Perhaps you, or a group of friends or family, would like to give more then just a comfort blanket and its companion letter. You may wish to pool your resources and give a meaningful basket of comfort designed to ease your grieving friend or family member through the grieving process. In giving a basket, you are giving a memory. A comforting, thoughtful gift that will be remembered in days to come when your loved one looks back on their loss.
As with the blanket, you will want to give a gift which dignifies the loss. Be careful to include new, quality items which you have chosen with care. I use the following criteria in choosing items for the basket I will be giving: touch each of the senses. Include at least one item which involves the senses: hear, touch, taste, smell, sight. I have found the following list to be helpful when compiling basket items:
Quality, clean, sturdy “medium-large” to “large” basket
Large to extra-large, clear, shrink wrap bags (to wrap basket)
Clear cellophane gift bag for candle and mug
Ribbon for bows (wire/white/pastels, etc); or pre-made large bow
Large Mailing box for those not hand-delivered
Clear Packaging Tape
Ceramic Mug (appropriate style and color; new. You may wish to include a cup for each spouse and sibling.)
Sleepy-time Tea (Celestial Seasonings) or other herbal tea. You may wish to include a small package of gourmet cookies. (TASTE)
Scented candle and holder (SMELL)
Kleenex (full-size box)
Excellent quality, new, fleece or micro-fiber blankets - large enough and soft enough to snuggle in! (TOUCH)
Tape/CD (soothing instrumental music) (HEARING)
Journal/pen (appropriate color/design) (TOUCH)
Books (new)- devotionals/comforting gift books/grief appropriate (SIGHT)
New, very soft stuffed bear or lamb (TOUCH)
Bubble bath (SMELL)
A thoughtful letter or card addressing the loss. Be certain to mention the name of the individual who has passed. If you do not know the name, and the loss is an infant, mention the baby as Baby and the parent's last name. (SIGHT)
If you are giving a gift for a pregnancy or early infant loss please include a copy of the "Blanket Story"
