I’m sharing a post today from Jessica, one of our contributors to the book and blogger at Four Plus an Angel. This is such great advice, especially if you are struggling to know what to do for a grieving parent, or if you are looking for a special gift for this holiday season.

Gifts for Someone Who is Grieving

It has been six years since we lost our daughter. In those six years I have searched and searched for ways to find comfort. Sometimes it is through writing, sometimes through a friend who understands and sometimes it is through something that is a perfect reminder of my daughter’s short life.

Here are a few of my favorite gifts for grieving parents:

1. Molly Bear– Molly Bears is a non-profit founded by a fellow loss mom who creates bears the exact weight of your infant at the time they passed. Words can’t express the feelings that rushed over me the first time I lifted my bear out of its box.

2. Footprint ring– Lauren Nicole LLC makes a gorgeous ring with the actual footprint of your child. She also does quite a bit of customized jewelry so if you do not have a print you could have the child’s name put on a necklace or bracelet.

3. Angel wing necklace– A friend bought this necklace from the Vintage Pearl and now it’s on my wish list. It would also be a great gift for someone who suffered a loss during pregnancy and may not have prints or a name to create something personalized.

4. Lost for Words card line– The very talented Carly Marie Dudley and Franchesca Cox teamed up to create beautiful cards for all occasions of loss. They have found the words for subjects that are hard to talk about for many.

5. Memory Box– There are personalized memory boxes you can order but there are also pretty boxes you can purchase anywhere. After you lose a baby there can be so few precious things to keep, giving someone a beautiful place to keep them is such a thoughtful gift.

6. Entwined ring– Unfortunately, multiple pregnancies are at a higher risk of loss. If you know someone who has lost one or more in a set of twins or triplets these rings from Nelle and Lizzy are perfect. I have one entwining the names of my triplets and I couldn’t love it more.

7. Name In the Sand– I cannot say enough about this gift. Carly Marie, the founder of this site will write the name of a lost child in the sand on the shores of a gorgeous beach in Australia and photograph it for you. This was one of the first things I had done to remember Hadley and I will always treasure it.

8. Support at home– Many families who have suffered a loss have spent many days and nights in a hospital. One of the most wonderful gifts we were given was a fridge full of fresh produce. When I finally returned from the hospital my mom and aunt had shopped for us and filled our fridge with fresh fruits and veggies. I think that first plate of fresh food was the best meal I’ve ever had. I was in no shape to go to the store and such a thoughtful gesture was truly appreciated.

Ultimately, any small gesture will mean so much to a family that is struggling through grief. The most important thing you can do is acknowledge their loss and let them know you are there for support when they need you.

Jessica Watson

Author and owner of Four Plus an Angel
Contributing writer at SheKnows, Huffington Post, Mamalode and Still Standing Magazine