best present for loved ones essay

Enjoying the Small Things

The Most Meaningful Gifts You’ve Ever Received

November 30, 2018 By Kelle

Earlier this month, on Instagram I asked for you to share the most meaningful gifts you’ve ever been given or ones you’ve thoughtfully put together for someone you love. I quickly scrolled through some of the answers as they were coming in, but then tucked the rest away knowing I’d return to them when I put this post together. I woke up early this morning as I always do, lit my candle, poured my coffee and finally pulled up that old post to collect the answers to share. What I didn’t expect were the tears, overwhelmed by the amount of love and thoughtfulness in all these precious gifts and the reminder that during this time of credit card-swiping gift giving, what we all really want is moments and words and reminders that we are seen and loved. We want one more hug with our grandpa who is no longer with us, we want our kids to tell us they remember the memories we made for them, and we want a recipe card with our grandma’s famous streusel coffee cake, written in her own handwriting, so we can hold our memories of her in our kitchen every time we bake it. Experiences, moments and stories trump anything you can “add to cart,” and these ideas you’ve shared prove it.

And, dear God, do some of you have the most thoughtful husbands/parents/siblings! Brett and I were dying reading some of the precious significant other gifts you shared. “Just so you know,” I told Brett, “Those salt and pepper shakers you got me last year just got their ass kicked so hard. I’d like you to meet the winner–‘100 reasons why I love you’ written on a scroll and tied with a ribbon. GOOD NIGHT.” For the record, gift giving is not his love language, and I am okay with it. Plus, those salt and pepper shakers are pretty cute.

I’ve taken several of the ideas you shared and am making them a part of our gift giving this year. I hope you are inspired as much as I was. There’s no way I could have compiled all the answers you shared, but I tried to pull as many as I could into one post. And to add a little visual festive to this post, I dug into the holiday archives which always hurts so good. Like this one, by far the most meaningful gift Nella has ever received…

My sister and I filled a huge jar with 356 “remember whens” for my parents. They still do one strip a day. @sarablaira

My sister-in-law had a dress shirt of my dad’s turned into a skirt for my daughter. @wrigleyette

A cutting board engraved with a favorite recipe in my late mom’s handwriting. @daniellelackey

A set of cufflinks with the GPS coordinates of the location of our first kiss. @flippin_ani

My mother-in-law hand wrote her favorite (and my husband’s) recipes for me. @hazelnigella

The gift of a workshop/class/experience (Doe Bay writing retreat). @laflechemasse

A wallet from my husband filled with gift cards from all my favorite stores and services. @janelle_johnstone

Every year my mom renews my kids zoo and science museum memberships. @thisrezlife

Handwritten letters from my children. @thealabamahousewife

Personalized address stamp. @weiscl13

My daddy’s typewriter restored. @sherriemoore06

Watercolor piece done of my in-laws’ home where they’ve lived their entire married lives. @kenliparker

A necklace with my grandmother’s handwriting (she’s passed). @glowofgray

A collection of family recipes in a bound book. @reneegarbe

A CD with a photo slideshow of the pictures from the year, set to a meaningful song from the year. @conniefilbrun

A gift with our baby’s name. She is in heaven. She is recognized. @_rebekah.ruth_

Hand painted ornaments of my childhood home (by Cindy Thurston on Etsy). @ashleysangha

I recently fell and dislocated my shoulder in the shower. My friend got me a shower mat. @stephc8568

“Open when” letters. @caitwebble

A sign with a family quote written in my grandma’s handwriting after she died. @menoblay

A Build-a-Bear dressed as a soldier with a personal message, from my deployed brother. @xolovekimblog

A framed photo of when my grandparents were married. @mahscott

A painting of my favorite mountain. @coralma

A box of the most iconic goods from where we live and where my siblings live (coffees, alcohol, cheeses, etc.). @dwiseman

Dinner out with my adult children, no kids. @lindahartl001

Tickets to a musical with babysitting provided. @laurababes

My husband made me a comic book about my first 5 months being a mom. @lolanmose

A door knocker for our forever home (someday I’ll hang it). @mandycunningham_

100 Reasons Why I Love You, printed on a scroll and tied with a ribbon. @melannerep

Grandpa’s old robes monogrammed for my nephews. @dwiseman

I gifted my dad a keychain with the latitude and longitude of my sibling’s and my locations. @lorlyeloves

Cassette tapes that my grandfather recorded his life’s story on. Priceless. @amy1icciardi

A night at a hotel all by myself with the only task being to relax! @kritabaugh

An ornament my mom soldered (she took classes). She’s always learning something new. @dwiseman

Framed prints of the ship our great grandparents came over from Italy on to my siblings. @dwiseman

A Winnie the Pooh book published 10/14/26. My best friend gave me a copy for my son’s birth 10/14/18. @renatatataaa

My mother-in-law had an article that I wrote for the city newspaper framed. @carapcaudill

A recent favorite–tap shoes and payment for a 12-week class. #firsttimer #adultdancer @emgmerritt

A print of a painting that was once mentioned…and remembered. @fourmenandalady

My dad photocopied every journal entry he wrote about me from my birth on, and made me a book. @erinmcbryant

A picture of the stars from where we live the night my daughter was born. @paigeb127

My grandma who taught me how to sew gave me a box full of fabric leftover from her favorite dresses. I still have some of those scraps in my collection and will put them into quilts for my kids. @turbtastic

After my mother died, my aunt bought me a bottle of the perfume she always wore. @shaunaandco

Stockings made from old sweaters of grandma’s. @dwiseman

Storyworth which came to us via you! We’ve passed this around all our family, and it is so meaningful. @jfraserbeason

A framed recipe card from my great-grandma with one of my favorite foods. @evkingry

One year my aunt compiled old VHS family videos onto DVDs for the whole family. @carlyehorse

Silhouette profile pictures of my children! My husband also made them for his parents. @thekeslerbunch

A bangle with my children’s name and DOBs stamped on it. @naterin

My husband built me a jewelry box. Got it one year unfinished. Next year with jewelry. @lolajean5

A round trip ticket to visit my best friend. @draeaskay

Alright, what did we miss on this list? To this day, one of my favorite gifts (I gave it to myself) is my keepsake quilt made from squares cut from my maternity jeans and the most memorable baby clothes from all three of my kids. It’s from Vintage Giggles , and this year I had the honor of giving a quilt–one I had made from my ties worn my by mother-in-law’s father who passed away early this year. It’s one of my favorite gift giving moments ever. What are your most favorite gift giving moments or meaningful things or experiences you’ve received?

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November 30, 2018 at 10:08 am

This may be one of my favorite posts you’ve ever written. We are really trying to save this Christmas and don’t have a lot in the budget for big gifts. So many of these gave me wonderful ideas for precious, meaningful gifts I can make or create on a budget. Thank you so very much for the inspiration!!!

November 30, 2018 at 10:43 am

I fell in love with a painting at a local art museum, by a local artist, that after the exhibition went into a private collection, presumably never to be seen again by the public.. Years later my best friend found a rendering of it in an art book. Purchased the book, carefully removed the page and had it professionally framed! It now hangs in my living room and I smile whenever I look at it.

November 30, 2018 at 11:54 am

My husband and I bond over watching food network stars and cooking their recipes together in the kitchen or for each other- one Christmas he gave me these two beautiful 3-ring binders with tabs labeled appetizers, side dishes, dessert etc. and they were stocked with the recipe print-outs of our favorite food network cooks. Some of them had special meaning or hand written notes of the memories of cooking them or sharing them. And the rest were ones we hadn’t yet made but he wanted to try or thought I’d like. Best gift ever!

November 30, 2018 at 12:55 pm

My dad has raced cars since he was a little kid. About 15 years ago he had some health problems, was losing his vision and decided to sell all of his racing stuff – truck, trailer, his car, my car, etc. After selling his car, I was in the shop with him one night when he told me “he’d messed up.” I had no idea what he meant. The steering wheel in his race car was one of the first gifts my mom gave him when they started dating. He’d moved it from car to car over the years but was so upset by having to sell everything that he didn’t think to take it out of the car before it was sold. I didn’t say anything that night but I tracked down the car and bought the new owner a new steering wheel in exchange for the old one. I also drove several hours round trip to pick it up. I didn’t even wrap it. I handed it to him in the living room one day and just watched his reaction. He recognized the wheel by feel alone. Now, both my mom and I have given it to him, and it hangs on his wall. Worth every penny to see the look on his face and know he had it back when so many things were gone beyond his control. Pretty sure it was a gift for me just as much as it was for him.

November 30, 2018 at 1:30 pm

You just killed me. Dead. What a beautiful story…and the way you told it. Uggghh…right in the feels, man. Xo

December 4, 2018 at 12:08 am

Crying! So beautiful!

December 4, 2018 at 12:11 pm

I’m not crying. You’re crying. This is so so beautiful.

November 30, 2018 at 3:36 pm

Oh my word. What is wrong with me today? I cried so much thinking about all the love and tenderness put in those gifts. Thank you for sharing these. My goal now is to find THE gift for my parents. <3

November 30, 2018 at 7:43 pm

My favorite thing I have given is a short story I wrote and framed for my Grandma titled Grandma’s Hands. She is the most amazing grandma in the world and she absolutely loved it!

December 1, 2018 at 9:46 am

My daughter’s 1st Chelristmas, she was only a month old. My husband gave me a box full of children’s books with her name in the title. For 9 years now, we’ve been reading “Lila Pirate”, “Lila Bloom”, “Lila Ladybird”, and others!

