Gifts of Hope
At Collective for Hope, we believe in the quiet power of a thoughtful gift or gentle gesture. We offer meaningful items to support the grieving process and highlight Maker Partners who create grief-affirming products with care and intention.
Gifts for Grieving Hearts
Collective for Hope offers two meaningful ways to support those navigating loss: custom-weighted bears lovingly assembled by our volunteers to honor babies gone too soon, and a curated selection of grief-supportive gifts from our trusted Maker Partners. Each offering provides a tangible source of comfort, remembrance and connection for grieving individuals and families.
Weighted Bears
It’s not unusual for a parent to experience a deep, physical ache in their arms after the loss of a pregnancy or infant. Through our Weighted Bears, families can honor their baby’s memory with a special keepsake bear. Meticulously crafted by compassionate volunteers and weighted to match the baby’s birth or gestational weight, these bears offer a tangible source of comfort and connection. They serve as a tender symbol of love and a gentle companion on the path to healing.
Weighted Bears FAQ
Why would a family, who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or loss of an infant, want a weighted bear?
Everyone responds to a weighted bear in their own way. We are told by weighted bear recipients that they find holding their weighted bear to be very comforting as they sit and process their grief. We are told our weighted bears have healing properties for grievers.
How does a family interact with a weighted bear?
Some parents sleep with their weighted bear on their chest. Some siblings snuggle with their weighted bear at night as they process the loss of their sibling who never came home from the hospital. Weighted bears comfort a parent's aching arms that long to hold their baby. A weighted bear is an item of comfort and reflection of what should have been.
For many families their weighted bear is a memorial item, so the smallest member of the family can be included in family photos.
What is the lightest weighted bear you can make?
Our smallest, unweighted bear weighs in at about 6 ounces. We can make a weighted bear any weight over 6 ounces. That being said, we would always recommend a minimum of 12 to 16 ounces, so the bear “feels” weighted. However, we are happy to make a weighted bear to the weight requested, over 6 ounces.
What is the heaviest weighted bear you can create?
We can weight a bear to a maximum of 14 pounds. Over 14 pounds and the weighted bear loses some of it’s comforting properties.
Can the baby’s name be stitched onto the weighted bear or clothing?
Embroidery of baby’s name is not available on the weighted bears we create.
Can I request a specific color of ribbon for the weighted bear?
We will do our best to accommodate requests for a particular color, of non patterned ribbon, if that color is available to us.
What if I can’t afford to purchase a weighted bear?
Please let us know your circumstances and we will be able to connect you with an organization who might be able to offer you a weighted bear through their sponsorship program.
Collective For Hope Store
We’re excited to share our new Collective for Hope online store. Shop apparel and gear designed to spread messages of hope, resilience, and community. Every purchase supports our mission and the families we serve. Browse the collection and wear hope wherever you go.
Maker Partners
Discover a curated collection of heartfelt, handmade gifts designed to honor loved ones and support people navigating grief. Each of our Maker Partners offers meaningful, lovingly-crafted keepsakes that bring comfort, remembrance and connection in times of loss.
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Butterflies & Halos
Founded in 2022 by a grieving mother, widow, and sister, Butterflies + Halos offers cards designed for your friend who actually needs to be nurtured, not fixed.
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Casshoo Reiki
Casshoo Reiki was inspired by the loss of its founder’s dogs (Cassidy & Shooter) and family members in the same year. Casshoo offers custom grief crystal sets and reiki services.
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Little Saps Gift Trees
Little Saps believes that there is something innately inspirational and healing in the gift of a tree.
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Made with Grayce
Specializing in genuine silver and copper direct impression fingerprints, cremation jewelry, dried flower jewelry and more. Handmade in Omaha, their pieces celebrate the connection between you and your special person.
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Precious Memories Designs
Offering preserved floral designs, Precious Memories Designs was founded in May of 2020 after the loss of a family member. They understand just how important keepsakes can be.
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Sacred Spirit Relics
Sacred Spirit Relics was born after the unexpected loss of a loved one. This one-woman business aspires to help comfort people by consciously crafting cremation jewelry and small urns that can be cherished for all time.
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SoulKu
SoulKu is a mom-founded, mom-run, jewelry brand from Asheville, NC that offers genuine gemstone jewelry to support all of life’s seasons and occasions—whether in times of grief or celebration.
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Spaghetti Toes
Spaghetti Toes is a family business run by Martin and Michelle Bruckner with help from their daughter, Harper. They specialize in custom illustrated portraits to help those who have lost loved ones create a beautiful piece of remembrance.
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The Recipe Preserve
The Recipe Preserve creates unique and beautiful handwriting gifts from a simple photo of an old recipe card. A person’s handwriting includes so much of their spirit, heart and, of course, their love of cooking.
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Woodstock Rustic
Woodstock Rustic creates personalized watercolor art and handmade bell chimes as an artistic way to commemorate the loss of a loved one. They also create meaningful gifts for every occasion.
Experiences of Hope
Dyl Bear has helped our empty arms feel less empty since Dylan died. I only got to hold Dylan for 2 days of her 43 days of life … Our Dyl Bear has been so healing to us as a family.
Weighted Bear Recipient