Post divorce gift to myself ideas?

[Free82]

This is maybe a bit weird but I've just come through a difficult divorce (due to exes behaviour being awful) and I kind of want to mark it for myself somehow in a positive way. My initial instinct was a tattoo or piercing but that felt a little mid-life crisisey and I couldn't decide what i wanted so I've refrained so far from that so I'm looking for suggestions. I can't afford much, about £150 maybe £200 max for something I really love.

As a lone parent with a toddler a holiday probably isn't it right now as while we have travelled it's not exactly relaxing going anywhere! I feel like something that I can keep and look at and feel a bit empowered by would be good. I'm not normally materialistic in any way and tend to value experiences over things so I'm struggling a bit with ideas!

Did anyone else do this or anyone have any ideas?

I have a piece of art in my front hall that makes me smile and has sentimental value to me. Up until I saw this piece, I had never bought art from a gallery before. It was £60, it's very small, but I love it!

That's a lovely idea thank you!

I got Botox 🤣

Definitely art - there’s such a range of styles to choose from. I love My Dog Sighs - his work is amazing. Mydogsighs.co.uk

I was going to say a picture, sculpture or similar - something you can look at and life but is also capable of moving with you through house moves etc

Alternatively a lovely silver necklace or bangle - if the latter bay E engraved with a significant word or phrase ?

I was going to suggest an MX-5, but its a bit out of budget! A really significant piece of art, or a lovely bracelet sound like much better ideas. I love the idea of a divorce present to yourself.

I got a new sofa! It was a ridiculous present to myself, but my horrible ex had always controlled everything including our furnishings and decor. Our previous sofa was a giant mancave-esque Lazy Boy type thing he’d insisted on, sludgey poo coloured, and an absolute monstrosity that was too massive and too much effort for exH to bother taking when he moved out, so he left it for me to deal with. As soon as I could afford the deposit, I got a new lighter coloured one that doesn’t take over the entire lounge, is easier to keep clean and it was all MINE!! I did it on finance as I was so broke then and it took me 2 years of watching every penny, but I did it. It’s been about 5 years post divorce and I’m in a better job now, slowly doing up the rest of the house as and when I can afford it. Honestly every time I sit down it makes me smile.

Hahaha an mx-5 would be great! I'll need to plan more strategically for my next husband! (Wee jokes one was quite enough!)

Art is definitely a nice idea and I do like having lots of lovely art in the house.

I'm also kind of leaning towards some nice jewellery or a nice bag but I feel like I'd be scared to use a nice bag incase I wrecked it.

A nice piece of jewellery. Don’t need a man to buy it for you.

I love this! I feel this way about our wee home even though we're just renting currently. Hoping to buy when he eventually agrees to sell the house. It really makes you appreciate how important having a peaceful home is.

I bought myself a bare root climbing rose when my divorce came through. The flowers bring me such happiness, and as it’s grown and got stronger each year, it feels like a metaphor for my own journey.

Embroidered/needlepoint cushion, with a pretty design and your post-divorce initials

A ring from a sale room or second hand shop so you get something decent without paying the brand new price. You could even put it on your engagement finger because you love you

I bought myself a beautiful outfit, even bearer as I’d lost a couple of stone during the divorce. Included some high heeled boots that I imagined stamping into him with. Very cathartic.

I bought myself a watch and had my rings remodelled but that was because I’d bought a silhouette ring to go with my engagement ring and I didn’t want it to be wasted.

My friend had her engagement ring turned into a necklace. Not for everyone, but I think for her she linked her marriage to having her two kids, so although she hates her ex she loves that it gave her her kids.

I was early 30s when my mum died and my dad gave us some of her pension money. I bought a laptop, a kitchenaid, a sewing machine, lifetime membership to national trust (she loved gardens and it’s paid for itself already if I’d bought joint annual membership) and an expensive (for me) piece of art. 11 years later and I still use them and think of her. They were all frivolous (not the laptop, I needed one) and looking back I'm glad I did that. I did/do have a mortgage, so it would have been sensible to pay off some, but I’m glad I didn’t.

My point is - if you want to spend £200 on a piece of jewellery or whatever, please don’t feel guilty. Enjoy the moment and feel proud of coming out the other end.

Post divorce gift? Look over your shoulder, walk on. Spend your money on your new life.

I bought myself some new boobs 🤣. A bit like the marriage, didn't last long and had to have them removed (but still glad I splurged).

Second botox

bet you need new bras and underwear go and get this fitted!

teeth whitening

How did your friend do this to her engagement ring I’m considering this

A photo shoot for you and your toddler

My divorce was difficult too due to ex being an arrogant, abusive arse.

I bought myself a silver bracelet. It gives me great pleasure every time I wear it.

After my ex moved out, the most important thing I bought was new sheets: one set in dark forest green, a bamboo satin, and one in dusty pink linen. They turned my bedroom into a little sanctuary just for me. I expect my divorce to be finalised in the spring, and I have already been looking for a piece of art for my bedroom too. Good luck on your new chapters 💐

I really love this idea which also would give us something really nice to put on the wall too!

Thread is quickly becoming dangerous for my bank account with so many fab ideas! Also love the idea of the roses and decor but we're renting at the moment so will definitely be something to look at when we're somewhere more permanent for sure!

I completely agree which is why I don't want to spend a crazy amount but realistically money will be a bit tight for us going forwards so I just want something symbolic that I can look at even when it's tough and feel proud of myself if that makes sense? This is a long time coming and I've spent so much time just 'getting on' with it - lone parenting while wfh with limited support and starting completely from scratch means I rarely have time (or money) to do anything for myself and while I do intentionally try to stop and look at how far we've come, that can be difficult to do. So I think it feels a little like having a reminder that will help me to do that when I see it? I'm great at spending money on dc but it would be a reminder to myself that I also matter and to take care of myself as well.

Maybe not for everyone but that's my logic behind it.