December 1, 2018 at 1:46 pm

My mother had a very rough childhood, and one of the lone bright spots was a book sent to her from British relatives as a small child. For years, she would tell me about how the book made her smile in the middle of total dysfunction, but she couldn’t remember the name or the author, just the two main characters’ names. For YEARS, I stalked old book chatrooms, asking if anyone knew what book Happy and Butterball belonged to. Finally, someone gave me the author’s name, and from there, I found the book in Australia. Mom cried so hard when she opened it! My proudest gift-giving moment!

December 3, 2018 at 5:52 am

KILLING ME. How thoughtful.

December 3, 2018 at 9:54 pm

Wow!! Amazing.

December 1, 2018 at 1:53 pm

I took photos of my nephew as he arrived at the hospital and went up the elevator, we had him push the buttons etc, took photos of him washing his hands and then shyly meeting his baby sister. And then all the little moments. I’m the family photographer so no one thought anything about it. The I turned them into a book “the Day Lincoln became a big brother” and printed it hardbound. My sister ugly cried. They are trying to adopt and don’t know yet that my husband I have set aside money so I can go whenever they get the call to do the same. No matter where the baby is born. She said she wished they could do it but it is expensive to adopt. We also feel like it’s a way to let them and our new niece or nephew know someday how much we wanted them too.

December 3, 2018 at 5:51 am

This is amazing. You got me at “they don’t know yet that my husband and I have set aside money so I can go whenever they get the call to do the same.” You are an amazing sister. xo

December 1, 2018 at 6:40 pm

My dad passed away in September of 2016, and we were very close. On Christmas Day that year, my husband surprised me with a frame, which held a typed copy of my dad’s father of the bride speech at our wedding (he watched our wedding video to get it word for word) and a photo of our father-daughter dance together. It is by far one of the best, most thoughtful gifts I have ever received.

December 3, 2018 at 9:57 pm

How thoughtful!

December 1, 2018 at 8:51 pm

Where did you turn the picture into a dress? I want to do a shirt of one of my daughter’s paintings.

December 3, 2018 at 5:53 am

It’s picturethisclothing.com

December 3, 2018 at 1:57 am

My favorite gift I gave was for my husband’s birthday. I secretly asked his friends & family to give me 3 words they thought of when they thought of him. Over 200 of them replied, and I made a word cloud using all of their responses. My husband loved it! He said he felt so affirmed, encouraged, and loved.

I love this.

I love this idea! My husband’s 50th is coming up and I want to do something special. What do you mean by a word cloud?

December 3, 2018 at 7:19 am

For the last 20 plus years, my sisters and I (I have 5 of them, and 2 bothers) get together and create a family calendar. We all bring pictures of our families and we cut them up and create a collage like page for each month of mixed pictures from everyone’s family.We have done vintage pages, of old pictures from our youth, and pictures of our parents who have passed years ago, etc. On the actual months page everyone’s birth day, anniversary date (include those that have gone before us) is put on the calendar. They are passed out on the day we have our family Christmas gathering. For about an hour, everyone is glued to their calendar talking about who is on what page, and what the event was. Some pages have upwards of 50 people on them.It is truly everyone’s favorite x-mas gift. It is a group effort made with lots of love for all. .

December 3, 2018 at 2:32 pm

My favorite present I’ve ever given was a birthday present… for both my mom and dad’s 60th birthdays, I made them a hard-bound book full of letters from their kids, grandkids, extended family, friends and neighbors (I had contacted them all months before and had them either mail me or email me a letter telling their favorite memory of them, favorite thing about them, etc). I ended up getting 60-80 letters for each of them and I LOVED reading each as they came in. I complied them all and went to a local print shop where they bound them together with a hard cover for $15. My parents both got emotional reading them all. Best feeling ever.

December 6, 2018 at 3:17 pm

MANY years ago, When my sister and I were about five and six. She received a record player and a 45 ( now I’m really dating us) of Johnny Cash’ A Boy named Sue. She played that song a lot, a real lot. On repeat. 10/15 times a day for weeks. Sometimes up to 30 times a day. Nothing could dissuade her from playing it- not begging, pleading, bribing. Now, I suspect a part of the fun for her was the fact she was making us all a bit crazy with it. After awhile, I’d had it. After about the seventh time she played it one day, I dramatically grabbed the 45 from the record player and broke it in half saying ‘ i just can’t take it anymore!’

Everyone just sat and stared at me in disbelief as I was normally the more, shall we say, well behaved, one of us. After a moment of stunned silence- my sister threw herself down on the ground and started crying. My mother, who has since admitted she was secretly grateful, pretended to send me to my room to ‘think about what I had done.’ Flash forward 30 years and we are now best of pals and it’s a fun store we tell. One year for Christmas, I found a 45 copy on eBay. I mounted it in a shadow box and wrapped it in brown paper the way we used to do our school books. Around the entire front of the box I hand wrote ‘I must not break my sister’s record’ . Thinking it was finally time she received justice for my crime. It was the hit of Christmas and she has it proudly displayed in her house ?

Ps. Neither of us can listen to the song without giggling AND cringing now

December 8, 2018 at 4:33 pm

December 8, 2018 at 9:36 pm

Received – my husband secretly filmed my daughter’s first year of her life and made me a DVD set to music of songs that were meaningful during that big year. He even had a DVD case of our favorite photo made. It starts with me on our way I the hospital saying “We’re going to have a baby!” And ends with he trying to say “I love you” with so many precious moments between.

Gift I have given: a family recipe book for each side of my family. I made photo books online with old family photos and my late nana and grandma’s recipes. It was a favorite gift on both sides of the family.

December 11, 2018 at 4:07 am

My mom made a boy baby doll for me for Christmas when I was about 9. It was one of my most prized possessions. I kept that doll when I got married, and through every move, even when my husband and I and our 6 (at the time) kids downsized to a less than1,000 sq ft house, though he had to go into storage. A few years later we were sorting through our stored items and discovered that most of what we’d stored was ruined. Mice had eaten my wedding veil and flowers – I tossed them in the burn pile without tears. Precious books got burned with a sigh of regret. But when I found my doll (Johnny) with most of his hair gone and bites taken out of a couple of body parts and his clothes (a sleeper than my preemie son had worn) shredded – oh how I cried. I was about to throw him in the fire, too, but my husband told me not to. He said, “Maybe he can be fixed”. That doll was a nasty wreck, but I handed it to him and he put him back in storage, but in a plastic tub instead of a box. Unbeknownst to me, a few weeks later, he called my mom and asked her if she thought she could fix him. She said she’d try, so he snuck the doll to her on Thanksgiving, and she spent the next few weeks working magic. My oldest son brought a gift ‘from Santa’ when he came for Christmas, and my husband made sure to have the camera ready… When I opened the box, there was my Johnny doll, almost as good as new!! I’d been given my favorite present twice.

April 14, 2019 at 12:10 am

My dad passed away many years before my grandson was born. Dad loved and wore Pendleton plaid shirts regularly. I saved one and made my grandson’s Christmas stocking out of it. I bought many tiny, symbolic ornaments and wrote a scroll about what each meant for his future… and tucked it in a little drawstring bag in the stocking so that every year he’d read it when he put up his stocking. Hopefully, he’ll still be reading that many years after I’m gone and know how much I loved him.

August 17, 2022 at 5:20 am

I love this blog! I’ve been reading it for a while now and it’s always so inspiring. I think the most meaningful gift I’ve ever received was when my parents bought me a ticket to go see my favorite band play live

September 25, 2023 at 11:22 am

I loved reading all of these gifts and the replies! I’ve given and received many thoughtful gifts over the years and am always looking for new ideas. I wanted to share one I got recently that blew me away just because it took so much thought, time, and effort! My significant other went through and printed out all of our loving exchanges in our text messages for our first year and printed the corresponding photos we took on those days and on our dates we went on etc.. Then made a scrapbook out of them! With all the stickers and decorations and everything! It’s a work of art and soooo time consuming! I was blown away and very happy to receive it on our first anniversary!

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The Six Greatest Gifts You Can Give Your Loved Ones (Plus Audio Tips on Achieving Goals)

“So if we love someone, we should train in being able to listen. By listening with calm and understanding, we can ease the suffering of another person.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

By Leo Babauta

It’s Christmastime and it’s the season of giving … what are you giving your loved ones this year?

The holidays often mean giving a lot of gifts, sometimes expensive, but often we lose sight of what’s most important.

What gifts do your loved ones really want, whether they’re your children, your significant other, your parents, your friends, or other family members? Is it an expensive electronic item, or some other material or tangible item? Perhaps.

But the gifts I list below are more important. Sure, they might not be as fun to open on Christmas morning (or whatever other holiday you might celebrate), but in the long run, they’ll value these gifts more.

1. Your Presence . This means making it a priority to spend time with them — if they are truly important, you can make the time. You might have to change things in your life to make the time, but it’s worth it.

Beyond just making the time, though, you have to actually be present when you spend time with loved ones. That means learning to stay in the moment, rather than having your mind on other things, checking your iPhone or Blackberry every two minutes, or trying to take care of other tasks and chores while spending time with them. Instead, drop everything else and focus on being there with your loved ones — really listen, really have fun, really be present.

2. Your Love . This is perhaps an obvious one on the list, but it’s too important to gloss over. It’s imperative that you tell your loved ones that … well, that you love them. Regularly. But just as important is that you actually show them you love them, in your actions every day, throughout the day. Hugs, intimacy, smiles, doing kind things for them, considering their needs and feelings … just little things that mean a lot.

3. Your Compassion . How is this different than giving the gift of your love? Well, it’s possible to love someone and not show compassion. For example, we parents often discipline our children and love them at the same time … but often compassion is even more important than discipline.

Compassion is finding empathy with your loved one … trying to see things from their eyes, trying to understand what they’re going through … and then doing your best to be kind and to end their suffering and to make them happier. Read more .

