Funerals are an important way to not only begin the healing process, but also to show support and love to the grieving family. But what if you cannot attend? Maybe you can’t get that day off work or perhaps it’s just too far to travel. Whatever the case, you are still going to want to reach out and offer your condolences. As directors of funeral homes in St. Peters, MO. we share some of our favorite items you can send to show your support when you cannot attend the funeral in person. 

1. Send a Plant 

While sending flowers is always a nice touch, sending a plant can be a little something extra. This is because with flowers, they wilt and need to be discarded not long after the family has received them. However, a plant will remain alive and growing for years to come. Just make sure to pick a plant that coincides with the family’s space and lifestyle. If they tend to travel a lot, a plant that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance would be a good choice. If they have a small living space, then perhaps a small succulent would be a nice option. 

2. Create a Photo Album 

If you have pictures of the deceased, consider putting them together in a photo album for the family. These may be photos that only you have seen and the family would enjoy seeing these new images of their loved one. 

If you do not have any photographs, you could look at the deceases social media accounts such as Facebook and download the images. Then create the album. Even if the family has seen the images before online, having them all in one nicely created photo album can be a much appreciated and welcomed gift. 

3. Sympathy Blanket 

A sympathy blanket can be a very comforting gift. These blankets can be found in several different styles, patters, and colors. They can also be customized with options to have the deceased’s portrait printed on them, words or poems embroidered, or even created from a patchwork of many photographs and images. 

4. Send a Gift Card 

Gift cards are always a nice gift. Adding one (or more) in with a sympathy card can be a nice touch. Think about what the family needs and try to tailor the gift card toward that. Perhaps you would like to ensure they have a nice hot meal. If so, add in a card from a restaurant or food delivery service. Maybe they have a pet that needs looking after, you could add in a gift card to a dog day care or dog sitting service. 

5. Gift Basket 



Just as gift cards are always a welcomed gift, so are gift baskets. These baskets could be themed such as a “self-care” basket, or a food basket full of snacks. Feel free to create your own, or you could find premade baskets online. 

No matter what you decide to send, make sure you send it to the family’s personal home and not the funeral home in St. Peters, MO. The exception to this would be if you were sending funeral flowers. This way the family will be sure to receive the gift.