Divorce Gift Registries

Divorce - traditionally a time of stress and sadness - is being redefined by a new trend: the divorce gift registry. As unconventional as it sounds, this practice is gaining traction among those navigating the waters of separation, offering a way to turn a new page with the support of friends and family. 

A divorce gift registry functions similarly to a wedding registry. However, instead of celebrating a union, it supports an individual transitioning to a new phase of life after a marriage ends. These registries can include household items, self-care products, or experiences designed to help someone start afresh. Olivia Howell went through a divorce in 2019, after being married for eight years with two children. Her husband moved out with his stuff and she donated other items that triggered unwelcome emotions to a thrift shop. "What was left in the house was almost nothing," she said. Olivia found a way to give back to others by founding Fresh Starts Registry - a specialty service which caters specifically to this new market.

One of the most significant aspects of a divorce gift registry is the community support it represents. By participating, friends and family can offer practical help and emotional solidarity, making the registry more than just a collection of gifts; it becomes a network of support. Erin Eloise Tulberg, a 37-year-old yoga teacher, actor, and dancer in Brooklyn, had an immediate need to move out with her 9-year-old son. A friend suggested she start a divorce registry. "I was moving into a place with absolutely nothing. I had no furniture. I had no kitchenware. I had my clothes and my books. It was a great way to have my friends rally behind me." This communal participation can be incredibly beneficial, as it helps the individual feel valued and understood during what can become an isolating time.

The increasing acceptance of divorce gift registries reflects deeper societal changes. It challenges the traditional views on marriage and divorce, suggesting a shift towards more open and supportive community interactions, regardless of the circumstances. Because divorce often results in the need to split household items, a registry can help someone rebuild their home environment without the huge financial burden.

Angela Ashurst-McGee, 52, finalized her divorce in March after six kids and 32 years of marriage. On a practical level, she needed to replace items, ranging from sheets to a drill. One of Angela's sisters set up a registry for her on Amazon."It's hard to know what to do for somebody who's getting divorced other than saying, you know, bummer. So it was kind of something concrete that people could do," she said. 

As divorce becomes more common and less stigmatized in general society, people are increasingly willing to support friends and family throughout the process in tangible ways. Angela commented, "I think one fear people have is in regards to taking sides," she said. "And this is something you can do without taking sides. It's forward-looking. It's not denigrating the other person. It's not blaming anyone. It's just practical support." This new trend highlights the evolving nature of gift-giving traditions, adapting them to fit modern relationship dynamics. While it may not be for everyone, its growing popularity indicates a shift towards embracing life transitions with openness and community support.