Ultimate Gift Guide: Top Gifts for Empty Nesters
Know someone who will have an empty nest soon? A great gift might help ease the sadness a bit. Let’s talk about some gifts for empty nesters that are perfect for newly empty-nesting couples.
Becoming an empty nester nearly four years ago was a transition I wasn’t fully prepared for. Many empty-nester moms will admit the transition is really tough. When my children left home, the silence that filled the house felt overwhelming, and I found myself missing the hustle and bustle that had been a constant in my life for so many years.
I started out hating the empty nest, feeling lost without the daily routines that had defined my role as a parent. However, over time, I’ve learned how to live my best life in this new phase.
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Blogs About Empty Nesters
One of the things that helped my feelings of empty nest syndrome was reading. I found it quite helpful to read blogs about empty nesters. Learning about others who were experiencing similar feelings helped my feelings of sadness.
The personal stories and shared experiences provided a sense of community and understanding that I desperately needed. I found comfort in knowing that I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and I was inspired by the stories of others who had not only survived but thrived in their empty nest years.
Bloggers who shared their journeys offered practical advice, from how to stay connected with your adult children to finding new hobbies and interests. These stories encouraged me to look at this phase of life differently—not as an ending, but as a new beginning. Slowly, I started to explore new activities, travel more, and focus on self-care in ways I hadn’t before.
Empty Nester Gifts
As I embraced this new chapter, I also started to appreciate the unique gifts for empty nesters that can make this transition easier and possibly even enjoyable. These gifts aren’t just physical items; they’re experiences and tools that help you rediscover yourself and your passions.
For example, one of the best gifts I received was a journal specifically designed for empty nesters. It was filled with prompts that encouraged me to reflect on my life, set new goals, and dream about the future. This simple tool helped me process my feelings and refocus on what I wanted to achieve in this next phase.
Other great gifts for empty nesters include subscription boxes tailored to new hobbies, like cooking classes, gardening kits, or art supplies. Travel-related gifts, such as a weekend getaway or a travel guide for a dream destination, are also perfect for encouraging exploration and adventure. Even books for empty nesters, filled with stories and advice, can be incredibly empowering.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Empty Nesters
Looking for the perfect gift for empty nesters? Here are some examples of ideas that are great for a care package:
- Personalized Keepsake: A custom-made photo album or a personalized piece of jewelry that commemorates family memories.
- Family Photos: Arrange a photo shoot for the entire family. The best thing about a family photo session is it’s a beautiful way for the family to be together for quality time and then leave the parents with great memories. Mom always loves some extra time with her adult children. For an added touch, add a photo or two to a coffee mug put some in wood frames for a cute personalized gift.
- Experience Gifts: An empty nesters experience is a fun gift. Wine tastings are art workshops are two examples that can offer new skills and and possibly a fun, life-changing experience.
- Subscription Boxes: Monthly boxes tailored to their interests, like gourmet foods, books, or gardening supplies.
- Home Décor Upgrades: A cozy throw blanket, candles, or artwork that helps refresh their living space.
- Fitness Equipment: Yoga mats, resistance bands, or a new bike to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Streaming Service Subscription: Access to their favorite movies, shows, or documentaries to enjoy during their newfound free time.
- Memory Jar: A jar filled with slips of paper where family members can write down favorite memories or messages to be read whenever they need a pick-me-up.
- Spa Day Gift Card: A day of pampering at a local spa to relax and rejuvenate.
- Cooking Gadgets: High-quality kitchen tools or appliances like an air fryer or a gourmet cookbook for experimenting with new recipes.
- Outdoor Gear: Hiking boots, a new set of golf clubs, or gardening tools for the empty nester who loves the outdoors.
- DIY Kits: Craft or hobby kits like knitting, painting, or woodworking to explore a new interest.
Books for Empty Nesters
Books have also been another crucial part of my journey. Reading books for empty nesters gave me insights into how others have navigated this time of life and provided practical advice that I could apply to my own situation. Some books focused on the emotional aspects of letting go, while others were more about finding new purpose and joy.
Books that resonated with me included titles like “Second Blooming: Embracing Life After the Empty Nest” and “The Empty Nest Companion: A Little Book of Comfort and Guidance.” These reads offered reassurance and practical tips, helping me to reframe my thinking and embrace the opportunities ahead.
Other Great Books for Empty Nesters
“The Empty Nest: 31 Parents Tell the Truth About Relationships, Love, and Freedom After the Kids Fly the Coop” by Karen Stabiner – A collection of essays offering diverse perspectives on life after children leave home.
“Refeathering the Empty Nest: Life After the Children Leave” by Wendy Aronsson – A practical and emotional guide to redefining your life and relationships after the kids move out.
After the Kids Move Out: 10 Steps to Achieving Your Empty Nest Life Plan” by Susan Newman – This book provides actionable steps to help empty nesters create a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
“Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood” by Suzanne Braun Levine* – A look at how women can reinvent themselves and find new purpose in the second half of life.
“Midlife Manual for Men: Finding Significance in the Second Half” by Steve Arterburn and John Shore – A guide for men to navigate midlife challenges, including the empty nest, with purpose and significance.
“Parenting Adult Children: A Guide to Keeping the Faith (and Your Sanity)” by Jim Burns – A helpful resource for empty nesters who are learning to navigate relationships with their adult children.
“The Next Chapter: What To Do When Your Kids Leave Home” by Shari Collins and Victoria Hardy – A book that focuses on rediscovering joy and purpose after your children leave the nest.
These books offer a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help empty nesters navigate this new chapter of life.
Being an empty nester isn’t something I ever imagined would be easy, but nearly four years into this journey, I can say that I’m living my best life in ways I never thought possible. From connecting with other empty nesters through blogs to discovering the perfect gifts and books that supported my journey, I’ve learned that this phase of life is full of potential.
It’s a time to rediscover who you are, explore new passions, and create a fulfilling life that’s all your own. If you’re just starting your empty nest journey, know that it gets better—and the best is yet to come.
