#SheDeservedThePurse: Mothers Nationwide Spark Trend of Hidden Gifts for Fellow Moms

Video screenshots from ‘She Deserved The Purse Challenge’Photo byTikTok @thekatiebeach

A new social media trend is capturing hearts and inspiring a giving-back campaign for young mothers. Mothers nationwide are demonstrating remarkable selflessness by anonymously leaving gifts, often in the form of cash or gift cards, in baby item aisles at major retailers like Walmart and Target. Their actions are a testament to the power of empathy and the spirit of giving.

It all started this past month when a Nashville mother, Denaesha Gonzalez, with her young son in tow, was browsing the aisle when she caught sight of a silver clutch purse from the store placed on a shelf next to baby supplies. Gonzalez realized what must have happened; another mother picked up the purse, intending to buy it for herself, but had to return it to the shelf to get something for her baby. Gonzalez told The Washington Post;

“I’ve found myself several times wishing I could get something but couldn’t. I’ve gone through seasons of lack where we could only afford just the essential things,” 

Gonzalez shared, her words resonating with the countless mothers who have experienced similar struggles. The realization hit her emotionally, and she posted a video to TikTok about it with the caption, “She Deserved The Purse…To the Mother who chose themselves last, you deserve the world tonight and always.” 

What happened next is the stuff of the internet. The video went mega-viral, viewed by tens of millions of people, and launched a spontaneous nationwide trend of hiding gift cards or cash inside or next to baby supplies in stores. 

Moms on TikTok are participating in the #shedeservedthepurse inspired by Denaesha Gonzalez's viral video.Photo byThe Washington Post

An internet influencer known for her mom/parent content went to Target and recorded a video of herself purchasing a $100 gift card, writing a note that said, “Hey! You deserve that special ‘you’ thing. You are amazing!” and stashing it away between a bag of diapers for a hardworking mom to find.

The trend quickly gained traction with the hashtag #shedeservedthepurse, and on TikTok alone, there are over 1,500 posts about the trend. There are hundreds of videos of women leaving gifts for fellow mothers and other videos of young mothers finding the gifts and notes and recording tearful thank-you videos. 

So, if you're a mother or a parent, why not join this heartwarming trend? Your small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. Let's spread the love and positivity, one gift at a time. #shedeservedthepurse