Keeping Gifts From Exes | Glamour

When it comes to presents from exes, I'm a purge and push-on kind of gal. But I understand some things are just not easy to throw in the trash, even if they are from the guy who broke your heart or the one you couldn't run from fast enough. So if you're toggling between keeping and tossing something he bought you, here's a guide to help you decide what to do.

It's a keeper:

Housewares. No man should ever come between you and your KitchenAid. Whether he bought you the ultimate mixer or a robotic vacuum, these gifts are more practical than personal and will serve you well long after he's gone.

Clothing. Mixed into your wardrobe are a few pieces—a faux leather jacket, a flannel PJ set and the perfect little black dress—that your ex picked up over the years. But unless each time you pull those clothes over your head you're tempted to cry, there's no reason to toss things with little sentimental value and that you likely would have bought yourself if he hadn't beat you to it.

Jewelry. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, not the guy who gave them to you. So if you love a necklace he unveiled for your first anniversary, it's OK to keep it long after you've split. The beautiful thing about jewelry, too, is that it can be remade: If you've got pieces you love but you want to take the ex-factor out of them, you take them to a jeweler and ask him to use the stones to custom make you something you'll adore even more.

Toss it like it's hot:

Cards. In the throes of a split, it's tempting to page through the love notes he's scrolled across the bottom of teddy bear and heart-clad cards and remind yourself of the good times. But keeping these handwritten gifts only torments you over something you no longer have. Avoid the heartache altogether by putting these paper products in the recycling bin.