4. A Voice . We can give so much just by paying attention to a loved one, and really listening, and showing that we’re interested in what they have to say, and showing that what they say is important and respected. Too often our children or spouse might talk to us but are only met with a disinterested nod or other small acknowledgment, or we’ll make light or fun of what they say, as if it’s not important. But giving a person a voice, and showing that their words matter, will have a long-lasting different in their lives.

5. A Healthy Lifestyle . When you spend time with your loved one, try to do so while enjoying a healthy and fun activity, such as going on a hike, playing a sport, tossing around a Frisbee, going for a walk or jog, doing some yardwork, and so on. When you get together to eat, try to eat healthy foods. Make the habits of good health a part of your lifestyle, and encourage your loved ones to do the same — it could save their lives.

6. Your Belief in Them . Simply believing in another person, and showing that in your words and in your deeds, can make a huge difference. Studies of people who grew up in dysfunctional homes but who grew up to be happy and successful show that the one thing they had in common was a significant adult who believed in them. Do this for your child, and for the adult loved ones in your life as well. Support their dreams and passions and hobbies. Participate with them. Be nothing but encouraging. Be their greatest cheerleader. Whether they actually accomplish these dreams or not, your belief is of unlimited importance to them.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – the Dalai Lama

AUDIO PODCAST

In the spirit of giving, I’d like to share the third audio tips podcast that I’ve done for ThePowerofLess.com:

The Keys to Setting and Achieving Goals

This podcast can be played on your computer, iPod or other media device. The podcast talks about:

• How taking on too many goals can lead to a cycle of failure and guilt.
• Simplify: Focus on one goal at a time.
• Why you should start small.
• Focus on that One Goal to completion.
• Breaking a goal into smaller goals.

Feel free to share it on your blog, via email, on forums, in social media, or however you like!

Three other audio podcast tips have been or will be released this week related to The Power of Less :

• Office Zen: How to Focus on One Task at a Time . (released)
• Taming Email: Tips on Finding Inbox Zen . (released)
• Effective weight loss strategies. (soon to come!)

Posted: 12.24.2008

Previous post: Taming Your Email: Audio Tips on Finding Inbox Zen

Next post: Free Ebook: Thriving on Less – Simplifying in a Tough Economy

Follow us Questions Describe the best present/gift you have received.

1) in china, when will people send the present.

Oh, attend the party, such as Wedding Party, Birthday Party. During Spring Festival, people give presents to each other, including clothes, books , flowers, and foods.

2) Compare the gift people received 10 years ago to the present that people now are receiving; what’s the difference between them? ( try to compare the gift you received in your teenage with the gift children received now )

Oh, I think the gift was monotonic before. For example, I often received a notebook as a gift. But now, there are various gifts to choose from. Such as flowers, wine, food, clothes etc.

3) imagine the gift in the future children will receive.

In the future, I think more and more children will receive intellectual gifts, such as the electronic dictionary, notebook computer and so on.

4) imagine the gift in the future people will receive.

In the future, oh, in most case, people will give flowers to each other. I think flowers will be the most popular present.

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Writing a Legacy Letter to Loved Ones

By Dean Magee

A legacy letter, also known as an ethical will, is a heartfelt document that allows you to share your life experiences, wisdom, values, and wishes with your loved ones. It's a way to leave a lasting mark , to pass on your legacy in your own words. This guide will help you understand the process of writing a legacy letter to your loved ones.

Understanding the Purpose of a Legacy Letter

A legacy letter is more than just a document; it's a piece of you that you leave behind. It's not a legal document, but rather a personal one, filled with your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It's a way for you to share your life's wisdom and values with future generations.

Writing a legacy letter can also be a therapeutic process. It allows you to reflect on your life, your achievements, and your regrets. It's a chance to make peace with your past and express your hopes for the future.

Planning Your Legacy Letter

Before you start writing, it's important to plan what you want to include in your legacy letter. Think about the people you're writing to and what you want them to know. Consider the experiences that have shaped you, the lessons you've learned, and the values you hold dear.

Remember, this is your legacy. It should reflect who you are and what you believe in. It's not about impressing anyone or making yourself look good. It's about sharing your truth with the people you love.

Choosing Your Recipients

While a legacy letter is often written to family members, you can write one to anyone who has had a significant impact on your life. This could be a friend, a mentor, or even a group of people, like a community or organization that you're part of.

When choosing your recipients, think about who would benefit most from your wisdom and experiences. Who would appreciate your words and find comfort or inspiration in them?

Deciding What to Include

Your legacy letter can include anything you want. You might share stories from your life, lessons you've learned, or advice you wish to pass on. You could express your hopes for the future, your regrets, or your gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped you.

Some people choose to include personal artifacts, like photos or mementos, with their letter. These can add a personal touch and make your letter even more meaningful.

Writing Your Legacy Letter

Once you've planned your letter, it's time to start writing. Don't worry about making it perfect; just write from the heart. Remember, this is a letter to your loved ones, not a formal document. It should be personal and authentic.

Start by addressing your recipients and explaining why you're writing the letter. Then, share your stories, wisdom, and wishes. Be honest and open. This is your chance to express your feelings and share your experiences in your own words.

Sharing Your Stories

Stories are a powerful way to share your experiences and wisdom. They make your letter engaging and relatable. Think about the stories that have shaped you and the lessons they've taught you. Share these stories with your loved ones, so they can learn from your experiences and carry your wisdom forward.

When sharing your stories, be specific and detailed. Use vivid language to bring your experiences to life. This will make your letter more engaging and memorable.

Expressing Your Wishes

Your legacy letter is also a chance to express your wishes for the future. You might share your hopes for your loved ones, your dreams for the world, or your wishes for how your legacy will be carried forward.

When expressing your wishes, be clear and specific. This will help your loved ones understand your hopes and dreams and how they can help fulfill them.

Finalizing Your Legacy Letter

Once you've written your legacy letter, take some time to review it. Make sure it reflects your thoughts, feelings, and experiences accurately. Check for any errors or omissions and make any necessary revisions.

When you're satisfied with your letter, consider how you want to present it. You might choose to handwrite it for a personal touch, or type it for clarity. You could also consider having it professionally printed and bound for a lasting keepsake.

Presenting Your Letter

There are many ways to present your legacy letter. You might choose to give it to your loved ones in person, or you could leave it with a trusted person to be given after your passing. You might also consider reading it aloud to your loved ones, to share your words in your own voice.

However you choose to present your letter, remember that it's a gift. It's a piece of you that you're leaving behind, a lasting legacy of your life's wisdom and experiences.

Writing a legacy letter to your loved ones is a meaningful and rewarding process. It's a chance to reflect on your life, share your wisdom, and leave a lasting legacy. Whether you're writing to your family, friends, or a community that's important to you, your words will be a cherished gift for generations to come.

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45 Thoughtful Gifts To Comfort the Person Who May Be Grieving During the Holidays—According to a Bereavement Specialist

The holidays are usually a time of celebration and togetherness with family and friends. Gifts are exchanged, people host parties, and there's plenty of food to be passed around—throughout the season, there's a kind warm joy that wraps around us like a heated blanket . But for those who have lost someone special in their lives, these joyous days can often serve as a painful reminder of the person's absence. And while loved ones may want to show their support and offer sympathy gifts, communicating with a person during a time of bereavement and grief is a very delicate act that requires understanding of what the person fundamentally needs.

• 01 Flowers and plants
• 02 Personalized gifts
• 03 Self-care and care boxes
• 06 Subscription services
• 07 What to look for in a sympathy gift
• Virginia A. Simpson, PhD , bereavement specialist

So, what are sympathy gifts exactly? According to bereavement specialist Dr. V irginia A. Simpson, Ph.D., FT, the best gift is being there for them, literally.

"Your presence is the main thing," Dr. Virginia says. What this looks like is inviting them out to lunch, taking them on a walk, or suggesting to play a sport they like.  "Just stuff to add joy to their lives. When it's time for them to grieve, they will grieve. When they need to cry, they'll cry. And you have to be okay with allowing somebody to have their tears. Tears are healing."

Although we may want to cure someone's grief with a simple quick fix solution, it's not something that you as the gift giver have control over. Instead, it's necessary to be there for them as a reliable support system when they need to talk. But while your presence is the most important gift of all, you can also show up in other ways. "Write cards, send cards, write notes, bring food, send flowers, remind them you're thinking of them," Dr. Virginia says. If you're not sure what may be appropriate or where to start, take a look at the picks below.

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The best sympathy gifts: flowers and plants

If you really want to show your support during a difficult time, you can never go wrong with a bouquet of flowers. Not only are they beautiful, but studies have shown that flowers also have the power to boost your mood. Case in point: this floral arrangement includes a mix of rosemary, garden roses, and spiral eucalyptus to serve as a calming and uplifting influence.

Remind your loved one that they’re in your thoughts and prayers by sending them an interactive card from Lovepop. In the event that you can’t send real flowers, this card bundle includes one paper tulip bouquet and one pop-up card that you can personalize with a special message.

Adding a touch of greenery to any living space is a surefire way to create a more soothing, calming and healthier environment. In fact, succulents and other cacti plants have the power to remove toxins and purify the air in your home. You can choose between an assortment of three or six succulents.

One way to honor a person’s life is through planting a tree on their behalf. While this plant may be small, you can watch it transform and take a much bigger form in keeping in the memory of your loved one.

In the plant world, bonsai trees can serve as a powerful symbol of harmony, balance and peace, which is why they are such a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. Plus, they’re also generally low-maintenance and produce beautiful green foliage in full bloom.

If your friend is overwhelmed with an abundance of flowers, give them a place to store them with this set of ceramic vases. There are three vases of varying sizes that they can keep together or space around the house, and they come in off-white, blue and brown, gray and white, and multicolor.

