12 Days of Gift Guides - Day 10 : Gift for Grievers
Two weeks before Christmas, I delivered my stillborn daughter, Elizabeth. Naturally, Christmas was tough as I was going through the motions of buying presents as I was planning a funeral . There were several gifts I purchased for myself during that time that helped me remain connected to my daughter. The sadness didn’t go away but the reminders gave me peace.
*These are also great gifts for birth mothers.
1. Necklace with engravable date or name - I engraved the date I delivered my stillborn daughter on a Stella & Dot gold “bar” necklace and her name on the “delicate” necklace to layer it with.
2. Name a Star. Honor a loved one by naming a star in their memory through the star registry. I love this gift for little ones who have lost parents as it gives them a visual reminder, no matter where they are, that they are being watched over. You’ll get a certificate and even a map to locate your star.
3. Symbolically “adopt” a wild animal though the World Wildlife Federation. Support animal conversation by adopting .This would be a great way to honor the animal lover who has passed away.
4. Angel Ornament - Every year, my children and I pick out an angel ornament for their baby sister in Heaven. Hallmark has a collection of baby angels so we add a new one every year. We put the ornament in a stocking with her name on it and hang it Christmas morning.
5. Memory Boxes - After my baby’s funeral, I had a small memory box made where I keep her photos, baby blankets, a hat and my delivery gown. I keep this box in my closet, in a private space, where I look through it now and then.
6. T-shirt or baby clothes quilt - I have made baby quilts for all of my children and also I also gifted my son’s biological mother a quilt of his baby clothes. You could also make a quilt for someone who has passed away.
7. Shutterfly Scrapbook Upload photos and create a beautiful scrapbook that will me mailed to you. This can be a really thoughtful gift and most often includes some tears. This is also a sweet gift to give to a parent who has lost their parent.
8. Signature Bracelet - Honor a loved one by having a custom made piece of jewelry made with their signature on it. I love that a memory can be worn every day.
