Is it appropriate to send a gift to someone who's grieving?

Almost always yes, with caveats. The gift should be small, sit-with-them rather than ask-of-them (no obligations to respond or use), and include a brief note saying you don't expect a reply. Avoid food (the household is usually drowning in casseroles), flowers (they wilt and remind the person of the funeral), and anything obligation-creating.

What's the best price range?

5-$50 is the sweet spot. Expensive enough to feel deliberate, cheap enough that the recipient doesn't feel they owe you anything. Above 00 starts to feel like you're trying to fix the situation with money.

Can a religious gift work for someone whose faith you don't know?

Tread carefully. Designs with broad spiritual resonance (a tree of life, an angel, a stylised dove, a peaceful nature scene) work across most traditions. Specifically Christian or other religion-specific imagery should only be used when you're certain the recipient identifies with that tradition.

Should I include a card or note?

Yes, always a handwritten note, never typed. Three sentences is enough. Acknowledge what they're going through without trying to fix it, explain why you chose this specific object, and say no reply is needed. The note is often what they keep.

When is it too late to send something?

Counterintuitively, weeks or months after the event is often better than the day of. The week immediately following a loss is a flood; one more package adds to the chaos. Three weeks later, when the casseroles have stopped and the cards have slowed, your small package arriving feels like genuine attention.

Sentimental keepsakes: a buying guide for hard moments