Top Ten Gift Ideas for Recently Divorced Women
Women often find out after a divorce that a table knife and stiletto shoe isn’t very handy for household repairs. Any tools or items for making home repairs tend to be purchased by and used primarily by the husband. When he leaves, so do his tools. Tools aren’t the only thing recently divorced women need, either. Things she has neglected to buy for herself because she was comfortable in marriage may come in handy once she begins to rediscover herself in a new light as a single woman.
1. A small toolbox equipped with a good set of sturdy screwdrivers in various sizes and tips, a hammer, tape measure, and an adjustable pipe wrench are what every woman needs around the house. Including a few sizes of screws and nails will also help her if she has to make a quick repair and doesn’t have time to run to the hardware store.
2. Rubbermaid makes great under-the-bed storage containers for large items that can’t be tucked into a drawer. The containers are clear, so you can tell what’s inside without opening them. They also fit nicely in the bottom of a closet or the shelf some closets have in the top. She can keep her framed wedding photos, cake topper, photo albums and other items that she may not want to display in her home after divorce, but will keep for her children when they are older. Buying her a set of various sized storage containers will help her with adjusting to being single by having those things packed away safe from damage.
3. Upscale department stores and lingerie shops have great items for the newly divorced woman that needs to find her sensual side again. During marriage we tend to stop wearing satin and lace, and opt for cotton briefs and an oversized t-shirt. After a divorce, just putting on a nice pair of silk pajamas or wearing a pretty pair of panties under jeans can make women feel pretty and sexy again.
4. Fragrances will also help her feel good about herself. Try purchasing a perfume she may be too thrifty or unable to afford to buy for herself. Something as simple as a good perfume can help her in transition from married to single, and give her added confidence at work and out with friends.
5. In event of a property split, she may need a new television, DVD player, or home stereo. While visiting her home, keep an eye out for things she used frequently when married, but no longer has due to dividing of marital property. Depending on cost, this may be a something that family members or friends can chip in on and give as one large gift, instead of several small gifts.
6. If this is her first divorce, self help books on the subject might help ease her anxiety of divorce and being alone all over again. Starting over isn’t easy, and books written by respected experts on this matter might help her get through the process easier. If bookstores in your area don’t have much on this subject, try online bookstores.
7. Fitness centers for women offer aerobics and weight training to tone up and trim down, without the worry that men will see her in her most unflattering light. Very few women who are married for any good length of time manage to keep their figure through having children and being comfortable with married life. If she mentions getting in shape, purchasing a membership to a women’s fitness center might be a good investment, especially if she cannot afford it on her own but wants to get in shape.
8. If she owns monogrammed towels or flatware, and reverted back to her maiden name that does not match the monogram, buying her new towels or flatware will allow her to give the monogrammed pieces to her ex-husband and she can begin adjusting to single life easier. Keep in mind the flatware style or the color of her towels, and buy similar items so that they will match her décor.
9. Clothing is always a good choice if she is not dieting. Recently divorced women tend to be budgeted tightly and may have a hard time splurging on something elegant to wear. Buy her clothing that is versatile, and can be worn to the office or out to dinner. Mix and match pieces will allow her to build more than one outfit.
10. Build her a basket of bath salts, body scrubs, and other items she may use to pamper herself. Adding in a few of her favorite snacks and one or two DVDs to the basket will allow her to relax and wind down after a long day. Be mindful not to get movies that will spark pain associated with her divorce. Comedies are usually a good choice.
Keep an eye out for things that fit her personality, and will reflect who she is. When purchasing gifts for recently divorced women, fight the urge to buy her things that could be viewed as “couples” gifts. Focus more on lifting her spirits and helping her refresh herself as a person.
