From Tattoos to Trees: 7 Unique Memorial Ideas for Ashes

Ashes are more than remains; they’re a chance to remember in a way that feels right.

As more families choose cremation over traditional burial, a new question arises: how do you honor someone’s life in a way that feels meaningful, personal, and lasting?

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, cremation rates in the United States are expected to rise to nearly 62% by 2024, with numbers projected to climb to 82% by 2045. While the causes of this shift vary, the question remains: what do you do with the ashes?

Many families still opt for decorative urns placed on a mantle, but over time, those urns often end up on a shelf in the closet or tucked away in a storage container in the basement. Because of this, alternative methods for honoring ashes are gaining popularity—and with good reason.

At SendOff, we’re all about fresh ideas and meaningful moments. In that spirit, here are some unique and thoughtful ways to memorialize ashes.

Think Beyond the Urn

Or at least the traditional urn.

Ceramics companies are creating stunning works of art for storing ashes, and these pieces look nothing like your great-grandma’s urn. From one-of-a-kind candle holders to vessels shaped like flowers or hearts, you can find something that perfectly reflects your loved one and complements your unique decorating style.

3D printing has even made it possible to turn almost any object into an urn, even your dad’s favorite muscle car!

Get Inked

This idea made headlines recently when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s widow shared her story.

Some tattoo artists now offer the option of mixing a small amount of ashes into tattoo ink. It’s a powerful way to carry your person with you, quite literally, forever.

This can also be done with pet remains, and while it’s growing in popularity, it’s important to note that there are still unknowns when it comes to long-term health impacts, so do your research and talk to an experienced artist before committing.

Jewelry That Holds Meaning

Ashes can also be incorporated into beautiful keepsakes like necklaces, rings, and even cufflinks.

Many companies offer bespoke designs that suit your style and your relationship.

Want to go even bigger? With high heat and pressure, some companies can turn your loved one’s ashes into a lab-created diamond. The result is a one-of-a-kind stone with deep personal significance, giving new meaning to the phrase “a diamond is forever.”

Scatter Them Somewhere Special

Many families choose to return their loved ones to a place that meant a lot to them.

Whether it’s a favorite fishing spot, a hiking trail, the old family farm, or even a beloved vacation destination, scattering ashes in meaningful locations can feel like a final shared adventure.

Of course, be sure to check regulations, as they vary by state, and you’ll want to be respectful of both laws and the environment.

Out of the Box Options:

Looking for something truly one-of-a-kind? Depending on your loved one’s personality and passions, there are some incredibly creative options out there.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Parting Stone turns ashes into beautiful, smooth stones you can hold, display, or share with family.

• A UK company will press ashes into a vinyl record, so you can play their favorite song again and again.

• Eternal Reef turns remains into reef formations, helping restore ocean ecosystems.

• Other companies create stuffed animals with ashes tucked inside, offering comfort you can hold onto.

• You can even send your loved one’s ashes into space—a final frontier for the adventurer in your life.

As cremation continues to increase in popularity, innovative options for memorializing ashes will increase, too.

Plant a Living Legacy

One of our favorite ways to return ashes to the earth is by choosing a tree as a permanent memorial.

Better Place Forests, the first conservation memorial forest in the U.S., has a location in the beautiful St. Croix Valley near Scandia. This forest offers a peaceful and protected place where ashes can be legally scattered in the Spreading Grove. Families can also purchase their own memorial tree, creating a lasting legacy in a forest open for visits, reflection, and connection for years to come.

This is a beautiful option for anyone who loved the outdoors or just wants their memory rooted in something that will continue to grow.

SendOff is proud to partner with Better Place Forests to host Ashes Among the Oaks, a special event on May 31, 2025. This gathering is a chance to honor your loved one with a guided ceremony of remembrance and renewal in the heart of the forest.

During the event, celebrants will help families “nest” ashes on the forest floor beneath towering oak trees. It’s a meaningful, gentle way to return someone to the earth and start creating a new kind of memorial tradition.