It is understandable that you may still be attached to a gift from an ex-partner, but it can also be difficult to decide what to do with the item. Some people like to keep it for nostalgic reasons and as a reminder of the relationship, while others prefer not to look at it anymore and would rather move on.
So, is it weird to keep gifts from your ex? Personally, I would say it is weird to keep things like lingerie, handmade gifts, letters, and items with special sentimental value from your ex. These kinds of gifts can be personal reminders that may be too difficult to look at, and it may be best to say goodbye to them if you’re trying to move on.
Continue reading as I share a couple more things that are weird to keep from your ex and the things that might not be weird to keep.
Let’s get into the details!
Gifts That Are Weird To Keep From An Ex
There are a bunch of things that can be weird to keep from an ex. Here are the top 11 picks!
1. Jewelry
Jewelry can be awkward to keep around unless you take off its sentimental value and treat it like a piece of fashion or an accessory.
Otherwise, it can be a reminder of your ex and may not be the best item to keep around for sentimental reasons.
2. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals can be a reminder of your ex and might not be the best choice to keep around. Luckily, most stuffed animals are not pricey, so tossing them isn’t too bad of an idea.
Of course, except if you have some special story attached to it that you can’t bear to forget.
3. Photos
Photos that are gifts from your ex can be hard to look at and may remind you of old memories. If it’s too hard for you to look at the photos, then it might be best to get rid of them so you can move on.
Also, it can be weird if your friends or family find out you’re keeping photos of your ex.
4. Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts such as mugs or t-shirts that have words, artwork, or quotes from your ex can remind you of them and may be weird to keep around.
5. Love Notes And Letters
Love notes are one of the most personal gifts from an ex and can be quite awkward to keep around. Although it is possible to have a good laugh over some funny ones, it’s usually best to just throw them away.
6. Clothing
Clothing items like lingerie, t-shirts, sweaters or any other clothing item containing a special message from your ex can be quite weird. You’d be surprised how powerful the scents or messages on these items can be.
7. Gifts That Represent Your Relationship
Gifts from your ex that represent your relationships, such as matching jewelry or a couple’s photo frame, might not be something you want to keep around if you’re trying to move on. Quite similar to photos, it might be better to just get rid of them.
8. Fragrances
Fragrances or perfumes with scents that remind you of your ex can be weird to keep, especially if they are expensive items. It’s usually best to give these away and get a new one.
As I mentioned before, smells can be very powerful and can take you back to a certain time in your life. So if it is possible, you want to get rid of such items.
9. Ticket Stubs From Movies, Concerts, & Vacations You Took Together
Ticket stubs may be small, but they can represent a lot of memories between you and your ex. It’s usually best to just get rid of them as soon as possible so that you can move on.
10. Relationship Reminders
Relationship reminders such as gifts from the first date, gifts from special occasions, or gifts with special stories behind them can be weird.
11. Anything Related To Your Ex’s Family
Gifts from your ex’s family, such as items they might have given you, can be weird to keep around. It’s usually best to give them back or give them out.
12. A Journal or Diary That Belonged To Them
This isn’t necessarily a gift, but it is definitely something that can be weird to keep. Journals and diaries are very personal items, filled with the thoughts and feelings of a person.
Keeping them after a relationship ends can bring back memories that may not be so pleasant. It is certainly understandable if you don’t feel like keeping them around.
Things That Might “Not” Be Weird To Keep From An Ex
There are also things that you might not find weird to keep from an ex. Here are a few!
1. Books
Books can be a great reminder of who you used to love and might even help you in life. They don’t typically have any sentimental value, so they won’t be too weird to keep around.
This includes cookbooks, motivational books, to mention a few. However, if you don’t feel like it can help you, then it might be best to just get rid of them.
2. Kitchenware
Kitchenware such as pots and pans can be useful items to keep. They don’t usually have any sentimental value, which means it won’t be weird to keep them around.
3. Electronics
Electronics such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets can be useful items to keep. Even if the electronics remind you of your ex, they don’t usually have any sentimental value, so it won’t be weird to keep them around.
How To Get Rid of Gifts From An Ex
If you decide not to keep the gifts from your ex, you should have a plan to get rid of them. Here are some tips:
1. Donate Them
One of the best ways to get rid of gifts from an ex is to donate them to charity. This will make sure that they are put to good use and help someone in need.
2. Sell Them Online
Selling the gifts from your ex online is another great way to get rid of them. You can use websites such as eBay and Craigslist.
3. Give Them To Family & Friends
Giving the gifts from your ex to family and friends is a great way to get rid of them without having to throw them away. This also helps make sure that the gifts are put to good use instead of ending up in a landfill.
No matter what you decide to do with your ex’s gifts, it is important to remember that it is ok to let go and move on.
Keeping gifts from an ex can be weird, but it’s important to take the time to decide what is right for you and your situation.
Regardless of whether you choose to keep or get rid of the items, it is important to remember that moving on from a relationship and finding closure is okay.
