Losing a loved one is a difficult experience for someone to go through. It's important to show support for your friend when he or she loses a loved one. One great way to do this is by sending a memorial gift.

The following are six things to consider when purchasing a memorial gift for a friend who has lost a loved one. 

Finding something that's timeless

You want your memorial gift to be something that is going to last. Find a timeless gift that will be just as relevant and evoke the same memories of the deceased loved one many years down the road as it is today. Try to avoid choosing a perishable gift that will go bad or a gift that may lose its relevance quickly. 

Knowing how you can honor the deceased with your gift

The best memorial gifts are ones that highlight the positive aspects of the life of the deceased individual. Consider his or her accomplishments and contributions. Your friend will be especially appreciative of a memorial gift that shows everyone just how great a person the loved one was. 

Considering religious preferences

Another thing you may want to incorporate into a memorial gift is the religious beliefs or preferences of your friend.

If your friend is religious, it's a good idea to look for gifts with symbolism and meaning that call to mind these religious beliefs. This can help your friend feel a closer connection with your gift and find meaning from it. 

Sending the gift at the right time

In general, it's best to send a memorial gift as soon as possible after you've learned about the death of your friend's loved one. However, you might want to wait until after any memorial service or funeral if you're sending the gift to a friend who you haven't been in contact with in a long time. This way, you may be able to catch up with your friend and be able to have a more personal one-on-one time to go over any emotions they still feel.

Being aware of requested charitable donations

It's very common for the family of a deceased individual to request donations to a charitable organization. You should find out if they have signed up with any charitable donation requests and send in a donation if possible to honor the deceased in a way that he or she requested and to help the family cover any funeral fees. 

Sending a gift that's distinct

Your gift will be most appreciated if it is distinctive and stands out from the rest. Avoid sending a common memorial gift, such as a flower arrangement, in order to help show that you've put a lot of thought into selecting the gift and that you really care. 

For more tips and ideas about memorial gifts, contact a local business, such as The Condolences Store, to learn more.