Helping Children Cope with Pet Loss: 8 Thoughtful Gifts Inspired by the Rainbow Bridge

Losing a beloved pet can be a profoundly challenging experience, especially for children who often form strong bonds with their furry friends. The grief that accompanies the loss of a pet can be overwhelming, but there are ways to help children cope with their emotions and find comfort during this difficult time. One meaningful approach is to introduce them to the concept of the Rainbow Bridge and provide them with thoughtful gifts that symbolize the special connection they shared with their furry companions.

The Rainbow Bridge is a heartwarming concept that offers solace to those mourning the loss of a pet. The idea is that when a pet passes away, they cross a rainbow bridge that connects the earthly world to heaven or a beautiful, peaceful paradise where they await their owners. This concept can provide children with a sense of hope and closure, knowing that their beloved pets are in a serene and happy place.

Incorporating the Rainbow Bridge into the grieving process, along with thoughtful gifts, can offer children a tangible way to remember and honor their pets. Below are eight meaningful gifts inspired by the Rainbow Bridge, that are each designed to aid children in navigating their grief.

1. Pet Memorial Cross Ornament:
This delicate cross ornament featuring a Rainbow Bridge poem serves as a touching reminder of the spiritual connection between a child and their pet. Hanging this 6” x 4” ornament in a special place can offer comfort and provide a physical representation of the bond that the child shared with their pet. This re-engineered wooden ornament also comes in black, gray, ivory, and blue so you can find the cross that best matches your child’s room décor.

2. Personalized Pet Memorial Photo Frame:
An 8” x 10” photo frame that incorporates the Rainbow Bridge theme allows children to showcase their favorite memories with their pets. Inserting a cherished 4” x 6” photo and placing it prominently in their room can help them reminisce and feel close to their furry friend. The re-engineered wooden picture frame also comes in gray and ivory colors.

3. Pet Memorial Shadow Box:
This 10” x 10” shadow box can be hung on a wall or placed on any flat surface to remind the child of the love they shared with their furry friend. It could sit on a memorial shelf for the beloved pet along with collars, toys, or photos. This allows children to create a personalized memorial that captures the essence of their pet's life and journey across the Rainbow Bridge. The cute customizable wooden box also comes in black.

4. Rainbow Bridge Wooden Urn
This urn is similar to the shadow box above, except that it has the capability to hold ashes. There are two sizes (6”x6” and 10”x10”) available for both large and small pets. If you don’t want to bury your pet, you can have him cremated instead and stored safely in this secure pinewood urn. To figure out which size will best serve you, check out this ashes calculator here.

5. Customizable Rainbow Bridge Ceramic Round Ornament:
A personalized ceramic ornament featuring the Rainbow Bridge can be a beautiful addition to a child's holiday decorations. Each year as they hang the ornament, they can remember the joy their pet brought to their lives.

6. Custom Pet Memorial Ceramic Tile Trivet:
A 5.75x5.75 inch tile trivet adorned with Rainbow Bridge imagery can serve a practical purpose while also being a gentle reminder of a lost pet's presence. Using it to set warm dishes on the table can create a sense of closeness during family meals. You could also add this tile to a pet memorial garden or as a marker for where your beloved furry friend is buried.

7. Personalized Pet Memorial Shelf Décor Plaque:
A shelf sitter plaque engraved with a Rainbow Bridge motif can be placed on a bedside table or bookshelf. Seeing the 6” x 6” wooden plaque each day can help children find comfort in knowing that their pet has crossed over to a place of happiness.

8. Pet Memorial Ribbon Sign Décor:
A customized ribbon sign featuring the Rainbow Bridge symbol can be hung on a wall or door, serving as a daily reminder of the enduring love between a child and their pet. This visual cue can be especially helpful during moments when they miss their furry companion. This wooden sign measures 12” x 8” and comes with a ribbon for easy hanging.

9. Pet Memorial Lantern Cremation Urn Box:
For families who choose cremation, a lantern-style urn box with the Rainbow Bridge verse laser-engraved on it offers a serene and dignified resting place for a beloved pet. Children can find solace in knowing that their pet's memory is preserved in a beautiful way. Anytime they are sad or miss their pet, they can light this lanturn in honor of their furry friend. This cherry wood urn measures 13” x 6.5” x 6.5” and holds 65 cubic inches of ashes. If you are struggling to find the perfect urn for your pet, read, “How to Find the Right Pet Cremation Urn.”

Summary
Helping children cope with the loss of a pet is a delicate and important task. The concept of the Rainbow Bridge can offer a source of hope and reassurance, while the carefully selected gifts can provide children with tangible connections to their furry friends. By embracing these gifts and the symbolism they represent, children can navigate their grief in a healthy and meaningful way, remembering the love and joy their pets brought into their lives.

For more information on how to help your child cope with grief, read, “Moving Through the 7 Stages of Grief after Losing Your Pet.” For more information on dealing with the loss of your pet, check out these blogs here.