There really is a gift for every occasion. Whether it be for the birth of a child, a wedding, or death, giving a specific occasion-driven gift is a way for us to properly express all of our emotions.
When it comes to lose, everyone deals with it differently. Some people want to be surrounded by friends and family. Others want to be alone. And those that are trying to express their condolences for the loss have a range of options on how to show this as well.
One way to show your condolences for someone that is grieving a loss is to send them a shiva basket.
This basket is a collection of items that are designed to provide comfort to those in mourning and often comes with a sympathy card as well. It is normally sent within the first week of someone in grieving and despite the variety of options, all items in the shiva baskets are Kosher and align with the recipient’s dietary requirements based on their religion and beliefs.
So what types of items are found in a shiva basket? We’re going to share all the common contents found in this type of gift and what type of options you have when purchasing it!
1. Chocolate
Kosher chocolate is one of the most common food cravings that those in mourning get. Chocolate is sweet and comforting, providing a much-needed distraction from the pain that those in mourning are feeling. Whether it is chocolate bars, bark, or truffles, chocolate is an absolute must in a shiva basket and will likely be one of the first items enjoyed.
2. Nuts
The perfect complementary food to chocolate is nuts. Gourmet nuts provide that salty contrast to the sweet chocolate, really tending to your taste buds. When a shiva basket comes with both chocolate and nuts, it provides the person in mourning with the perfect grazing platter to make sure that they keep eating even though they might not feel hungry. Because nuts are jam-packed with protein, a small handful of nuts can help ensure the person in mourning doesn’t feel too fatigued during the grieving process.
3. Dried fruit
Sending fresh fruit is always a lovely idea, but sometimes they don’t travel as well or stay edible for that long. So instead of adding fruit to the shiva basket, consider dried fruit. Providing the same type of delicious flavor, dried fruit is preserved to be able to travel long distances and be edible for much longer. It also adds a colorful addition to the gift basket so that visually, it looks just as beautiful as it tastes delicious!
4. A sympathy card
Sending a shiva basket is really designed with the goal of expressing your sympathy to someone that is going through the grieving process of losing a loved one. So while ensuring that the contents of a shiva basket are of the highest kosher quality, it is just as important to make sure the recipient knows who the basket is from! When ordering the shiva basket, take the extra time to write a small sympathy note that expresses your condolences and love for the recipient and let them know that you are there for them. The card will be the highlight of the shiva basket, without a doubt!
While there is not much we can do for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, sending a shiva basket is one of the few things we can do to express our sympathy. It is a thoughtful and kind gesture that will provide comfort to those that really need it the most!
