POPSUGAR

11 Thoughtful Gifts That Aren’t Flowers, Including a Viral Game and Organic Wine

Aug 12 2025 - 10:00am

There's never a bad time to shower your loved ones with a little extra gratitude. Sure, flower bouquets [1] and chocolates are great tried-and-true gifts to give in any season, but there are some occasions when a floral arrangement just doesn't cut it. If you're looking to gift something a bit more atypical, you've come to the right place.

We rounded up the best gifts to give other than flowers, with product picks that are highly recommended by consumers and Popsugar's team of shopping experts. Each of our selections are just a touch more meaningful than the usual occasion gifts, but they're all equally special and sure to show your loved ones just how much you care. We made sure to include options at various price points, so you can find something well within your gifting budget. Bonus: all of these products are also easy to send online or by mail, so you can show your long-distance loved one some love from afar.

From unique gifts [2] to carry-on travel bags [3] and more personalized options like customized puzzles with their picture on the front, these clever gift ideas are sure to brighten up their day. Read ahead to shop our favorite outside-the-box gift ideas.

The Best Thoughtful Gifts to Shop Now

How to Choose Thoughtful Gifts

Our editors test [14] hundreds of products each year, but these unique finds stood out for their creativity, quality, and one-of-a-kind appeal. Here's how we picked the most memorable gifts:

Update on Aug. 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

A Wall Print

Chasing Paper x Keeley Shaw "All Important All Valid" Enneagram Print [15] ($15)

Anyone who obsesses over their enneagram type will love adding this cute print to their wall art collection. The simple print comes from Chasing Paper's enneagram collection, which features designs meant to evoke certain emotions depending on a person's archetype. One PS editor claimed the print "gave her home more meaning" in this Keeley Shaw x Chasing Paper Print review [16].

Editor Quote: "I think truly great art is meant to evoke an emotional response or thought — sometimes good or bad — and that's part of what I love so much about Shaw's work, and this print, in particular. Emotions are literally built into the DNA of each design in this collection and all with such care and attention to detail that you feel as if something really special is adorning your walls at all times." - Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor

A Bottle of Wine

Avaline White Wine [17] ($24)

The only thing better than receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers is getting a flavorful bottle of wine. Avaline is one of our favorites because it's made with organic grapes and no added sugars, and features a subtle citrus finish. In our Avaline Wine review [18], one PS editor described her drinking experience as "love at first sip."

Editor Quote: "My everyday wine (to complement dinner, charcuterie boards, and my latest Netflix binge) tends to be a white wine. And when it comes to whites, I like mine crisp and dry — so I was definitely pleased when I took my first sip of Avaline White Wine. It's light and fresh, with citrus notes that linger. The blend of Spanish grapes was flavorful and perfect for easy drinking, which made it a big hit at a recent family gathering." - Alida Araica, former associate email marketing manager

A Deep Game

We're Not Really Strangers Game [19] ($25)

Whether they're spending quality time with close friends, family, or even a complete stranger, this is an interactive game that'll inspire them to connect with the people they're playing with on a much deeper level. Read our in-depth We're Not Really Strangers Game review [20] for a peek at the featured prompts.

Editor Quote: "Unlike most card games, this one isn't about winning. A note included in the box says it clearly: 'There are two ways to play this game: play safe or play to grow. The second is how you win.' The cards take you through a series of questions and icebreakers that will make your existing relationships stronger or create new ones, whether you play with your partner or a group of friends." - Shelcy Joseph, contributor

A Unique Candle

Homesick Candle [21] ($30)

You can personalize any Homesick candle with a message on the back to let your loved one know how you really feel. Pick out the city they call home and send it to them as a gift, or include a funny inside joke that'll make them laugh every time they see it. The fragrances are subtle, so the candle will make for a charming addition to anyone's home. Check out our Homesick Candle review [22] for more details.

Editor Quote: "My apartment now constantly bursts with the calming notes of a Homesick candle. Since discovering the brand two months ago, I have ordered a few of their themed options, but one of my favorites as of late is the Book Club Candle. It's partly because it conjures up images of me wrapped in a blanket with my favorite book and partly because it makes my space feel personal and lived-in." - Shelcy Joseph, contributor

A Watch

Armitron Tilly Watch [23] ($65)

A piece of jewelry is always a lovely gift — but have you considered getting your mom a watch? This one from Armitron is sleek, versatile, and budget friendly. It's available in 18 color options, including two-tone styles and metal bands, so there's truly something for everyone.

