Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Disclosure in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.
There are numerous occasions in life where weβve been taught that sending flowers is the right thing to do. After receiving those flowers, where do they go? What happens to them? What about those times where you would have appreciated ANYTHING but flowers? Here are some ideas to get you started on what to send instead of flowers!
Have you thought of…
what it might be?
-
In lieu of flowersβ¦
If you are looking for something else to send for a funeral, start here. If the family of the deceased has requested something else – like a donation to a favorite charity – in lieu of flowers, this is the easiest thing to choose. Your gift could have dual purpose in this way as a donation to a good cause and it honors someoneβs life.
-
Send a meal or plate of baked goods
When things are hectic, perhaps after a death in the family, while recovering from a surgery, or after accepting a new job offer, food may be the last thing on peopleβs minds. Food is a surefire way to send condolences or well wishes. Preparing a meal & snacks for the present day or something that is frozen for later is useful and thoughtful. These can be homemade or purchased then delivered – either way would be appropriate. Also, consider a gift card to a favorite restaurant if you wish! Here is a whole host of tips on taking meals to grieving or celebrating families.
-
A Gift of Service
When life takes over, certain household chores fall by the wayside. Simple gifts of your time and service will be much more appreciated than another bouquet of flowers. Consider a gift of service for someone who is pre-occupied with other matters. Perhaps a lawn service or house cleaning service could be arranged as a gift? Ensuring that a house is clean and a lawn maintained would make an excellent gift for someone who is just moving into a new place or for a family in the process of laying a loved one to rest. Other gifts of service might include babysitting, picking up friends and family from the airport, or pick-up and drop-off of dry cleaning.
-
Handmade gifts
Receiving handmade gifts is thoughtful and often unexpected. Handmade gifts can outshine flowers in many situations. For funerals, you could create a unique guestbook or memorial book for a family thatβs grieving. For graduation, create a book of quotes and good luck blurbs. For a wedding, make a customized photo frame. For a housewarming, create a cleaning supply tote with your favorite products to share and a cute tea towel! The options are endless with handmade gifts. This is your chance to share your talents to create a personal one-of-a-kind gift.
These are just a few ideas to consider when youβre thinking about sending flowers again. What would you like to receive instead of flowers?
All such good ideas…I like the thought of a gift card. I have gave gas cards in the past because I knew they would be doing a lot of running. I've also went a cheaper route on flowers -I've delivered them myself after going to the grocery store. I just give them to the lady at the front desk and she will set them up for me. No problem.
My recent post Free Kindle Books for Today 1/30/15- Plus Kroger's Free South Beach Diet Snack Bar Coupon
Gas cards are so useful, because virtually everyone will use them!
I think sending food is a great idea, but from one friend who lost her mom told me, people often send really sugary processed stuff, which when you are grieving your body needs nourishment, not crap. So I think people should keep that in mind! :) Helping people out with services like pet sitting, driving the kids to soccer practice…taking that load off people is a great idea.
Yes! I try to send fruit baskets, or my absolute favourite is an organic-groceries delivery, so that the fruits and veggies are on hand, without having to go to the grocery store.
Practical things are also fantastic and remove in-the-moment stressors.
Thanks for the very thoughtful suggestions. i also like giving a Bible-based devotional giving comfort in times of grief. Linked up with you at Freedom Fridays.
God bless,
Laurie
All great and thoughtful suggestions. If you are unable to prepare or bring a meal to the person, http://www.MealGifts.com offers a wide variety of meals that can be delivered nationwide.