Gretchen Rubin's Gifts That Are Not Candles | Gretchen Rubin [Skip to content](#content) [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gretchenrubin-logo-768x344.png) ](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com) - November 17, 2025 - [Gifts](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/tag/gifts/) # Gretchen Rubin’s Gifts That Are Not Candles ![two wrapped presents sitting on top of each other](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/xkggi7gtfs4.jpg) Gift-giving for acquaintances can be tricky—you want to show you put some thought into it, but keep the choice general enough that you don’t give them something they’ll never use. Here are some ideas that go beyond the tried and true “nice candle” option. (Although if you’re really committed to the candle, [I have some recommendations](http://gretchen-rubins-fun-candle-gifts).) *This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.* [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/olive_oil-1024x1024.jpg) ](https://amzn.to/3WKtPrn) ## [Olive Oil](https://amzn.to/3WKtPrn) Even though I don’t cook much, I do still appreciate having high-quality olive oil and vinegar. [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Puzzle_Club_408982ad-2bf0-4640-9ed2-71d7452aa9ce-1024x1024.webp) ](https://jiggypuzzles.com) ## [Jigsaw Puzzle](https://jiggypuzzles.com) My family appreciates a good jigsaw puzzle, and I love that these support local artists. They can even be framed for your walls. [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/book-1024x1024.jpg) ](https://bookshop.org/) ## [Books](https://bookshop.org/) Books are some of my favorite gifts to get and give. [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/original-1-1024x1024.webp) ](https://stillandslow.com/products/monochrome-coloring-book) ## [Adult Coloring Book](https://stillandslow.com/products/monochrome-coloring-book) Coloring is a terrific way to calm our minds through our hands, and it’s such a pleasure to play with color. [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Shutterfly-1024x1024.jpg) ](https://www.shutterfly.com/gift-cards/) ## [Shutterfly Gift Card](https://www.shutterfly.com/gift-cards/) Your recipient can upload their favorite photos to Shutterfly and turn them into printed albums, framed wall art, personalized mugs, and so much more. [ ![](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/61847_2_640px.webp) ](https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/year-of-guided-watercolor-painting-desk-calendar) ## [Year of Guided Watercolor Calendar](https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/year-of-guided-watercolor-painting-desk-calendar) 2025 has been my year of watercolor, and this calendar is such a fun approach to painting more. ## See Gretchen’s Other Gift Guides [ See more ](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-2025-gift-guides/) #### YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE ![a group of people holding blue and yellow hats](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/o9olh5lzivg-768x493.jpg) [Gretchen Rubin's graduation gift guide](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-graduation-gift-guide/) ![gold and white gift box](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/f1te839byrq-768x512.jpg) [Gretchen Rubin's 2025 Gift Guides](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-2025-gift-guides/) ![purple and white stick with white background](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/kjtqrwwkq2k-768x512.jpg) [Gretchen Rubin's Gen Z Gifts](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/articles/gretchen-rubins-gen-z-gifts/) #### DISCOVER MORE # Like what you see? Explore more about this topic. - [Gifts](https://staging.gretchenrubin.com/secondary_tag/gifts/) # Interested in happiness, habits, and human nature? From renowned happiness expert and *New York Times* bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, the “Five Things Making Me Happy” newsletter is one of today’s most popular newsletters. You’ll get a weekly round-up of what’s making Gretchen happy, as well as practical tips, research, and resources about how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Email Submit Manage Cookie Consent To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. 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