Sending Condolences

[Oh Kay!]

A friend's parent passed away. Is chocolate an appropriate sympathy gift or should I just stick to flowers? Flower delivery companies offer food baskets so I thought perhaps I could have a local chocolatier to make up a basket. This will be sent to the friend, not to the parent's house.

 

[hucifer]

I cannot answer on the chocolates, but when my grandfather passed away someone bought a fruit basket. It was a great thing to snack on in the break room at the funeral home. I thought it was a very thoughtful gift.

 

[Imzadi]

Just my opinion, I wouldn't send chocolates. I think of chocolates as happy gifts for celebrations: Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Easter.

I'd also hate to be the person receiving chocolate and every time I look at a box of chocolate in the future, I am reminded of my parent's passing.

The fruit basket sounds fine.

 

[Oh Kay!]

Thank you for your inputs! Chocolates did seem a bit tricky. I'll do some research on fruit baskets. Else, I guess I can just play it safe and send flowers.

Thanks again.

 

[ElizK]

My mother died week before last (service was last week). Two different people sent the edible arrangements. With all the people in the house both got eaten down to nothing. We really appreciated having that available for snacking.

Two more thoughts re what to send: 1st, Flowers don't last very long. They are so beautiful, but I prefer the live plants. 2nd, if it is possible, you might try to send dinner. Not having to worry about that for the evening was a relief.

 

[golfgal]

When my Grandpa died one of the best things we got were things to make sandwiches. We were the closest relatives, 4 hours away. He didn't have much food on hand and we were going to soon have 30 people there for several days to take care of his house/belongings. A cousin brought over deli meat, cheese, several loaves of bread, chips, paper plates, etc. It was SO nice. I went up first with our twins and made all the arrangements. The twins, who were 4 at the time, were with me and both came down with strep so I had to add in a Dr. appt too. I didn't have time to shop so I REALLY appreciated the food.

 

[krcit]

When my neighbors mom passed away, I sent a fruit platter for after the funeral. Another neighbor, I sent a 6 foot hero.

 

[MIGrandma]

I think any kind of food (casseroles, cakes/cheesecakes, fruit baskets, sandwich supplies, etc.) would be a good choice, but not so much on chocolates.

 

[Oh Kay!]

ElizK, I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank you all for great suggestions. I ordered a basket from Harry and David. Fortunately, the friend has a large family and with Christmas so close, I know meals will be well taken care of.

 

[hucifer]

ElizK, I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank you all for great suggestions. I ordered a basket from Harry and David. Fortunately, the friend has a large family and with Christmas so close, I know meals will be well taken care of.

You can't go wrong with Henry and David. They have awesome baskets. Good choice.

 

[Oh Kay!]

You can't go wrong with Henry and David. They have awesome baskets. Good choice.

Thank you for the reassurance. I certainly don't want to commit a faux pas at a time of grief.

 

[Bren's Mom]

I also like Edible Arrangements as an alternative to flowers.

 

[Liberty Belle]

When my Grandpa died one of the best things we got were things to make sandwiches. We were the closest relatives, 4 hours away. He didn't have much food on hand and we were going to soon have 30 people there for several days to take care of his house/belongings. A cousin brought over deli meat, cheese, several loaves of bread, chips, paper plates, etc. It was SO nice. I went up first with our twins and made all the arrangements. The twins, who were 4 at the time, were with me and both came down with strep so I had to add in a Dr. appt too. I didn't have time to shop so I REALLY appreciated the food.

That's very good to know. We made up a basket of deli meat, bread, chips, and paper products when our friend's father died. They thanked us, but it's nice to know that, for you at least, it was helpful.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Harry and David is a great choice, as are sandwich fixings. Anything they can just eat without having to think about cooking. When my mom died, a friend brought over a huge bowl of pasta salad. At first I wondered how we'd ever eat all that, but it was perfect, because we could scoop a bit out for dinner or a snack. It all got eaten!

 

[mickeyboat]

Food is a great idea - especially food that comes in disposable containers, so the family doesn't have to hunt down people later to return things. Harry and David is a great idea. You could also contact a local grocery store about delivering a fruit basket.

When my MIL died someone brought over a huge bucket of KFC. I'll never forget seeing my almost 2 year old walking around chewing on a chicken leg. She was so cute. (In case you were concerned, I had her sit until she was finished eating).

 

[MickeySP]

Even a local restaraunt, maybe arrange to have a meal or food tray delivered.

We got alot of casseroles & lasagana when my Dad passed. It made it so much easier to not have to cook.

 

[sms]

I sent a gift certificate for dinner for a friend of mine who lost their mother. It was a nice get away after everything settled down!

 

[Evil Genius]

Honestly, anything that says I'm thinking of you at your time of loss is welcome. Harry and Davids is a great choice.