Gretchen Rubin's Blog

Giving someone the perfect gift is a wonderful feeling. Finding the perfect gift, on the other hand, can be more of a challenge. We’ve all had those moments of wandering around a store thinking, “What do I get for my brother-in-law who already has everything?”

One thing that makes it simpler is to understand your recipient’s gift-appreciation style; if you’re not sure about their style, try my fun, free quiz. You can also try my gift-idea generator worksheet to help you brainstorm personalized options based on your unique relationship.

For extra inspiration, I’ve rounded up my favorite gift ideas for 2025 below. 

Non-candle gifts for acquaintances Read more If you insist on giving a candle, have some fun with it Read more Great gifts for Gen Z Read more Gifts that keep on giving throughout the year Read more Stocking stuffers to awaken the senses Read more

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Here are gifts that hit the sweet spot between trendy and timeless, perfect for the Gen Z person in your life who probably knows about the latest cool stuff before you do.

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. 

“Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird. A Disappointing Affirmations Collection”
by Dave Tarnowski

I loved partnering with Dave Tarnowski earlier this year with my “Secrets of Adulthood.” His new book is hilarious.

My Mood Today Mug

This mug comes with its own dry-erase marker, so you can draw an expression to wordlessly capture your mood.

KODAK Printomatic Full-Color Instant Print Digital Camera

Everything “old” is new again, especially photographs. Physical photos are nostolgic for older generations and novel for younger ones.

Retrosnap Play

Thousands of retro arcade games in the palm of your hand, no wi-fi needed.

Abby Alley Sling Bag

I decided to bring back this favorite from last year.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

A very useful gift, especially for a young person who might be out and about by themselves.

Digital Super 8 Camera

A digital video camera inspired by the iconic Super 8. There’s no playback screen, so you stay in the moment.

Nintendo Switch

EVERYONE is gaming and playing together on this device. Compared to other consoles, the Switch is both versatile and portable.

Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets can improve sleep and calm anxiety.

See Gretchen’s Other Gift Guides See more

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Candles are a safe, go-to gift, especially when you don’t know what else to give someone. Just about anyone likes a great candle (and they’re also good for re-gifting). And they don’t have to be boring. 

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. 

Edible Butter Candle

A candle that’s also… butter? What a fun party trick.

Stack of Pancakes

This one’s not actually butter, but shares the same spirit.

Lotion Candles

Scoop the wax out as it softens and use it as a luxurious skin lotion.

Celebrity Candles

A great gift for someone who has a favorite celebrity.

Candle-Making Kit

A person who loves candles would probably enjoy the opportunity to make their own.

Birthday Candle

Personalized gifts are so fun. Try a candle with a unique scent matched to your recipient’s birthday.

See Gretchen’s Other Gift Guides See more

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Researching my book Life in Five Senses taught me just how much richness we can add to daily life by engaging our senses of sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Here are some lovely stocking-stuffers to help everyone on your list get in touch with their own.

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. 

Glow Sticks

So fun!

YoYo

Terrific for someone who always wants something to do with their hands.

Over the Rainbow Music Box

A bit of music for a desk or bedside table.

Playable Art Ball

This “ball” is elegant, beautiful, and fun.

Miracle Berry Fruit Tablets

These tablets temporarily change your perception of sour and sweet. 

Sea Salt Sampler

Salt is an amazing ingredient because it enhances other ones. In fact, I once chose “Salt” it as my annual one-word theme. 

Incense

For people who love the sense of smell.

Whimsical Nightlight

Whimsy makes a great gift.

Life in Five Senses

Further reading for anyone intrigued by the senses.

See Gretchen’s Other Gift Guides See more

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Looking for gifts that stick around or become a practical part of someone’s routine? Here are some great ideas.

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. 

Cheese Club

Different options from a NY cheese institution.

Chocolate Subscription

For the chocolate lovers in your life.

Aura Frame

Send pictures from your phone to this digital picture frame.

Storyworth

A wonderful way to connect more deeply with the important people in your life.

Flowers

Flowers, straight from the farm, once or every month.

Plants

A plant to green up their space.

Lego Plant

For someone who might want the vibes but not the soil, LEGO flowers are spectacular.

Puzzle Rentals

Avid puzzle fans can borrow a puzzle and return it for a new one when finished.

Coffee

A new coffee from a local coffee shop every month.

See Gretchen’s Other Gift Guides See more

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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.)

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. 

Olive Oil

Even though I don’t cook much, I do still appreciate having high-quality olive oil and vinegar.

Jigsaw Puzzle

My family appreciates a good jigsaw puzzle, and I love that these support local artists. They can even be framed for your walls.

Books

Books are some of my favorite gifts to get and give.

Adult Coloring Book

Coloring is a terrific way to calm our minds through our hands, and it’s such a pleasure to play with color.

