When we receive orders for our custom knitted pet items, they come with many different purposes and stories.
Over the years, these reasons have become more diverse, and recently, someone take it for a return gift for condolences used in the context of pets.
When you lose a beloved pet, it’s not uncommon for friends to send flowers or offerings as a gesture of sympathy. Some of our customers come to us because they want to send a thank-you gift—such as a custom cushion or blanket—to the person who sent them condolences.
Why people choose gifts beyond traditional offerings
Most offerings for a pet’s memorial are not particularly expensive, so these gifts are often not just about returning the value of the offering. They may also be combined with another reason—such as a birthday gift, a Christmas present, or simply a token of ongoing appreciation.
This made me wonder: What makes a meaningful thank-you gift for a pet’s memorial offering?
Choosing the right thank-you gift for a pet offering
In many cases, the recipient of your thank-you gift is also someone who currently has a pet or has had one in the past. Naturally, pet-related gifts come to mind. But pet food, clothing, or accessories can be difficult to choose because every pet owner has their own preferences and needs.
Instead, some people opt for gifts the owner can enjoy personally—like sweets—or even specialty catalog gifts designed for pet condolence returns.
How much should you spend?
When it comes to traditional condolence returns, it’s common to spend about half the value of what was given (han-gaeshi). However, when it comes to pets, this custom isn’t always followed.
At first, I thought the price would be the main factor in choosing a gift. But almost every customer who consults with me says the same thing:
And the gift they most often choose? Our most popular large-size knitted cushion.
It’s about the relationship, not the price
The offering they received might have been small. But perhaps there have been many moments of kindness exchanged over the years. The fact that this person gave an offering at your pet’s farewell likely speaks to the closeness of your relationship.
It’s not the monetary value of the offering that matters—it’s the thought and care behind it. That’s why many customers choose our products: they’re looking for something that can express gratitude for everything, not just for one occasion.
A unique way to say thank you
Rather than giving a standard condolence return, some customers see this as an opportunity to express their long-held appreciation.
Sometimes, the recipient still has a healthy pet. Other times, they order a custom piece made from a photo of a pet that passed away years ago.
When I see someone cherishing their pet’s memory for so many years, it’s a touching reminder of the deep bonds we share with them.
A final thought
What kind of thank-you gift would you choose?
Perhaps this is the perfect time to express the gratitude you’ve been meaning to share for a long time.