Parents are paying it forward.
While TikTok trends often get a bad rap, one viral movement is making it cool to be kind — and cashed-strapped mamas are the beneficiaries.
Denaesha Gonzales, a mother based in Nashville, Tennessee, pioneered the new trend after shopping for baby items earlier this month.
In a 17-second TikTok clip, which has over 22.6 million views, Gonzales zooms in on a silver purse placed between children’s body wash and medication in a department store’s baby aisle.
“Whether the purse was put there mistakenly or placed there by a mother who had to make a decision, I heavily resonated with the moment,” Gonzales told The Post. “[As] a mother who has had to make sacrifices, whether big or small, it was a moment that I didn’t overlook.”
While other shoppers may have failed to notice the purse, which still had tags on it, Gonzales realized it was probably put there by a mom who had decided not to buy the item for herself so that she could afford essentials for her child instead.
“To the mother who chose themselves last, you deserve the world tonight and always,” Gonzalez captioned the viral clip.
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.”
TikTok moms are encouraging other moms to participate in the #shedeservedthepurse trend, where people anonymously moms money in baby products. ibilyk13 – stock.adobe.comThe mom’s message, “SHE DESERVED THE PURSE,” was overlayed across the viral video, and it’s now resonated with many mothers online, sparking a trend of giving back.
Moms nationwide are participating in the “#shedeservedthepurse” challenge, with hundreds of videos devoted to the trend already shared on TikTok.
In this challenge, participants anonymously give back to moms by placing gift cards and money inside baby products such as diapers, formulas, and baby wipes at department stores and supermarkets.
Cecily Bauchmann, a mom-of-four, was inspired by Gonzales’ video, calling it a “sweet” way to give back.
She recently filmed herself purchasing a $100 Target gift card and writing a note on the back of a receipt that read, “Hey! You deserve that special ‘you’ thing. You are amazing!”
She subsequently slipped the gift inside a package of Huggies diapers.
“This is going to make me cry because I remember when I couldn’t buy certain things that I couldn’t afford for myself,” Bauchmann confessed in the clip.
Many participants are leaving gifts inside Target baby aisle products. Tada Images – stock.adobe.com
People are placing gift cards and money inside baby wipes, diapers and formula lids. ColleenMichaels – stock.adobe.comThe trend has also prompted many moms to cry as they reflect on the troubled times they’ve experienced as moms who put their children first.
Gonzales commented underneath’s Bauchmann clip: “Oh my heart!! I pray this not only blesses that mother physically, but speaks to her and shows her how much the Father loves her. You deserve all the flowers Cecily! You are SUCH an inspiration.”
Another mom influencer, Ken Cradic, who goes by @kencradic, revealed how emotional she felt while partaking in the challenge.
“From one Mama to another don’t forget to fill your cup! I HOPE THIS INSPIRES ANOTHER MAMA!” Crafic wrote online.
Cradic, who is currently pregnant stuffed a $100 Target gift card inside a Pamper’s box accompanied by an endearing handwritten note
The moms who paid the kind act forward remember when they were struggling as a moms and hope the incentive can bring a smile to their face. Maksym – stock.adobe.comThe trend continues to hit home for many moms, who are grateful for the social media community.
“This made me cry Ken, being a mom is really hard. Especially being a solo working mom sometimes. I make it work but I’m proud of you,” wrote one emotional mama.






