I need suggestions of particular items or specific online stores that
will provide a Christmas present under the following scenerio:

I want to buy a gift for someone who recently experienced significant
family loses. The gift can have religious or spiritual significance.
Something that conveys an appreciation of our friendship as well as
acknowledgement of the recent loses in her life. I was thinking some
sort of rubbing stone or medallion, or pendant, or something maybe
with cultural significance. Like something that a tribal group or
African or Asian group uses to memorialize loss. I've looked on many,
many, many religious websites and online stores like Novica, but have
not found what I am looking for. I don't want anything real commercial
or things like frames, pictures, etc. I'm thinking something small,
something with significance. Any ideas? The answer does not need to be
the actual gift, just ideas of stores, or possible gifts that fit this
category.

I don't know what your budget is, but I've seen this "prayer box" at a
friend's home, and it is beautiful:

http://www.captivatingcollectibles.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1603948001

Thanks - but that's not really what I'm looking for. I did look at the
website - but again, didn't find anything. I'm looking more for
something of cultural significance or some sort of rubbing stone with
significance.

Here's a beautiful prayer stone:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6219883656&category=4280

Have you considered a piece of antique Victorian mourning jewelry--
like perhaps a beautiful mourning brooch or ring?  Or a mourning box. 
You can see examples of them on eBay.   Type "Mourning brooch" or
"swivel brooch."  Or "mourning" alone will do it.

You mentioned something ethnic.   On eBay in the same category type,
"Mendi Mourning doll."
There are a couple up for auction from New Guinea.  But I'm sure you
could find many others elsewhere.

Typing "Victorian" and "Friendship" will get you lots of different leads, too.

Thanks for the ideas. These are getting me closer to what I wanted. I
looked at the brooches - but I don't really like them. I might go for
the prayer stone. Do the Amish have anything particular they use or
special traditions? I need to get to work, but I will look more at
these tonight. Thanks a lot, everyone.

Please let me know if you find what you are searching for here:

SYMPATHY GIFT SHOP
http://www.sympathygiftshop.com/

Here are my personal favorites from this site:

"Prayers in a Bottle"
http://www.rainbowfaithgifts.com/catalog/item/797397/1827318.htm

"God's Grief Kit"
http://www.rainbowfaithgifts.com/catalog/item/797397/2198322.htm

tutuzdad-ga

Do you like any of the following?

Hand-carved prayer stone
http://aworldofpeace.com/Peace%20Gifts.html

Prayer Stone Set
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/240796394?item_no=12902&event=GF

bobbie7-ga

Hi, I think a wonderful gift would be to name a star after the
deceased person. You can name a star at starregistry.com for any name
you wish. They have different packages (I think the lowest is around
$55)and that way the mourning person can always look up in the evening
sky and think of their loved one.

Hope this helps!

The best presents I've gotten when I was grieving a recent death were
heartfelt letters from people expressing their sympathy and sharing
memories of the person who died. Some gave me photos of my loved one
that I'd never seen before. I appreciated the personal connection that
these friends recalled. I don't remember much about any presents I
received that year. I was very aware that some people were avoiding
talking to me or making any connection at all. As a grieving person I
valued the warmth and connection more than anything else.

Just my personal opinion.

~ czh ~

Annefu-ga,
If the person is Amish or of Amish background, he or she might not
appreciate non-Christian items, but perhaps would like something
relating to that background, something strengthening a recollection of
it.  (I am assuming that the person is not closely involved in an
Amish community at this time.)  These two sites suggested this to me. 
Maybe they are inappropriate, so just a hint at an idea.
http://www.bmclgbt.org/kasdorf.html
http://www.mosscollectors.com/patsletter040604.html

This site also popped up with my search on    Amish mourning
http://www.quiltersbee.com/qbqhist2.htm  

Since the person seems to have time on her/his hands  - to maybe hold
rubbing stones -  it suggested the idea of giving the person something
to do  - not necessarily quilting -  but a way to be occupied:
painting, whittling, chip-carving, sewing, embroidery, etc., etc.,
ceramics if the person isn?t tied to home.  I like painting as a
choice, water colors: anyone can do it, doesn?t matter if the results
are no good, because the materials are cheap.  One of my favourite
artists is Walter Anderson, who did most of his painting on
type-writer paper:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1447957

But again, just a suggestion, but maybe one which could help distract
the person or let him or her express feelings.

Regards, Myoarin