Mother’s Day can be a dreaded day if you have lost a child. Yes, you are still a mother but your arms are empty. It is an invisible suffering and burden to carry. And even if you have other children, there is still a missing piece. Your heart is incomplete and the day is bittersweet.
If you know someone who has lost a child, recognizing them (and their baby) on Mother’s Day can mean the world to them. There is something about the simple act of being recognized, of being seen, that helps one to feel deeply understood, known, and loved. This is a great gift for grieving hearts on Mother’s Day.
I’ve received (and given myself!) some incredibly consoling gifts over the past years since our miscarriage and Gianna’s passing and I wanted to share them with you! They can be given on Mother’s Day, on a birthday or anniversary, or just because. And if you have a another gift suggestion, please leave a comment! Thank you for reading!
- The book, “Mommy, please don’t cry. There are no tears in Heaven.” This was mailed to me by a complete stranger after Gianna passed. I cry every time I read it but the message gives me hope and reminds me that Gianna is safe and happy. After the author’s daughter was stillborn, she wrote this book.
2. Remembrance jewelry. I love the handmade jewelry from Lisa Leonard. Her child was born with a massive heart defect and she started making jewelry to honor their journey. Also, a good friend recently had this charm made for me and I love it. I feel like I carry Gianna with me everywhere I go. There are also copious amounts of remembrance jewelry on Etsy and other sites.
3. Remembrance artwork or a heartfelt print. I love Carly Marie’s artwork, who began to design after she lost her child. The hand-lettered prints by Francesca Cox, another baby loss mama, are also beautiful and meaningful.
4. A garden statue. A good friend sent us this “In the palm of His hand” statue and I have it sitting outside, surrounded by flowers that remind me of Gianna. I hope to have a garden one day and will put it there.
5. Baby in angel wings figure. I bought the figure below for myself after our first miscarriage because I was desperate for a reminder of our baby. I love the sweet baby face and the angel wings give me comfort. Another option is this figure which is also adorable but does not contain a verse.
6. Make a card or send one. A friend recently made this card for Gianna’s second anniversary. She incorporates her children’s art and she personalized it by using a quote from the saint that Gianna was named after. If you prefer a pre-made card, here are some options, made specifically for baby loss.
7. Make your own or buy a Healing Hearts Comfort Kit. It contains all natural products made from essential oils that are calming and comforting.
8. Plant a tree (or another plant) in the deceased person’s honor and as a bonus, add a memorial stone or plaque. My sister-in-law had a plaque made for a tree they planted outside their home. It was one of the most touching gestures anyone has even done for me and gives me great joy that Gianna is remembered by those who pass by.
9. Light a candle in their baby’s honor or send them a candle. My brother-in-law bought me this candle after Gianna died and I light it every time I am feeling sad and need a reminder of her. It sits next to a picture of her in our living room. The candle has a floral fragrance and has by far lasted the longest! I was also given this healing candle made from pure essential oils.
10. Statue of Mary holding baby Jesus. (Scroll all the way down on the page to find the item). The small statue has beautiful details and coloring. I like to think that someone is Heaven is holding my Gianna and keeping her safe until she is in my arms again. This statue reminds me of that thought and brings me peace.
11. Laurel Boxes. They have gorgeous gift boxes for specific losses and situations.
12. A Gardening Kit like this simple one. Planting and giving new life to something in nature can bring healing to someone who has recently suffered a loss.
13. A “You’re In My Heart Today” coffee mug. I use it every morning and as I do, I think of the sweet friend who gave it to me and I feel loved and remembered.
Leave a Reply