35 Sympathy Gift Baskets for Loved Ones Going Through a Hard Time
Updated: May 02, 2024
Through nourishing food and thoughtful touches, express your care and condolences with sympathy gift baskets.
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Grief can feel like a vacuum—swirling and dark. Receiving a care package is a reminder that they’re not alone and that they’re loved and supported, even in the most painful moments.
So that you can offer that support, we rounded up some of the best sympathy gift baskets to send to friends, family and others in your life facing unexpected difficulties.
When going through grief, loss or other difficult times, tending to the basics can be one of the most challenging things, including preparing breakfast or dinner. Food is both a practical present, providing much-needed nourishment, as well as offering a touching way to show support and let them know they’re not alone.
For that reason, we focused primarily on food-related gifts, ranging from plentiful assortments of snacks to full meals that could last over several days. We also added the occasional spa- or self-care-related basket.
As with all gifts, what’s most meaningful is what best reflects the recipient and what they need most. Perhaps it is a hot, multi-course dinner for the whole family, or a tea and blanket to cuddle up with. And as with all gift guides, we’ll remind you of the importance of including a note. It doesn’t have to be the most poetic or elegant—what matters is that you’re thinking of them and are there to offer support and friendship throughout this period.
For Nearly Anyone
Sympathy Gift Box
Send your love with this sympathy gift box, well-stocked with the sweet, savory and healthy treats that can help provide comfort during a difficult time. A selection of seasonal apples and pears are nestled alongside Italian dry salami, chocolate-covered cherries and gouda cheese, to name a few of the snacks inside, in a Harry & David gift box wrapped with a ribbon reading, “With Sympathy.”
For the One in Need of a Little Extra
Hearthside Gift Basket
A more deluxe spin on the gift basket before this, this gift basket is a hearty collection of warming foods that can provide delicious snacks and eats for many days to come. They’ll be able to eat everything from smoked salmon to gourmet pears to a spread of baked goods, like baklava and chocolate decadence cake. It arrives in a beautiful basket for a meaningful expression of your sympathy and to show you’re thinking of them.
For the One Feeding a Family
Chicken Pot Pie Meal
No better gift than dinner, ready to eat. This chicken pot pie meal can feed up to six, perfect for bigger families (or smaller ones that can enjoy leftovers the next day). It includes a large, fragrant chicken pot pie brimming with vegetables, along with a side of black truffle and almond green beans. A ready-to-bake blueberry beach crisp provides a sweet way to finish the evening.
For the One Struggling with Loss
Sympathy and Solace Care Package
This care package is the epitome of comfort, from the throw blanket that they can cuddle up with to the package of warming chamomile tea to enjoy while reading a book that provides daily meditations to those healing after loss. Raw honey provides some sweetness to the tea, and they can nibble on six cookies (you can choose from six different flavors). If they’re more of a coffee person, consider a coffee gift basket instead.
For the Dietary Sensitive
Gluten-Free Soup Care Package
From the moment they open up this box, they’ll be steeped in warmth and care. They’ll receive 4-6 servings of soup (along with a ladle) to make preparing meals as simple as heating up the stove. They’ll also receive six vegan and gluten-free rolls and six vegan and gluten-free cookies, so they can enjoy comforting bites no matter their dietary restrictions. You’ll be able to select from a variety of soup flavors to ensure you find something they’ll enjoy.
For the Traveller
Japan Gift Box
Help lift their spirits with snacks from Japan and tastes that evoke past memories or the excitement of future travel. This gift box contains around 20 unique Japanese treats and tea sourced from local businesses to introduce people to a wide variety of sweet and savory offerings. It’s available as a one-time gift or as an ongoing subscription, which introduces recipient to a themed box each month. It’s a thoughtful gift for those who love to hop on planes and explore new cultures.
“The box I tested was a Valentine’s Day special brimming with cultural information, fun heart-shaped candies and—of course—savory snacks,” says Shopping Editor Emily Way. “Plus, goodies are sourced from family-run businesses, ensuring the highest quality treats paired with a culture guide to learn about the origins and flavors.”