Shutterfly Gift Card

Your recipient can upload their favorite photos to Shutterfly and turn them into printed albums, framed wall art, personalized mugs, and so much more.

Year of Guided Watercolor 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

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Recently, my sister Elizabeth and I returned from our Reading Retreat 2025, in Los Olivos, California.

This year, our yearly challenge is to “Read 25 in ’25,” so we’ve been doing many different things to spend more time reading. For instance, we’re doing Simon Haisell’s Slow Read of War and Peace, and we both did “Read 25 Day” in June. A retreat seemed like another fun way to bring more reading into our days.

Several months ago, we’d had the idea for the retreat, and we’d been trying to figure out when and where to have it.

Then I found out that I needed to travel to L.A. for work. Because I was planning to stay with Elizabeth in Encino, we decided to tack the retreat onto my trip. That way, for the two of us, we had fewer flights to book and less time spent traveling. It also eliminated the decision-fatigue of when to hold the retreat: it had to be before or after my work commitment. 

We chose Los Olivos as a spot within driving distance of Elizabeth’s house; chose our hotel, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern; booked a room; and before long, we were spending two blissful days reading.

We learned a few things:

we enjoyed taking long walks—to enjoy the scenery, to get to see the neighborhood, to get some exercise to help us stay still for readingwe appreciated staying in a place where we could walk everywhere; it was really nice not to have to get in the car for two daysit’s fun to have a same-day book—a book you start and finish in a single day. My same-day book was Nevil Shute’s A Town Like Alice (Amazon, Bookshop); Elizabeth’s same-day book was Percival Everett’s James (Amazon, Bookshop).

We enjoyed it so much that on the drive back to Encino, we decided to make it a yearly tradition (which is why I’m calling it “Reading Retreat 2025”).

Next time, we want the reading retreat to be three nights long, not two. We would have really enjoyed one more day, especially given the travel time.

How to plan your own reading retreat

Every reader deserves a bit of dedicated time to enjoy a good book. Here are some ideas for planning your retreat:

At home: Try a weekend morning micro-retreat—just a few hours can feel luxurious if you treat it like a real retreat. Hide your phone, tell your family you’re off-limits, and claim your favorite reading spot.

Out and about: Read at a library, a bookstore café, or if the weather is nice, a park bench or quiet outdoor spot. 

Weekend getaway: If you can swing it, a few days in a new location can really enhance your enjoyment. You don’t need to travel far, but getting out of your house removes the domestic distractions that pull you away from your book.

Whom to bring: It’s up to you! You might bring one friend, a small group, your family, or have a solo retreat. If you do bring someone along, make sure you’re on the same page (!) about your plans for reading time, conversation time, breaks, and other activities.

A few weeks ago, more than 1,000 people responded to my poll about the ideal reading retreat, and their answers were delightfully revealing.

Nearly half fantasized about a beach-house getaway, while a third preferred a cozy cabin in the woods. Seven percent preferred to stay home as long as all responsibilities were “magically handled.” The most-mentioned essentials were tea, snacks, and cozy blankets. As for company, people were split between wanting complete solitude and bringing along one close friend. 

More reading for all!

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Summer is the perfect time to sink into a great book—or a whole series! My sister, Elizabeth Craft, and I put together this list of authors and series we love, from twisty mysteries to rich literary fiction. These are the kinds of books we’ve found ourselves reaching for on lazy afternoons and long flights—books that are easy to get lost in.

When you’re building your own summer reading list, think about the experience you want—something cozy and comforting? Epic and transporting? Light and fast? There’s no one right way to read for fun. Just follow your curiosity and make sure your list feels like a treat.

And mark your calendar for Read 25 Day on Wednesday, June 25th. As part of the Read 25 in 2025 challenge, I’m partnering with Bookshop.org for a nationwide 25-minute silent reading event, followed by conversations about the books we love. Independent bookstores around the country will help bring readers together for a shared moment of quiet and connection.

Popular Fiction Stephen King

Master of suspense, horror, and surprisingly heartfelt stories.

Start with The Shining → Kristin Hannah

Emotionally rich stories of resilience and love.

Start with The Nightingale → Elin Hilderbrand

Beach reads with heart, drama, and Nantucket charm.

Start with The Perfect Couple → David Nicholls

Witty, tender novels about love, growing up, and life’s curveballs.

Start with One Day → Literary Fiction Willa Cather

Evocative portrayals of American life and landscape.

Start with My Ántonia → Iris Murdoch

Philosophical, psychologically complex, and beautifully written.

Start with The Sea, The Sea → Graham Greene

Elegant prose meets intrigue, faith, and moral conflict.

Start with The End of the Affair → Elizabeth Strout

Compassionate portraits of small-town lives and inner worlds.

Start with Olive Kitteridge → Marilynne Robinson

Spare, luminous fiction about grace, family, and faith.

