The holidays are fast approaching, and it's the most gift-giving season of the year. While the holidays are truly about gratitude, love, and togetherness, not the gifts, we still plan to surprise our loved ones with thoughtful presents.
So, what are you getting your friends and family this holiday season?
Gone are the days when gift-giving was a blind ritual. You want to choose a gift that will tell the other person how much you care and value them. You also want to choose a gift that reveals how much you know the other person.
This process becomes simple if you and your loved ones have already taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). You want to buy a gift that matches the person's personality so they can use and enjoy it, not something that will end up gathering dust on the shelves or regifted to someone else. This will also help show that you care about the other person's needs, preferences, interests, and strengths, which is what gift-giving is all about.
To help you choose the perfect gift for your loved ones, here is our holiday gift guide for the 16 personality types.
You may also like: Best Holiday Gifts for Your Loved Ones Based on Their Enneagram
Perfect Gift Ideas for ISFP — The Artist
People with the ISFP personality have an intense passion for action and spontaneity but are also gentle and caring. All these traits show in their gifting, where they prefer personal and thoughtful gifts. Presents that show that you have been paying attention to your loved one's hobbies, likes, and dislikes will be highly appreciated.
Go for things such as a custom mug, a piece of art, fun electronic gadgets, cozy comforts, acts of service, or even an adventure they will never forget.
Perfect Gift Ideas for INFJ — The Advocate Personality Type
The INFJs are visionary, compassionate, and persevering individuals who find meaning in creativity and growth. Since they care more about other people's feelings and motives, they would rather give than receive gifts. However, the Advocate would appreciate a present with a personal touch or symbolic meaning. To them, it's the thought that really counts.
A few gift ideas for INFJs include a heartwarming handwritten letter, a book, and journals and pens. However, some INFJs would rather have a memorable experience than material gifts. So, remember to plan a dinner and movie night, vacation, or camping trip and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Perfect Gift Ideas for INFP — The Mediator Personality Type
Sometimes referred to as loyal idealists or healers, INFPs are open-minded and devoted to their values. They are less materialistic and typically prefer giving over receiving. To people with the Mediator personality type, a symbolic and heartfelt present is more worthy than an extravagant or expensive one.
Some gift ideas for this personality type include a book that is symbolic in some way, a pet, a heartfelt letter, a mix tape or CD, and a donation to their favorite charity. Some mediator personality individuals would rather have a memorable experience (camping, vacation, kayaking) than material stuff.
Perfect Gift Ideas for INTJ — The Architect Personality Type
INTJs are original, independent, and visionary thinkers who are also introverted. This is one of the most challenging personality types to shop for since they like buying their own things when they want them. That doesn't mean you'll wander through countless aisles without finding a perfect gift for the architect.
One way to find out what your INTJ loved one would prefer to get this season is to ask them directly. That said, some of the perfect gifts for the INTJ are cash to buy whatever they want, gift cards, a book about their interest, and office or school supplies.
Perfect Gift Ideas for INTP — The Thinker Personality Type
As the name "Thinker" suggests, INTPs are quiet, analytical thinkers who focus on logic and objectivity to resolve problems. They have intense curiosity and enjoy exploring new ideas and theories. Most INTPs would prefer gifts that allow them to think and innovate and ones that are thought-provoking and hands-on.
You can gift them the latest, most innovative gadget that resonates with their passion, the newest video game, a favorite book, or something practical like a pocketknife, power strips, mobile phone case, or a cordless drill. You can also give your INTP family member a gift card to buy a gift of their choice.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ISTJ — The Inspector Personality Type
People with ISTJ personalities are dependable, logical, thorough, and organized thinkers. They are high on getting things done on time and steadily.
Try to find them something that is practical that they may already need. Examples include cooking appliances that make home life easier, cooking supplies, and organizational tools for the office, such as a good leather planner.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ISTP — The Crafter Personality Type
ISTPs are not the most expressive individuals out there, making it harder to know the kind of gifts they enjoy. That doesn't mean these people do not appreciate a good present. Also known as the Problem Solver personality type, ISTPs enjoy practical and adaptable gifts. They are more into gadgets as long as it is useful and functional.
If they're into a particular hobby, then get them a gift associated with that. For instance, someone into fitness will appreciate gym equipment or outfits. If they love spending time around the house, you can get them practical things such as crafting supplies, drills, and pocket knives, among other things. And, if they're into music, then a noise-canceling headphone would be a perfect gift for them.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ISFJ — The Protector Personality Type
The ISFJs are characterized by practical kindness, loyalty, generosity, and cooperativeness. They are very thoughtful and care about the well-being of other people around them. They are not heavy on wish lists and will not ask for many things when it comes to gifting. This might make it difficult to know the kinds of gifts to get them.
