How to Build a Divorce Registry
Most people know how to support someone at a wedding. The registry tells them what's needed, where to buy it, and how to show up. Divorce comes with just as much need — maybe more — and historically, no infrastructure at all. That's what a divorce registry is for.
Here's how to build one, and what to put in it.
What Is a Divorce Registry?
A divorce registry is a curated list of items and services that support someone going through a divorce — things that make daily life easier, mark the beginning of a new chapter, or simply help a person feel less alone in the process. It's not a gift registry in the traditional sense. The items aren't gifts to celebrate a milestone. They're support items — practical, emotional, and transitional — that friends, family, and community can contribute to when they want to help but don't know how.
Fresh Starts Registry is the world's first and only divorce registry platform. If you're reading this, you can start your registry here.
Who Is a Divorce Registry For?
It's for anyone navigating the end of a marriage who has people in their corner who want to do something. It's especially useful if you're:
Moving into a new home and starting from scratch on household basics
Re-entering the workforce or going back to school and need support with that transition
Working with divorce professionals — a coach, therapist, mediator, or attorney — and could use help covering those costs
Simply exhausted and surrounded by people asking "what can I do?"
A divorce registry gives those people an answer.
What to Add to Your Divorce Registry
The best divorce registries mix the practical with the personal. A few categories to consider:
Household and home setup. If you're moving into a new space — or making an existing space yours for the first time — think bedding, kitchen basics, a new lamp, a piece of art that belongs only to you. Starting over in a physical space is real work, and there's no shame in letting people help stock it.
Self-care and rest. A good coffee maker. A weighted blanket. A skincare set you wouldn't buy yourself right now. Divorce is physically exhausting in a way most people don't anticipate. Build rest into your registry without apologizing for it.
Things that mark a new chapter. A piece of jewelry. A record player. Something for the hobby you've been meaning to start. A registry can hold both the practical and the "this is mine now" — and both are valid.
Comfort and everyday pleasures. Candles, a nice set of dishes, a cozy throw, a book stack. The small things that make a home feel like yours sooner.
Not sure where to start? We've done the curating for you. Browse our ready-made bundles below — or use them as inspiration when building your own registry.
New home essentials
Move-in
Move-In Bundle
Everything you need for your first night in a new place.
Cleaning
House Cleaning Bundle
Everything for the first deep clean and every one after.
Work from home
Home Office Bundle
A cozy, practical setup for new jobs and new chapters.
Hosting
Hosting Bundle
So many reasons to celebrate. We've got you covered.
Style & décor
Minimalist
Scandinavian Neutral Bundle
Simple, functional, and quietly beautiful.
Coastal
Coastal Chic Bundle
Light, airy, Nancy Meyers-approved.
Retro
Mid-Century Modern Bundle
Clean lines, pops of color, timeless cool.
Boho
Boho Home Bundle
Jewel tones, texture, and your own eclectic energy.
Bold
Maximalist Home Bundle
More is more. Make your home a canvas.
Whimsical
Whimsical Home Bundle
Cottagecore, whimsigoth, and Practical Magic vibes.
Glam
Art Deco Glam Bundle
Old Hollywood elegance for your fresh chapter.
Kids & family
Kids' spaces
Kid's Room Bundle
Everything little ones need to feel safe and at home.
Pets
First-Time Dog Owner Bundle
All the essentials for a new pup and a new home.
Celebrations & fresh starts
Celebrate
Divorce Party Bundle
Because this is something worth marking.
Ritual
Crystal Vibes Celebration
For the fresh start that calls for a little ceremony.
Community
Friendship Bracelet Celebration
Because your people showed up. Celebrate that.
Support
Grieve Leave's Divorce Support Faves
Curated items to gift a friend going through it.
Shop small
Small Shop Fresh Start Bundle
Favorite picks from small businesses for your journey.
Travel & adventure
Travel
Travel Bundle
Everything from vacay to staycay.
Beach & pool
Pool & Beach Vacay Bundle
Sun, water, and an afternoon that belongs to you.
How to Share It
Once your registry is live, you can share it anywhere you'd share a link. Some people include it in a note to close friends and family. Others post it publicly, or share it when someone directly asks "what can I do?" There's no single right way. The registry just makes the answer easier to give.
If you're not sure what to say when you share it, our best resources for someone going through divorce page has language that might help.
We also wrote you some scripts. →
What to Do After You Build It
Building the registry is the first step. From there, you may want to connect with divorce professionals who can support you through the process — the Fresh Starts Expert Guide has vetted coaches, therapists, mediators, attorneys, and financial advisors who specialize in exactly this. You can also browse by specialty or book a free Divorce Resource Consult if you want a personalized recommendation.
You're allowed to ask for help. That's what this is for.