What better way to make someone’s say than to bring the sunshine to them? Each care package includes a soy candle, a live succulent plant, a pair of earrings, and most importantly, a card that says “Thinking of You.”

The best sympathy gifts: personalized gifts

For a small and impactful gift, consider a personalized piece of jewelry from Gorjana. This bespoke bracelet is gold pleated and features a small space inside for you to engrave a name, a special message or a memorable destination.

A customized illustration is a super sentimental gift, and it’ll help your friend immortalized the person or people they’ve lost—and what’s great about it, is you don’t have to hire a professional artist to make it happen. Just send over a picture of you and your loved one and you will receive a digital print within a few days.

Celebrate your loved one every day with this Worry Stone photo necklace. Inside, you can place a picture of your beloved friend, or family member and keep them close to your hearth quite literally every day.

During the holiday season, your loved one can also be included in the festivities by engraving their memory on an ornament to hang as part of your decorations.

Anytime the wind blows, you can be reminded that your loved one is with you (at least, if that’s in line with your spiritual beliefs—it’s certainly not for everyone). This memorial wind chime features an engraved message that reads, “Listen to the wind and know that I’m near” and plays a soothing harmony when the wind strikes it. It also comes with a top hook that makes it perfect to hang outdoors on your patio or above your porch.

Help your loved one keep track of their memories with their friends and family by sending this antique-style picture frame to display in their home. Put a photo of their loved one inside ahead of time or let them choose their favorite pic.

Help record the memories of your loved one with a high-tech digital photo album. The Aeezo picture frame allows you to directly upload photos from your phone as well as send them to your family and friends. You can also invite your family members to share photos to the same frame using WiFi.

The best sympathy gifts: self-care and care boxes

It’s not easy to control anxious thoughts, but this Komuso flute pendant is here to help support your struggle. Designed by a psychotherapist, this tool works by getting you to actively focus on your breathing in a time of anxiety. Simply inhale and exhale through the flute to help slow your breath and decrease stress.

During a time of grief, it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself. And one way to do that is through taking care of your spiritual and physical body. This wellness package includes the tools to do that. For example, it comes with a set of mindfulness cards to help center your thoughts, and an eye pillow scented with lavender, and flaxseed to help calm your mind and relax your body.

You can also help your loved one stay recharged with this thoughtful Comfort Kit. It features a slew of handcrafted organic items for self-care, including: a lavender and chamomile sleep spray, two tea packets, a bar of soap, and a hydrating lip balm.

A great way to decrease stress is through wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket. FYI: Weighted blankets work by using deep pressure stimulation (a type of physical therapy that mimics the feeling of being hugged) as a way to help reduce stress levels, anxiety and insomnia.

In an attempt to manage stressful and anxious thoughts, journaling can be incredibly nourishing. In fact, spending anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes writing down your emotions on a regular basis can serve as a huge therapeutic release for unprocessed and suppressed feelings.

Making art is not only a creative process, but it can also be a powerful mood-boosting activity to reduce anxiety and stress. And if you’re looking to try your hand at unleashing your inner artist, this set has everything you need to get started, including: 18 acrylic paints, six different-sized brushes, one plastic palette knife, one plastic palette, and one painting canvas.

There is a reason why we love to be by the beach and it isn’t just because of the view. A 2018 study found that listening to the sound of nature, especially water, can actually help “induce relaxation.” That said, this indoor water fountain can serve as the perfect place of zen in your home.

This Herbivore set is a three-step skin-care routine that is used to help target dryness, dullness and roughness. The set comes with a Moroccan rose scented body scrub to slough dead skin cells, a coconut bath soak, and soothing Himalayan pink bath crystals. A bath can help with relaxation, stress, and give you some quiet time to yourself—this Soak and Soften kit can enhance that and make it feel extra special.

With over 4,000 customer ratings and 91 percent 5-star reviews on Amazon, this blanket is a clear fan-favorite for bringing warmth and encouragement to many households. Made of solely of polyester, this comfy cover is adorned with short inspirational words to help uplift anyone who is underneath it.

“I ordered this blanket for my neighbor who has cancer, and feel it is the perfect gift to show I care what she is going through,” one shopper wrote . ‘The positive sentiments on it are encouraging and the blanket itself is super soft, cozy and great quality as well as value.”

If you want your house to smell like a spa (aka, calming, gorgeous scents that can elevate your mood), then consider this Diptyque candles set. It has four mini candles with warm and floral scents to create a relaxing atmosphere. It’s also luxurious-feeling and feels extra special.

It’s probably that the last thing your friend wants to do is be social, which is understandable. If your giftee is spending much-needed time at home, give them something soft and comfortable to wear. Made of a lightweight cotton blend, this top is perfect to curl up on the couch as you binge-watch Netflix. Just pair it with the matching bottoms for a head-to-toe cozy outfit.

Besides the fact that these slippers are super comfortable, they also are specifically designed to hug your arches and support your foot’s natural shape so you can walk with ease. If your giftee is spending more time at home, they’ll find a new pair of slippers actually useful.

Sometimes, all it takes is one word of kindness to help you stay positive during a rough time. And this keepsake is packed with a new inspirational saying every day for you to mediate on and keep close to your heart.

When you want to relax, power down with this highly-rated Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager. It’s meant to relieve muscle soreness and release tension throughout your entire body through the power of a deep kneading shiatsu massage.

If you want to offer up some encouraging words of wisdom, you can do so with this colorful serving tray. On it, it displays the words “This Too Shall Pass” as a gentle reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, we’ve heard this one before, but it’s strange how powerful these classic mantras can really be.

Care packages really can spark a lot of joy and meaning in someone’s life, and this one is no exception. It’s based on Kintsugi, the Japanese art of restoring broken pottery pieces with gold. It can often be used a healing metaphor for embracing your shortcoming and flaws.

The best sympathy gifts: food

If you really want to take some time to unwind and have some “me time,” you can do so with this tea set from The Qi. With it, you get one glass server, two small glass cups, one bamboo tong for steeping, and nine individually-packed flowers for making Shangri-La tea. As a bonus, the tea is packed with a slew of antioxidants that can help protect you against free radical damage.

Sometimes the best way to comfort someone is through the power of food, and this set of handmade baked goods does that, plus a bit more. It comes with an assortment of apple- and raspberry-filled croissants, muffins, and tea breads to make for one deliciously sweet breakfast.

Comfort your friend with some hot soup. Well, the closest you can get to hot soup without either ordering it or bringing a fresh pot over. Fly By Jing makes a delicious all-natural hot pot base (made with ginger, star anise, clove, and Sichuan pepper) that makes soup-making incredibly easy. If your giftee likes to cook, this is the perfect gift, since it still engages their passion for food, but they don’t have to start from scratch.

If you want to make someone smile, cookies usually are a safe bet. This Levain bakery gift box includes eight cookies from chocolate chip walnut and dark chocolate chocolate chip, to dark chocolate peanut butter chip and oatmeal raisin.

Another way to warm the heart is through the form of some sweets. This Godiva gift box includes 35 milk, dark, and white chocolates, all with a variety of unique flavors and unexpected combinations that the chocolate company is famous for.

You can surprise your friend and help quench their appetite with this delicious food basket. It contains a mix of fruit including five royal verano pears, sweet popcorn, mixed nuts, cherries and the brand’s signature chocolate truffles.

For the caffeine lover, make their life a bit easier by gifting them with a temporary subscription of Blue Bottle Coffee. For a limited time, they’ll get bags of a blend of single origin coffee beans freshly roasted to make their cup of Joe in the morning. The brand changes the single origin coffee every two weeks.

Want to give something that feels home-made? Bissinger’s chocolate gooey butter cake tastes like it just came out of the oven. Have it delivered to your friend from anywhere.

The best sympathy gifts: pets

If you’re coping with the loss of a beloved pet, you can relive the good memories with this super thoughtful plush replica of your furry friend. You can request any animal, including including dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses.

Another way to immortalized the life of your animal is through hanging a portrait of them in their honor. Here, you have the option to choose to receive a water color-style illustration of your pet as a framed print, poster or canvas.

Keep your pup’s memory alive with this subtle reminder of their impact on your life—and carry it with you everywhere you go.

The best sympathy gifts: subscription services

It’s no secret that surrounding yourself with greenery can help improve your mood. And with this year-long Horti subscription, you’ll be able to always have some green babies around you every day, all day. Each month you’ll get a curated plant kit that you can take care of and put to use your plant parenting skills. And a distraction like plant caretaking can be helpful during a distressful time.

One of the best ways to help someone in a time of need is to take care of some of the mundane things in their life, such as what to make for dinner. Through this Purple Carrot meal delivery service, your loved one will receive up to four weeks worth of plant-based meals.

Take some of the load off of your friends and family by gifting them a free house cleaning. Handy is a special cleaning service that makes your home spick and span, and completes all the action items on to-do list within a three-hour period. What we like about it, is that you can book services online and specify and special requests and need

Known for its mindfulness activities and programs, Headspace can be a great support system and the perfect way to introduce some positivity into your loved’s one life. This year-long subscription gives them access to dozens of guided meditations on a variety of topics including relationships and stress.

What to look for in a sympathy gift

Ultimately, the goal of a sympathy gift is to comfort someone and let them know you're thinking of them. The best gift will depend on your relationship with the person, as well their personality, but here are a few things to look for.

Personalization

It goes without saying that the gift should be something the recipient likes, not what you like. Just because you like to have lots of flowers around, they may not. Think of what their favorite foods or things are. If you are close with the person, you may want to go a step further and personalize the gift with the name of the person they lost, a special quote, or something else that is meaningful to them.

Helpful/practical

The last thing you want to do is inconvenience someone with your gift. And sometimes the most practical gifts are the most appreciated. During times of grieving, a meal delivery service can make it easier for them to eat regular meals, or cozy slippers can make sure their feet stay warm.

