When someone is grieving the best gift many times is you just to be there by their side.  They have suffered a loss and by you and other friends and loved ones being their, gives them the feeling that they have the support to bear the loss.

Each religion and culture has its own way to show their grieving and condolences.   There are too many to list here, but I have included a few helpful links to related information.  Flowers and food/fruit baskets are usually appropriate.  Mass cards are appropriate for Catholic families and food is appropriate for Jewish families.  Donations are also always appropriate for this time of mourning (sometimes the family might mention specific charities).

Expressions of Condolences:

• Just being there

• Flowers

• Food or Fruit Basket (sent to those in mourning)

• Mass Card (these can be picked up in most Catholic churches)

• Food (to be sent to the house of those in mourning)

• Donations to Charity in name of deceased

• Sympathy Cards

Condolence Basket

Deluxe Fruit Basket

Sympathy I

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FROM THE GiftWarehousePlus.com ONLINE GIFT STORE

Funeral Guides (Selected Independent Funeral Homes): Information on the mourning process of many different religions and cultures.

Funeral.com (official): Information on the customs of many religions when dealing with death.  Included are: Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic, Mormon), Hinduism, Judaism and Sikkism.

Funeral Etiquette (Speaks Chapel): Information on etiquette for the unfortunate times when someone passes away.  Includes etiquette for dress, how to act, gifts, etc. for the Christian faith.

Mourning Customs (Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel): Mourning information for those of the Jewish faith.