A divorce registry is a gift registry created for the occasion of a divorce. People create bridal and baby registries so their friends and family know what they need for an upcoming wedding or birth, so why not create a divorce registry for your new chapter? After all, a “shower” of much-needed gifts from friends and family can help you process your divorce and get back on your feet after this life-changing event.
Do I need a divorce registry?
Divorce comes with its own set of needs and expenses. Your friends and family may not be able to help with the emotional aspects of your split, but they can certainly lend a hand with restocking your home. So whether you're starting from scratch or just need to replace some things your ex took with them, here are some reasons why a divorce registry might be just what you need.
A divorce registry can help you restock your home
Divorce is hard enough without having to start from scratch with household items. If you're moving into a new place, you'll likely need to buy new furniture, dishes, cookware, bedding, and more. A divorce registry can help take care of some (or all) of those big-ticket items so you can focus on more important things, like healing and moving on.
It’s a non-confrontational way of asking for help
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of starting over, you don't have to go it alone – and chances are your loved ones want to help. Putting together a divorce registry gives your friends and family a way to show their support during this tough time. And who knows? They might even chip in and help with the cost of some of those bigger items.
It's easy and fun
Contrary to popular belief, creating a divorce registry is actually quite simple (and even kind of fun). These days, there are plenty of online resources that make putting together a list easy. Plus, most stores will give you a discount if you register with them.
You deserve it
No matter how amicable your divorce may be, it's still going to be a big adjustment emotionally, financially, and logistically. Why not let your loved ones help ease the transition by taking care of some of the material things? After all, you deserve it!
Where to create your registry
If you want to do this, you’ll have to figure out where to set up your divorce registry. You might decide to go with an online divorce registry like divorcist or plumfund. You might choose a large marketplace like Amazon. Or, you might decide to go with the traditional brick-and-mortar route and set up a registry at your local Target or Walmart.
The best venue for you depends on your unique circumstances.
Pros and cons of online divorce registries
The upside of online divorce registries is that you have more items to choose from, and items are often cheaper than they are at physical stores. And since most people nowadays do at least some of their shopping online, it makes sense to have an online registry that friends and family can easily access and use.
The downside of online divorce registries is that they can feel a little impersonal. Someone who wants to give you a gift from the heart might not find something suitable on your list, prompting them to buy something off your list that you may or may not want. Further, if you have friends or family who aren’t tech-savvy or who prefer to shop in person, an online registry might not be ideal.
Pros and cons of brick-and-mortar divorce registries
The upside of setting up a brick-and-mortar divorce registry is that friends and family can go see everything you’ve selected in one place. They don’t have to search through an entire website trying to find what you want or need.
The downside of brick-and-mortar divorce registries is that they can be more expensive than online ones (although this isn't always the case). They can also be logistically difficult to set up and manage, especially if you live in a different city from where most of your friends and family live.
Why not throw a divorce party?
Now that you have your divorce registry set up, why not throw a divorce party? After all, brides have bridal showers, and moms-to-be have baby showers. This may be the perfect time to get together with others, share laughs, swap advice, play games, or whatever makes you feel connected and loved.
Tips to pair a divorce party with a divorce registry
- Keep your guest list small and intimate. This is not necessarily the right time for a huge bash. You likely want to be surrounded by your closest friends and family members.
- Make it a potluck. Ask each guest to bring their favorite dish. This will take some of the pressure off of you and ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Decorate with balloons and streamers. And don’t forget the “divorce cake.” This is a chance to get creative with your cake decorating skills (or lack thereof). Have fun with it!
At Hello Divorce, we understand that getting divorced is painful – even if you’re the one who initiated the split. We support our clients not only with affordable online divorce plans and services but also with resources like this article that hopefully bring some light and levity to your day.
