Choosing a Gift For Someone Who Has Miscarried

How do you shop for a gift to express your sympathy for a family member, friend, or coworker who has miscarried? There are plenty of gift ideas that might help this special person in your life feel a little better and let them know that they are in your thoughts. These kinds of gifts are appropriate during the holidays, on Mother's Day, or any occasion that compels you to show your support.

Jewelry

There are various types of miscarriage and pregnancy loss-related jewelry, ranging from angel necklaces to footprint earrings. Something that incorporates this theme makes a thoughtful gift for any woman who is grieving the loss of her baby. Keeping something like this close to her heart may make a mother feel like she is honoring her baby in some way as well.

For a quality piece of jewelry or another special trinket, check out these online retailers:

• La Belle Dame
• My Forever Child
• The Comfort Company

Gift Baskets

A gift basket is a great choice in cases where you don't have a close relationship with the person, but still want to do something. They're especially great for co-workers and distant relatives. Lots of online retailers specialize in gift baskets with pregnancy loss themes, including:

• Healing Baskets
• Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort

Books

It used to be that miscarriage and pregnancy loss were topics not well addressed by literature, but that has been changing in recent years. One longtime favorite, particularly for women who have had a stillbirth or other late pregnancy loss, is "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart." Search any online bookseller for "miscarriage," "stillbirth" or "pregnancy loss" for a range of options.

Plant a Tree

Honoring a lost life with a new life is a time-honored tradition that can be the perfect way to honor someone's baby. If you don't want to give an actual plant, there are numerous charities that will plant a tree in a state or national forest to honor someone. Then they will send that person a card to let him know of the tree:

• Arbor Day Foundation
• American Forests
• TreePeople

Bamboo Gifts

A bamboo plant is an unconventional gift that is said to bring its recipient good luck. You can find lucky bamboo at many major retailers, as well as florists, including those who will ship your purchase to the recipient.

Spa Treatments

Women who are coping with a pregnancy loss often feel like they want to get away for a while, and what better place to do so than at a spa? A gift certificate to a local spa will allow your friend or relative to get a relaxing massage, facial, or another spa service.

Angel Ornaments

Around the holidays, many women who celebrate Christmas find comfort in honoring their babies with an angel-themed ornament on the Christmas tree. Because angels are a sign of the season, they're relatively easy to find. Consider getting a metal ornament with the date of the miscarriage or pregnancy due date engraved on it.

Sympathy Cards

You can't go wrong with a good, old-fashioned sympathy card. Whether you're working on a budget or just want to take the time to accurately express your sympathy, a thoughtful card is a perfect solution.

Craft a personal message yourself; or if you don't know the person very well, allow the card to do the talking for you. It's a simple, thoughtful way to let someone know they are in your thoughts without having figure out exactly the right words to say.