Thanks to technological advances and the prevalence of global companies and initiatives, the world is more connected than ever before. Many people live and work directly with people from other cultures. While various cultures share some similar customs and ways of doing things, they also have some notable differences. For example, some types of sympathy gifts may be acceptable in one part of the world but not in another.

It’s important to educate yourself on how to appropriately show sympathy to someone of another culture so you don’t unintentionally offend. If a colleague or friend from another country suffers a loss (such as a death in the family or a catastrophic injury), you may wonder how to show your love and support. You don’t want to do the “wrong” thing, but doing nothing at all is even worse. Here are four kind gestures of sympathy that translate across all cultures and are unlikely to offend.

1. Food

No matter where you go in the world, you’re sure to find incredible food selections. People around the globe love to unite and celebrate by enjoying delicious meals together. Thailand is known for its rich culinary heritage featuring spicy and flavorful dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong. Australia boasts iconic culinary masterpieces such as Barramundi, Pavlova, and Aussie Meat Pie. In the Middle East, you’ll find a rich array of aromatic foods such as Pilaf, Pita bread, and Börek.

Though each part of the world has its own unique taste preferences when it comes to food, almost all can appreciate the unique flavors of other cultures. Enjoying foods from other ethnicities can be an enriching, unforgettable experience. Therefore, if you wish to show sympathy for a foreign friend or colleague, you can’t go wrong by sending them mouthwatering food. Look for sympathy baskets that include classic comfort food options such as soup, rolls, and cookies.

2. Flowers

No matter what part of the world you’re from, everyone loves the cheerful beauty of a bright bouquet of flowers. Professional bouquets are designed to invoke feelings of comfort, peace, and happiness in the recipient. Flowers have been given away as gifts for thousands of years. Even if there are language barriers between the giver and the receiver, flowers can communicate sentiments that words may not be able to express. They also provide lasting color, beauty, and a soothing fragrance that helps heal grieving hearts.

Many cultures understand that flower colors and types convey different meanings. For example, white flowers symbolize purity and peace, while yellow flowers indicate deep friendship. Red is the universal color of love and passion while blue flowers symbolize calmness and serenity. Purple and pink flowers can both express feelings of appreciation, dignity, respect, and compassion. If you want to show sympathy for someone else, consider sending a bouquet that includes white, blue, purple, or pink flowers.

3. Acts of Service

Acts of kindness and compassion are universally appreciated and accepted across all cultures. If you’re worried about selecting the right gift for someone from another country or culture, consider offering the gift of your own time. You could volunteer to take care of their pets while they travel to a loved one’s funeral. Or you might see if you can transport their kids to and from school or soccer practice while they make funeral arrangements.

Helping with everyday needs, such as delivering meals or doing yardwork, is another great way to show someone from another culture that you care. To avoid overstepping your bounds or coming across as pushy, make sure you check with the other person before engaging in any acts of service. You want to make sure they’re comfortable with whatever you plan to do before you do it.  

4. Charitable Donations

Making a charitable contribution in someone else’s name can be a great way to show sympathy and support. It’s also a great alternative to sending a traditional gift that may not resonate with the recipient. There are many culturally diverse charities out there that may be meaningful to the recipient. Before making a donation on their behalf, it’s wise to ask the recipient what charities they value and like to support. It’s generally best to stay clear of political or other potentially controversial contributions.

To make a donation in someone else’s name, choose the charity that best aligns with the recipient’s values. Then, make the donation with your own form of payment (some organizations accept mail-in, telephone, or online donations). You should be able to see a field where you can designate the donation “in memory of,” or “in honor of” the person of your choice. The organization may send an email or notification card to the family of the honoree to let them know about your donation on their behalf.  

Conclusion

You don’t have to speak the same language as someone else to let them know you care. Some sympathy gifts translate well across all cultures and send the non-verbal message that the recipient is loved and remembered. If you’re looking for sympathy gifts that are culturally sensitive and won’t unintentionally send the wrong message, try these suggestions.