For many years, my sister Elizabeth and I have started each year by choosing a one-word theme to sum up what we want the next twelve months to hold. For 2025, my theme is “Door.”  Why do it? While for many people, New Year’s resolutions feel intimidating or draining, there are other effective ways to […] The post Your One-Word Theme for 2025 appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

As research and everyday experience shows, acting with generosity makes us happier.  When we’re caught up in our day-to-day routines, it’s easy to lose track of how we’re spending our time, energy, and money.  But when we mindfully invest these resources in the causes that are important to us, we know we’re putting our values […] The post By giving, we gain appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

Ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists agree: close relationships are a key—maybe the key—to a happy life. As part of our circle of associations, we have friends, and we also have friendly acquaintances. With friends, we have close, long-term bonds; we can confide; we feel like we belong; we give and receive support; we trust. With […] The post How to Turn Acquaintances into Friends appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

I always feel better and happier when my home is organized and filled with beautiful things – especially in the kitchen where it feels like we always end up congregating. Here are some of my favorite items from over the years that also make great gifts. Note: This post includes products that I believe in […] The post Gretchen Rubin’s Gifts for the Home appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

Is it just me or is Gen Z one of the hardest groups to gift for? Luckily, I know my own daughters pretty well and here are the things I’m excited about this year. This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if […] The post Gretchen Rubin’s Gifts for Gen Z Daughters appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

Every year, we do the holidays in Kansas City with my family. These are some of my favorite, tried and true gifts for everyone from my husband Jamie, to my sister Elizabeth and our parents. This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission […] The post Gretchen Rubin’s Gifts for Family appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

As the weather gets colder here in the northeast, I love prepping for cozy moments of rest and relaxation. This is one of the ways I recharge during the busy holiday season—and, of course, throughout the year.  Here are some of my favorite items for rest and relaxation! Add in a good book (check out […] The post Gretchen Rubin’s Cozy Gifts for Rest & Relaxation appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

It can be intimidating to pick out books for people, but I love supporting readers. Here are some of my favorite gifts for readers. This post includes products that I believe 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 […] The post Gretchen Rubin’s Gifts for Readers appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

Last year, I launched my Gift-Giving Quiz to address that common challenge: having no idea what gift to give someone. This quiz helps! It identifies your recipient’s “gift-appreciation profile”: Easy-to-Please Tried-and-True Enthusiast Connoisseur Knowing a recipient’s type will help spark fresh ideas for the types of gifts they’ll love. But here’s the surprising thing— Often, when […] The post What’s Your Gift-Appreciation Profile? appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with BetterHelp. I only endorse products or tools that I think are useful, fun, or interesting. Sonni Williams is a Senior Clinical Operations Manager at BetterHelp, today’s largest online therapy service. BetterHelp’s network of over 30,000 licensed therapists has helped millions of people worldwide take ownership of […] The post Three Ways to Prioritize Mental Health, Starting Today: A Conversation with BetterHelp’s Sonni Wlliams For World Mental Health Day appeared first on Gretchen Rubin ..read more