box of fruit sounds good. I don't like the bouquets of fruit because they are all "peeled" and have to be eaten quickly.

I have done a variety of things, depending on the family and situation. Bags of household needs, large trays of cold cuts and rolls, drinks, and plants. I just try to do whatever I can think of that will fit the family and my ability. I do not prefer cut flowers because I think they are sad when wilting!

When my MIL passed away, one neighbor brought over a basket full of paper plates, plastic silverware, dixie cups, napkins, toilet paper, garbage bags, etc because she knew the family would be comming from out of town and would use these things. A lot of people brought food so the paper plates were really apperciated.

In my family circle it was a fairly common practice for someone to send/receive fruit baskets, pastry trays, and even lunch meat trays for sandwiches. When my first husband passed my office sent over a sandwich tray to my house and it was very well appreciated as I had a house full of people.

when mom passed we were happy to get the plates cups and ect also appreciated was fruit and meat trays someone brought a cooler with drinks we got way too many pies cakes and cookies

Flowers are generally send to the church or wherever the ceremony is and follow the casket to the grave side. I make my own food baskets and deliver that directly to the home. In the basket I will have meat and cheese buns, boiled eggs, fruit, juice drinks, yogurt, muffins, cookies, etc. Basically individual serving sizes of ready to eat foods. Oh yes, paper goods and napkins too.

Instead of cash, sometimes I will send stamps.

I think any of these ideas are great since flowers are beautiful but they are expensive and they don't last. I think these other things are much more useful to the family left behind and sometimes it's just a nice snack when your not to hungry. Good thoughts. Sue

I think the idea is great, but depending on how far the fruit has to go will matter greatly, also some states like CA., you have to go through a nose bleed to get it there and by that time the fruit will be going bad. Instead, how about sending a gift card, to maybe a grocery store near them or maybe a restaurant, so they won't have to cook so much.

My choice generally is to send a donation but there are so many good ideas in the responses here. I never thought of fruit but it's an excellent idea, as is sending paper goods. Depends on circumstances like relationship or distance, but anything that shows you're thinking of those who've lost a loved one is the right thing to do and will be appreciated.