For the One Who Needs Good Dreams
Chocolate Gift Set
During grieving, sleep is much-needed but can be elusive. This gift set from a beloved chocolatier is designed to deliver sweet dreams, with a Mulberry silk sleep mask (we sleep better when light doesn’t reach our eyes), a blended green tea and bathing salts infused with essential oils. Of course, the best part: Matcha petites, mini chocolate bars and 16 truffles. The chocolate gift basket inclusions feature chamomile, tulsi and lavender, which helps relax and usher in a soothing sleep.
For the One Who Loves the Country
Taste of the Farm Gift Box
A touch rustic and every bit delicious, this gift box delivers the flavors of the Smoky Mountains to their doorstep. The treats are curated by the proprietors of a small inn, evoking the beautiful simplicity of country life. They’ll receive seasonal cheese, a selection of spreads, like sweet hot mustard, blackberry jam and smoked onion jam, alongside a flight of other goodies. It comes with a branded cap and a cookbook to inspire them in the kitchen when they’re feeling better.
For the Green Juice Drinker
Veggie Gift Basket
If they could use help restocking their produce drawer without a trip to the grocery store, this veggie gift basket includes over seven pounds of seasonal vegetables that they can chop up and roast for quick, healthy meals. While contents vary, they can include classics like carrots, potatoes and beets to less-expected, but equally tasty, veggies like romanesco cauliflower (a personal favorite) and kohlrabi.
Note that some states have different agriculture and produce delivery laws, so be sure to double-check restrictions before ordering.
For the One Obsessed with Pizza Night
Italian Night At Home
Is there anything more comforting than a warm pizza or steaming garlic bread at the end of the day? This care package lets them dine on a hefty selection of food from an acclaimed Los Angeles restaurant without doing more than turning on the oven. It provides a pizza kit to make two, nine-inch tomato and Sicilian oregano pizzas, 12 meatballs, six garlic knots and two logs of chocolate chip cookie dough (it makes a total of 24 cookies).
For the One Who Could Use a Hug
Sending Healing Vibes Care Package
This care package feels as close to a hug as a care package can be. There are a variety of comforting options available from the store, and your recipient will open it up to finds gifts like plush knitted blankets, tea selections, soy candles and artisanal chocolate. The care package also comes with a card, so you can include a personalized note to send words of condolences and support.
For the Sundae Aficionado
Chocolate Sauce Gift Pack
If they take their ice cream sundaes seriously, add some extra joy to their favorite comfort food with this pack of gourmet chocolate sauces. It includes a classic Sweet + Rich Sauce which tastes like brownies, a Dark + Decadent sauce for true chocolate lovers, and a Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt that adds a savory twist (trust us, salty and sweet is a delectable combination). It’s a simple and touching way for them to upgrade their nightly ice cream.
For the One Who Loves an Afternoon Treat
Cookie and Coffee Bundle
Cookies from New York City’s beloved Levain Bakery meet a special coffee blend in this care package. It’s indulgent and gourmet, with famously giant cookies (they should be warmed up in the oven for a few minutes to get gooey and delicious)—you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of assortments, even a vegan and gluten-free option, to ensure your giftee receives what they’ll love. The coffee blend is from Brazil and bold, with appropriately cookie-esque notes of cocoa and brown sugar. Spoiler: Levain Bakery is one of our favorite cookie-of-the-month clubs, too!
For the One Who Always Buys Fresh Flowers
Garden in a Box
Flowers always brighten spirits, and this garden in a box provides a more interactive (and longer) way to add beautiful blooms to their home. The gift includes 36 different collections of seeds (about 1,200 seeds in total), all selected to be unique and eye-catching. They can be planted almost anywhere in the US, giving the recipient a relaxing task and colorful flowers to look forward to. It’s a gift that far outlasts the initial joy of receiving it.
For the One Who Needs Me Time
Home Spa
Reducing stress and creating moments of calm can be very helpful when dealing with loss or other difficulties, and this home spa gift set draws on the soothing powers of aromatherapy. There’s a eucalyptus soap with olive oil and shea butter, along with a eucalyptus spray that can be used to freshen rooms or bedding. They’ll also receive a soft towel and lip balm. These spa gifts don’t require much effort to enjoy them and still provide a little relaxation and wellbeing.
