Robin & Feather Blog

what to say

Finding the right words during times of loss is never easy.

That’s why I’ve created this new section dedicated to helping you navigate the delicate task of knowing what to say in a bereavement card.

Whether you’re reaching out to a grieving friend, searching for meaningful words of comfort, writing a thank you note after a funeral, or honouring the memory of a beloved pet, this area of the website is here to guide you.

You’ll find gentle wording ideas, simple phrases, thoughtful poetry, and supportive suggestions that speak with care and dignity.

Whether you’re offering sympathy or coping with loss yourself, I hope this section becomes a helpful place in a time that often leaves us without the right words to say.

And don't forget you can always ask a question about anything like this in the Q & A Forum

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journal prompts for grief

Journal prompts for grief can offer a gentle way to begin when you’re unsure what to write or how to start.

Perhaps you've bought yourself a plain journal but found it too blank, too quiet, too overwhelming.

You want to begin a self-care practice or a way to process your loss, but the right words feel far away and a mile out of your comfort zone.

When grief arrives, words often leave us.

Journaling can help bring them back to us, not all at once, but slowly, quietly, in your own time.

Free PDF Download for 50 Journal Prompts for Grief

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about Jackie Smith

Jackie Smith is the heart in Robin & Feather and explains how this isn't just a business it is a mission created with deep empathy and genuine desire to help

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3rd July national bereaved parents day

In case you were not aware and you have friends or family who are suffering from child loss - it is National Bereaved Parents Day on 3rd July.

Set up by a charity in the UK, you can click the link below and read more but it was just a heads up if you were not aware (I wasn't) and you want to use the day to contact someone you know who is in this situation, even years later.

People never get over losing a child, my mum lost her daughter, my sister when she was 22 and never ever got over her loss.

She was always so grateful if anyone mentioned her name or spoke about her, because people can forget as the years pass but that person carries it forever, don't they!

So a phone call, or a bunch of flowers or just letting them know you care could make all the difference to someone tomorrow.

I don't know if this is celebrated day anywhere else in the world, but if you are reading this from somewhere other than the UK it might be nice to call that person anyway?

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plant gifts for bereavement

I would like to offer a plant as a bereavement gift, instead of the usual boring flowers. Are there any specific ones I should offer or conversely not

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best gift basket ideas for sympathy

Best gift baskets for sympathy?

Some thoughtful ways to show you care?

When someone we love is grieving, it can be hard to know how to help. Words often fall short, and gestures feel small in the face of sorrow.

That’s why a well-thought-out sympathy gift basket can mean so much, it’s not just about what’s inside, but the comfort it offers.

In this brief guide, we’ll explore the best gift baskets for sympathy, from traditional offerings to meaningful alternatives like poetry books, self-care kits, and curated keepsakes...

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did you know about the cardinal bird? What a stunner!

Cardinal bereavement journal options if you don't want the traditional robin.

Did you know the cardinal is seen in much the same way a robin is during loss?

I had no idea till now there was such a bird and how much significance it holds in the area of loss, bereavement and sympathy, so I thought I would just share it with you, in case it could mean something to you, now or in the future, they are a lovely alternative to the robin...

The cardinal is one of the most beloved birds in North America, instantly recognisable by its brilliant red feathers and melodic song. But to many people, the cardinal is far more than just a beautiful bird.

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what to write inside a book for a friend

I would like to buy a lovely book of poems for a friend but not sure what to write. I have a few ideas but want to be a bit more thoughtful...

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how to handle bereavement

How to handle bereavement with simple advice for grieving hearts and the people who care about them

When someone dies, it affects more than just the person closest to them.

Whether you're grieving a loss yourself or walking alongside someone who is, bereavement brings challenges that touch every part of life, emotional, practical, and even physical.

This quick guide offers support from both sides: for those coping with their own grief and for those trying to help.

It’s gentle but practical, offering clear ways to support yourself or someone else, without clichés or pressure about how to handle bereavement.

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dealing with pet bereavement

Gentle guidance and support for people dealing with pet bereavement

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diy sympathy gift ideas

I am a of the age now where instead of being invited to weddings and christenings it seems to be always a funeral that I hear about. I want to be prepared

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best flowers for bereavement

best flowers for bereavement to offer

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grief and bereavement articles

Explore compassionate articles on grief and bereavement, including support for pet loss, sympathy gift ideas, flower suggestions, and gentle ways to cope and heal

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the simple grief journal is now live on amazon

A gentle guided writing companion, with 3 pretty cover choices, for anyone navigating loss

If you’re new to bereavement, you or a friend, may also be new to journaling.

Let this little book be a quiet help to you in a difficult time.

Grief changes everything, and while nothing can take the pain away, sometimes putting pen to paper can help you piece together what’s been broken.

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a chapter of your life,

The Simple Grief Journal offers a safe, comforting space to express your emotions, reflect on your experiences, and begin healing at your own pace.

This is a no-pressure journal, ideal for complete beginners or those who simply want a soft, private place to go to and let it all out during the hardest moments of loss.

It’s simple, honest, and designed to meet you exactly where you are...

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the robin edit newsletter is now live

Grief is hard. Knowing what to say or do, when someone else is grieving can feel even harder.

That’s why I created The Robin Edit, a gentle, heartfelt newsletter offering support, ideas, and guidance for those navigating the world of bereavement, loss and grief.

Whether you’re choosing a meaningful sympathy gift, wondering what message to write in a condolence card, or simply trying to show up for someone in a thoughtful way,

The Robin Edit is here to help, it is for anyone who wants to respond to loss with kindness, dignity, and understanding...

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