Since people with this personality type are easy to please, you'll surely get something that will interest them. Some gift ideas include electronics such as laptops, printers, or tablets, a good book, delicious foods and treats, and hand-made gifts like sewed pillows and blankets or a hand-made bookshelf.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ESTP — The Persuader Personality Type
Individuals with the ESTP personality are spontaneous, energetic, and resourceful. They're all about troubleshooting problems and achieving results momentarily.
This personality type enjoys fun and usable gifts they can use immediately.
Consider a flint lighter for hikers or backpackers, concert tickets, and delectable treats. Since ESTPs are competitive individuals, a game that they can play with others can also be a great gift idea. Don't forget an unforgettable adventure to quench their spontaneous nature.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ESTJ — The Director Personality Type
ESTJs are quick, unwavering, and compelling leaders who offer decisiveness and logic. They are rigid and follow a particular structure they expect others to follow. Director personalities value efficiency, structure, and organization. Therefore, gifts that improve efficiency and organization are most appreciated.
Some gift ideas for the ESTJ include a fitness tracker to monitor their fitness goals, high-quality appliances, organizational supplies or tools, high-quality notebooks and pens, and technological gadgets such as iPads and smartphones.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ESFP — The Performer Personality Type
Outgoing, adaptable, fun-loving, and spontaneous character traits describe the Performer's personality. These people are friendly, enthusiastic, and love to enjoy life. Since they are extroverted, anything that gives them a sensory experience is ideal.
ESFPs would appreciate practical gifts that give their homes a more beautiful look or an experience that activates their adventurous side. Other gift ideas for the ESFPs include a favorite game, tickets to a concert, a spa treat, and delicious food treats.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ESFJ — The Caregiver Personality Type
The ESFJ is called the caregiver for a good reason. They are kind-hearted, empathetic individuals who are always ready to help others. They will hardly ask for anything for themselves, making it hard to know what to buy them. They are, however, fond of traditions and celebrations, so anything that can give them pleasant holiday memories would be a perfect gift for them.
Some perfect gifts for ESFJs include elegant and timeless clothing, symbolic jewelry, delectable treats, a lovely book containing a collection of family recipes, and a sentimental holiday decoration.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ENFP — The Champion Personality Type
The ENFPs are full of innovation, insight, and energy. This personality type values thoughtful gifts such as a custom mug instead of generic ones. They love surprises and prefer not to give much information about their desired present.
Some perfect gifts for the ENFP personality type are a mixed CD or tape, symbolic jewelry, artwork, handwritten letters, a book, or something hand-made.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ENFJ — The Giver Personality Type
ENFJs are known to be goal-oriented, generous, and empathetic individuals who enjoy holidays and gift-giving. They offer tolerance, understanding, and appreciation to others and encourage them to be better versions of themselves.
ENFJs value personal gifts such as quality time together, something homemade, a handwritten letter, a fun game to play with their loved ones, or an experience such as movie night or attending a conference.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ENTP — The Debater Personality Type
ENTPs are innovative, versatile, and outspoken analysts who enjoy resolving complex problems. Even though the debaters aren't materialistic, they prefer their gifts to mirror their hobbies and obsessions.
The best gift ideas for an ENTP include an innovative tech gadget, a trip somewhere they've never been before, a strategy game, a massage, or a gift card to their favorite restaurant.
Perfect Gift Ideas for ENTJ — The Commander Personality Type
The Commander's personality is strategic, efficient, and charismatic. They aren't enthusiastic about receiving gifts and find holiday giving to be a tiring routine. Having said that, ENTJs would appreciate gifts that stimulate their intellect.
Some of the best presents for the ENTJ personality type include a powerful book, a stimulating video series, a spa treatment gift card, a high-quality pen, or something practical like windshield wipers for their car or an upgrade to their coffee maker.
Give the Right Gift this Holiday Season!
Finding the perfect gift for your friends, co-workers, and loved ones according to their personality shows that you genuinely care about them. Your Myers-Briggs personality type can often predict how you celebrate at holiday gatherings, including how different people receive and give gifts.
So, take your time and review the above list to ensure whatever present you're buying this season doesn't gather dust on the shelves.
Don't know your or your loved one's personality type?
You might have better luck choosing a gift based on their love language!