• Xie, Junfang et al. “How Can Flowers and Their Colors Promote Individuals’ Physiological and Psychological States during the COVID-19 Lockdown?.”  International journal of environmental research and public health  vol. 18,19 10258. 29 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph181910258
• Thoma, Myriam Verena et al. “Preliminary evidence: the stress-reducing effect of listening to water sounds depends on somatic complaints: A randomized trial.” Medicine vol. 97,8 (2018): e9851. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009851

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Essay on My Birthday Gift

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Birthday Gift in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Birthday Gift

Introduction.

My birthday is always a special day for me. This year, it was made even more special with a unique gift.

The Surprise

My parents gifted me a beautiful bicycle. It was something I had been wishing for a long time.

I was overjoyed to see my dream gift. It was not just a bicycle, but a symbol of my growing independence.

This birthday gift made my day memorable. It was a reminder of the love and care my parents have for me.

250 Words Essay on My Birthday Gift

Birthdays are always special, a day that signifies one’s existence and growth. But what makes it even more exciting are the gifts. Last year, I received a birthday gift that was not just an object but a profound symbol of love, thoughtfulness, and time.

The Anticipation

As the days neared my birthday, the excitement grew. The anticipation of the gift was not about its monetary value, but the sentiment attached to it. I was curious about what my loved ones had chosen for me, what they thought would make me happy.

The Unveiling

The day arrived, and as I unwrapped the gift, my eyes fell on a beautiful, vintage record player. It was not just a gift, but a gateway to a world of music that I had always wanted to explore. The record player was a symbol of my passion for music and the vintage touch signified my love for all things classic.

The Significance

The gift was not merely an object; it was a reflection of the understanding and love of those who gifted it to me. It showed their knowledge of my interests, passions, and the little things that bring me joy. The record player was not just a music device but a means of connecting with my soul.

In conclusion, the best gifts are not always the most expensive ones but those that carry a personal touch, understanding, and thoughtfulness. My birthday gift was more than just a present; it was a testament to the love and care of my dear ones. It was a gift that will always remind me of the beautiful bond I share with them.

500 Words Essay on My Birthday Gift

Introduction: the anticipation.

Birthdays are often associated with joy, celebration, and a sense of growing older and wiser. But beyond the cake and the candles, there’s always that one thing that makes the day even more special – the birthday gift. This year, my birthday gift was not just an object, but a profound life lesson that would forever change my perspective.

The Unconventional Gift

Unlike the typical presents such as gadgets, clothes, or books, my gift this year was a small sapling. At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary plant, but the note attached to it revealed its true significance. It was a sapling of the Bristlecone Pine, known to be one of the longest living organisms on earth. This gift was from my best friend, who understood my love for nature and the environment.

Symbolism and Reflection

The Bristlecone Pine sapling was not just a plant, but a symbol of resilience, longevity, and the beauty of life itself. These trees are known to withstand harsh conditions and still live for thousands of years. This gift was a gentle reminder that despite the adversities we face in life, we can still grow and thrive, just like the Bristlecone Pine.

Life Lessons from the Gift

The sapling taught me several valuable life lessons. Firstly, it emphasized the importance of patience. Just like the tree that takes years to grow and mature, achieving our goals also requires time and patience. We cannot rush growth or success; it’s a gradual process that requires consistent effort and perseverance.

Secondly, it highlighted the significance of resilience. The Bristlecone Pine withstands harsh weather conditions and still manages to live for thousands of years. Similarly, we must also learn to navigate through life’s challenges and emerge stronger, without losing our essence.

Finally, it underscored the value of sustainability. By gifting a sapling, my friend was indirectly encouraging me to contribute towards a greener and healthier planet. It was a call to action to be more environmentally conscious and to make sustainable choices.

Conclusion: The Gift That Keeps Giving

In conclusion, my birthday gift was much more than a physical present. It was a poignant life lesson, a symbol of resilience, and a call to action for a greener planet. This gift will continue to grow and thrive, just like me, and serve as a constant reminder of the lessons it holds. It was indeed the best birthday gift, not just because it was unique, but because it carried a message that resonated deeply with me. In the end, the best gifts are not always the most expensive or luxurious ones, but those that touch our hearts and inspire us to be better.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on My Birthday
• Essay on My Last Birthday Celebration
• Essay on My Birthday Party

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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38 Appropriate Sympathy Gifts to Express Your Condolences

When words fail, these heartfelt ideas can help.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

While many may turn to flowers, in some religions, sending them may not be appropriate. Even if the culture does appreciate flowers during this time, sympathy gifts , like the ones below, can feel more personal. But you'll see that we highlighted a bunch of food gift basket options, because across the board, making sure the family is eating and doesn't have to think about cooking right now, is always a good idea. Just make sure the food item you're sending follows their diet if they have one.

Overall, every condolence idea we've highlighted in this guide is intended to help the person heal throughout the grieving process whether they lost a parent , spouse, close friend or even a pet .

Sympathy Gift Box

Food is one of the most popular ideas to send, and this is a great option as it includes different fruits and snacks, which might be all they can handle eating right now.

Hallmark Signature Sympathy Card

Finding the right words to say is difficult, but this card can help. The beautiful front reads, "Goodbye is now forever, love is," while the inside says, "Thinking of you and wishing you peace ... now and in the days ahead."

RELATED: What to Write in a Sympathy Card for a Meaningful Message

18K Gold Over Sterling Silver Italian Rosary

If they follow the Catholic religion, they may need to feel connected to their roots now more than ever. This stunning bracelet, featuring the Miraculous Medal of the Virgin Mary, can help.

Memorial Yahrzeit Candle

In the Jewish religion, on the anniversary of someone's death, the loved ones will light a “soul candle" in their honor. "I can not recommend this product enough. It is worth every penny. The flame has been constantly burning for 6 days now and has provided me with such comfort as a visible tribute to my loved one," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Full Mixed Pastry Tray

No matter where they are or where you are, you can send them a box of sweets to try and brighten their day. Featuring basmas, ballourie and more, it comes from a restaurant with Halal status.

1800 Flowers Wishing You Peace Sympathy Fruit Basket

Fresh fruit will be delivered right to their door thanks to this Kosher basket. It comes wrapped in a "with sympathy" ribbon for an extra sincere touch.

Pennies from Heaven Bank

Many people believe those who have died can still send messages to their loved ones who are living through things like numbers and objects. Here, they can keep the pennies being sent to them to feel a sense of comfort.

Notes on Grief

In her bestselling book Notes on Grief , author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gives a deeply personal account of the loss of her father. Readers will appreciate her openness and insight into the grieving process.

Grief Journal

This beautifully bound journal from Duncan and Stone is perfect for recording memories and processing grief. Sections include things to remember, important dates, self-care practices and more. Add a pretty pen to inspire them to write in it.

Thinking Of You Tea and Honey Gift

For tea drinkers, a warm cuppa can be a godsend. Raw, unfiltered honey and chamomile tea with a hint of peppermint round out this thoughtful package from the Republic of Tea.

Grief & Loss Toolbox

This Grief and Loss Toolbox is great for helping kids process loss, with a cuddly stuffie, a book to help start the conversation and a digital downloadable resources guide. Working through bereavement with kids is also helpful for the grown-ups.

The Classic Photo Necklace

This elegant photo necklace from Mint and Lily enables the wearer to keep their loved ones close to their heart. It comes in silver, rose gold and gold plating.

Remembrance Jar

Keep memories alive with this remembrance jar from Demdaco. It includes a set of 25 notecards inside to encourage the recipient to write out their memories or words of reflection.

Hug in a Jar Candle

The soothing light and fresh scent from this candle will help set a serene atmosphere for those who are grieving. It also comes in a pretty box that's perfect for gifting.

Remembrance Casting Heart

Write a message to a departed loved one with this beautifully crafted heart-casting heart then throw it out to sea or float it down a river to commemorate their passing.

Angel Glass Rose Figurine

These beautiful glass angels, filled with roses, are the perfect sympathy gift. "Bought this angel as a gift and the recipient immediately fell in love with her. Truly a wonderful and special gift," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Memorial LED Shadow Box

This LED shadow box is a truly unique condolence gift. Made of wood, it comes in a few different designs to choose from, including butterflies, which symbolize messages from departed loved ones.

Sympathy Bracelet

Amethyst is said to soothe grief and encourage healing. They can wear this minimalist bracelet (complete with an angel charm) whenever they're missing their lost loved one.

Memorial Plant

This memorial evergreen tree comes with everything they'll need to commemorate their loved one for generations to come. It's a great gift, whether they have a green thumb or are just starting to flesh out their garden.

Sympathy Pop Up Card

Go beyond the standard sympathy card with this pop-up, laser-cut version. "Pretty little pop up sympathy card that says a little bit more than a normal card," one Amazon reviewer wrote. It comes with a blank card inside, so you can share a few words of comfort.

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Essay on Love for Students and Children

500+ words essay on love.

Love is the most significant thing in human’s life. Each science and every single literature masterwork will tell you about it. Humans are also social animals. We lived for centuries with this way of life, we were depended on one another to tell us how our clothes fit us, how our body is whether healthy or emaciated. All these we get the honest opinions of those who love us, those who care for us and makes our happiness paramount.

What is Love?

Love is a set of emotions, behaviors, and beliefs with strong feelings of affection. So, for example, a person might say he or she loves his or her dog, loves freedom, or loves God. The concept of love may become an unimaginable thing and also it may happen to each person in a particular way.

