Expressing sympathy after a death has occurred is a natural way we show our support to the grieving family. This can be done in many ways including sending a sympathy card, a flower arrangement, a phone call, or by reaching out in person. However, one very special way you can offer your condolences is by sending a care package. If you aren’t sure what should be included in this gift, providers of cremation services in Hagerstown, MD. have these ideas. 

When designing your care package, it’s good to include every day items that they may need, as well as extra items that are included for them to be able to practice a little self-care. Think of items that will help them mentally and physically get through this extremely difficult time. 

Daily Essentials 

While this may not be the most fun category, these items are things that people need and, when grieving, may lack the motivation to go to the store to purchase them. These items will be appreciated and can include things like: 

• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Body and hand soap 
  
• Laundry detergent 
  
• Dishwashing soap 
  
• Toothpaste 
  
• Toilet paper 
  
• Trash bags 
  
• Chapstick 

Food and Drink 

When people are grieving, they tend to not eat healthy or skip meals altogether. Make sure you add things in your care package so that that grieving family can stay nourished and stay healthy. Some ideas could be: 

• Packages of almonds, cashews, walnuts, or other nuts 
  
• Protein bars 
  
• Bottled water 
  
• Cheese and crackers 
  
• Dried fruit 
  
• Popcorn 
  
• Granola or granola bars 
  
• Trail mix 

If you like to cook, you could also make some dinners and freeze them so that the family can have easily meals to defrost and heat up when they need. 

Give a Little Comfort 

It’s always nice to feel comfortable and cozy and this is no different when you are grieving. To help the family feel comforted, think of adding in items like: 

• Cozy fleece throw blanket 
  
• Fuzzy socks 
  
• Hot tea with a cute coffee mug 
  
• Bathrobe 
  
• Stuffed animal 
  
• Scented candles or a diffuser with essential oils 

Address Their Mental Wellness 

Processing grief is challenging. It is hard mentally and can truly take a big toll on someone’s mental wellness. Adding in items that can help them work through this grief can be a great help to their overall well-being. Some items could be things such as: 

• A journal and nice pen 
  
• Book(s) about healing from grief 
  
• Yoga mat and gift card to a yoga class 
  
• Mediation CD 
  
• Paints, colors, or other creative items to allow them to express themselves 
  
• Gift card to a gym or fitness class 

Final Thoughts 

If you have a yard and the space, consider planting a small garden as a memorial service. While you can express your sympathy many ways, a care package can really go above and beyond. When you make your care package personally you have the opportunity to add in items that are truly special for your friend who is grieving. Although it won’t take away the pain they feel after their  loved one’s cremation services in Hagerstown, MD., it will remind them that have your support, love, and are not alone in this difficult time.