Editor Quote: "The Tilly is one of those watches I reach for daily. I went with the leather band and gold face, and it matches so much of my wardrobe. It's super sleek-looking, and I get endless compliments whenever I wear it." — Haley Lyndes, shopping staff writer

A Travel Pillow

Naturepedic Organic Travel Pillow [24] ($67, originally $79)

If your giftee keeps busy with travel — whether for work or pleasure — this Naturepedic travel pillow is something they'll use often. Not only is it far more comfortable than those stiff neck pillows you often see travelers wearing, but it's also crafted from natural materials that offer peace of mind while on the go. It's perfectly sized to fit in a travel bag.

Editor Quote: "This travel pillow has gotten me through long flights, train rides, road trips, and more. It's super comfortable — dare I say, even more so than the pillows I currently have on my bed? I'm obsessed!" — Haley Lyndes, shopping staff writer

A Chic Home Accessory

Letterfolk Customizable Tile Mat [25] ($75)

With this customizable tile mat, your loved one can curate a perfect greeting that will delight any guest from the moment they enter their home. The bestselling tile mat is easy to personalize, so users can update and reimagine the piece as they see fit. Check out our Letterfolk Tile Mat review [26] to learn more about this PS editor-loved piece.

Editor Quote: "It takes about five seconds to put on each tile. I also appreciate that although Letterfolk doormats are a modern concept, the design uses vintage-inspired hexagon tiles that give the mats an elevated, stylish look. As soon as I put my mat on my front porch, it instantly added character to my entrance." - Macy Cate Williams, former shopping director

Gold Jewelry

Made By Mary Evie Hoop Earrings [27] ($83)

Regardless of the occasion or celebration, you can never go wrong with gifting someone a piece of delicate gold jewelry [28]. These earrings can be customized with their initials, birth month flower, or zodiac sign for a more personal flair. The unique gold jewelry is highly recommended by PS's editors, as seen in this Made by Mary Hoop Earrings review [29].

Editor Quote: "I love that these earrings are special to my personality. I went with gold, but they come in silver and rose gold as well. Even the little box they arrived in was so cute — this design would make the perfect gift for a BFF or family member. I'll definitely be sending a pair to my sister with the 'I love you' hand symbol stamped on." - Macy Cate Williams, former shopping director

A Puzzle Subscription

Puzzle Membership [30] ($87 for a 3-month membership)

If your giftee is a puzzle fan, trust us when we say this product is sure to win them over. Completing the Puzzle offers a puzzle membership subscription, which lets you choose from a 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscription. Subscribers receive unlimited access to over 1,000 unique puzzles, and when the puzzles are finished, just send them back with the included return label. New puzzles are sent out the day after return puzzles are received.

Editor Quote: "I'm a huge fan of subscription services (I couldn't live without Book of the Month), and when I learned about Completing the Puzzle, I knew it would be the perfect gift for my boyfriend's sister. She loves puzzles, and when she's finished with one, she gives them away. This was the perfect gift to give her — she can do as many puzzles as she wants, and she can even purchase the ones she really loves." - Renee Rodriguez, senior staff writer and social producer

A Garden Kit

Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Herb Garden [31] ($100)

This Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Herb Garden is ideal for anyone who wants to grow their own produce but doesn't have a yard. It comes with various pods, so they can grow everything from herbs to fruits and veggies. One PS editor tried it out and had rave reviews. You can read our Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Herb Garden review [32] for the full product details.

Editor Quote: "The Click & Grow Smart Garden is a great home addition for both beginner and advanced plant enthusiasts. For anyone who's too busy to grow traditionally, this is a perfect way to still get the experience of growing without the stress. It's also a great home addition for anyone who just wants to enjoy greenery in the home to brighten up a space — this minimal maintenance is worth the air-quality benefit alone." — Moná Thomas, former editor and content strategist

A Monogrammed Crossbody

Leatherology Willow Envelope Crossbody Handbag [33] ($190)

Not only is this handbag incredibly stylish, but it's also customizable. Crafted from premium Italian leather, the accessory can be embossed or hand-painted with your loved one's initials. Read our Leatherology Small Wallet on a Chain review [34] to see why we love it.

Editor Quote: "Whether you're picking this up for someone as a present or purchasing it for yourself, its small design and gold chain elevate any outfit and fit in with every season." — Haley Lyndes, shopping staff writer

What to Look Forward to

We're looking at a number of new options for our next update. These include: the Uncommon Goods Weather Changing Water Droplets [35] as a cool option, the cult-favorite West Elm Mango Wood Backgammon Game Board [36], and the Flamingo Estate The Mini Garden Tour [37] as more of an elevated choice.

— Additional reporting by Lauren Turner, Haley Lyndes, and Balim Tezel


Kyley Warren [38] (she/her) is an award-winning writer and editor with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She previously worked as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. Before joining PS, Kyley worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.


Lauren Turner [39] is a contributing editor for PS.


Haley Lyndes [40] is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.


Balim Tezel [41] (she/her) is a shopping updates editor at PS and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.


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