10 beautiful Christmas memorial ornaments and gifts

Photo by Jean and Fred on Flickr

Christmas is often a time of celebration and joyful reunions with family, but if someone you know is grieving for a loved one who has died, it can actually be a very difficult period.

This guide gives some examples of ideas for Christmas memorial gifts for bereaved families, who might not feel like watching Carols By Candlelight or going to the beach.

You can also use these bereavement gift ideas to create a memorial for your own loved one who has died.

How do you choose a good Christmas memorial gift?

If you are using this guide to look for Christmas memorial gift ideas for someone who has lost a loved one, it is important to remember that not everyone will appreciate opening a present that reminds them of their loved one on Christmas day so it is a good idea to talk to them about it first.

Don't take it personally if someone decides that they would not like a Christmas memorial gift. These types of memorials are not for everyone, particularly if their loved one has died recently. They are still likely to appreciate your remembrance of the person.

Christmas memorial gift ideas

Memorial Christmas ornaments

Photo by Alisa Alison on Unsplash

There are lots of different types of memorial Christmas ornaments you can buy, or make, for a bereaved family. You can buy personalised memorial christmas baubles for a bereaved family's tree online or at a craft fair. You can also make your own tree decorations for them if you would like to.

Even small gestures, such as a framed picture of their loved one, can let someone know that you care about them. This might not be a good idea if their loved one died very recently and a general sympathy present, such as a book they might like to read or some home-made food might be more appropriate.

Memorial jewellery

Photo by Reinhart Julian on Unsplash.

A piece of a memorial jewellery is a thoughtful bereavement gift idea all year round, but Christmas might be the best time for a more expensive gift like this. You can have many different types of jewellery, such as bracelets, rings and watches engraved, or give them a locket to keep a favourite photo of their loved one in.

Memory bears

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash.

A memory bear made from clothes worn by the person who has died is a good Christmas memorial gift idea for a child. You can send fabric to artists who make memory bears, or, if you can sew, taking the time to make it yourself might be a touching gesture.

Other handmade memorial Christmas gift ideas include quilts, or cushions, which can also feature fabric associated with the person who has died, such as blouse or jeans that they often wore. It might be too hot for a blanket in the summer, but they can always keep it for the winter.

Donate money to charity

Photo by Auburn Alumni Association on Flickr.

If you are unsure if a bereaved family would appreciate a memorial Christmas gift, donating money to a charity that they care about, perhaps to a bereavement support organisation, might be more appropriate. You can even do it anonymously.

Christmas cards

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.

Many bereaved people can feel that their loved one has been forgotten by other people after they die, especially at Christmas, so, if you decide not to give them a memorial gift, mentioning them in your christmas cards is a nice gesture.

The most important thing to remember when you are choosing a memorial Christmas gift is to show someone you care about them. Just remembering to call or send a message to them on Christmas Day and ask how they are doing can make a difference to them.