Memorial Wind Chimes Guide: How to Choose a Meaningful Sympathy Gift

I have spent years making memorial wind chimes for people who are grieving. I don't meet most recipients. I do hear from many senders and recipients afterward. Over time, I've noticed that clear patterns appear. This guide reflects what people ask, worry about, and appreciate based on direct experience.

I hope this guide will help you choose the right memorial wind chime for your person (or pet), choose an inscription, and feel confident sending it as a sympathy gift—whether you’re sending it immediately or marking an anniversary, birthday, or “just because I’m thinking of you” moment. I get a lot of those as well!

Shop memorial wind chimes

If you already know you want a personalized memorial wind chime, start here:

If you're looking for just add-ons (like a personalized wind sail or engraved keepsake piece)? Visit Accessories & Add-Ons.

How to choose the right memorial wind chime

The “right” memorial wind chime is the one that feels like them—quietly personal, never generic. Here are the simplest ways to choose:

1) Choose the intention

  • Comfort for grief: a gentle daily reminder, often with a short inscription.
  • A lasting tribute: a dedicated memorial piece for a garden, porch, or special spot.
  • Pet remembrance: a tribute that honors companionship, loyalty, and daily presence.

2) Choose the placement

  • Porch/patio: often best for regular listening and easy viewing.
  • Garden/memorial tree: a beautiful “visit” location for reflection.
  • Near a window: a softer, everyday presence.

3) Choose the personalization style

Many people prefer a short, simple line—something that fits the way grief actually feels. If you want a meaningful personalized element, these are popular options:

  • Names + dates (simple, timeless)
  • A short phrase (comforting, poetic, or faith-neutral)
  • A quote that truly matches the recipient’s voice

A few popular EarthWind Bells options you may want to explore:

Personalization & inscriptions

Personalization matters because it turns a “gift” into a tribute. If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, you’re not alone—most people are. The safest approach is short, sincere, and specific.

Simple inscription ideas (safe and timeless)

  • In Loving Memory
  • Forever Loved
  • Always in Our Hearts
  • Gone from our sight, never from our hearts
  • Listen to the wind and know I am near

If you want more inspiration, here’s a full list: 20 Meaningful Inscriptions for Personalized Memorial Wind Chimes

Popular personalization add-ons

Some customers choose a dedicated personalized piece that can be displayed with the chime:

Meaningful symbols: cardinal, dragonfly, hummingbird & more

Over the years customers have prompted me to create other symbolic, meaningful memorial gifts that include a symbol that feels like “a sign”—not as proof, but as comfort. If the person you’re honoring loved birds, gardens, or nature, symbols can make the tribute feel especially personal.

Cardinal

Cardinals are often associated with presence and remembrance—those “I felt them near” moments. If that symbolism resonates, you may like: Cardinal Memorial Wind Chimes — Personalized Tribute

Dragonfly

I came up with a dragonfly bell several years ago to represent transformation and the continuing bond with friends and family. If this is meaningful for your recipient look here: Dragonfly Wind Chimes

Hummingbird

The hummingbird bell came about because hummingbirds can symbolize joy, resilience, and the sweetness of memory: Hummingbird Bells

I think these symbols work because they feel familiar. Meaning matters most when it connects with people personally.

If you’d like deeper reading about this symbolism, you may also enjoy these articles:

Where to hang a memorial wind chime

The best spot is the place you’ll actually notice—where the sound can become part of life, not just a one-time gesture like flowers.

Good options

  • Covered porch or patio: offers a consistent breeze and some shelter.
  • A garden hook near a favorite plant: creates a quiet “memorial corner.”
  • Near a window: gentle movement, easy to see, less exposed.

If you’re sending a gift, it can help to mention: “Hang it wherever you’ll hear it most.” That one line removes pressure and lets the recipient choose what feels right.

Care & longevity

Memorial wind chimes are meant to last, but like any outdoor art, placement helps. If your space gets harsh sun, strong wind, or heavy storms, a slightly protected spot can extend the life of your chime.

  • Wind: if your area gets gusty, consider a more sheltered hanging location.
  • Weather: covered patios and porches reduce exposure while keeping the chime audible.
  • Seasonal care: in extreme weather, some customers choose to bring chimes in temporarily.

Gift etiquette: what to send & when

A memorial gift can be appropriate at many times—not just right after a loss. In fact, many people feel most alone weeks after the funeral, when support becomes quieter. You don't need perfect wording. You do not need perfect timing. You need a respectful, thoughtful gesture.

Meaningful times to send a memorial wind chime

  • The first few days or weeks after loss
  • One month later (when the “rush of support” has passed)
  • A birthday, anniversary, or holiday
  • Any day you simply want to say: “I’m still here with you.”

If you’d like help writing a not for a card, these might help:

Gift wrapping

If you’d like it packaged as a gift, you can add: Gift Wrapping for EarthWind Bell

For more perspective on “lasting tribute” gifts, you may also like: Memorial Wind Chimes vs. Flowers: Which Is the Better Sympathy Gift?

FAQ

Are memorial wind chimes an appropriate sympathy gift?

Yes. Memorial wind chimes are a thoughtful alternative to flowers because they create an ongoing moment of remembrance—something the recipient can live with and revisit.

What should I write on a memorial wind chime?

Short is best. Names, dates, and a simple phrase like “In Loving Memory” or “Forever Loved” are timeless. If you want ideas, see: 20 Meaningful Inscriptions .

Is it okay to send a memorial gift weeks after the funeral?

Absolutely. Many people feel most alone after the initial support fades. A memorial gift sent later can feel especially meaningful.

Do you offer pet memorial wind chimes?

Yes. You can browse: Pet Memorial Wind Chimes.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Yes—add gift wrapping here: Gift Wrapping for EarthWind Bell.

Where should I hang a memorial wind chime?

A covered porch or patio is a favorite spot for sound and longevity. Gardens and memorial corners are also meaningful—choose the place you’ll notice most.

What’s the difference between a memorial and sympathy wind chime?

“Sympathy” often describes the gift moment (support for grief), while “memorial” describes the long-term tribute. Many chimes fit both intentions—especially when personalized.

Can I add a personalized add-on like a memorial sail?

Yes. See: Personalized Memorial Wind Chime Sail and Personalized Memorial Bead + Copper Wind Sail (Add-On).

Ready to choose a memorial wind chime?

If you want to browse all options, start here: Personalized Memorial Wind Chimes. If you’re choosing a gift for grief support, visit: Sympathy Gift Wind Chimes.