What is a practical gesture for a coworker whose spouse has died?

I don't necessarily want to send flowers, even though they're a nice gesture and he probably wouldn't take care of a plant. Would a donation to the Cancer Society be nice? Or any other suggestions?What is a practical gesture for a coworker whose spouse has died?
Sending a card, prepare a meal, and of course donating to a charity is always a great idea. If a bunch of you wanted to combine a gift you could even have a tree planted in her memory. No matter how you show your condolences he will appreciate it.What is a practical gesture for a coworker whose spouse has died?
A card acknowledging their loss is all that is required. Most people experience not enjoying eating alone. Give the person grieving a couple of weeks and invite them to accompany you, your treat, for a meal or dutch with a group of your co-workers. Do not donate to a charity unless one has been specified in lieu of flowers.


This question shows you are a very caring person...a rarity in today's world.
A donation to the charity of his choice is a great idea.
A nice card with a restaurant gift card or some homemade food or baked good,
Often the obituary will tell you if a specific charity is mentioned -- like it will say instead of flowers, contributions to XXXX...





Do you know if this person has some charity that is of particular interest? If the person died of cancer, then the American Cancer Society is certainly a good choice. But if the person was an animal lover, then an animal charity might be a good choice.





Alternatively, gifts of food are practical. You could either arrange to send food (like a fruit basket) or you could send a gift card for a restaurant, with a note saying you wish you could take them out to dinner yourself, but since you are in a different state, you hope this gift card will give them a welcome break from cooking for themselves.
Come up to that person and offer your condolences if you don't know the person well. If you are closer to that person send flowers and go to the funeral and do the above.
I would think that a card with some thoughtful choice of words would be fine.At times of grief sometimes takes awhile to read thru all the cards but is always a nice gesture.
If his wife died from cancer a donation to the ACS would be a nice gesture. Also send him a nice sympathy card.
I think it is a good idea to not send flowers. I know theyre a pretty common gift, but really, they die, and who wants to watch that after having lost someone? I think the donation idea is a good one. It would also be thoughtful to send a card, perhaps with a bit of money in it.





If you're not near them, then it's hard to do the other traditional thing, which is cook for the beraved so they don't have to worry about it. But you could still send something like fruit or chocolate. It's a good idea to send them something you know from past experience that they like, so they'll know you actually thought about this, and care about them.
How about supplying them with a home cooked something? Maybe a comfort food like Mac %26amp; Cheese, that you can supply re-heating instructions with. They're having a difficult enough time, even more so if they've lost their 'cook' and may want to avoid eating at home altogether. It will be appreciated - I know from a similiar situation.
Most times in the obits they list where donations can be made to. If not listed you should know your friend well enough to make a decision on your own. Like if the spouse like animals, send one to the MSPCA etc.
Did the obituary specify if a charity has been established for donations? If so, send a check in the name of the spouse to the charity.





You can always send a check in with a card saying something like ';We were very sorry to learn of your loss. We care enclosing a check. Please use it as you see fit. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. Let us know if we can help in any way';





Hope this helps!
Buy them a membership to a singles' club online so they can get a jump start on dating again.
Ask him for a date!