While brunch and a card are always nice, consider getting the single mom in your life something a little more personal. Thoughtful.
You could even blow her mind.
If I were to ask you what are the best gifts for single moms, how would you respond?
I recently asked members of my Facebook group, Millionaire Single Moms (have you joined yet?) what they would give to a friend whose divorce was just finalized, or even what they wished someone had gifted them when they were going through their separations.
The response was overwhelming! So many mamas wished for such basic courtesies during hard times – a hug, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on.
SO many single women tell me that they have NEVER received a delivery of flowers before. Send flowers and more through 1-800-FLOWERS >>
Shameless plug: my bestselling book The Kickass Single Mom (Penguin), which was featured on The Doctors, New York Times, Reuters, Parents magazine and hundreds of others.
And then there were other, more practical gifts members swear by in times of need.
This post is all about those perfect gifts for single moms — whether during a breakup, holidays and birthdays.
But first, please read my single mom holiday manifesto.
Gift ideas for single moms
Whether you want to treat your single mom friend to a day of relaxation or you're looking for a gift you know she'll use every day, we've got you covered. In this post, you'll find:
- Best gift for single moms
- Helpful gifts for single moms
- Practical gifts for single moms
- Thoughtful gifts for single moms
- Gifts for single moms to pamper them
Best gift for single moms: Money, money, money
When it comes to gifts for single moms — or anyone for that matter — money is always appreciated.
1. Cash
Need I say more?
11 places for free Christmas gifts
83 sources of free Christmas money
2. Prepaid gift card
Consider getting her a Visa or MasterCard gift card from Amazon that she can spend on anything.
3. Store or restaurant gift card
Get her a gift card to a local grocery store, her favorite restaurant, or a department store. You can also get her a gas gift card to offset the current high gas prices.
19 easy and legit ways to get free gifts cards
Helpful gifts for single moms
These helpful gifts for single moms will show you see her kicking ass and want to help ease her burden:
4. Child care
What single mom, regardless of her trying, difficult circumstances, couldn’t use a day, an afternoon, or even an hour away from their kids?
Whether it’s grocery shopping or a good long nap, the gift of child care just might be the most useful thing on this list (unless you’re giving out wads of cash!). Check into great options for childcare in your area on Care.com. Read our Care.com review and get a 20% discount at Care.com now with code JOINCARE20 >>
“Childcare. I wish so much that I would have asked for more help when I was dealing with my divorce. It was overwhelming to deal with all of that plus have my kids 24/7.” – Chelsea
“I’d arrange a babysitter and take her out!” – Cyndy
“Childcare: I’d give her a few days notice and say ‘do whatever you want I’m taking the kids overnight.' ” – Beth
“I'd let her leave kiddo with me so she can have some time for herself to adjust, purge old memories, handle personal affairs, etc.” – Renee
5. Alone time
Take her kids and tell her to get lost. Trust me on this one.
6. Good books
Whether it’s a practical, comforting or inspirational book – or all three of those in one book *ahem* – many group members said they would buy their single mom friends a good book.
I've actually written a full post about what I deem to be the best single mom books, so your gifting is basically cut out for you! Here are a few of the group's favorites:
“The Kickass Single Mom book. Even if there aren't kids involved in the divorce… it addresses financial issues, have-your-shit-together issues and be-your-best-self issues!” – Kiara
If finances are her priority right now, check out my 30-day Kickass Single Mom Money Makeover.
“I've given this book to two friends now – Child Friendly Divorce by Diane M. Berry. It is excellent.” – Mary B.
“When I was going through my divorce, my mom got me the book In the Meantime by Iyanla Vanzant. Best divorce gift!” – Sherry
Related:
13 movies and TV shows about divorce and single parents
Free 30-day trial for new Showtime members
7. Journal
This is one single mom gift I'll admit I had never thought of before: a journal. Some Millionaire Single Moms evidently had thought of this, however, like these considerate ladies:
“A journal to process their emotions and to look back on to remember they survived.” – Cathy
“I like giving a really nice pen along with a journal with guided prompts.” – Treena
And then there are the moms who don't mess around with their journal gifting, like Sarah, who prefers giving “a journal… one of those handmade leather ones that wrap around like a secret treasure.”
It's a really thoughtful gift if you think about it.
Someone going through one of the biggest, most shaping experiences of their life could probably use somewhere to put their thoughts – somewhere safe, somewhere free of judgement, and somewhere they have space to really work out how they're feeling – whether that feeling is one of anxiety, loneliness – or sheer exhilaration and joy.
Practical gifts for single moms
These gifts will make your single friend’s life just a little bit easier:
Good wishes to you, you incredible single mom on Mother's Day!
8. Home-cooked meals
You don't necessarily have to be a whiz in the kitchen to gift home-cooked meals to a newly single mom.
