The Best Holiday Gifts for Someone Going Through a Divorce or Breakup
We’ve gotten a lot of questions about what sort of holiday gift to get your friend who is going through a divorce or breakup. Great question - let’s talk about it!
What’s the difference between support and gifts?
Before we get into it, we need to chat about the difference between support and gifts. It’s something we talk a lot about here at Fresh Starts! Support and gifts can of course overlap, but when it comes to the holiday season, or a birthday gift for a friend going through a breakup or divorce, those are gift giving times, not necessarily support-giving time - though, like we said, the two can be one and the same. We’d also like to add that there are amazing free ways to support your friend going through a divorce or breakup, and there are free ways to gift your friend a holiday gift or birthday gift when they’re going through a breakup - you don’t have to spend money to show someone you support or love them!
So, what’s the difference between support and a gift? Well, when someone builds their Fresh Start Registry, you are supporting them by buying them items that they need to restock their life. By buying them these support items, you’re demonstrating to them that you support their brave decisions and this little act will empower them to feel confident during their life change.
It’s really important to remember that people don’t want to necessarily be defined by the life event that they are enduring, even if they are proud of their brave decision or life change! Also, to remember that your friends going through these life changes don’t want you to pity them, as it could make them feel less-than when they’re already going through a brave decision-making time. Let them add the self-care books to their registry, or pick them out for themselves - that’s a personal journey for them to take, and you can be a friend who is there to support them in other ways!
You need to consider their lifestyle…
Also, when thinking about both offering support or giving a gift to a friend going through a breakup or divorce, it’s really important to consider their lifestyle and meet people where they are. For example, when I was going through my divorce, I had my kids with me all of the time, so I couldn’t be whisked away for a girls weekend, or even a night out. When Jenny was going through her breakup, she didn’t want the gift of a massage because she didn’t want to be alone with her thoughts.
When someone is going through a life change, support can come in so many different ways - you can drop off dinner for them, you can help with their errands or building new furniture, you can break down boxes, you can FaceTime with their kids so that they can chat with their lawyer, you can help call experts to make appointments - so many ways to help big and small! That’s all support you can offer at any time - but that’s not necessarily a gift. Supporting each other when we need the support is what builds our community and strengthens our relationships with each other for the present and the future.
Holidays and birthdays are gift-giving times!
Gifts, however, are supposed to be fun and luxurious! And the holidays and birthdays are gift-giving times! No, we’re not talking about spending a lot of money, we’re talking about giving your friend or family member something thoughtful and something that they wouldn’t necessarily get for themselves. This can come in big or small ways, and it can be as simple as sending someone a cookie delivery, or a new candle, or even a comfy blanket. We’ll give you some fun ideas below that could be a holiday gift or birthday gift for anyone going through a breakup or divorce. The key with giving gifts when someone is going through a life change is to think about their lifestyle (Does it fit in their space? Does it make sense for their home?), what brings them joy, and what would make them feel seen? As Olivia said in this Sunday Riley piece, “You don’t want to give them anything they feel burdened by carrying with them into the next phase of their life, but you do want to show them that you support them and their decision-making.”
So, what are some great holiday gifts for a friend going through a divorce or breakup? Here are some of our faves below:
Bursting with liveliness and warmth, Phoenix Rising recalls Urban Apothecary’s origin story that began at the kitchen table; amid the smell of spices, woods, flowers and fruits alive in the air.
This deeply hydrating, vegan lotion is like a self-care retreat in a bottle. Powered by a blend of clean oils including Squalane to add luminosity + broad-spectrum hemp extract to calm and soothe while the signature essential oil blend creates a grounding ritual.
A robust fragrance infused with a dozen essential oils which adds to the natural quality of this scent. A harmonious palette of citrus and evergreens to create that aroma and feel of home.
The Charley cross-chest bag comes with a versatile, detachable strap. Equipped with belt loops, loop it through the back for a cross-chest look or clip it to the side to wear a crossbody. Easy to open flap catch with a magnet. Designed in durable, Italian premium pebble leather, equipped with belt loops for wearing as a belt bag! This fun and casual accessory features a luxurious suede interior with a small zipper pocket, leather pocket, and room for all your travel essentials.
Bring the Pacific Northwest straight to your party with SeaBear's Smoked Salmon Trio. Featuring Wild Sockeye, Wild King, and Wild Pink, SeaBear's famous Gold Seal pouch keeps the fish fresh, so no refrigeration is required until open. Host with ease when you have SeaBear on your side.
Curate the perfect gift for you or your loved one by selecting any of the products below and enjoy up to 25% off retail prices. Source & Self only works products that are vegan, clean, and with a focus on wellness.
Plants By Post Succulent Set features a set of two ceramic pots with live succulents from their unique collection. Very low maintenance.
Who doesn’t need a cute checkered beanie?
BāKIT Box is a dessert kit that allows customers to choose different recipes each month, and then get pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step instructions delivered right to their door. They offer unique recipes, flavors and ingredients from around the world, and fun holiday specials.
CTOAN’s hand poured soy body candles will make you feel SEEN. Those booty dimples you’ve been afraid to show the world are ON FULL DISPLAY! Your love handles are LOVED! Your stretch marks are FIERCELY SHOWN! What better way to go into the holiday season than to celebrate your body by putting it on your mantel, but in a beautiful, artistic way?
A trip to your favorite library or used bookstore. Sweet and lovely with just a touch of the musty smell of aged paper, Demeter's Paperback harnesses that scent with a sprinkling of violets and a dash of tasteful potpourri.
Vintage-inspired totes that will add the perfect amount of elegance and fun to any outfit so that those going through divorce can look and feel their best out on the town.
