How to recover from domestic violence: 20 Awesome Gifts for Survivors

I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned, at no extra cost to you. I only support what I know and love!

I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned, but I only support what I know and love!

Every holiday season, domestic violence shelters and the individuals who find refuge there could use a little extra love and support. When these people have left their abusive partner, they have left everything behind in order to escape domestic violence, basic necessities can be hard to come by. This holiday season, consider giving back by donating items that domestic violence survivors desperately need. 

When I arrived at my local women’s shelter, I was so happy to feel safe that the inconvenience of not having my things was a small thing, but knowing that someone else thought of me was an incredible, humbling feeling. The domestic abuse shelter I was at participated in a community outreach program in which people “adopted” a woman, man, transgender, or cisgender individual and bought them a gift or 2 for them to open on Christmas. Children were put on a list for children in need, with a note describing 2 items that they had asked for.

The Formalities

Before we get started…yes, the links in this post are affiliate links and I do make a small commission on each item – at no extra cost to you – but I want you to know that I only share items that I have used myself, have been highly recommended by close friends, family, or experts in say, the medical field, like me. I value my reputation, so that means that I have no desire to cause hardships for you.

\If something breaks or customer service sucks, then I haven’t done my part. Please be rest assured that anything I choose to take time out of my day to write about means something to me because I don’t have enough time in the day to discuss crappy stuff. I want my readers to be healthy and happy. That’s why my tagline is Rx for Happiness. I am a domestic violence victim and I want to make life easier for other domestic violence victims. Please help me do so,

Gifts for Survivors In Domestic Violence Shelters

Gifts for Survivors: RockDove Memory Foam Slipper

Domestic violence survivors need comfort. These are SO comfortable!! I have gone through 3 pairs over the past few years, but my first pair came from the shelter, so they hold a special meaning for me. They are made from memory foam and they have an incredible sole that lasts through constant wear for an entire season and the 3 seasons following it. Buying slippers with a good soles for domestic violence shelters is a great way to help survivors. 

Having a good soles on the slippers helps domestic violence victims stay safe while they navigate their shelter environment. It also provides them with much-needed protection against any potential hazards that may be present in the facility. Furthermore, having comfortable footwear can prevent foot fatigue and help victims of domestic violence keep up their energy levels, which is essential as they work towards rebuilding their lives after such trauma. By donating good quality slippers, we can ensure domestic violence survivors have one less thing to worry about during an already difficult time. 

Shower Cloud Shoes

One of the nastiest places in a shelter is the bathroom, despite being cleaned on a daily basis. If a person does not wear shower shoes, they will most likely leave with a fantastic hard-to-get-rid-of fungal infection. Trust me. As a retired RN and person who did NOT have these to wear…fungal infections are incredibly difficult to get rid of. 

Domestic abuse victims in shelters have enough to worry about, so please, if you are able, grab a few pairs and drop them off at your local shelter. 

There are many different brands of shower shoes but I personally have these at home and absolutely love them because they are super soft – even though they don’t look it – and dry really quickly. I have tried a few different types of these but

Hicober Microfiber Hair Towel

Towels are a precious commodity in community living and they tend to always be gone if you aren’t quick. I have fallen in love with these hair towels because if you ask me, they absorb water from hair a lot faster than towels do anyway. Since you can’t usually have more than one towel per day, you’ll be able to appear at least partly human by having these to dry your hair. A cool fact about the hair towels is that they come in a pack of 3!

Fight Like A Girl Knockout Dakota 5-Pocket Tote Gift Bag

Before I comment on this bag, I want to make it known that men, transgender, and cisgender individuals are often abused, too. The problem is that there is no funding for shelters for them, and this needs to be remedied. Since I have this platform, I will continue to voice concerns about this issue. Abusive partners come in all genders, shapes, and sizes.

If you are involved with a small business that could make this a reality in any form, please pursue it. All people deserve to have a safe place to go when they are getting abused in their homes. Having no place to go, especially if children are involved, is the main reason behind the choice not to leave. 

I’ll get off my soapbox now…about that bag…most people don’t have much in the way of possessions when arriving at a domestic abuse shelter but as they acquire stuff they will need somewhere to put it. I love how this bag does that, but also does it with a flair – reminding victims to fight – no giving up!

