate response to. Although your gifts are appreciated and well received, and whether the death was expected or unexpected, remember this is a difficult time. It may take weeks or maybe even months before the recipients acknowledge your gift.
It is most appropriate to send gifts to the home and if possible a day or two before the funeral. If you can, avoid sending gift baskets to the funeral home or even on the day of the funeral. Do choose gift baskets with prepackaged, nonperishable, gourmet foods items. You have no control over when the gift will be opened or actually consumed. Avoid sending items that must be consumed immediately including most fruits. A good selection of cookies, crackers, cheese, spreads, quick dip mixes, nuts, cakes, soups, tea, coffee, chocolates, meats, and gift items like comforting books are a great selections of items that the family can enjoy before or after the funeral.
Receiving a belated gift can be a blessing. Often the recipients will receive a great deal of support immediately following a death but then life goes back to normal for everyone except for the family experiencing the loss. Don't hesitate to send a Comfort Basket or Thinking of You Gift Basket weeks or even months later. We recommend a basket of comfort foods or even some much needed pamper items, candles, a cuddly plush, and some comforting words to let them know that they are still in your thoughts.
