Giving the Gift of Comfort: Thoughtful Ways to Support a Grieving Heart

Hi there! I’m Audrey, founder of It’s More Than A Gift, where I focus on creating meaningful connections through thoughtful gift-giving. I’m a firm believer that a gift can do more than simply delight—it can heal, comfort, and bring hope, especially during life’s most challenging moments.

One of the reasons I started It’s More Than A Gift was to help people navigate the often-overwhelming world of gift-giving and inspire them to give in ways that truly matter.

Today, I want to focus on something near and dear to my heart: how to support someone who is grieving—particularly those who have experienced a miscarriage, child loss, or other deep loss. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply a thoughtful gift can touch someone’s heart, and in this blog, we’ll explore ways to offer comfort and love when words just don’t seem like enough.

Navigating Grief After a Miscarriage or Child Loss

My own journey includes infertility, early miscarriage, and the unimaginable pain of losing my second daughter, CeCe, at 15 months old when her medical complexities worsened. I remember those first few weeks after her passing—I was numb, slightly in denial, and nowhere near ready to process the intensity of the trauma and pain we had just gone through.

It’s all still so raw. CeCe only passed away in March of this year, and it feels like a giant piece of our family is missing. Joy has been hard to find, and my husband and I have been in survival mode. We’ve had to adapt, process, and slowly regain hope, knowing that CeCe’s story will live on. We’re doing everything we can to honor her life as we continue to heal.

For many who have experienced miscarriage or child loss, the holidays—and even everyday moments—can highlight that empty space. And that’s where we, as their friends and loved ones, can offer support in gentle, meaningful ways. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—sometimes, it’s the smallest gifts that mean the most.

Thoughtful Gifts for Those Grieving a Loss

When someone is grieving, especially after a miscarriage or the loss of a child, the right gift can be a powerful gesture of love and care. Here are a few ideas that can help you offer support in a way that feels personal and thoughtful:

1. Keepsake Jewelry – A Reminder of Love

Jewelry is more than just an accessory; it can be a physical reminder of someone we’ve lost. At Rest of the Nest, the jewelry pieces are created with this exact purpose in mind—to offer remembrance, hope, and encouragement. A custom necklace or even a keychain with a name, date, or initials can give someone a way to carry a piece of their loved one with them, always close to their heart. These keepsakes become a daily reminder that their love endures, even after loss.

2. The Night Sky Custom Artwork (https://www.thenightsky.com/ )

A custom star map from The Night Sky is a deeply unique and personal way to show your support. Each star map is created from a meaningful date in the life of the person who has passed away, capturing how the stars aligned on that special day. If you’re sending a gift to someone who has lost a spouse, consider a star map from their wedding day. For someone who lost a child, imagine the significance of sending a star map from the day their child was born. No matter the date, this is a gift that shows you’re thinking of them in a personal and unforgettable way.

3. Practical Gifts for Everyday Life

Grief is exhausting, and sometimes the most helpful gifts are the ones that make everyday life just a little bit easier. Consider giving:

• A meal delivery service or a homemade meal.
• A personalized journal where they can write their thoughts.
• A gift certificate for a house cleaning service or a helpful errand.

These practical gestures take some of the weight off their shoulders and show that you’re thinking of them in tangible ways.

4. Tokens of Remembrance

For many grieving families, having something physical to remember their loved one by can be a source of comfort. Gifts like:

• A memory box or photo album.
• A memorial garden stone or plant.
• A locket or photo frame.

These gifts allow people to hold on to their memories and reflect on their loved one whenever they need.

5. Gifts that Encourage Rest and Healing

Self-care can often fall by the wayside during grief, but it’s essential for healing. Thoughtful self-care gifts might include:

• A soft blanket or cozy slippers.
• Calming candles or soothing essential oils.
• A subscription to a meditation app or grief support group.

Encouraging them to take moments of peace and care for themselves during this time can make a world of difference.

Gift-Giving with Compassion

When giving a gift to someone grieving, especially after a miscarriage or child loss, it’s important to remember that your gift won’t take away their pain—and it’s not meant to. Instead, your gift should be a quiet reminder that they’re not alone, that you’re thinking of them, and that their grief is acknowledged. And as much as it’s about giving something meaningful, it’s also about how you offer that gift—with empathy and without expectations.

Make Gift Giving Easier and More Meaningful All Year Long 

If you’re anything like me, you want to give gifts that are thoughtful and meaningful—but sometimes that can feel a little overwhelming. That’s exactly why I created the Gift Giving Masterclass. It’s designed to help take the stress out of gift-giving and make it fun and inspiring all year round.

In the masterclass, we’ll explore the art of giving meaningful gifts, from understanding the recipient to coming up with creative ideas and staying organized. Whether you’re looking to give the perfect birthday present or something special to comfort a grieving friend, this workshop will guide you through giving with heart and intention. [Join the waitlist here] for more information and to be the first to know when registration opens!

The Power of Thoughtful Giving

In the end, giving a gift to someone who’s grieving, particularly after a miscarriage or child loss, is about offering love in its purest form. It’s a way of saying, "I see you. I’m here for you." Whether it’s a piece of keepsake jewelry from Rest of the Nest, a thoughtful meal, a custom star map from The Night Sky, or a soft blanket for comfort, your gift can provide a bit of peace during a hard time.

This holiday season—and throughout the year—let’s lead with empathy, compassion, and thoughtfulness in all our gift-giving. Because when we give from the heart, the impact goes far beyond the gift itself.