For the Child Dealing with Loss
Grief Help Set
Explaining loss to children can be difficult, but this stuffed animal care package was designed by a therapist to help them through the grieving process. The included board book and affirmation card help children gain better language for what they’re experiencing, and the book also includes a section for caregivers to help younger ones process difficulties of any magnitude. It also comes with a large plush toy.
For the One Who Could Use a Smile
Cheer Up Gift Set
This gift box filled with brightly colored presents to remind them that even dark times eventually pass. To unlock the relationship between smell and mood, there are citrus-scented aromatherapy patches and sweet orange and sunflower shower steamers, which transform their daily shower into a luxury spa. A candle is hand-painted with vibrantly yellow goldenrods to offer both calm and art to their space. It also doubles as a thoughtful college care package.
For the Snacker
Fruit and Gourmet Gift Basket
Providing plenty of snacks to keep them satiated over a few days (or weeks), this gift basket is a sprawling affair of over 30 comfort foods and premium fruit. The wide selection of bites will appeal to those who love to discover new flavors and treats. They’ll receive cheese and crackers, an assortment of cookies, tea and kettle corn, among a much longer list. This ensures they always have something on hand to nibble on when figuring out each meal.
For the One Who Could Use a Brighter Day
Sending You Sunshine Gift Basket
A little beauty can help in difficult times, and this care package offers an entrancing selection of gifts they’ll be able to enjoy for a long time. They can put the live succulent in their bedroom or living room, and a scented candle, bar of soap, lip balm and bath bomb infuse their space with a little more tranquility.
You can select the soap and bath bomb scents based on the recipient’s preference.
For the Morning Person
Signature Bakery Tower
Help make mornings brighter with this bakery tower, where baked breakfast goods come delivered and ready to eat, so they don’t have to worry about keeping their kitchen stocked. They’ll receive two packages of English muffins (with peach preserves to slather over them), raspberry Kringle and two packages of scones. They’ll also receive a small bag of ground coffee to stay caffeinated.
For the One with Distinct Tastes
Thinking of You Gift Basket
This is unique from other gift basket providers in that while this package has specific categories—including candy, cookies, coffee and tea, spa, candles, and succulents (depending on the size you pick—your recipient will choose their favorites from each. For example, there are more than 40 spa options and the over 75 varieties of candy. You’ll select the size of the gift and can include a personal card to send your sympathy and care. Want to learn more? Read our full Sugarwish review.
For the One Who Loves Beautiful Things
Chocolate Strawberries & Flowers
Fill their house with color and their kitchen with sweetness with this care package, which includes chocolate-covered strawberries and flowers. The bouquet is inspired by the European countryside and features roses, yellow Asiatic lilies, carnations and lavender daisy poms, popping with vibrancy. One-third of the strawberries are dipped in white chocolate, and the rest are dipped in milk chocolate. It’s a nice gift basket for women that fits nearly any occasion.
For the One Who Shops at Farmers Markets
Fruit Basket
Ensure they have plenty of delicious, healthy food on hand with this fruit gift basket, which adds a bit of additional joy with exotic fruits that they wouldn’t find on a typical shopping trip. Eight pounds of fresh fruit could include everything from crisp Asian pears to strawberry papayas to coconuts, an opportunity not only to taste the tropics but also to discover new flavors.
For the One Craving Comfort Food
Chicken Dinner
This fried chicken dinner gift set is what the phrase “comfort food” was invented to describe. Shipping from an award-winning restaurant, this gift includes two fried chicken breasts, fried chicken thighs, fried chicken drums and fried chicken wings. Of course, it comes with honey hot sauce and reaper rub, along with four biscuits, mac and cheese and more for an opportunity to experience good, gourmet food without heading to a restaurant.
The set can feed up to four people.
For the Coworker
Love and Comfort Gift Box
This gift box offers classic comfort touches for someone going through a difficult period. It’s filled with two different types of tea, sweets (like sea salt caramels) and dark chocolate peanut butter meltaways, as well as a selection of meats, cheeses and spreads. It’s a thoughtful, sympathetic charcuterie gift basket, great for friends who prefer this type of food or coworkers you don’t know as well, but who you want to send your thoughts to.
