Sympathy gifts for coworkers and clients
A good sympathy gift for a coworker is small and quiet: something the household can share, sent to their home in the first week or two, with one card the whole team signed. Calm gift boxes from $22.
What to send, and when
A card first, then one modest gift to their home from the team. Nothing at their desk.
Right away
A card or a short message, from their manager first, then the team.
In the first week
Agree on one gift from the team and order it. Unbranded gifts can take up to 2 weeks to arrive.
When it arrives
A gift a week or two later lands as things get quieter at home, which is a good time for it.
When they come back
A quiet word in private. No announcement, and no gift waiting on the desk.
Calm sympathy gifts, by who is sending
Real gift boxes with real prices, before shipping. Something the household can share, with nothing loud on the box.
From one coworker: under $40
A small box and your own note. Enough to say you are thinking of them, without asking anything back.
Quogue Luxury Gift Box (X-Small)$22Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)The smallest box. A gesture, not a statement.
Signature Truffle Collection$32Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)Truffles to share with whoever is at home.
The Bridgehampton$38Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)A full gift box that stays under $40.
From the whole team: $40 to $100
When the team pools, one gift for the household with every name on the card.
The Westhampton$58Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)A full gift box that is easy to share with family.
Quogue Luxury Gift Box (Medium)$58Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)A mid-size box at the same price, if you prefer a simpler look.
Hampton Duo Tower$82Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)A tower to set out when relatives visit.
From the company, or for a client: $100 to $150
Sent by HR or the account lead to the address the person or their office gives you. Modest is kinder than lavish.
Quogue Luxury Gift Box (Large)$108Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)A large box from the company, for a whole household.
The Southampton$132Hampton Chocolate Factory (opens in a new tab)A larger gift box for a long-time client or colleague.
Each gift opens our partner store, where you can order one online. Setting up one gift HR can send for every bereavement, or not sure which fits? Ask us to help you choose.
A sympathy gift from the whole team
One gift and one card from everyone is easier to receive than a pile of separate ones.
Ask their manager first. They know what the family wants, and whether the company already sends something.
Get the address through HR or the manager. Don't look it up yourself, and don't ask the person.
Keep money voluntary and private. Suggest a small amount, let people give nothing, and never list who paid.
Pass one card around. A paper card in the office, or a shared digital card for remote colleagues. One line each.
Send one gift to their home. One gift from everyone is easier to receive than ten separate ones.
Tell the team it's sent. So nobody sends a second gift or brings it up at their desk.
Collecting money for it? Our group gift guide covers asking without pressure.
What to write in a sympathy card for a coworker
One or two lines is enough. Say you're sorry, add a memory if you have one, and tell them not to reply.
From you
- I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
- No need to reply. I'm here whenever you want a coffee or a walk.
- I remember how often you talked about her. Holding you in my thoughts.
From the team
- We're all so sorry. Take the time you need; your work is covered.
- With deepest sympathy from everyone on the team.
- Thinking of you and your family. No need to reply to any of us.
For a client
- We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Everyone here is thinking of you and your family.
- Please don't think about our project for now. We'll pick things up whenever you're ready.
Bereavement gifts for employees: check the policy first
Before the team sends anything, a quick word with HR or their manager.
The company may already send something.
HR may send flowers or a gift as standard. Ask, so the family doesn't get two.
Know the leave.
Your bereavement policy sets the days off and who counts as family. Cover their work for all of it.
For a client, check their gift rules.
Some companies cap or refuse gifts from vendors. A card on its own is always fine.
Keep the logo off.
A sympathy gift comes from people, not a brand. No branded inserts, no company merchandise.
Leave is set by your policy. The US Department of Labor says federal wage law does not require pay for time off to attend a funeral; it is generally a matter of agreement between employer and employee. Your company policy, and any state rules, set what applies. This is general information: check with HR.
A few gentle rules
What helps, and what to leave out.
Send it home, not to the desk.
They may be on leave, and a gift at work puts grief on display.
Don't ask what happened.
Say you're sorry and stop there. They'll share what they want to.
Ask about traditions.
Some families welcome food, some prefer a donation, some want nothing. A close colleague can find out.
Check for allergies.
Our gifts are chocolate. If anyone at home can't have it, send the card alone.
Keep it modest.
A very large gift can feel like something they now have to thank you for.
Leave work out of the note.
No updates, no questions, no "let me know when you're back".
Sympathy gift questions
What is an appropriate sympathy gift for a coworker?
Something small the household can share, sent to their home, with a card that says you're sorry and asks nothing back. A modest box of chocolates or a gift box works for many families. Skip anything branded, and ask a close colleague about allergies or traditions first.
How much should coworkers spend on a sympathy gift?
There is no set amount. From one coworker, under $40 is plenty. When the team pools, one gift of $40 to $100 for the household. From the company or for a client, about $100 to $150. Modest is kinder than lavish.
When should you send a sympathy gift to a coworker?
Send a card or message right away, then order one gift from the team in the first week. Unbranded gifts can take up to 2 weeks to arrive, and a gift that lands a week or two later often comes as things get quieter at home.
What do you write in a sympathy card for a coworker?
Keep it to one or two lines: say you're sorry, add a memory if you have one, and tell them there's no need to reply. Leave work out of it entirely. "We're all so sorry. Take the time you need; your work is covered." is enough.
What should a company send when an employee loses a family member?
A card from their manager, the bereavement leave your policy gives them with their work covered, and one gift to their home from the company or the team. Check first whether HR already sends flowers or a gift, so the family doesn't get two.
Is it appropriate to send a sympathy gift to a client?
Yes, when you know them well. A card from the account lead is always fine; add a modest gift to the address their office gives you. Some companies cap or refuse gifts from vendors, so a card alone is the safe choice when you're unsure. Keep any mention of the work out of it.
Is chocolate an appropriate sympathy gift?
For many families, yes: food the household can share when relatives visit is welcome. Our gifts are chocolate, so ask about allergies first, and ask a close colleague whether the family would rather have a donation or nothing at all.
Can you ship a sympathy gift to a coworker's home?
Yes. Each gift ships to the address you give, in the US and internationally, with your note inside. Get the address through HR or their manager rather than asking the person. Timing and regional charges depend on the destination.
Not sure what to send?
Tell us who it's for, your budget and where it's going, and we'll help you choose a gift and the words for the card.