Love has a variety of feelings, emotions, and attitude. For someone love is more than just being interested physically in another one, rather it is an emotional attachment. We can say love is more of a feeling that a person feels for another person. Therefore, the basic meaning of love is to feel more than liking towards someone.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Need of Love

We know that the desire to love and care for others is a hard-wired and deep-hearted because the fulfillment of this wish increases the happiness level. Expressing love for others benefits not just the recipient of affection, but also the person who delivers it. The need to be loved can be considered as one of our most basic and fundamental needs.

One of the forms that this need can take is contact comfort. It is the desire to be held and touched. So there are many experiments showing that babies who are not having contact comfort, especially during the first six months, grow up to be psychologically damaged.

Significance of Love

Love is as critical for the mind and body of a human being as oxygen. Therefore, the more connected you are, the healthier you will be physically as well as emotionally. It is also true that the less love you have, the level of depression will be more in your life. So, we can say that love is probably the best antidepressant.

It is also a fact that the most depressed people don’t love themselves and they do not feel loved by others. They also become self-focused and hence making themselves less attractive to others.

Society and Love

It is a scientific fact that society functions better when there is a certain sense of community. Compassion and love are the glue for society. Hence without it, there is no feeling of togetherness for further evolution and progress. Love , compassion, trust and caring we can say that these are the building blocks of relationships and society.

Relationship and Love

A relationship is comprised of many things such as friendship , sexual attraction , intellectual compatibility, and finally love. Love is the binding element that keeps a relationship strong and solid. But how do you know if you are in love in true sense? Here are some symptoms that the emotion you are feeling is healthy, life-enhancing love.

Love is the Greatest Wealth in Life

Love is the greatest wealth in life because we buy things we love for our happiness. For example, we build our dream house and purchase a favorite car to attract love. Being loved in a remote environment is a better experience than been hated even in the most advanced environment.

Love or Money

Love should be given more importance than money as love is always everlasting. Money is important to live, but having a true companion you can always trust should come before that. If you love each other, you will both work hard to help each other live an amazing life together.

Love has been a vital reason we do most things in our life. Before we could know ourselves, we got showered by it from our close relatives like mothers , fathers , siblings, etc. Thus love is a unique gift for shaping us and our life. Therefore, we can say that love is a basic need of life. It plays a vital role in our life, society, and relation. It gives us energy and motivation in a difficult time. Finally, we can say that it is greater than any other thing in life.

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When my closest friend got married a few years ago, I asked her if anything felt different after the ceremony. "Yes," she said. "Realizing that my best-case scenario is now that I die first." Her tone was flip, and we both laughed. But there was truth to what she said.

I love my husband so much that I hesitate to write about him — it feels unseemly, like bragging. It is impossibly painful to even imagine life without him: his presence is the source of my greatest joy in life, just as the idea of losing him is one of my worst fears. The best-case scenario is that I die first.

Sheryl Sandberg lost her beloved husband, Dave Goldberg, 30 days ago. To mark that occasion, she has written one of the best essays I have ever read about what it feels like to confront that terrible fear, and to deal with the profound grief that comes from losing someone you love. Her description of her grief since Goldberg's death feels true not just as a statement of what it is like to lose someone you love, but also what it means to deeply love someone, and the value that our loved ones hold in our lives.

A childhood friend of mine who is now a rabbi recently told me that the most powerful one-line prayer he has ever read is: "Let me not die while I am still alive." I would have never understood that prayer before losing Dave . Now I do. I think when tragedy occurs, it presents a choice. You can give in to the void, the emptiness that fills your heart, your lungs, constricts your ability to think or even breathe. Or you can try to find meaning. These past thirty days, I have spent many of my moments lost in that void. And I know that many future moments will be consumed by the vast emptiness as well. But when I can, I want to choose life and meaning.

Strangely enough, the perfect companion piece to Sandberg's essay is not about loss, but about the joy of having children. Michelle Goldberg (no relation to Dave Goldberg) wrote in New York Magazine last week about what inspired her and her husband to grow their family.

"Not long ago," she writes , "I learned the Arabic word Ya'aburnee . Literally, 'you bury me,' it means wanting to die before a loved one so as not to have to face the world without him or her in it."

Goldberg realized that those words captured her feelings for her husband, and that having a child would be a way to bring more of him into the world — and a way to hold on to part of him if someday she lost him.

Goldberg and her husband now have two children, and they have enriched her life, she writes, in ways she would never have believed possible. "Before there was one person in the world for whom I would use the word Ya'aburnee , and now there are three."

Reading Sandberg's essay with Goldberg's is a reminder that the pain of loss is a worthwhile price to pay for the joy of love and marriage. Although Sandberg's husband has died, the life they built together still remains. Her essay closes with a moving promise to support what they built, and the children they had together, even as she mourns him:

I can’t even express the gratitude I feel to my family and friends who have done so much and reassured me that they will continue to be there. In the brutal moments when I am overtaken by the void, when the months and years stretch out in front of me endless and empty, only their faces pull me out of the isolation and fear. My appreciation for them knows no bounds. I was talking to one of these friends about a father-child activity that Dave is not here to do. We came up with a plan to fill in for Dave. I cried to him, "But I want Dave. I want option A." He put his arm around me and said, "Option A is not available. So let’s just kick the shit out of option B." Dave, to honor your memory and raise your children as they deserve to be raised, I promise to do all I can to kick the shit out of option B. And even though sheloshim has ended, I still mourn for option A. I will always mourn for option A. As Bono sang, "There is no end to grief . . . and there is no end to love." I love you, Dave.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Valentines Day — Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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Valentines Day Gifts: 50+ Creative Ideas

Ah, Valentine's Day, the one day a year when even Cupid puts down his bow and arrow to scroll through Amazon Prime. It's that time again, folks! Whether you're head over heels or just trying not to trip over your own two feet, Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to show your loved ones just how much you care. And what better way to do that than with gifts that say, 'I love you almost as much as I love not doing the dishes'?

So grab your chocolates and prepare your cheesiest puns because we're about to dive into a world of heart-shaped wonders and romantic gestures that'll make even the most stoic of partners crack a smile (or at least pretend to). Whether you're shopping for your significant other, your Galentine, or your favorite furry friend, we've got a little something for everyone. So let's spread the love and check out some unique Valentines Day gifts that'll make hearts flutter faster than you can say, 'Do you want fries with that?'

Ready to Woo Your Beloved with Words that Sparkle like Stars?

Our team of wordsmiths is here to make your academic dreams—and love letters—come true.

What Day is Valentines Day

But before we start showering our loved ones with heart-shaped confetti and one or two Valentine's Day paragraph , let's take a moment to ponder the origins of this love-filled extravaganza. Also known as Saint Valentine's Day, this celebration traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where Emperor Claudius II banned marriages because he believed single men made better soldiers. But fear not, romantics, because along came a brave soul named Valentine (or possibly several Valentines, it's a bit murky), who defied the emperor's decree and continued to perform marriages in secret.

Legend has it that Valentine was eventually caught and sentenced to death, but not before leaving a love letter signed, 'From your Valentine,' which has since become the standard sign-off for Valentine's Day cards. Fast forward to today, and February 14th has become a day dedicated to celebrating love and affection in all its forms. So mark your calendars, folks, because whether you're embracing the romance or rolling your eyes at the commercialization, Valentine's Day is a time-honored tradition that's here to stay.

7 Unique Valentines Day Gifts

Now that we've brushed up on our Valentine's Day history, let's dive into the fun part: unique gifts for Valentines Day guaranteed to make your special someone swoon. Whether you're shopping for your sweetheart, your bestie, or even yourself (because self-love is the best love, right?), our essay writer has got you covered with a delightful array of top Valentine's Day gift ideas that go beyond the standard bouquet of roses (although those are always a safe bet, too).

• Memory Lane Jar : Picture this: a jar brimming with handwritten notes, snapshots of your fondest memories, and maybe even a few doodles that only make sense to you two. It's like a time capsule of your love story.
• Eco-Friendly Candle Duo : Set the vibe just right with candles that not only light up the room but also your hearts. These bad boys are made from soy wax, scented with essential oils, and are the perfect partners for Netflix nights or romantic dinners for two.
• Virtual Adventure : Who says you need to leave the house for an adventure? With a virtual class or workshop, you can learn something new together—whether it's painting, cocktail shaking, or even pottery making—all from the comfort of your couch.
• Snuggle-Worthy Blanket Scarf : Wrap them up in a big old hug with a blanket scarf that's perfect for chilly nights or impromptu picnics in the park. It's like wearing a warm hug, but stylish.
• DIY Terrarium Kit : Bring a slice of the great outdoors inside with a terrarium kit that lets you build your own tiny ecosystem. It's like having your own little slice of nature right on your coffee table.
• Personalized Portrait : Get artsy-fartsy with a custom portrait illustration of you two lovebirds. It's a unique way to capture your bond and spruce up your space with something totally one-of-a-kind.
• Gourmet Snack Attack Basket : Treat your taste buds to a basket filled with fancy cheeses, crackers, chocolates, and other delectable goodies. Because who says love can't be delicious?

Valentines Day Gifts for Her

Alright, gentlemen, listen up! It's time to channel your inner Romeo and sweep your leading lady off her feet with the best Valentines Day gifts for her, guaranteed to earn you some serious brownie points:

• Constellation Necklace

Wrap her neck in a piece of the universe with a necklace that showcases her zodiac sign's constellation because nothing says 'I love you' like promising to be her cosmic cuddle buddy, even when Mercury's in retrograde.

• Customized Sound Wave Art

Turn your mushy love talk into something artsy with a sound wave print of your favorite phrase or cheesy love song. It's like hanging up a piece of your relationship on the wall, except this time, it won't judge you for leaving dirty socks on the floor.

• Handcrafted Pottery Class

Get ready to play with some mud and unleash your inner Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. A pottery class is the perfect opportunity to get messy and make some questionable ceramic creations together. Who knew a lopsided mug could be so romantic?