You can subscribe her to a month of grocery delivery, coordinate a meal train, or hang out with her while she cooks and you do the dishes.
Just, for the love of god, PLEASE don't let there be casseroles.
“One of the best things given to me was that one of my girlfriends came over (with wine), helped me plan some meals, took me shopping for groceries, then proceeded to prep several weeks worth of meals while I talked to her and drank wine!” – Meghan
“Show up at the new home on moving day with a few bags of groceries. Someone did this for me and it made me feel so cared for.” – Sarah
“A home cooked meal, some wine and a listening ear.” – Joanna
9. Meal planning services
Amazon Fresh can save a parent! Also, check out the gift of these meal-planning kits.
Read: Simple meal planning tips
10. Housekeeping, laundry, yard work
If she's not outsourcing laundry and housekeeping, give her a taste of the crack that will encourage her to make this a regular part of her life. I have a whole philosophy about why you must outsource your laundry. Same goes for housekeeping and yard work: If you don't love these mundane, time consuming activities, outsource them. Use your newfound time to build a business, invest in your career, exercise — or just enjoy life!
Care.com is my favorite places to find reliable, trustworthy housecleaners, laundry services, as well as babysitters, nannies and elder care. Free to sign up, includes free background checks.
Thoughtful gifts for single moms
Your single mom friend will appreciate these thoughtful gifts:
11. Wine
A good glass of wine – or, really, just wine in general – makes things feel a little more manageable.
If you can’t be there in person to open the bottle and pour her a glass, there are other options.
“Wine and/or chocolate was delivered by several good friends, and much appreciated.” – Bea
To sidestep the annoying laws around shipping booze, consider surprising your girlfriend with a wine subscription or a wine gift basket.
There are tons of great ones out there, like Winc, Blue Apron Wine, Vinebox, etc. Bonus points if you FaceTime her for a virtual hangout while she’s enjoying her gift!
“Wine and ice cream are the best gifts after divorce.” – Ellen
12. Chocolate
She loves it, you love it, it doesn't leave any clutter and it makes the world better.
Here are a few special chocolate gifts for the single mom in your life:
Barnett’s Holiday Gift Basket: 20 chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, in a selection of our five most popular flavors.
Super-special Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate— 19-piece chocolate gift box filled with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolates with classic Belgian fillings:”
HNINA Gourmet Organic Raw Chocolate & Sprouted Nuts Truffle— for your healthy mom: Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher & Fair Trade. Gluten Free, Paleo, Keto Friendly, Refined Sugar Free, Emulsif
- 1. Almond+Hazelnut
- 2. Brazil Nut+Almond+Coconut
- 3. Macadmia+Pistachio
- 4. Pistachio+Hazelnut
- 5. Pecan+Pine Nut
- 6. Walnut+Cashew
- 7. Seeds (Pumpkin+Flax+Sunflower+Sesame) – Seeds truffle not in 6 Boulder Assortment.
13. Electronic picture frame
The Skylight Frame lets you upload family photos, which then rotate based on your preferences. Skylight also has a calendar with TV features. $159.99 each.
14. Flowers
SO many single women tell me that they have NEVER received professional flowers before.
Sure, wildflowers your kids pick are sweet, but there's nothing like receiving a full, lush bouquet — occasion or not – from someone you care about.
Check out the sales on flowers at 1-800-FLOWERS >>
15. Plants
If your friend has a green thumb, consider getting her a beautiful indoor or outdoor plant that will remind her of you every time she waters it. If your friend isn't so plant savvy, you could also bring her a low-maintenance succulent.
16. Etsy personalized gifts
Support independent artists and craftspeople with unique Etsy gifts for mom.
17. Personalized jewelry with children’s names
A few Etsy shops that create custom jewelry with a child's name:
18. Friendship
There's really no way to stress this one enough. The best gift to give a friend who is going through a divorce is your time and your presence. Nothing beats it. Nothing even comes close. The moms agree:
“Friendship. I had a tribe of girlfriends who carried me through. They reviewed my documents (ok, it helps when we're all lawyers), they cleaned my house, they made me eat when I didn't feel like it, and so much more. They were my strength when I felt my weakest.” – Rebeckah
“Someone to come over and just hang out, listen and care like once a week. I felt so lonely after my divorce. I just wanted someone to be there to let me cry, hug me, and tell me I was going to be all right.” – Mary T.
“Friendship. Just be there for them. Don't bail, even if they are being a bitch. They need you now more than you know.” – Jane
19. Weight loss support
If the single mom you love tells you she wants to loose weight (and ONLY if she tells you this!!), and you know she'd be open to your overt support, consider offering her a gift to help reach those goals. If a Peloton is out of your budget, perhaps a few sessions with a personal trainer, membership to a local yoga studio or Zumba class would be welcome — you can also throw in some free babysitting!