Anker Soundcore Life U2 Bluetooth Neckband Headphones With 24 H Playtime

I saved my favorite Anker product for last (as far as Anker is concerned) because they are the best. I am on my 3rd pair and they are super lightweight, and waterproof (yes, I wear them in the shower too), and will play for 24 hours. Unlike other companies that advertise 24 hours of play, these actually do it. The best part (there’s more?) is the price point. They should be charging a LOT more for these. Shhhhh…don’t tell them. 

These are sanity must-haves when living in a shelter. You don’t get any time alone or privacy, so it is nice to be able to listen to your music without anyone complaining – and someone will – about your noise. They have an incredible microphone on them too, so talking to your lawyer doesn’t have to be everyone else’s business. 

Lastly, the reason behind choosing the neckband variety is simple. When in a shelter, hold on to what you can because things will get stolen. It is sick, but reality. Everyone in the shelter is hurting for possessions but too many don’t want to come by them honestly, unfortunately. Having them around your neck makes things more difficult for the thief. 

Gifts for Survivors: the Healing Journey

Fight Like A Girl Motivational Script Bracelet

I know that this isn’t a necessity, but when I arrived my self-esteem was non-existent. It isn’t until after the bruises are gone that we even begin to understand and truly believe that we somehow managed to survive. A bracelet like this reinforces that fact and makes it more real. It is something tangible to go along with the thoughts surrounding survival. 

Gifts for Survivors: Court Accompaniments

Farsea Insulated Water Bottle With Paracord Handle

These water bottles are my absolute favorite and essential when you are in a. community living situation, not knowing just how well the last person assigned to do dishes actually scrubbed. Plus, it is usually prohibited to have any open containers in any room besides the kitchen, due to spills. When kids are in the shelter too, this is doubly enforced. They are also great for bringing to court if you have to testify. It isn’t easy, but you can do it!

The fun thing about these (I just bought my 2nd one to switch out when I empty the first) is the cool carrying handle, of course, but how you can stick it in the freezer and your drink will get cold -but won’t freeze – and will stay cold for a good 12 hours. What first sold me on them are the 2 lids: one with a silicone straw (I hate those things) and the other is just a large mouth opening that fits ice cubes!! Sold! Why not buy one for yourself while you are at it? I just did. 

Anker Portable Charger

I have been buying Anker products for years and I cannot stop RAVING about their customer service. If you have any problems with any of their products, they will replace them, while being awesome about it the entire time. They have replaced ONE pair of my headphones 4 times over the past 6 years, which breaks because I admit to wearing them 24/7 but that doesn’t matter to them.

They want their customers to be happy. That’s worth paying more for products, in my book, but Anker goes even further by charging less than their competitors for a better product! If their product says “fast-charge”, then it is. None of the lying BS other companies do. 

Anyway, the reasoning behind this is that it isn’t easy to find a free outlet, especially if a shelter is full. The Anker portable charger has plenty of juice to charge a couple phones at the same time and still have some left. Plus, it uses fast-charge technology. It can charge any phone. 

Anker Powerline II 3-In-1 Cable

Yes, Anker again, because I don’t know of another company that stands by their products as they do, so I will shout it from the mountaintops while I can. I chose this charging cord of theirs because it can charge ANY cell phone on the market due to their handy little attached tips that make it a micro USB, USB c, or lightning charger. By buying this, you can rest assured that it will get used quite a bit, as they are lending it to others they are staying there with!

Gifts for Survivors: Young adults

CO-Lab Unicorn Dry Shampoo

I promise that I consider prices when I post things but I also promised to post what I believe in, so yes, I know that this costs more than other items within this gift guide, but I have to share it with you for 2 reasons: the first being that I don’t think that it is too much to ask people to buy this as a gift for survivors because they have enough to deal with and the second reason being that guests can’t always take a shower due to limited towel supplies, so I hope that you can understand my reasons. 

Gifts for Survivors: Mental Health

Alexander Del Rossa Bath Robes

Did I mention the issue around bath towels in shelters? I know, I did. A couple of times, but it is an everyday issue that gets worse as more people arrive and some aren’t so good at following the rules, which makes it even worse than things are, to begin with. Bathrobes are awesome for mental health, too. Just curl up in one and read a book!

