Appropriate Sympathy Gift?

[House Cat]

My stepfather''s dad just passed. I would like to give him a sympathy gift of some kind, but I''m at a loss. I don''t really know what is appropriate to give on occasions like these. Flowers don''t seem right for men and a card doesn''t seem like enough.

Just a little background, this stepfather is my mother''s husband. I really care for him, but I didn''t know his dad. I say this because I don''t have any photos of the two of them together or anything like that.

Any ideas?

 

[Haven]

We bring food to the bereaved. Meals, comfort food, etc. (We''re Jewish.)

Other than that, I have no idea.

I''m sorry for your family''s loss.

 

[gemgirl]

Our local florists have started offering both indoor and outdoor plants as part of their sympathy line up. A mixed tray house plant assortment can be very nice because it will stay alive indefinitely. Other than that, I would make a donation to a cause or charity he was fond of (like the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Assoc.)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Food, flowers/plants, and cards are the generally accepted tangible expressions of sympathy.

 

[Upgradable]

I''ve always found that one of the common occurances after someones passing is to pull out pictures and reminisce. I''m sure this is something your stepfather is doing right now. A small photo album in which to place these visual memories is a very thoughtful and appropriate gift at this time. Then he will have a place to gather his favorite pictures.

 

[dianne]

How about a plaque with a comforting religious statement? Or maybe a printed picture of something that you think will remind him of his father....like if his father loved the beach then maybe an oil or watercolor that would fit easily into his decor. Or even a painting or enlarged photo of one of his favorite pictures of his father or the home where he grew up?

My sympathies for your family.

 

[DiamanteBlu]

I have given an orchid plant which I think is simple and nice.

You might want to get the photos he has scanned [and with your mom''s help, maybe], and then make a nice, bound, photobook book complete with captions with them.