• Artisanal Chocolate Tasting Experience

Take her taste buds on a rollercoaster ride of cocoa goodness with a chocolate tasting led by a self-proclaimed chocolate snob. It's like a wine tasting but with more cocoa beans and less judgment about your wine preferences.

• Personalized Star Naming Certificate

Give her the universe with a star naming certificate that's as official as your relationship status on Facebook. Nothing says, 'I love you to infinity and beyond,' like naming a celestial body after her. Just don't let her pick the name 'Star McStarface.'

Valentines Day Gifts for Him

Alright, let's not forget about the gentlemen who make our hearts skip a beat and our lives a little more adventurous. Here are some gifts for him Valentines Day ideas that will make him feel like the king of your heart:

• Gourmet Bacon Making Kit

Because what's more romantic than bacon? Give him the gift of sizzling joy with a DIY bacon-making kit that lets him craft his own mouth watering strips of perfection. It's a gift that says, 'I love you almost as much as you love bacon.'

• Virtual Reality Gaming System

Transport him to new worlds with a virtual reality gaming system that's sure to blow his mind. Whether he's battling dragons or exploring distant galaxies, he'll be thanking you for the gift of endless adventures.

• Whiskey Barrel Aging Kit

Elevate his whiskey game with a barrel aging kit that lets him age his own spirits at home. It's like giving him the keys to his own whiskey distillery, minus the legal ramifications.

• Outdoor Survival Kit

For the adventurous soul who loves nothing more than getting lost in the great outdoors, an outdoor survival kit is the perfect gift. Packed with all the essentials for wilderness survival, it's a thoughtful gesture that says, 'I'll always have your back, even when you're off the grid.'

• Customized Comic Book Portrait

Turn him into a superhero with a custom comic book portrait that puts him front and center in his very own action-packed adventure. It's a fun and unique way to show him that he's your hero, cape and all.

Valentines Day Gifts for Girlfriend

From sweet and sentimental to quirky and unexpected, we've got a lineup of gifts that'll have your girlfriend grinning from ear to ear faster than you can say 'Cupid's arrow.'

• Personalized Plant Baby

Gift her a small potted plant, but instead of just any plant, choose one that symbolizes your relationship. Maybe it's a succulent because your love grows with minimal effort or a resilient cactus because you've weathered life's prickly moments together. Add a tag that says, 'Our love is like this plant—thriving and low-maintenance.'

• Date Night Dice

Create a set of dice with different date ideas written on each side. Roll the dice together and let chance decide your next romantic adventure. Whether it's cooking a new recipe together or having a spontaneous dance-off, let the dice spice up your love life with a dash of randomness.

• Couples Cooking Class

Sign up for a fun and interactive couple's cooking class where you can learn to whip up delicious dishes together. Whether you're a culinary pro or a total amateur, it's guaranteed to be a hilarious and delicious experience. Just don't forget to taste-test each other's creations with a side of playful banter.

• Subscription to a Compliment Service

Sign her up for a monthly subscription service that sends her personalized compliments straight to her inbox or phone. Because let's be real, who doesn't love a daily dose of ego-boosting flattery?

• Personalized Love Fortune Cookies

Order a batch of fortune cookies with custom love messages inside. Each cookie contains a sweet (and sometimes silly) prediction about your future together. Who needs a crystal ball when you've got fortune cookies telling you that your love life is about to get even sweeter?

• Love Notes in a Bottle

Write a series of short, sweet, and sometimes silly love notes and place them inside tiny glass bottles. Each note could be a love poem, a funny memory, or a cheesy pick-up line. It's like a message in a bottle but way more romantic (and less likely to end up stranded on a desert island). Oh, and if you're gonna gift this, you might wanna brush up on how to make introduction in speech . Trust us, it'll be worth it!

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Valentines Day Gifts for Boyfriend

Now it's time to turn the tables and show your boyfriend just how much he means to you. Here, we've got a list of gifts guaranteed to make your beau swoon with delight.

• Personalized Bobblehead

Get him a custom-made bobblehead figurine in his likeness, dressed in his favorite outfit or doing his favorite hobby. Add a note that says, 'Now you can keep a mini-me around for when you need an ego boost.'

• DIY Beard Grooming Kit

Create a grooming kit tailored specifically for his majestic beard, complete with beard oil, balm, and a stylish comb. Add a tag that says, 'For the manliest man in town, because your beard deserves some TLC.'

• Beer Brewing Starter Kit

Gift him a beer brewing kit with all the essentials he needs to brew his own craft beer at home. Include a humorous note saying, 'Brewing up some liquid courage for our next adventure together.'

• Personalized Comic Book

Create a personalized comic book starring him as the protagonist, embarking on epic adventures and overcoming hilarious obstacles. Add a note saying, 'Because our love story is nothing short of a superhero saga.'

• Virtual Reality Headset

Surprise him with a VR headset for immersive gaming experiences or virtual adventures. Add a note saying, 'For when you want to escape reality and enter a world where our love knows no bounds.'

Valentines Day Gifts for Kids

Ah, the little ones who fill our hearts with joy and laughter—they deserve some Valentine's Day love, too! Here are some cute Valentines Day gifts for kids to make their day extra special:

• DIY Valentine's Day Craft Kits

Keep them entertained and creative with DIY craft kits that let them make their own Valentine's Day cards, friendship bracelets, or heart-shaped keepsakes. It's like giving them a mini art studio and watching their imaginations soar.

• Cuddly Plush Toys

Give them a cuddly companion to snuggle with on Valentine's Day and beyond. Whether it's a fluffy teddy bear, a squishy stuffed animal, or a huggable plushie, it's sure to become their new best friend.

• Valentine's Day Storybooks

Share the love with heartwarming Valentine's Day storybooks that celebrate friendship, kindness, and the power of love. It's like giving them a bedtime story that warms their hearts and sparks their imagination.

• Sweet Treats

Indulge their sweet tooth with Valentine's Day-themed treats like heart-shaped cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, or colorful candies. It's like giving them a taste of happiness in every bite.

• Outdoor Adventure Gear

Encourage them to explore the great outdoors with outdoor adventure gear like a kite, a frisbee, or a jump rope. It's like giving them the gift of adventure and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime.

• DIY Valentine's Day Pizza Kit

Let them get creative in the kitchen with a DIY pizza kit that lets them make heart-shaped pizzas with their favorite toppings. It's like giving them a taste of culinary creativity and teaching them that the best way to the heart is through the stomach.

• Valentine's Day Puzzle Set

Challenge their minds and keep them entertained with Valentine's Day-themed puzzles and games. Whether it's a jigsaw puzzle, a board game, or a brain teaser, it's sure to provide hours of fun for the whole family.

Valentines Day Gifts for Mom

Now it's time to celebrate the woman who's been there for you through thick and thin—your mom! Here are some thoughtful ideas when you're not sure what to get your mom for Valentine's Day to show her just how much you appreciate everything she does:

• Customized Recipe Tea Towels

Turn her favorite family recipes into functional art with customized recipe tea towels. It's like giving her a kitchen makeover with a side of nostalgia every time she dries the dishes.

• DIY Herb Garden Kit

Help her cultivate her green thumb with a DIY herb garden kit that brings the joy of gardening indoors. It's a great Valentines gift for mom that keeps on giving, providing fresh flavors and a sense of accomplishment as she watches her herbs grow.

• Monthly Subscription Box for Moms

Treat her to a monthly surprise with a subscription box curated specifically for moms. Each delivery is like a mini celebration, filled with goodies that cater to her interests and needs, making every month feel special.

• Customized Family Cookbook

Compile her treasured family recipes into a customized cookbook filled with love and memories. It's a culinary masterpiece that honors her kitchen expertise and celebrates the traditions passed down through generations.

• Memory Jar of Mom Moments

Create a heartwarming collection of handwritten notes recalling your favorite moments with mom. This memory jar is a heartfelt gift that captures the laughter, love, and special bond you share, perfect for brightening her day whenever she needs a reminder of your appreciation.

• Virtual Paint and Sip Class

Organize a virtual paint and sip class for her and her friends, complete with wine, painting supplies, and a talented instructor to guide them through the creative process. It's like a girls' night out without leaving the comfort of home because who says you can't paint and sip in your pajamas?

Valentines Day Gifts for Dad

Now, let's think beyond the clichés and surprise dads with a gift that speaks to his unique personality and interests. Here's a roundup of the best Valentine's Day gifts for dad that are sure to make him smile:

• Retro Record Player and Vinyl Collection

For the dad, who's nostalgic for the good old days, a retro record player paired with a curated selection of vinyl records makes for a timeless gift. Let him relive his favorite musical memories and discover new tunes in the warm, crackling embrace of analog sound.

• Gadget Gadgets Everywhere

If your dad is a tech enthusiast, there's no shortage of gadgets and gizmos to choose from. Whether it's a smartwatch to help him stay on top of his fitness goals or a high-tech coffee maker for those early mornings, you're sure to find something that will make his inner geek rejoice.

• DIY Master Chef Kit

For the dad who fancies himself a master chef (or at least thinks he is), a DIY cooking kit can be a fun and practical gift. Think gourmet spices, artisanal oils, or a set of high-quality kitchen tools to take his culinary creations to the next level.

• The Ultimate Dad Joke Book

Let's face it—dads are notorious for their cheesy jokes. Embrace the cringe factor and gift him a book filled with puns, one-liners, and groan-worthy dad jokes. It's guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment (and possibly a few eyerolls).

If your dad is the outdoorsy type, why not gear him up for his next adventure? Whether it's a rugged backpack for hiking trips, a portable grill for camping weekends, or a set of durable tools for his DIY projects, he'll appreciate the thoughtfulness of a gift that aligns with his passion for the great outdoors.