Wouldn’t honest people be a nice change? Well, we can only begin with ourselves and hope that others follow suit. Some do, so if you continue to work on personal change, others may see how much that improvement has affected your life and decide to do some self-improvement of their own.

But back to bathrobes for today. I was given one as a gift and just love it! They are so soft and comfy, have big pockets, and are much longer than most robes are, which is probably my favorite detail.

Gifts for survivors of domestic violence in Shelters

Convenience Kit

I know that some people prefer to give a gift that covers the basics and I agree that it should be an option. Surprisingly, it took me a while to find a kit that I wanted to put my name behind to support. This one carries some products that I use myself, plus a few we recommend in the healthcare arena. The kit comes with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a razor, shaving cream, lotion, deodorant, a shower comb, body wash, and a few other items necessary personal items that the majority of people do not have when they show up at a shelter. 

Gifts for Survivors: the healing process

Bingerlily Women’s Casual Hoodies

I’m a hoodie girl. I live in Upper Michigan, so hoodies are an essential way of life. There is one major reason I immediately jumped to hoodies when considering clothes in a shelter – having pockets.

I mentioned the fact that people from all walks of life are in shelters, so some people steal to get what they want or need. This leads to the need for pockets, so guests can carry their phones, etc. around with them so things don’t get “lost” in the shuffle.

Theft is also the other reason for choosing this particular hoodie. Being rather plain at first look, a lot of thieves would tend to go for something more lucrative or that they’d prefer to wear. Little do they know how soft and comfy this awesome sweatshirt really is! Sweatshirts are also like a big hug and great for the healing process.

Gifts for survivors to know they are worthy of love

Domestic violence survivors need to know that they are worthy of love. They have heard over and over that they aren’t. So, this tee can help them learn through affirmations that they are a good person and worthy of love.

Gifts for survivors: Domestic violence awareness to end domestic violence

We all need to help to end domestic violence, so we need to raise awareness. This bracelet has the domestic violence awareness ribbon and the color purple which are both used to bring attention to domestic abuse.

Gifts for survivors and their new life

Bring some enchantment to your space with this Unicorn Magic Quote poster. Inspired by the quote “She remembered who she was and the game changed,” this inspirational wall art features a rainbow unicorn that will add some magic and whimsy to any room.

The idea for this product came from a desire to create a piece of art that would uplift and inspire others. We were inspired by the beauty and majesty of unicorns and wanted to capture that in a way that would remind people of their own inner strength and resilience from helping women in domestic violence situations.

Gifts for Survivors: financial empowerment

Gifts for survivors: book for dealing with traumatic events

Why Does He Do That? Inside The Minds Of Angry And Controlling Men

Someone gave me this book when I went to a shelter and I cannot thank them enough for doing so. because this book helps women to connect behaviors to the fact that they aren’t being valued for who they are as a person and helps them to learn how to escape such relationships. It is invaluable for anyone in abusive relationships, not just women. 

Gifts for survivors: Safety Planning Book

Gifts for survivors: Human Trafficking book

Gifts for Survivors: Gift Card

Amazon Gift Card

Gift cards are always appreciated, as they can help empower domestic violence survivors to purchase what they need without worrying about cost or fitting into a limited shelter budget. Alternatively, you may want to donate specific items like other clothing & toiletries, books or games for children, and more. Every donation helps domestic violence survivors begin their journey of healing after an incredibly traumatic experience.

Prime Access

Many people who are in shelters for domestic violence qualify for government assistance. I was excited to find out that Amazon offers their Prime membership for 50% off to those getting any kind of assistance. That means $6.99 a month!! There is a 30-day free trial to check out all of what they offer for Prime Access.. Anyone can sign up through the above link. or this one.

Please Help People in Domestic Violence Shelters Today

Your donations will help domestic violence shelters provide comfort and safety for those in need. On behalf of domestic violence survivors everywhere, thank you for your generosity this holiday season. Together, let’s work towards a future where domestic violence is no longer an issue. 

Remember: domestic violence affects everyone, and it takes the entire community to work together to ensure that domestic violence survivors have all the support they need. So please consider making a difference this holiday season and donate to a nonprofit organization that supports domestic violence – your donations will go a long way! Together, we can build safer communities free from domestic violence.

Good nonprofit organizations include:

• Futures Without Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Partnership Against Domestic Violence

#StoryofLori