It is a natural inclination to want to do something or say something that can take away all of the pain that someone else is feeling, but most of the time our words are futile. The best thing to do is to let our loved one know that we are there for them and continue to show them small kindnesses that elaborate how we feel.

Even though there is nothing that we can do to take away someone's pain at losing a loved one, there are helpful and caring gestures that we can do to try and ease their burden. Bringing food, helping around their home and yard and running errands are all very helpful. But, there comes a time to begin to add a little cheeriness back into their life. Many wonderful items come to mind when we think of things that can add cheer. That is why a gift basket is such a wonderful gift idea. It allows us the opportunity to express ourselves and how we feel about the gift recipient by putting together a group of items that we feel hopefully declares how much the person means to us and how much we wish to help them through this trying time.

If it is true that a picture speaks a thousand words than a gift from the heart must speak volumes. A gift basket that includes components that have been well thought out can allow the person who has suffered the loss to know how much they are loved and valued by others and that they are an important part of your life.

Items that have significance to the recipient or that are well known as a favorite are best to include in your gift basket. If you are a very long time and dear friend, sometimes adding things that allow you both to reminisce about happier times may be something that will express just the right sentiment. Giving a selection of favorite summer flowers in a gift basket and having it delivered in the middle of winter knowing that the person has fond memories of their summer garden is a wonderful gesture.

By all means, don't feel that you have to do all of this yourself. There are many companies, businesses and individuals that specialize in gift baskets and more specifically in sympathy gift baskets. Don't feel that you have to give up your time that you are spending with them to run around town buying things to express how you feel. You can find many very good and creative people who can put together an exceptional gift basket for you. If you have a special item or two that you would like to have included to their regular choice, by all means call them or email them. Most of the time, these companies are very accommodating and want to make a gift basket that exactly fits your needs as best as they can.

In order to find a business or store that specializes in making gift baskets look first in your own yellow pages. You may have someone who does this locally, which may allow you to go to their location and speak to someone in person in order to relay your wishes directly.

If there isn't a locally owned gift basket company, try the Internet. Entering the words “gift basket” and “sympathy” will bring up dozens of sites that offer this service. Browsing through some of the sites, you will be able to see pictures of the gifts they sell and pricing and delivery information. Many sites offer free delivery on orders over a specified amount.

Again, if you find a company that looks to have a choice that appeals to you, it is always best to make sure the company is reputable. Find their physical address, which is usually on the “Contact Us” page and enter this information on the Better Business Bureau website. If you cannot find an address, the BBB has an option where you can enter their website address. Most of the time the BBB will have some information on the company even if the company you are researching is not a member. The BBB results will usually list how many complaints the company received in the last year, what type of problems they had and how many of them got resolved. Do not give your business to any site that you are unsure of. There are so many gift basket web companies out there that you will surely be able to find another one.

Once you have found a reputable gift basket company online that offers a wide variety of gift baskets for any occasion, you will find yourself ordering from them over and over again. You will soon discover that gift baskets fit every gift-giving situation and being able to just point, click and pay will be irresistible.

Remember to be there for those who are suffering and let them know by your actions that they are so important to everyone who loves them. Allow your words and actions to say even more by keeping up a strong and loving demeanor and allow yourself to cry with them and also be there to be the shoulder that they can lean on and cry on. It is healthy to move through the grieving process and by remaining as a beacon of hope, you will help to see them through to the other side.

While of course a gift basket cannot heal any wounds or be a substitute for a terrible loss, just as no gift could, yet it still can adequately represent the feelings of love and sympathy that go with it. A heartfelt gift basket of items that have significance for the bereaved can truly say more than words can express.