For the Reader
Book Lovers Box
During a tough time, a book can be a welcome trip into a different world. This book box will allow them to snuggle up and find a respite with a large blank scarf, a literary-themed candle, and a stoneware mug with a tea sachet. The book included walks them through different aspects of literature, sparking their imagination and letting them learn more about one of their favorite things.
For the Tea Drinker
Tea Sampler
Drinking a cup of hot tea is synonymous with relaxation, especially when some of the blends are intended to help you unwind before bed, relief stress or provide an immune boost. This gift box includes nine different types of tea (five bags of each flavor) to ensure they always have something warming to sip on. I’ve been a long-time Yogi drinker because of its wide variety of blends and for the intensity of flavor. It makes an excellent accompaniment to a soup gift basket.
For the One Mourning a Pet
Loss of Pet Care Package
Dogs (and cats) are our best friends, and having a pet pass on can be a very challenging time. Show them that you’re thinking of them with a gift box honoring the human-animal relationship. It contains tributes including a mug, a live succulent and seeds that bloom into wildflowers, a vibrant way to help them honor their pets’ memory.
For the Gardener
Tree of Life
Help them remember a loved one they’ve lost by planting a tree in their memory. This “tree of life” kit includes soil, a container and the seed for either a maple, oak or magnolia tree (the selection is location-dependent). They’ll receive instructions on how to plant the tree, so they can create a living memorial to someone who’s passed.
For the One Seeking Solace
Wind Chime Gift Set
With this wind chime gift set, whenever a breeze sweeps through their yard, they’ll be greeted by beautiful sounds. A fitting tribute to whoever they’ve lost, this set includes a wind chime, a poem that hangs from the bottom to provide comfort and seeds that they can plant to fill their garden with colorful flowers. Unlike other gifts, this one will remain a key feature in their space for years to come.
For the One Who Bakes
Baked Goods Tower
For those who always love a trip to the bakery or has a well-worn cookbook, this baked goods tower lets them enjoy one of their love languages without any effort. Packaged in pastel boxes, the treats range from whoopie pies to chocolate-heavy cookies and decadent brownies. They’ll also receive a selection of mini bundt cakes: Cinnamon coffee cake and funfetti. It’s a joyful celebration of sugar and a kind gesture of your care.
For the One Who Doesn't Need Frills
Here For You Box
The simple things can go a long way—this gift package includes a package of mint and licorice herbal tea and a super-sized chocolate chunk cookie, baked fresh the day it’s shipped. It also comes with some honey to add a little extra sweetness.
However, if those items aren’t the best fit for your recipient, you can swap them out with a wide range of other options.
For the Breadhead
Artisanal Loafs
Keep their pantry stocked with this selection of four artisanal bread loafs from a popular California bakery. At the minimum, they’ll also have what they need for a slice of (very delicious) toast, but they can also repurpose slices into plenty of other meals or to feed hungry kiddos. If they live alone, the bread can be frozen and enjoyed over several months. Flavors range from classic sourdough to the likes of rosemary French sea salt and golden raisin challah.
For the One Handling the Arrangements
Sunday Gift Box
One of the strange parts of loss is that it’s often followed by a flurry of responsibilities to get everything in order. This care package will encourage them to take a morning for themselves and appreciate a slower moment. It comes with buttermilk pancake mix and a small bottle of maple syrup, along with coffee and a cinnamon chai candle they can burn throughout the day. It’s elegantly packaged in a stained wood box with a dried floral bundle.
For the Trail Mix Eater
Dried Fruit and Nut Gift Basket
Ensure they have healthy snacks readily at hand with a dried fruit and nut gift box. When they open the wooden box, they’ll find an assortment of fresh fruit and sweet and savory nuts. Depending on which of the two sizes you select, their gift could include coconut almonds, cinnamon pecans, pistachios, cashews and more. This protein-rich, healthier selection could help keep up their energy levels and provide delicious sources of nutrients.
Originally Published: May 02, 2024
