Gifts for a Grieving Mother

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, celebration and love but for families that have lost a child, joy can be hard to find. Pregnancy and infant loss doesn’t tend to get the same level of attention as issues like breast cancer and heart disease but considering that every year in the US alone there are over 23,000 infant deaths, over 24,000 stillbirths, and over 500,000 miscarriages, you most likely know at least one person who has lost a child, whether it be early on in their pregnancy, soon after birth or some time in between.

As Christmas draws near you may be unsure as to how to support these grieving parents. Even if it has been years since the loss of their child, each passing holiday season can be just as difficult and emotional as the first. As a friend or loved one it is important for you to acknowledge that child’s life and help support the parents in honoring their memory. Nothing is more meaningful to me than when my family and friends take the time to tell me that they are thinking about my daughter and that she continues to hold a special place in their heart.

I have compiled some wonderful gift ideas that will allow you to send comfort and love to the families that need it most during this time of the year.

Cards that then Double as Art

Cards like these designed by Carly Marie, The Hipster Housewife and Franchesca Cox are so beautiful that parents could even have them framed to then use as memorial artwork.($3.48+)

DIY Memory Box for a grieving parent

If you are more of a DIYer, this is a great article/tutorial on making your own memory box. Including things like herbal teas, essential oils, handmade soaps, picture frames, journals, candles and mementos can be a great way to bring some comfort to a family going through the emotional stress of loss. ($ Varied)

Healing comfort gifts from Earth Mama Angel Baby 

Women who have suffered the loss of a baby are postpartum mothers too. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death leave women requiring not just emotional but also physical support. The Healing Hearts line was created to help comfort the specific physical postpartum needs of baby loss, as well as the aching hearts of grieving mamas.

Memorial Ornaments

I searched “angel baby ornament” on Etsy.com and found some truly beautiful handmade memorial ornaments. You can even get creative and make your own ornament as I did for our daughter.

Baby Boards 

The mission of Baby Boards is to help assist parents and their loved ones through their heartbreaking loss and grief journey by creating custom art in memory of their children.

Book: You are the Mother of all Mothers 

A beautiful gift book to uplift the hearts and souls of bereaved mothers everywhere. “There are few books that address the weight of guilt and shame that a grieving mother carries with her after the loss of her child. The deep feeling of failure that accompanies child loss can be heart, mind and soul crippling. Reengaging in life after loss and attempting to find a sliver of hope again is an on-going battle– one no bereaved mother should fight alone. No matter the age or cause of death, no matter the story, this book is for you, sweet mama.” ($19.95)

Carly Marie “Heartwork”

Carly Marie (mentioned already above) is from Perth, Western Australia. She is married and has four children, one little boy that now plays on heaven’s beach. She creates beautiful artwork that can be purchased as prints, framed art, coffee mugs, bags, phone cases, calendars and more. ($2.50 and up).

Custom Memorial Jewelry

There are so many options out there for memorial jewelry but I compiled my favorites here.

Beautiful custom Jewelry from Nelle and Lizzy ($54 and up)

More breathtaking custom memorial jewelry from Sue Ella Signature Designs  ($55 and up)

Miscarriage and Child loss jewelry from Rachelle-isms Handmade Jewelry

Molly Bears

Molly Bears creates weighted teddy bears for families coping with any form of infant loss.

Laurelboxes

After watching friends of theirs go through the loss of children, siblings and parents, Denise Wolfe and Johanna Mutz recognized a need for beautiful gifts that would speak to loss. Laurelbox offers beautiful handcrafted gifts including loss awareness jewelry, commemorative items, herbal tea and essential oils for emotional balance, and gifts for children. They have prepared laurelboxes and even an option for a monthly subscription. ($7 and up)

I hope this post aides you in finding the perfect gift to help spread a little beauty and joy into the hearts of those that need it most this holiday season.

Peace, Be Well.