How to feel sexy and confident when you feel old, gross and fat
20. An extended family
Access to a genealogy genetics testing service like MyHeritage, Ancestory.com and LivingDNA.com are surprisingly popular gifts for single moms. After all, these sites help you understand who you are, and where you are coming from (two big questions when you are in a big life transition), and often connects you with information and relatives that you never knew existed — which can be incredible for someone why may feel especially alone, and unsure of who she can count on in her family.
MyHeritage.com has a free 14-day trial and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
21. A psychic reading
I recently talked to a psychic on Keen, where you can choose from hundreds of mediums, tarot readers and psychics for a live reading.
Even if your friend doesn’t necessarily believe in psychics, having a reading is still a fun way for your friend to spend some “me” time and chat with someone who is willing to hear out her worries and fears.
22. Local memberships
Get her and her kids a membership to a local zoo, museum, or amusement park — one less expense to worry about and a way for her to make special memories with her kids.
You can also take her kids for the day while she takes a day for herself!
23. Streaming subscriptions
Buy her a 1-year subscription to Netflix or another streaming service so she can binge-watch her favorite shows — and so you can have a girls night watching '90s rom coms.
She might also like a subscription to Spotify or Audible.
Gift for single moms to pamper them
Every single mom needs to unwind, and these are some perfect gifts to help her do that:
24. Spa day
Whether it's a massage, a facial, or even an aromatherapy candle, it's probably no surprise that the group had a lot of recommendations in the self-care department.
Bree's favorite single mom gift is sweet and simple: “a spa and shopping day!” and a lot of other single moms agree:
“I wish I would have gotten a listening ear and maybe a spa day after my divorce.” – Mona
“An energetic full body massage. There is a lot of pain and healing that can't be done by just talking it out.” – Jessica
“My friends got me a spa day it was unexpected but awesome” – Theresa
25. Salon day
Haircuts/color and mani-pedis are expensive. Get her a gift card to her go-to salon so she can spend the day feeling like her best self.
26. “Something with… batteries”
Ok, you knew this was coming. A couple of realistic Millionaire Single Moms recommend surprising their divorced BFFs with something a bit more… self-sufficient:
“A vibrator. Sorry – it was the first thing that popped into my head!” – Jenna
“A removable shower head.” – Shauna
“Pure Romance party with all of our friends!” – Michelle
27. An adventure
What better way to take her mind off of the ups and downs of divorce than to take your single mom friend out of her usual surroundings! If you're looking for ideas, these mamas have you covered:
“My bestie flew into town and we took all the kids on a short backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon. It was great to have her with me and gave me a sense of normalcy to take our kids on an adventure together.” – Anna
“From my sisters I got a surprise visit at midnight shortly after my divorce. They live in NYC and I'm in MD. So Saturday flowed into a whole day spent visiting, eating and shopping in a place I had never been before in my county.” – Rachel
“Going hiking and seeing a movie — trying to do a girls' day out as much as possible to keep her busy.” – Emily T.
28. A night out
Speaking of adventure, a lot of moms in the Facebook group really love the idea of taking her out for an evening she'll never forget… or never remember, depending on how your crew rolls. Here are some of my favorite ideas from the MSM group:
“Love and support with a good night out!” – Tori
“Lots of invites to everything! Take her to dinner, parties, anything to get her mind off of things.” – Suze
“A weekend away at the ACE Hotel. Girls night out? Yes, please!” – Jeanette
“A girls trip to celebrate the start of a new beginning!” – Miranda
29. Dance classes
This is a great gift because it's something you can do together. Look for local ballroom dance classes, or try something more exotic like pole dancing. Even if you have two left feet, dancing is a great way to relieve stress and not take yourselves too seriously.
30. Shopping spree
Take her out of the house to her favorite local boutique and tell her to pick out a few things she loves — you can of course discuss a budget or just offer to buy her a single item she's had her eye on.
31. Meditation app subscription
Meditation is a great way for a single mom to unwind after a busy day of working and taking care of her kids. Even if your friend has never meditated before, the Yours app is a great introduction, with tailored content like:
- Mindfulness meditation courses to reduce stress and anxiety
- Psychological advice on mental health topics
- Interactive breathing clocks
- Sleep stories, music, ambient soundscapes, nature sounds, and more
- Hundreds of hours of yoga videos with guided experts
Yours is currently only available for iOS devices.
Get 7 days free on the Yours app >>
32. Birthstone jewelry gift ideas
Moms love their kids — and birthstone jewelry is a great way for moms to keep their kids with them at all times. Check out these options from Etsy:
Birthstone necklace for moms
Birthstone rings
Great suggestions. Just to comment that the DNA tests are great, but bear in mind, these companies gather your DNA information and can sell it to other companies…in case it interests anyone…
Is your facebook group closed? I keep getting a ‘sorry, this content isn’t available right now’ error whenever I click the link to join.