My Favorite Memorial Keepsakes
Updated: 11 hours ago
Welcome to "Liz's" Favorite Things!
None of the products I feature are sponsored (or likely even know they're here, for that matter).
These are just some of my genuine favorite things, and I love a good game of
Adult Show-and-Tell.
Ring made with a clipping of Tovi's hair
At the time of his passing, Tovi's veterinarian clipped a patch of his hair, which, eight years later, remains carefully sealed in a Ziploc freezer bag and still carries his scent!
I spared a few strands and had it made into a ring.
I brought my vision to life at a local Baltimore jewelry store (Smyth Jewelers).
Custom Photo Locket - Shutterfly
I haven't actually purchased this locket, but when I came across it when I was browsing something unrelated on Shutterfly.
I remember receiving a heart-shaped locket from my high school boyfriend (circa 1997), and although I LOVED this idea, I struggled with the precise art of cutting a photo to fit an obscurely small opening....And then, my high school brain had to remember to take it off before showering so I didn't damage the photo. So, yeah, this is brilliant and on my wish list.
Cremation Jewelry: Another thing I don't actually have, but love.
Many companies offer all types of cremation jewelry, including some local funeral homes.
I had this memorial stone made by a small business I found through Etsy.
It is a beautiful sentiment to take in every time I walk into our home.
Custom pillows from photo - All About Vibe
Millie (left) was a gift for my husband, Jason, purchased shortly after she died.
The idea was that he could continue to sleep with her presence beside him, and four years later, she snuggles beside him nightly.
Checkers (right), who is alive and thriving, was a Christmas gift for my best friend, Jamie.
Jamie (a super-on-top-of-things planner who has her Christmas list complete by July), commissioned this portrait as a Christmas gift for me in 2022.
Millie (left, big ears) died unexpectedly a few weeks before, and that evening, Jamie appeared at my door with this early Christmas present. It remains one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received, and I found it so comforting in the immediate aftermath of the loss.
And the artist, Marla, is an amazing human. I reached out to her to thank her for her lovely work and we've stayed in touch since. She's since given life to a photo of Tovi, frolicking in the water.
Customer Paint by Number Pet Portrait Davincified (left).
Paint with Diamonds (right)
For me, art projects have the bonus of using creativity as a tool to process loss
(I won't ramble here, but you can learn more about the benefits here).
Laypeople: Keep in mind, it's about the process, not the final product!
This is an area where less experience may actually work in your favor.
The pet portraits are custom-made from a photograph and labeled to tell you what color to use, where, and include the medium needed to complete the project, making it a (relatively) stress-free experience. Not familiar with Diamond Art? I wasn't either until I received this as a gift. Think Paint-by-Number, but with really small self-adhesive rhinestones
I linked companies I have experience with, but there are many companies that offer variations, so feel free to explore on Google.
I haven't tried this, but when it showed up in my feed as a sponsored Facebook ad, I had to bookmark it. You send in a collection of your favorite photos and come out with a personalized coloring book. This is great for both kids and adults!
I'm always looking to expand my collection! If you have any special mementos, I would love to see them! Connect with me at HardPetDays@gmail.com
Stop by the Tell Your TAIL page for journaling prompts and other creative expressions to process loss and honor your pet's memory.
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-Written by Elizabeth Weiner
As always, my writing is based on my own opinions and experiences and should not be considered professional advice.
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