Each month giftees receive a box of the marshmallow of the month, a box of another flavor, and goodies surrounding that month's theme. Options are one month, 3, 6, or 12, pricing ranges from $30 - $315.
Eco-friendly candles featuring words of affirmation custom engraved on the wicks and lid, serving as the perfect reminder for someone going through divorce to slow down, relax, and reflect.
One of the most forgiving and durable indoor plants you can grow, Laurentii Snake Plant features mint-green leaves banded with horizontal dark green stripes and golden-yellow leaf edges. It typically grows 24 to 36 inches tall indoors. It is grown and shipped fresh from our farm direct to your front door. We have a snake plant in our office and love it!
From the friend who wishes she had more time to bake to the person who seems to have everything, make your holiday shopping easy by gifting the experience of Crumble Crate! This subscription box is packed with everything you need – labeled & pre-measured dry ingredients, baking tools, a recipe card, and even a QR code with video tutorials & pro tips!
Meet Margot. This is your tote. It’s the perfect one arm, over-the-shoulder commuter bag that you can transition straight to poolside when the time comes. Components are crafted by independent military spouses in their homes around the nation and shipped to R.Riveter's FabShop to be assembled into a one-of-a-kind product.
Our Sending Sunshine is an uplifting candle gift set designed for wellness and relaxation. Each gift comes with a personalized greeting card. All of our products are handmade in Austin, Texas with clean, natural + cruelty-free ingredients and scented with pure essential oil.
The Kit contains six small bottles of signature extra virgin olive oil, six tasting cups and a tasting placemat, but more importantly, we've designed an innovative online companion app to guide you through your tasting.
Presently is a mindfulness inspired jewelry brand founded by two sisters who are open about their battle with mental health issues. They donate $5 of every bracelet to your choice of mental health nonprofits.
Keep warm with a silky soft blanket from Everlasting Comfort! Equipped with double-sided long, thick, and durable faux fur, keep warm in your bedroom or living room while relaxing. All blankets are machine washable and dryer safe for long-lasting care. This luxury throw blanket makes a great statement piece!
This sophisticated wristlet is the perfect size to discreetly carry all of your essentials, whether you're heading into work, out and about running errands, or dressed up for date night. Stash your wallet, keys, phone, and lip gloss with room to spare.
This style is made with super soft satin charmeuse that’s digitally printed, with padding inside, and super soft bamboo jersey lining the inside. So warm and cozy, but fabulous at the same time! Wear as a robe at home or even a coat/coverup. Versatility is key!
Rosehip Roleplay Face Oil is the most sumptuous and nourishing face oil you will ever find. Formulated with just seven clean potent plant ingredients to quench and soothe stressed out skin. Instantly penetrates to moisturize and leaves a dewy glow.
This customizable embroidery hoop showcases the word you've chosen to guide you through 2023 and stunning wildflowers. This kit includes all materials needed to stitch this project from start to finish. The pattern booklet includes detailed instructions for the entire process - from tracing your pattern to backing your hoop for display.
Page Aesthetics Self Care Curated Boxes are created with love and thoughtful intent, highlighting some female led and local businesses.
There’s a certain air of confidence and contentment that comes when you finally SPEAK your truth. Our clarity finding blend of Gardenia, Magnolia, Hydrangea, Honeysuckle, Cucumber, Green Tea, Yuzu, Rain, Sea Kelp, and twist of Anjou Pear, creates the perfect environment for achieving it.
The Sara Full Moon necklace has both halves filled in with resin. The top half is clear. You can select a custom color for the bottom half. Necklace comes on a fine gold-plated chain with almost 3 inches of an extender so that you can adjust how long or short you want to wear the necklace.
Simplify your makeup routine with these multitasking sticks that will replace everything in your makeup bag with three easy makeup sticks – use them as your blush, lipstick, eyeshadow, highlighter, moisturizer, and more! Perfect for every skin tone, use the Boomstick Glo to moisturize your face with all-natural ingredients.
And the best stocking stuffers and small gifts:
Add some flare to your winter drinkwear wardrobe with a cozy Puffin Parka. The faux fur-lined hood brings a touch of glamour to a timeless classic. This diva will keep your drink cold and looking fabulous.
Joe-Le Soaps specializes in small batch, 100% natural, plant-based, eczema-friendly, artisan, organic soaps, body butters, bair butters & lip conditioners.
Belgian Boys cookies are all inspired by European favorites from their Cookie Tarts (Choco Caramel, Lemon and Raspberry) to their mini Almond Butter Cakes, all individually wrapped making them the perfect addition to a “breakup holiday gift basket.”
Cleopatra Crema da Mano is a moisturizing, quick absorbing hand cream enriched with natural extracts from shea butter, avocado oil and aloe. The rich cream will leave your skin feeling soft, silky and lightly fragranced of grapefruit and cucumber.
These simple, yet sturdy, minimalist section markers help keep clothes organized by style, for easy access.
The Best Friend helps you zip up your clothing by yourself - no help needed! No more struggling to zip up the back of your dress by yourself before your meeting or date, The Best Friend is here to be your hero and help you zip up, feel confident, and be prepared for anything life throws at ya.
Christmas can never come soon enough. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Lucky for you, we have made the hardest part of the holiday season a breeze. No more stressing out about trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone. Santa’s Gift Box has it all. You will know the moment they try our cashews that you got them the perfect gift. Includes their delicious chocolate espresso and white chocolate cashews!
Head’s up! Some of these links are affiliate links - thank you for supporting Fresh Starts Registry and all of these amazing small businesses!