• Customized Adventure Map

Highlighting all the destinations he's visited or dreams of visiting, this personalized map will serve as a visual reminder of his adventures and inspire future journeys. Plus, it's a great conversation starter for sharing travel stories and planning family vacations.

7 Funny Valentines Day Gifts

The search for the perfect gift is on, and why settle for ordinary when you can go hilariously extraordinary? Brace yourself for a laughter-inducing journey as we explore some funny gifts for Valentines Day that are sure to tickle your loved one's funny bone:

• Custom Face Socks: Step up your sock game with a pair of socks featuring your face (or theirs, if you're feeling generous).
• Cheeky Greeting Cards: Skip the sappy sentiments and opt for greeting cards with a hilarious twist. Whether it's puns, witty one-liners, or irreverent humor, these cards are guaranteed to put a smile on their face.
• Giant Teddy Bear: Take the classic Valentine's Day gift to the next level with a hilariously oversized teddy bear. Perfect for those moments when they need a giant hug (or a makeshift pillow fort).
• Dancing Flower Pot: Bring a touch of whimsy to their day with a dancing flower pot that wiggles and grooves to the beat. Guaranteed to liven up any room (and possibly start a dance party).
• Funny Novelty Socks: Keep their toes warm and their sense of humor intact with a pair of funny novelty socks. From funky patterns to quirky designs, these socks are sure to add a playful touch to their wardrobe.
• Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure: Embrace their inner feline fanatic with a crazy cat lady action figure complete with miniature cats.
• Silly Kitchen Gadgets: Spice up their cooking routine with silly kitchen gadgets like a banana slicer or a pizza cutter shaped like a circular saw because who said meal prep couldn't be entertaining?

That's a Wrap-Up

And there you have it, folks! Our college essay writing service experts have journeyed through a plethora of the best Valentine's Day gift ideas, from the heartwarming to the downright hilarious. Whether you're celebrating with your significant other, your family, or your friends, there's a gift on this list sure to bring a smile to their faces and warmth to their hearts.

Remember to have fun, get creative, and, above all, spread love and laughter wherever you go. Because when it comes to celebrating love, there's no such thing as too much joy or too many smiles.

What is the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Gift in the U.S?

What are traditional valentine's day gifts, which seven are popular valentine’s day gifts, who should be gifted on valentine’s day, related articles.

• Death And Dying

8 Popular Essays About Death, Grief & the Afterlife

Updated 05/4/2022

Published 07/19/2021

Joe Oliveto, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Death is a strange topic for many reasons, one of which is the simple fact that different people can have vastly different opinions about discussing it.

Jump ahead to these sections: 

Essays or articles about the death of a loved one, essays or articles about dealing with grief, essays or articles about the afterlife or near-death experiences.

Some fear death so greatly they don’t want to talk about it at all. However, because death is a universal human experience, there are also those who believe firmly in addressing it directly. This may be more common now than ever before due to the rise of the death positive movement and mindset.

You might believe there’s something to be gained from talking and learning about death. If so, reading essays about death, grief, and even near-death experiences can potentially help you begin addressing your own death anxiety. This list of essays and articles is a good place to start. The essays here cover losing a loved one, dealing with grief, near-death experiences, and even what someone goes through when they know they’re dying.

Losing a close loved one is never an easy experience. However, these essays on the topic can help someone find some meaning or peace in their grief.

1. ‘I’m Sorry I Didn’t Respond to Your Email, My Husband Coughed to Death Two Years Ago’ by Rachel Ward

Rachel Ward’s essay about coping with the death of her husband isn’t like many essays about death. It’s very informal, packed with sarcastic humor, and uses an FAQ format. However, it earns a spot on this list due to the powerful way it describes the process of slowly finding joy in life again after losing a close loved one.

Ward’s experience is also interesting because in the years after her husband’s death, many new people came into her life unaware that she was a widow. Thus, she often had to tell these new people a story that’s painful but unavoidable. This is a common aspect of losing a loved one that not many discussions address.

2. ‘Everything I know about a good death I learned from my cat’ by Elizabeth Lopatto

Not all great essays about death need to be about human deaths! In this essay, author Elizabeth Lopatto explains how watching her beloved cat slowly die of leukemia and coordinating with her vet throughout the process helped her better understand what a “good death” looks like.

For instance, she explains how her vet provided a degree of treatment but never gave her false hope (for instance, by claiming her cat was going to beat her illness). They also worked together to make sure her cat was as comfortable as possible during the last stages of her life instead of prolonging her suffering with unnecessary treatments.

Lopatto compares this to the experiences of many people near death. Sometimes they struggle with knowing how to accept death because well-meaning doctors have given them the impression that more treatments may prolong or even save their lives, when the likelihood of them being effective is slimmer than patients may realize.

Instead, Lopatto argues that it’s important for loved ones and doctors to have honest and open conversations about death when someone’s passing is likely near. This can make it easier to prioritize their final wishes instead of filling their last days with hospital visits, uncomfortable treatments, and limited opportunities to enjoy themselves.

3. ‘The terrorist inside my husband’s brain’ by Susan Schneider Williams

This article, which Susan Schneider Williams wrote after the death of her husband Robin Willians, covers many of the topics that numerous essays about the death of a loved one cover, such as coping with life when you no longer have support from someone who offered so much of it. 

However, it discusses living with someone coping with a difficult illness that you don’t fully understand, as well. The article also explains that the best way to honor loved ones who pass away after a long struggle is to work towards better understanding the illnesses that affected them. 

4. ‘Before I Go’ by Paul Kalanithi

“Before I Go” is a unique essay in that it’s about the death of a loved one, written by the dying loved one. Its author, Paul Kalanithi, writes about how a terminal cancer diagnosis has changed the meaning of time for him.

Kalanithi describes believing he will die when his daughter is so young that she will likely never have any memories of him. As such, each new day brings mixed feelings. On the one hand, each day gives him a new opportunity to see his daughter grow, which brings him joy. On the other hand, he must struggle with knowing that every new day brings him closer to the day when he’ll have to leave her life.

Coping with grief can be immensely challenging. That said, as the stories in these essays illustrate, it is possible to manage grief in a positive and optimistic way.

5. Untitled by Sheryl Sandberg

This piece by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s current CEO, isn’t a traditional essay or article. It’s actually a long Facebook post. However, many find it’s one of the best essays about death and grief anyone has published in recent years.

She posted it on the last day of sheloshim for her husband, a period of 30 days involving intense mourning in Judaism. In the post, Sandberg describes in very honest terms how much she learned from those 30 days of mourning, admitting that she sometimes still experiences hopelessness, but has resolved to move forward in life productively and with dignity.

She explains how she wanted her life to be “Option A,” the one she had planned with her husband. However, because that’s no longer an option, she’s decided the best way to honor her husband’s memory is to do her absolute best with “Option B.”

This metaphor actually became the title of her next book. Option B , which Sandberg co-authored with Adam Grant, a psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, is already one of the most beloved books about death , grief, and being resilient in the face of major life changes. It may strongly appeal to anyone who also appreciates essays about death as well.

6. ‘My Own Life’ by Oliver Sacks

Grief doesn’t merely involve grieving those we’ve lost. It can take the form of the grief someone feels when they know they’re going to die.

Renowned physician and author Oliver Sacks learned he had terminal cancer in 2015. In this essay, he openly admits that he fears his death. However, he also describes how knowing he is going to die soon provides a sense of clarity about what matters most. Instead of wallowing in his grief and fear, he writes about planning to make the very most of the limited time he still has.

Belief in (or at least hope for) an afterlife has been common throughout humanity for decades. Additionally, some people who have been clinically dead report actually having gone to the afterlife and experiencing it themselves.

Whether you want the comfort that comes from learning that the afterlife may indeed exist, or you simply find the topic of near-death experiences interesting, these are a couple of short articles worth checking out.

7. ‘My Experience in a Coma’ by Eben Alexander

“My Experience in a Coma” is a shortened version of the narrative Dr. Eben Alexander shared in his book, Proof of Heaven . Alexander’s near-death experience is unique, as he’s a medical doctor who believes that his experience is (as the name of his book suggests) proof that an afterlife exists. He explains how at the time he had this experience, he was clinically braindead, and therefore should not have been able to consciously experience anything.

Alexander describes the afterlife in much the same way many others who’ve had near-death experiences describe it. He describes starting out in an “unresponsive realm” before a spinning white light that brought with it a musical melody transported him to a valley of abundant plant life, crystal pools, and angelic choirs. He states he continued to move from one realm to another, each realm higher than the last, before reaching the realm where the infinite love of God (which he says is not the “god” of any particular religion) overwhelmed him.

8. “One Man's Tale of Dying—And Then Waking Up” by Paul Perry

The author of this essay recounts what he considers to be one of the strongest near-death experience stories he’s heard out of the many he’s researched and written about over the years. The story involves Dr. Rajiv Parti, who claims his near-death experience changed his views on life dramatically.

Parti was highly materialistic before his near-death experience. During it, he claims to have been given a new perspective, realizing that life is about more than what his wealth can purchase. He returned from the experience with a permanently changed outlook.

This is common among those who claim to have had near-death experiences. Often, these experiences leave them kinder, more understanding, more spiritual, and less materialistic.

This short article is a basic introduction to Parti’s story. He describes it himself in greater detail in the book Dying to Wake Up , which he co-wrote with Paul Perry, the author of the article.

Essays About Death: Discussing a Difficult Topic

It’s completely natural and understandable to have reservations about discussing death. However, because death is unavoidable, talking about it and reading essays and books about death instead of avoiding the topic altogether is something that benefits many people. Sometimes, the only way to cope with something frightening is to address it.

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