Start with Gilead → Fantasy George R.R. Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire series

Expansive, gritty, and wildly compelling fantasy epic.

Start with Game of Thrones → Octavia Butler
The Patternist series

Visionary sci-fi/fantasy blend exploring power, identity, and humanity.

Start with Wild Seed → Mystery Louise Penny
The Inspector Gamache series

Gentle, character-driven mysteries with moral weight.

Start with Still Life → Tana French
The Dublin Murder Squad series

Atmospheric, layered crime novels full of psychological insight.

Start with In the Woods → Auto-fiction Karl Ove Knausgaard

Riveting, reflective chronicles of daily life and memory.

Start with My Struggle, Book 1 → Science Fiction Martha Wells
The Murderbot Diaries series

A bot-human construct just wants to be left alone to watch media—and save the day.

Start with All Systems Red → Becky Chambers
Wayfarers series

Hopeful, character-driven sci-fi with warmth and wonder.

Start with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet → Thrillers Ruth Ware

Clever, twisty thrillers with gothic flavor.

Start with The Woman in Cabin 10 → Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Psychological suspense with smart, fast-moving plots.

Start with The Wife Between Us →

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I had a such a wonderful time on my book tour for Secrets of Adulthood. I visited fifteen cities without a single travel complication.

Every time I write a book, getting to talk with readers and listeners about it is one of my favorite things. As always, I found it so so interesting (and often surprising) to hear which “secrets” resonate most with people. 

Seven random highlights, observations, and hacks from my road trip:

Gold star to those kind people who help others stow their carry-on bags. Hoisting my bag over my head was my least favorite part of the travel process, and I so appreciated the thoughtful people who helped me.

Airport planners, please number (or otherwise identify) the airport doors, so it’s easy to tell someone exactly where you are.

Airline apps! It makes a huge difference to have the actual app for an airline on your phone. In fact, these days, perhaps it’s not really possible to fly without doing so?

I love a hotel-room coffee maker. LOVE. It feels so luxurious to me. Tip: If you ask at the front desk for more coffee pods, they’ll give you as many as you want, for free.

Have you ever wanted to give (or get) a giant presentation check? It might be expensive or tricky to create a custom check, but during a stop at a TV station, I saw a dry-erase version of the giant check. Who knew that such a thing existed? I can imagine that this $30 reusable “check” would be a fun prop for a school presentation, scout event, celebration, or fundraiser.

In the past, when I’ve visited a city for just one night, I haven’t made any effort to see friends. It just felt too complicated. But because maintaining friendships is such a high value for a happier life, these days, I’m trying to push myself to make it work to see friends along the way. On this tour, I stayed overnight with law-school friends in Tulsa, and it was one of the highlights of my tour.

Gratitude is an essential element of a happier life, but it can be so easy to take positive aspects of our lives for granted, and forget to feel grateful. This tour reminded me to be grateful for the fact that I live in a city with three major airports that provide so many direct flights (though, true, Newark is having some serious issues right now) as well as Amtrak and Metro-North trains—infrastructure that makes it much easier to go places. I rarely think about it, and for someone who travels frequently, it’s actually a tremendous luxury.

Many writers don’t like the travel-and-appearance part of publishing a book. I feel lucky that I enjoy it so much. Many thanks to all the readers and listeners who came to events along the way—I had a great time.

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It’s graduation season. Here are some of my favorite books for any of the graduates in your life–or for yourself.

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. 

Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

The classic book to give a graduate–I love the whimsy and nostalgia. I can still remember when I first read this book. 

How to Be a Grown Up by Raffi Grinberg

Based on the wildly popular “Adulting 101” course at Boston College, this book will teach you everything you probably didn’t learn in your formal education. 

What Now? by Ann Patchett

“‘What now?’ represents our excitement and our future, the very vitality of life.” In this book from her Sarah Lawrence commencement speech, renowned novelist Ann Patchett highlights the possibilities of the unknown.

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay

A listener suggested that I read this book about the 20-something decade, and I did–and I loved it. More significant: my 20-something daughter Eliza also loved it, and has given it to several friends.

What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles

This classic has been in print for decades. It gives you tools to discover the work, and life, most meaningful to you.

Becoming You by Suzy Welch

This book helps you understand yourself–your values, your aptitudes, and your interests. Self-knowledge is essential if you want to build a meaningful life.

Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin

In this short book, I write the “secrets of adulthood” that I’ve learned, through time and experience, about dealing with the perplexities of life.

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Community and friendships are a key pillar to happiness. This book provides a guide to elevate every gathering.

Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton

Learning to work with other people is a critical part of life and it’ll be even easier with practical tips to prevent and resolve any conflicts that arise.

Drive by Dan Pink

Understanding what motivates you is key to figuring out how to live a happy life.

shop the list

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