WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN A GRIEF CARE PACKAGE?

So what should you put in the care package?

Although you should personalize the gift for the individual you are giving it to, there are some general items that we recommend including. At Grief Care Fellowship, we also provide resources about pastoral care for grief and loss that may help you when coming alongside someone who is grieving.

In the care package, we recommend that you include:

Gift cards – Gift cards can be very beneficial to someone who is grieving. Typically, people receive prepared food from their community during the first few weeks after they have lost their loved one. But after they stop receiving those meals, it can be difficult to find the motivation to cook. Gift cards to restaurants eliminate the need to prepare a meal.

Additionally, grocery or retail gift cards are also helpful. They can help alleviate some of the financial burden of buying food and clothes that they need. 

Encouraging books and videos – Another item that we have found helpful to someone who is grieving is an uplifting book. Try to avoid lengthy books about grieving testimonies and instead provide a read that is brief and encouraging. 

You can also include video seminars that will assist the person who is grieving in brainstorm ideas and create plans about how to navigate through difficult times. We offer several of these video lessons, including a short seminar series on how to handle grief through the holidays. 

A gift certificate – Self-care is an important practice, especially for those who have recently lost a loved one. We recommend that you add a gift certificate for something the person would enjoy, such as a massage or a manicure. This way they can do something that makes them feel good when they have a bad day or are in a tough spot in their grieving journey. 

A card – Last, but certainly not least, you should include a card in the grief care package. Write them words of encouragement. Tell them that they are loved and appreciated. Let them know that you are there for them when they need it. Make it personal.

Supporting and ministering to someone who is grieving can be difficult and complex. To read more about how to minister to someone who has lost a loved one, check out our blog post “How Do You Minister To Someone Who Is Grieving?” Additionally, our course “Journey in Grief Care” is available for grief support training for pastoral care of grief and loss. 

Contact us, today, if you have any other questions about building a grief care package, or if you have questions about our support seminar on handling grief through the holidays.