Just as others may find it difficult to buy gifts for those with the INTJ cognition style, it can be difficult for us to buy gifts for other cognition styles. INTJs appreciate gifts that are practical, that inspire thought, and that serve a function. There are actually cognition styles that don’t appreciate practicality. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true! Just kidding. Practicality isn’t everything; and, if nothing else, gift buying is an exercise in learning to think like others – a very practical skill. Gift buying is an opportunity to experiment in bi-lateral thinking, to test observations, and to learn about those you care most about as you push through the boundaries of introverted feeling. With gifts, you don’t have to actually say the words, “I love you.” You can show your thoughts (and feelings) through thoughtfully chosen gifts. Because of intuition, INTJs are, in fact, excellent gift givers when they know the person for whom they are buying a gift. For everyone else, it can be a little more difficult. INTJs are genuine, so they tend to put a lot of thought into gift purchases. Personality Hacker published an interesting article describing their philosophy for buying gifts based on personality types. Give it a read if you need some more help determining the direction to go with your gift buying.
While MBTI can be helpful in narrowing down gifts for friends and family, when purchasing for someone who is not as well known, MBTI can lead down the wrong path of relying on stereotypes. So, instead of MBTI types, I will use interest categories to distinguish gift types.
Comfort Seekers
Women
Muk Luk slippers $40, Urban Outfitters
I usually get a new pair of muk luks every year. They’re perfect for lounging around the house on a cold winter night. I wouldn’t buy them for someone who is hard on shoes, but if you’re just shuffling from the sofa to the refrigerator, muk luks are the way to go. They probably won’t last over a year, but they’re warm and cozy and great for comfort seekers.
Fur Mittens $29, Urban Outfitters
These are so comfy cozy, you might not even want to give them away.
It’s cold outside! Let the world know your thoughts as you keep warm in style. By the way, Forever 21 has similar beanie hats for around $15.
Men
Iridescent Effect Sneakers $49.90, Zara
Style and comfort used to be an oxymoron, well, no longer, not with these sneaks from Zara.
Northface Gloves $24, Nordstrom
Keep those hands warm with these microfleece gloves.
Zerdocean Balaclava $9.99, Amazon
Is it a ninja mask? Oh, no, just a cool balaclava.
Creative Cool
Women
Enchanted Forest Coloring Book $22.95, Nordstrom
Give the gift of fantasy with this cool coloring book.
Colorful Heels $69, Urban Outfitters
These quirky loud shoes are perfect for your always on-the-go, always wears pink or blue, or both, friend.
When a loved one get down, this hanging wall art will remind them to look for the good things in life.
Men
Fantastic cities coloring book $14.99, Nordstrom
Color complex cities to reduce stress and relax.
Poppin kicks $54.99, Amazon
Kick it new school with one of the hottest, most sought after gifts in shoe wear. This is the gift for your creative, hip types.
The Cure for anything is salt water poster $49, Urban Outfitters
Reminder that water is a cure-all with this lovely framed poster.
DIYers
Women
Lava lamp lip gloss $19.99, ThinkGeek
Gift this to a friend and you might get one too as it makes two!
Who wouldn’t want to DIY their own hologram?? Now you can make sure your friends can!
Carnivorous plant kit $29.99, Think Geek
Encourage green thumbs during the winter time with this light kit and Venus fly trap seeds.
Men
3D Doodler $99, Urban Outfitters
Create cool structures and works of art with this 3D printer pen.
Multi tool hardware kit $14.99, Box Lunch
All the tools needed in once place. Perfect for the DIYer in your house.
Make anything into a cell phone with this cellphone kit.
Grooming
Women
Take a relaxing and detox bath with this tea mix.
Balance candle $13.12, Box Lunch
Relax with this calming lavender and geranium scented candle.
Satin pillow case $14, Urban Outfitters
For nice hair and silky dreams.
Men
Unscented beard oil 12.99, Box Lunch
Pamper the beard with this unscented oil. Keep it looking good.
Care candle $18, Urban Outfitters
Let your guy relax with these calming aroma therapy candles.
Shoe Polish Kit $19.99, Box Lunch
Keep shoes looking nice and polished with this kit.
Hope this guide helps. If you didn’t see what you were looking for, we’re working on more guides. So, ho, ho, hold your reindeer sleigh, and, if you’re the crafty type, check back next week for our Crafted Gifts for MBTI. By the way, none of the gift suggestions were sponsored. Now, I’m off to nab a pair of those pink gloves. Happy Holidays, femme dangels!
Oh, and the rainbow wall art is going on my list for my daughter!
Great picks! I love all the cozy finds, the candle, and the carnivorous plant. ThinkGeek is pretty awesome. I bought most of my holiday items for the fellow geeks in the family last year from them.