Unique Memorial Gifts... What to Give Instead of Flowers?

It's so hard to lose people that are close to us! When family, friends, or coworkers are grieving, what matters most is showing that you are thinking about them and that you care. But how? According to experts, death is one of the hardest subjects to talk about. Oftentimes people are afraid of saying the wrong thing, so they end up not saying anything at all. If you feel uneasy about what to say, sending a gift is a good choice. And, a piece of art -- a subtle reminder of the person who has passed on -- is a unique memorial gift that lasts forever.

Several of our Woodstock Rustic pieces work well as unique memorial or sympathy gifts. We have six different designs with a choice of messages (or none) stenciled on the pieces. There's also an option to add a name/note on the back to commemorate the person.

Forever in Our Hearts. A universal theme is the heart with a message of remembrance.

Love lives on. For some, the appearance of butterflies is a comforting reminder that a loved one who has passed on is near. Many cultures view them as spiritual symbols of metamorphosis from "a caterpillar that crawls on the ground to a beautiful, almost ethereal creature that flies through the air." Some say they represent the soul's freedom upon death.

The symbolism of angels and angel wings are also often comforting to those who are grieving.

I am with you always. And for others, a biblical verse is the most comforting message.

Our two personalized wood crosses are another choice for a spiritual gift. There's an option to add a hand stamped name, word, or scripture reference.

For all pieces, there's an option to attach a note on the back to commemorate the loved one who has passed on.

And, if requested, we'll include a gift note with your personal message in the packaging as well. We've had people include personal stories, a short poem, and simple notes just to acknowledge that they are thinking about them. Hallmark Cards offers the following suggestions for short notes:

“We are so sorry for your loss.” “I hope you feel surrounded by much love.” “Sharing in your sadness as you remember Dan.” “Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.” “With deepest sympathy as you remember Robert.” “I was saddened to hear that your grandfather passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family.” “Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort.” “It was truly a pleasure working with your father for 17 years. He will be deeply missed.” “Thinking of you all as you celebrate your grandmother’s remarkable life.” “We are missing Anne along with you. With heartfelt sympathy,” “Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember a friend who was so close to you.” “Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.” “Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.”

When a family member passed a few years ago, a friend sent this poem. It was very comforting, and some good food for thought for anyone who has lost someone.

Death Is Nothing At All

By Henry Scott-Holland (1847-1918, a priest at St. Paul's Cathedral of London)

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Whatever you decide to do, don't let your feelings of uneasiness keep you from telling the person you care!

The team at Woodstock Rustic

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