SiPik sk68
black
http://www.meritline.com/focus-zoom-lens-flashlight-light---p-44806.aspx
grey
http://www.meritline.com/focus-zoom-lens-cree-q3-flashlight-torch-light-...
****fire C8 torch with XM-L
I don't own one but I think the Xeno E03 would be a decent contender. It takes AA's, the style is familiar and it puts out a lot of light if one wants to dabble in lithium ion. I think most non-flashaholics are concerned with getting a lot of light as opposed to low modes. Most people probably don't realize you can get multiple modes 
The sipik, the Tank and xxxxfire C8 are all winners in this universally loved category. I would add an L2p with XPG or XML dropin. There can’t be anyone on earth who doesn’t like that.
- Olight i(1,2,3)
- LRI Photon X / LRI Photon II PRO
I don't recommend L-ion lights to " just anyone ".
For non-flashaholics I stick with readily available batteries .
Jack you beat me to it! I think for non-flashaholics you need to consider lights that run on standard cells and preferably alkalines. I wish there were more “budget lights” with high output that could run on standard cells.
Alkalines are bad for runtimes, too much internal resistance, and no one gets to have fun on the High mode.
But NiMH and lithium primaries are just fine.
I have found that most people can handle L-ion batteries just fine. Give them a good protected cell and charger, tell them how to take care of it and you will most likely never have a problem.
How is it the Maratac AA and AAAs have not been mentioned? Got a Xeno EO3 a while back and it lived in my pocket about 3 months until I realized how much I missed my little Maratac AA. The Maratac seems to love NiZn batteries, by the way. Much of the Lithium ion output with substantially less heat.
The AAA Maratacs are always on my key rings, loaded with 10440s. Bright enough for almost anything and very long run time on low. Never had a reliability issue with any of these.
Now this thread has evolved into the most liked light in multiple categories and special circumstances
Over all you basically go with a light that takes AA's (readily available and still compact enough) is compact and puts out a lot of light without too many modes. Xeno has the "cute" factor with their colors while still satisfying the other criteria. I actually think that light is more for the mainstream than it is for flashaholics. If they had a good USA distributor they could do very well with that model alone.
I have yet to show an XM-L equipped L2P to someone at work who didn't say, "where did you get it/how much/will you 'get' me one."
To any serious beginer flashaholic, this should be your first light.
Foy
I still think the solarforce l2s is best for beginners. if something goes bad replacement parts are readily available.
I work outside and in the dark so i get a lot of use out of my lights. i was helping out a coworker the other nite and he saw my stlv2. he said he wanted it. so i sold it to him on the spot.
Everyone has loved my stainless UF C3's and Uniquefire AA-S1, real tough to beat for the money. I'm just thinking common, cheap primaries...something I'd give to my 82 y/o parents 
I'd say AA would be the best bet unless they want something small in which case an AAA light.
Something like a Fenix E01 or E05 for AAA
For AA - stainless steel C3, AA-S1, Hugsby P31/32 if you can get one with a 1.5V driver nowadays.
Trustfire F22 if you want to spend a bit more.
My DRY: (currently) 1800 lumen... self-explanatory i guess?
I purchased a Jetbeam BA10 a few months ago and it has become my EDC and one of my favorite flashlights. It operates on a single AA Battery and has only 2 modes. Low at 12 Lumens and High at 160 Lumens. The BA series is an economy line for Jetbeam, but you wouldn't know it.
Jetbeam BA10 has a Cree XP-G R5 LED, Type III Hard anodized, AR coated Lens, IPX8 waterproof, silver plated switch spring.
For the average person, this would be a great light, and at $39 Cdn I was amazed at the quality and value. And an 18 month warranty to boot !
I bought a dozen of these for chrimbo pressies, i have several others of this type from various sources as they are great for having around and these particular ones
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-Q5-WC-LED-240-Lumen-Zoomable-Torch-Flashl...
blow all the others away for beam quality and superior brightness and throw, they are actually posted out of Singapore and arrived in a week to UK!
They were £4.09p delivered when i bought them in a dollar listing but for £4.50 delivered you can't go wrong, Aldi sell a lower brightness effort same model for £10.99! How do i know? my mate bought one and is miffed.
Kids love them with the zoom and they fit in a handbag or pocket and can be used on a bike in a tent etc..
M.