"She deserves the purse" meaning explained as viral TikTok trend takes over social media

A new TikTok trend called "she deserves the purse" is gaining significant popularity on the social media platform. The trend is seeing women across the United States leaving gift cards or cash inside baby products for sale in grocery stores like Target or Walmart as anonymous acts of kindness.

Started by user Denaesha Gonzalez in September 2024, the trend recognizes the sacrifices mothers make while raising children, choosing to put themselves last. Gonzalez shared an image of a woman's purse in the baby section of the supermarket between an Up & Up Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion and Infant's Tylenol with the in-post caption, "She deserved the purse."

The assumption is that a mother left behind her purse to buy baby products for her child, prompting Gonzalez to state that 'she deserved the purse.' The photo was accompanied by the sound of a woman sighing. Gonzalez, a mom from Nashville, Tennessee, wrote:

"To the Mother who chose themselves last, you deserve the world tonight and always."

The photo has since amassed over 22 million views with thousands of comments. Online creator Cecily Bauchmann, who related to the situation, was inspired to perform the act of kindness. She inserted a $100 gift card inside a box of baby diapers and a note that read, "Hey! You deserve that special 'you' thing :) You are amazing! xoxo!"" This sparked the trend.

---

"I’ve found myself several times wishing I could get something but couldn't"- Denaesha Gonzalez about the "she deserves the purse" TikTok trend

As per a September 24 report by Yahoo! Life, Denaesha Gonzalez, in a Zoom interview with The Washington Post, explained that she was at her local Target with her 2-year-old son when she found the abandoned $20 silver clutch bag. Seeing the bag, the Nashville mother realized she had sacrificed something for her baby. She told the publication:

"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."

In her post, Bauchmann urged her friends and fellow mom influencers to join her in the anonymous act of kindness. As her post gained traction, several content creators followed Bauchmann's steps, participating in the trend and placing money or gift cards in baby supplies.

Some individuals, like Danielle Stanley (TikTok user @deeeemarie), are handing it to the mothers directly.

In her video, Stanley explained she worked in social services before becoming an influencer. She added that she always believed that if she were ever in a position to help a family in need, she would do it. Stanley brought a $100 Walmart gift card and handed it to a mother in the store whom she had seen carrying a car seat through the parking lot. The woman was taken aback and hugged Danielle.

Another user, Tommy Martin, participated in the trend, reminding everyone that fathers, too, sacrifice for their kids. Another TikToker, Vidya Gopalan, made a "she deserves the purse" post, promising to do it every time she visits the supermarket.